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Ryman villages across the country are open every Wednesday in October and November.
Experience the Ryman lifestyle and learn about our living options, tour our showhomes and discover the wonderful amenities on offer.
Click find out more for more information.
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As we age, mobility and health issues can affect daily routines and independence. It’s natural to want to step in when a loved one faces challenges with tasks they once managed easily. However, instead of taking over completely, finding a balance that offers support while still encouraging … View moreAs we age, mobility and health issues can affect daily routines and independence. It’s natural to want to step in when a loved one faces challenges with tasks they once managed easily. However, instead of taking over completely, finding a balance that offers support while still encouraging independence is key.
Chris Sinclair, Ryman's Community Liaison Leader, shares helpful tips for families and caregivers on how to promote independence and support overall wellbeing.
Click read more for the full article.
It’s a lot of fun (and easy) to turn a terracotta plant pot and saucer into your very own toadstool table with Resene Poppy and Resene Alabaster paint.
Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Delays on a proposed flyride in North Canterbury are placing the project in doubt, community leaders say.
Hurunui district councillor Tom Davies said he fears a proposed flyride project in Hanmer Springs is becoming untenable, as the community continues… View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Delays on a proposed flyride in North Canterbury are placing the project in doubt, community leaders say.
Hurunui district councillor Tom Davies said he fears a proposed flyride project in Hanmer Springs is becoming untenable, as the community continues to wait for a decision from the Environment Court.
A resource consent was granted to the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa to install and operate a gravity-based recreation activity at Conical Hill Reserve by a Hurunui District Council appointed commissioner two years ago.
But it was appealed to the Environment Court by The Friends of Conical Hill Incorporated.
The Environment Court heard the appeal in Hanmer Springs in March.
A spokesperson for the court said the decision ‘‘is still with the court, at this stage we have no estimated issue date’’.
Davies said residents just wanted to know one way or the other, so they could move on.
‘‘It is just crazy it has taken so long,’’ he said.
‘‘I fear the project may be in danger of not going ahead because of how long it has taken.
‘‘It has been going on for years and it would probably still be another 18 months down the track before it is completed, even if it was approved now.’’
Hanmer Springs Community Board chairperson Mary Holloway said she believed most residents had moved on.
‘‘It was supposed to be a ‘shovel ready’ project and I can’t imagine how much it has cost ratepayers to go through this process.
‘‘Both sides are pretty passionate about it, but I think businesses are just getting on with what they are doing.
‘‘I think most people just assume it is not going to happen.’’
Hurunui Tourism product development manager Graeme Abbot said staff will need to review the project, should the consent be confirmed.
‘‘We will need to have another look at whether it is still viable and consider what, if any, conditions are placed on it.
Plan A was to have it up and running by now.’’
Despite the wait for the flyride decision, Abbot said the town is booming.
Visitor numbers for the first week of the October school holidays, last week, were up 14% on last year. Businesses are getting ready for the summer season, which is promising to be another busy one, he said.
The pools were fully staff which hadn’t been the case for a few years due to Covid.
‘‘We are all already fully staffed at the pools for Christmas period, which hasn’t been the case for a few years due to Covid.’’
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
The wait continues to learn the fate of a proposed flyride at Hanmer Springs.
The Environment Court heard an appeal against a consent being granted to install and operate a gravity-based recreation activity at Conical Hill Reserve behind closed doors … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
The wait continues to learn the fate of a proposed flyride at Hanmer Springs.
The Environment Court heard an appeal against a consent being granted to install and operate a gravity-based recreation activity at Conical Hill Reserve behind closed doors in Hanmer Springs in March.
A spokesperson for the court said the decision ‘‘is still with the court, at this stage we have no estimated issue date’’.
A resource consent was granted to the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa by a Hurunui District Council appointed commissioner two years ago.
But it was appealed to the Environment Court by The Friends of Conical Hill Incorporated.
