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Christchurch Police are urging the community to ensure children are properly restrained following a concerning vehicle stop in Harewood. About 11:30am yesterday, Thursday 4 July, Police stopped a vehicle travelling almost 20kmh above the speed limit on Harewood Road.
When Police came to the … View moreChristchurch Police are urging the community to ensure children are properly restrained following a concerning vehicle stop in Harewood. About 11:30am yesterday, Thursday 4 July, Police stopped a vehicle travelling almost 20kmh above the speed limit on Harewood Road.
When Police came to the window, four children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years were seen in the back and front passenger seats with their car seats incorrectly fitted.
The driver was issued a formal warning and an infringement notice. Police are working with the driver around the correct way to secure seats, secure the children, and making sure they have the right seat for their size.
Inspector Ash Tabb says, ensuring car seats are properly attached and kids are properly restrained is essential in reducing the risk of serious injuries or worse if a crash occurs.
“I am glad this didn’t result in more serious consequences; not only were the kids not properly restrained, but the vehicle was also travelling almost 20 kmh above the speed limit, two of four known crash and serious crash contributors, labelled RIDS (Restraints, Impairment, Distraction, and Speed).
"We understand parents, and caregivers may not know what the right seat is, or how to attach it correctly for your child. There are several services available to assist people with this, including child restraint technicians who can provide advice on what restraint may be needed. They can also help you fit them to your vehicle,” Inspector Tabb says.
Check out Whānau Āwhina Plunket website here.
Or the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi website here.
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Slow progress is continuing to be made to resolve future road access to a Canterbury golf course.
Hurunui District Council chief executive Hamish Dobbie said he has met with members of the Amberley Beach Golf Club to agree to ‘‘a way forward for the… View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Slow progress is continuing to be made to resolve future road access to a Canterbury golf course.
Hurunui District Council chief executive Hamish Dobbie said he has met with members of the Amberley Beach Golf Club to agree to ‘‘a way forward for the consent process’’.
The 18-hole golf course is under threat from coastal erosion, with the council agreeing in August last year to investigate extending Grierson Ave through the narrowest part of a wetland.
The proposal would secure access to the club’s course and clubhouse, as well as mahinga kai areas in the Waimaiaia Reserve, and the Waipara River mouth.
Dobbie said the club had verbally agreed to a process and he was waiting for written confirmation from the club.
The cost of the consenting process and hiring a consultant would be borne by the council, he said.
There was no agreement yet on the cost of purchasing land, but Dobbie said he would be following up with the land owner.
A report to the council’s May meeting said staff had met with Environment Canterbury staff and members of the golf club in April to discuss the consenting requirements.
An assessment of environmental effects, an ecological assessment and a hydrological wetland assessment would be required.
Constructing a road through a natural inland wetland was likely to be a non-complying activity under the National Environmental Standards for Freshwater.
Staff estimated it would cost $1.155 million to meet the consenting requirements to build the road.
An alternative option of linking Webbs and Hursley Terrace roads with Golf Links Road from the northern end has been considered.
This option would secure access to most of the golf course, but not the clubhouse and would reduce the course to 16 holes.
It would also secure access to the Waimaiaia Reserve and the Waipara River mouth.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
"I've been doing compost workshops for the community for four years. But I guess composting for like the past eight years.
It originally started because we moved and our house came with the compost bin. I was curious to know what it was, so we started composting, but like, just … View more"I've been doing compost workshops for the community for four years. But I guess composting for like the past eight years.
It originally started because we moved and our house came with the compost bin. I was curious to know what it was, so we started composting, but like, just chucking stuff and not really knowing what we're doing. Then pumpkins and potatoes just started growing out of it.
I got into gardening during lockdown. My French teacher gave me some broccoli seeds, and I grew those and then obviously, you go through the journey of discovering soils are really important to grow healthy kai.
When I was in Year 13, I was volunteering at an orchard and I ran my first compost workshop. It was pretty cool. And then people just wanted me to keep doing them. Me and my sister got an internship at the Council doing compost education for the community but my compost passion actually came from hearing about Kaicycle's composting programme in Wellington. I want to set up a composting business like that.
Me and my sister started Compost Club at Uni last year. Our main aim is to make composting more accessible and commonplace on campus, especially for students because we find that students want to compost, but they don't know how or they don’t have the resources. We go to their flat and we run a mini workshop for them, come back three weeks later, check out how it's going.
I've taken a break this semester from burnout.
I just find it hard to say no, you get to that position where your body makes you say, no, I can't do any more. I feel like in the environmental space people burn out a lot. I guess why I've struggled with saying no, is because I feel like I can change the world. But no, I can't! We need everyone to do their little part to make a change.
