Doubtful Range news is brought to you by the team at Northern Outlook
Recent posts
Thank you for using Neighbourly
Thanks to a generous gift, 730 Hectares in Kaituna Valley are now protected for everyone to enjoy
Four incredible donors have come together to gift 730 hectares of land in the Kaituna Valley to the nation — a multimillion-dollar contribution that will benefit generations to come.
This land,… View moreThanks to a generous gift, 730 Hectares in Kaituna Valley are now protected for everyone to enjoy
Four incredible donors have come together to gift 730 hectares of land in the Kaituna Valley to the nation — a multimillion-dollar contribution that will benefit generations to come.
This land, which has now been protected and opened to the public, forms part of a much larger conservation area — nearly 2,400 hectares stretching from sea level at Whakaraupō/Lyttelton Harbour, up to the Summit Walkway, and back down into the Kaituna Valley.
Once used for farming, the land has now been cleared of livestock, and pest control efforts are underway to help native plants and wildlife thrive. The goal? A richer, more diverse ecosystem that everyone can experience and be proud of.
This is a powerful example of how the actions of a few can have a huge impact. Thanks to their vision and generosity, a precious piece of our natural heritage is now protected.
Read more about the Massive win for conservation and recreation in the Kaituna.
We hope this news brings a smile!
“I was born in Afghanistan, I moved to Pakistan when I was a one year old as a refugee with my family.
I grew up in Pakistan and finished my school there. I learned English, I did computer classes, learned sewing and also I did makeup classes. I moved back to Afghanistan to continue my … View more“I was born in Afghanistan, I moved to Pakistan when I was a one year old as a refugee with my family.
I grew up in Pakistan and finished my school there. I learned English, I did computer classes, learned sewing and also I did makeup classes. I moved back to Afghanistan to continue my studies, I did my bachelor in business and I got married.
Because of the situation, we couldn't stay there anymore, so we moved to Indonesia. The first year was very difficult for me. As refugees in Indonesia, you're not allowed to work, no study, nothing. Most of the people don't understand English, so you have to learn their language.
I was trying to find a way that I could learn the language easily. I started watching dramas on YouTube. So then I learned Bahasa from that and a friend, and she learned English from me. Then I was speaking five languages. After a while, I was working as an interpreter and for a short time, I found a job at an international school as a teacher.
We were on the shortlist to go to America. You know, sometimes God wants to put you somewhere. We got a call from the sponsor group that wanted to help us come to New Zealand. How is it possible? We waited there for six years through UNHCR. I can say we were lucky. I have been here for one year, and with the sponsor group, we are like a family now.
I first went to Share Kai for the Ōtautahi Welcome Dinner. I said, ‘this is my place’. when I am among the people and talking with people it gives me energy. When we went there, we met different people. Now I have lots of friends from different countries.
When we heard that there's an opportunity for the Riccarton Sunday Market, I said, I will do it!
My food stall is called ZJ kitchen. Z is for my husband, and J is for Jamila, for me. The story for the ZJ is that we are a ZJ family. When we got married, we decided that when we have kids, we'll put the name starting with Z or J. So now I have two sons, their names start with Z, and I have one daughter who starts with J.
I believe that food is something that everyone needs every day. What I do means a lot to me. When I'm at the market, if someone eats the food they ask, do you have a restaurant? I tell them about Share Kai.
I am one of the leaders at the Cooks Collective, we run the Share Kai Cafe which is open for lunch on the first Friday of every month at WEA. We talk, we laugh and we enjoy the food. I hope one day everyone knows about Share Kai.”
- Jamila
Kia ora neighbours. We're on the lookout for broccoli recipes! We will give away free copies of the October 2025 issue to readers whose broccoli recipes are used in our magazine. To be in the running, make sure you email your family's favourite broccoli recipe to us, at: … View moreKia ora neighbours. We're on the lookout for broccoli recipes! We will give away free copies of the October 2025 issue to readers whose broccoli recipes are used in our magazine. To be in the running, make sure you email your family's favourite broccoli recipe to us, at: mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by August 15, 2025.