I'm really passionate about cooking and growing healthy kai and having a slow life. And I haven't done that yet. But I'm working towards it."
- Kaitlyn
View more stories, or nominate someone: @humansofchch
www.humansofchch.org...
Easily change the height and layout of the shelves any time as your plants grow or the items you want to showcase change with this handy pegboard finished in Resene Colorwood Whitewash.
Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
From stunning sunsets to quirky murals - we're loving seeing the beautiful photos that members are sharing across the country. These local Bright Spots add a little colour and brighten the day.
Our Bright Spots campaign closes on Sunday, 15 July so time is running out to share yours. With … View moreFrom stunning sunsets to quirky murals - we're loving seeing the beautiful photos that members are sharing across the country. These local Bright Spots add a little colour and brighten the day.
Our Bright Spots campaign closes on Sunday, 15 July so time is running out to share yours. With 10 prizes of $250 Resene ColorShop vouchers and $250 Prezzy® cards up for grabs, do take a moment and share this happy place with us.
Enter your local Bright Spots pics here today and be in to *WIN*.
It’s NZ House & Garden’s 30th birthday, and to celebrate they’ve put together a great offer that’ll light up your home. Purchase or gift a 1 or 2-year subscription to NZ House & Garden and receive a Living Light luxury soy candle worth $56.90 for FREE*.
Enjoy inspirational home … View moreIt’s NZ House & Garden’s 30th birthday, and to celebrate they’ve put together a great offer that’ll light up your home. Purchase or gift a 1 or 2-year subscription to NZ House & Garden and receive a Living Light luxury soy candle worth $56.90 for FREE*.
Enjoy inspirational home & garden content, convenient monthly home delivery, exclusive subscriber-only discounts, up to 27% off retail, and a Living Light luxury soy candle worth $56.90 when you become part of the NZ House & Garden community. *T&Cs apply.
🙌 Your feedback helped land some of our key decisions in our 10-year work plan and budget, known as the Long-Term Plan.
📊 1,300 individuals and organisations, some of whom represented large sections of the community made written submissions, and 153 spoke to us during hearings.
… View more🙌 Your feedback helped land some of our key decisions in our 10-year work plan and budget, known as the Long-Term Plan.
📊 1,300 individuals and organisations, some of whom represented large sections of the community made written submissions, and 153 spoke to us during hearings.
Councillors had to weigh up the need for action to protect the environment, with the cost pressures we’re all facing.
Read the full news story here 👉 bit.ly... and hear Acting Chair Craig Pauling’s thoughts on how it played out youtu.be...
#Kaitiakitanga #Māiatanga #Whanaungatanga
contact hav changed their website and no longer seem to hav a button for sending meter readings. How do u get hold of them . Any help gratefully received
It might not be making quite so many headlines these days, but unfortunately, Covid is still here. If you’re 65 or over, taking care of yourself is just as important as ever.
The good news is, keeping up to date with the Covid vaccine can help protect you from serious illness. It’s free. And… View moreIt might not be making quite so many headlines these days, but unfortunately, Covid is still here. If you’re 65 or over, taking care of yourself is just as important as ever.
The good news is, keeping up to date with the Covid vaccine can help protect you from serious illness. It’s free. And recommended for you and many others as long as you haven’t had the vaccine, or Covid, in the last 6 months.
To book your vaccination, or talk to your healthcare provider.
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Proposed 'granny flat' legislation could help address housing demand in North Canterbury, but officials want safeguards against flooding and liquefaction risks.
The Hurunui District Council has questioned whether small homes are practical in … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Proposed 'granny flat' legislation could help address housing demand in North Canterbury, but officials want safeguards against flooding and liquefaction risks.
The Hurunui District Council has questioned whether small homes are practical in the windy region, while the Waimakariri District Council says the policy appears to be consistent with its proposed District Plan.
The Government is seeking feedback on a proposal to force councils to allow buildings of up to 60m2 in certain areas, without requiring a consent.
The proposal was announced by Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters and Housing Minister Chris Bishop last week.
It will amend the Building Act and the resource consent system to make it easier to build granny flats or other small structures up to 60m2, provided they met the building code.
Hurunui District Council building and property manager Kerry Walsh said given the majority of the district is above the high wind zone, the maximum allowed in the proposal, ‘‘granny flats’’ may not even be permitted.
The Hurunui District includes the growing town of Amberley and tourist hotspot, Hanmer Springs.
If granny flats were allowed, he said it could "double the number of houses connected to the council’s systems".
The council needed to consider a number of questions when offering feedback including: will there be enough checks and balances, and will local infrastructure have sufficient capacity to support the proposal.
Waimakariri District Council planning, regulation and environment general manager Kelly LaValley said the proposal has the potential to address housing demand in the area, which includes Rangiora.
‘‘It aligns with our District Plan that allows granny flats to be established without a resource consent, provided conditions are met.
‘‘It is also good to see that the proposal considers impacts to stormwater, servicing, and infrastructure funding.’’
But there needed to be safeguards included to mitigate the risks from liquefaction and flooding.
There will need to be a clearly defined method of determining if the granny flats comply with the Building Code.
The Kaikōura District Council has also been contacted for comment.
Consultation is open until August 12, with final policy decisions to be made later in 2024. They are expected to be in place by mid-2025.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
It's NZ Volunteer Week (16-22 June) and we know there are real good sorts in your community.
Often these kind acts and regular volunteering efforts go unnoticed but let's put a stop to that.
Let us know below who is making a difference in your neighbourhood so we can all … View moreIt's NZ Volunteer Week (16-22 June) and we know there are real good sorts in your community.
Often these kind acts and regular volunteering efforts go unnoticed but let's put a stop to that.
Let us know below who is making a difference in your neighbourhood so we can all appreciate them for the great work that they do!
"I was in Cambodia for work. It was a very hot night, and I literally swept my hand down my body and said out loud, ‘Oh, it's so hot!’ And I felt this lump, It felt like half the size of a golf ball. I thought, I'm not going to be too worried about it, but I emailed my doctor and… View more"I was in Cambodia for work. It was a very hot night, and I literally swept my hand down my body and said out loud, ‘Oh, it's so hot!’ And I felt this lump, It felt like half the size of a golf ball. I thought, I'm not going to be too worried about it, but I emailed my doctor and made an appointment.
They've said all along you're very lucky you caught it early.
I guess there's some people who go through this sort of thing who are not information seekers. But I'm like, ‘tell me everything!’. My oncologist, at our first meeting, said, ‘our job is to take your body to the very edge to kill the cancer. We take you to the edge, knowing that once we stop, the systems that we are affecting will recover.’ So it is scary stuff.
I just asked questions all the time. I'm a pretty cynical person, but I'm so impressed with the quality of care. I was told when I was first diagnosed, you're in the best city in New Zealand for breast cancer care. When you go in for your chemo you are given a nurse for the day, and she looks after you. They're super resilient these women I mean, obviously they have to be.
When I was heading into chemotherapy, I think the vision I had was that it would be a very quiet, somber place. Oh, no! It's like, hi!, hi! Hi! it's bustly, people are laughing. I actually come away from my chemotherapy sessions feeling quite uplifted because the talk's very lively, and there's just this feeling of caring and concern.
I'm at the pointy end of the treatment now, and although I'm only having treatment every three weeks, the drugs that I'm having now are very heavy duty. I'm just holding my head above water with work.
I continue to turn up with full makeup, I'll put earrings on. And my eyebrows, which I draw on fastidiously every morning and sometimes I end up with like Groucho Marx and sometimes I end up looking like Twiggy. It just depends on my mood. People say to me, oh, gosh, she's looking so well. That helps me too because it's a bit of normality in a very abnormal situation.
Perspective is really important. Getting your head out of what might happen, and bringing yourself back to the present is really important. Counseling helps, right? Breast Cancer Foundation and the Cancer Society both fund counselling.
At the beginning, I was trying to be upbeat about it all the time. I'm not now. I acknowledge when I have down days, those are the days when my sister rushes around and gives me a foot massage.
Actually, for the last week, I felt really afraid of dying. Most of the time, I'm not, because I have faith. So it’s just like, I’ve got this job to do this year, which is an absolute shit job. But it will come to an end.
Boy, have I developed as a person and I'll continue to develop right to the end of this journey, whatever that looks like. Because it just forever changes you. Physically and mentally and emotionally. Spiritually. I've got people praying for me all over the world, and I believe that has made a difference."
- Kate
View more stories, or nominate someone: @humansofchch
www.humansofchch.org...
For only $15 a ticket, you could be in to win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home located in the charming coastal town of Mangawhai, worth almost $1.4 million dollars.
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Featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms and an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area, this home is waiting to be loved by its new owner.
Make this property your permanent residence, a holiday home, a rental, or you can simply sell it!
Get your tickets today at heartlottery.org.nz.
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Recruiting medical professions into rural areas remains a challenge, says a North Canterbury mayor.
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says Health New Zealand has made good progress in recruiting staff, but Hurunui mayor Marie Black says rural areas are … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Recruiting medical professions into rural areas remains a challenge, says a North Canterbury mayor.