JAXX acquired this large-scale retail complex in Central Ashburton with a vision to give it a significant facelift. After modernising the former Briscoes building, we’re excited to offer this commercial property for lease. With flexible tenancies ranging between 100-1000m², this prime location … View moreJAXX acquired this large-scale retail complex in Central Ashburton with a vision to give it a significant facelift. After modernising the former Briscoes building, we’re excited to offer this commercial property for lease. With flexible tenancies ranging between 100-1000m², this prime location offers 130 customer car parks and benefits from established tenants like City Fitness and Number One Shoes. We’re actively seeking retail or office tenants to join this vibrant hub – contact us today. Visit jaxx.co.nz
JAXX has a passion for property and an eye for opportunity. We transform overlooked properties into exceptional commercial spaces that drive success for our tenants.
Does your home have a bright pink front door? Know a secret rainbow-coloured park bench? Is there art in your office that makes you smile every time you walk past it? If it's bright - we need to see it!
Bright Spots is back for a third year - a celebration of the crazy colourful places in … View moreDoes your home have a bright pink front door? Know a secret rainbow-coloured park bench? Is there art in your office that makes you smile every time you walk past it? If it's bright - we need to see it!
Bright Spots is back for a third year - a celebration of the crazy colourful places in our communities and homes. Share a pic today and you could win one of ten prize packages worth $500!
Need inspo? Check out the entries so far.
Have you seen James Gunn's 'Superman' yet?
The new movie stars Krypto, Superman's capable and floofy sidekick. Following the movie release, online searches for dog adoption surged globally! Krypto is based on Gunn's own rescue dog, Ozu. The Neighbourly team is sure that … View moreHave you seen James Gunn's 'Superman' yet?
The new movie stars Krypto, Superman's capable and floofy sidekick. Following the movie release, online searches for dog adoption surged globally! Krypto is based on Gunn's own rescue dog, Ozu. The Neighbourly team is sure that Gunn is pleased that his own rescue pup may lead to more fluffy adoptions!
Looking to match with your own super pet? The SPCA is spotlighting animals waiting for their new and committed families.
We hope this news brings a smile!
Kiwi pukupuku (the little spotted kiwi) have been rediscovered in the wild on mainland Aotearoa New Zealand for the first time in five decades!
The pukupuku is the smallest and one of the most vulnerable kiwi species. Only around 2000 birds remain on offshore islands and predator-free … View moreKiwi pukupuku (the little spotted kiwi) have been rediscovered in the wild on mainland Aotearoa New Zealand for the first time in five decades!
The pukupuku is the smallest and one of the most vulnerable kiwi species. Only around 2000 birds remain on offshore islands and predator-free sanctuaries, and are the descendants of just 5 birds which had been translocated to Kapiti Island from South Westland in 1912.
The March discovery in the remote Adams Wilderness Area, on the West Coast, is definitely choice news.
Ka pai to the amazing investigation team: DOC biodiversity ranger Iain Graham and his conservation dog, Brew!
We hope this news brings a smile!
JAXX is thrilled to announce our latest project at Burnside’s busiest roundabout. The historic 1970’s Christchurch Metropolitan Fire Board building will be transformed into a dynamic retail and hospitality destination. This redevelopment offers 80–125m² spaces, 17 onsite car parks, premium … View moreJAXX is thrilled to announce our latest project at Burnside’s busiest roundabout. The historic 1970’s Christchurch Metropolitan Fire Board building will be transformed into a dynamic retail and hospitality destination. This redevelopment offers 80–125m² spaces, 17 onsite car parks, premium signage, and standout street presence, perfect for businesses seeking high-exposure and nonstop traffic. We’re actively seeking tenants to join this vibrant hub at 536 Wairakei Road – contact us today.
JAXX has a passion for property and an eye for opportunity. We transform overlooked properties into exceptional commercial spaces that drive success for our tenants.
8th – 10th August
The Cashmere Club, 88 Hunter Terrace, Cashmere, Christchurch
More than 80 local artists will be exhibiting at the 2025 Arts Canterbury Art Show — a celebration of creativity and community you won’t want to miss!
Opening Night
7:00 PM, Friday 8th August
Tickets are … View more8th – 10th August
The Cashmere Club, 88 Hunter Terrace, Cashmere, Christchurch
More than 80 local artists will be exhibiting at the 2025 Arts Canterbury Art Show — a celebration of creativity and community you won’t want to miss!
Opening Night
7:00 PM, Friday 8th August
Tickets are available via Humanitix.
Enjoy a complimentary drink and nibbles, get the first opportunity to purchase artwork, and meet the artists in person.
Weekend Hours
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Low Sensory Hour: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM (both days)
Reduced noise, lighting, and other sensory stimuli to provide a calmer environment.
Entry: Gold coin donation at the door.
We're looking for your most colourful photos! Resene ColorShops and Neighbourly have teamed up again this winter to bring you Bright Spots, a celebration of the colourful spaces and places in your life.
But this year it's a little different!
This year we're calling on … View moreWe're looking for your most colourful photos! Resene ColorShops and Neighbourly have teamed up again this winter to bring you Bright Spots, a celebration of the colourful spaces and places in your life.
But this year it's a little different!
This year we're calling on Neighbourly members to share photos wherever there's a bright spot that brings you joy - whether it's in the office, at your home or when you're out and about in your neighbourhood. If it brings a smile to your face we'd love to see it.
Share a photo that brings a little colour to your day and you could win one of ten prize packages valued at $500 (including a $250 Prezzy® card and a $250 Resene gift card).
The kākāpō, our famously lovable but critically endangered land-parrot, are forecast to have a massive breeding season in 2026 - perhaps the biggest on record!
How do we know? Kākāpō only 'get busy' during rimu mast events (where rimu grow heaps of fruit), every 2-4 years. … View moreThe kākāpō, our famously lovable but critically endangered land-parrot, are forecast to have a massive breeding season in 2026 - perhaps the biggest on record!
How do we know? Kākāpō only 'get busy' during rimu mast events (where rimu grow heaps of fruit), every 2-4 years. Because we can anticipate rimu mast events, and kākāpō love rimu fruit, we can predict kākāpō breeding activity.
Since there are only 242 kākāpō today, this bumper season is important.
This positive outlook on population numbers is especially exciting since, due to the mahi of conservationists, the kākāpō have completed their first season on the North island (at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari). The booming of the kākāpō has not been heard on the North Island of Aotearoa for over a century!
Read more about Aotearoa's flightless parrot and their nesting plans.
We hope this news brings a smile!
Good news for fans of creative expression and kiwi excellence ... poet Selina Tusitala Marsh has been announced as the inaugural Commonwealth Poet Laureate!
Marsh says, "When we honour the artistry within our communities, whether it flows from Sāmoa, my mother's island, or New … View moreGood news for fans of creative expression and kiwi excellence ... poet Selina Tusitala Marsh has been announced as the inaugural Commonwealth Poet Laureate!
Marsh says, "When we honour the artistry within our communities, whether it flows from Sāmoa, my mother's island, or New Zealand, where I was born and grew up, we recognise the inherent dignity and worth of every person whose story deserves to be told."
Congratulations Selina, ka pai.
We hope this news brings a smile!
Kia ora neighbours. We will give away free copies to readers whose recipes are used in our magazine, and we're looking for watercress recipes right now. Send your family's favourite way to use up this crop, especially if you're lucky enough to grow it in your garden. Email us: … View moreKia ora neighbours. We will give away free copies to readers whose recipes are used in our magazine, and we're looking for watercress recipes right now. Send your family's favourite way to use up this crop, especially if you're lucky enough to grow it in your garden. Email us: mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by July 20, 2025.
Kia ora neighbours! We will give away free copies to readers whose recipes are used in our magazine, and we're looking for brussels sprouts recipes right now. Send your family's favourite way to use up this crop, especially if you're lucky enough to grow it in your garden. Email us: … View moreKia ora neighbours! We will give away free copies to readers whose recipes are used in our magazine, and we're looking for brussels sprouts recipes right now. Send your family's favourite way to use up this crop, especially if you're lucky enough to grow it in your garden. Email us: mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by June 12, 2025.
Its been a year since our Community Beat Team hit the ground running (literally), and have done over 3050 hours of foot patrols since starting in July last year to the end of April this year.
As a result, Christchurch has seen a huge reduction in robbery of 67%, unlawful entry by 29% and sexual… View moreIts been a year since our Community Beat Team hit the ground running (literally), and have done over 3050 hours of foot patrols since starting in July last year to the end of April this year.
As a result, Christchurch has seen a huge reduction in robbery of 67%, unlawful entry by 29% and sexual assault by 16%.
Our communities can expect to see a continued presence as we continue to be highly visible, deter crime and prevent harm on our streets.
For more information about our Beat Teams.
© Neighbourly 2026
Loading…