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says Health New Zealand has made good progress in recruiting staff, but Hurunui mayor Marie Black says rural areas are missing out.
Training more health professionals is a priority in Budget 2024, with $22 million set aside for doctor training.
‘‘That will take us from an intake of 589 this year to an intake of 614 from next year,’’ Reti said.
‘‘We are also progressing a cost benefit analysis for a proposed third medical school through Waikato University, which will focus on primary and rural care.’’
While overseas-trained medical professionals make a valuable contribution, Reti said training young New Zealanders was more sustainable in the long term.
‘‘Health workforce shortages are a problem in every country around the world.
‘‘That is why it is so important we invest in training doctors and other health professionals here in New Zealand.’’
In the year to December 2023, Health NZ recruited more than 200 full-time equivalent senior doctors, 2500 nurses, nearly 100 midwives, and more than 230 scientific and technical staff.
There were still shortages in mental health, critical care and midwifery, Reti said.
While it was reassuring to know progress has been made in recruitment, Black said there was little evidence of it in ‘‘primary health provision in country areas’’.
The Hurunui district has been doing its bit to encourage health students to consider working in rural areas, she said.
Third year Otago Medical School students have been visiting the district each August for several years.
The initiative has been running for 10 years, with the students visiting medical centres, St John, District Nurses, police, the North Canterbury Rural Support Trust and a local preschool.
‘‘If we can grow our own people that is the best solution,’’ Black said.
Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon said he was pleased the Government was addressing workforce shortages.
A new medical centre was being planned in Rangiora to offer urgent and after hours medical care, but it would need more medical professionals, he said.
‘‘I am pleased with the Government’s announcement that funding will be allocated to ensure we are training more doctors and health care professionals here in New Zealand.
‘‘This will help to alleviate doctor shortages particularly in the regions and rural communities.’’
The Kaikōura district faced similar challenges, and its over 65 population was expected to increase to one-third over the next 30 years.
Takahanga Marae has hosted tertiary health students from around Aotearoa in recent years for a three-day Noho Marae visit.
The initiative was a partnership between Te Tai o Marokura, a Maori health and social service provider in Kaikōura, and Hauora Taiwhenua/Rural Health Network’s careers programme.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Could Amberley be the next North Canterbury town to build a bypass?
While the Woodend Bypass looks set to finally be built after decades of planning, residents have suggested a heavy vehicle bypass should be included in the Hurunui District Council’s south ward spatial plan.
State Highway 1… View moreCould Amberley be the next North Canterbury town to build a bypass?
While the Woodend Bypass looks set to finally be built after decades of planning, residents have suggested a heavy vehicle bypass should be included in the Hurunui District Council’s south ward spatial plan.
State Highway 1 cuts through the towns of Woodend and Amberley, north of Christchurch.
The council received 41 submissions during its recent consultation, with several suggesting solutions to address safety concerns on Carters Rd, as the town continues to grow.
One submitter called on the council to ‘‘push the Government to start planning’’ a bypass and to ‘‘start drawing some lines on a map to show options of where this could be located’’.
Another submitter wanted a pedestrian overbridge on Carters Rd and suggested the council seek out ‘‘philanthropic investors’’.
With housing growth planned for east Amberley, a second primary school was proposed to alleviate safety concerns for children crossing Carters Rd to get to Amberley School.
There were mixed views on whether the council should apply to Environment Canterbury for public transport provision.
Several submitters supported the idea, while some wanted the beach communities included and others questioned whether it was necessary.
South Ward Committee chairperson Jo Hassall said there have been a variety of views expressed on the subject of a bypass.
“I know a couple of people have said ‘why isn’t it on the table?’
“But others have said ‘why would you, because it would take traffic away from the businesses’.”
Hassall said she was unsure a bus service would be financially viable.
“It would need to be available when people need it, otherwise it wouldn’t be viable.
“There is already a community bus service which is available and it is great for older people who don’t drive.”
She said people moved to places like Leithfield and the beach communities for the lifestyle and they were used to driving themselves to Rangiora and Christchurch, with many commuting to work.
In a report to last week’s South Ward Committee meeting, the council’s planning team leader, Nicola Kirby, said staff had liaised with NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi , which advised an Amberley bypass was ‘‘not a current priority’’.
But a resource consent was granted earlier this year for a truck stop at the Grays Rd/State Highway 1 intersection.
‘‘If this development occurs it may have implications for heavy vehicle movements which will need to be further considered,’’ she said.
The council had proposed zoning land next to Grays Rd in west Amberley for industrial use.
But residents raised concerns about the noise, outlook and the impact on property values.
Staff were now considering land between Lawcocks and Grays roads, to the west of the Kowai River north branch, Kirby said.
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