The hearing was first held in February last year, but was adjourned and later transferred to Hanmer Springs in March due to a lack of capacity in Christchurch.
If successful, it would be the latest adrenaline venture for the Canterbury tourist town.
During the consent process, submitters opposed to the flyride said it would have a visual impact on the recreation character, biodiversity and horse trails in the area.
Concerns were also raised about parking, traffic congestion, noise, the risk of fire, and devaluation of properties.
Supporters believed the venture would bring value and benefits to the Hanmer Springs community and the wider district, and promote the village as a fun, healthy and interactive place to visit.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Reducing stigma starts with the words we use, and shifting the way we talk about dementia is a powerful step forward. This World Alzheimer’s Month, Ryman is highlighting the importance of reducing the discrimination caused by stigma surrounding people living with dementia.
Caroline Bartle, … View moreReducing stigma starts with the words we use, and shifting the way we talk about dementia is a powerful step forward. This World Alzheimer’s Month, Ryman is highlighting the importance of reducing the discrimination caused by stigma surrounding people living with dementia.
Caroline Bartle, Ryman’s Dementia Care and Innovations Lead, says that using appropriate language when referring to people with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia can foster a more inclusive society. This not only benefits those experiencing cognitive decline but also their families and the wider community.
Click read more for the full article.
Repurpose an old picture frame and serve up a message of love to family or friends with Resene colours, Resene FX Blackboard Paint and Resene FX Paint Effects Medium.
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Join us any Wednesday in October and November, 10am - 3pm and experience the Ryman lifestyle that awaits.
Learn about our living options, tour our show homes and discover the wonderful amenities on offer.
We look forward to seeing you there.
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Surrounded by stunning mountain views, this home features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a spacious open-plan kitchen,… View moreSoak up the Marlborough sun with the Heart Foundation Lottery.
For just $15 a ticket, you could win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home in breathtaking Blenheim.
Surrounded by stunning mountain views, this home features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a spacious open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area.
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Cornhole is the perfect game for summer entertaining and the matching scoreboard helps you see who’s winning at a glance.
Finish in contrasting Resene Lustacryl colours or choose complementary colours to suit your home.
Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step … View moreCornhole is the perfect game for summer entertaining and the matching scoreboard helps you see who’s winning at a glance.
Finish in contrasting Resene Lustacryl colours or choose complementary colours to suit your home.
Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
‘‘Anomalies’’ in Census data on North Canterbury's population growth is creating a headache for a local council.
The Hurunui District Council’s south ward, including Amberley, has experienced a building boom in recent years, but this is … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
‘‘Anomalies’’ in Census data on North Canterbury's population growth is creating a headache for a local council.
The Hurunui District Council’s south ward, including Amberley, has experienced a building boom in recent years, but this is not reflected in the latest provisional Census data on population growth.
According to Census data released earlier this year, Hurunui’s south ward had a population of 5620 in March 2023, an increase of 410 people from the 2018 Census.
This suggests an increase of 1.53% a year over the last five years, much lower than the yearly average increase for the ward of 2.45% since 2001.
But council chief executive Hamish Dobbie said the council’s own data suggests a much larger population increase.
‘‘We would rate the period 2018 to 2023 as a high growth period. You’ve just got to look at the number of houses being built.
‘‘Maybe when they did the Census, people weren’t in their houses and did it somewhere else.
‘‘There is something that doesn’t add up, or maybe it is right and the population was over estimated in 2018.’’
A Stats NZ spokesperson said the current calculations are subject to change and net migration can be difficult to estimate.
Over the last five years, the council has issued 373 consents for new houses in the south ward, mostly for three or four bedroom houses.
Dobbie did not believe there were lots of empty houses in Amberley.
If Census data is unreliable, it can complicate council planning, he said.
But he acknowledged predicting population is ‘‘an inexact science’’.
‘‘It is when you don’t know there are anomalies that you can get things wrong.’’
When the council conducted a representation review ahead of next year’s local government election, it had to rely on 2018 Census data as the 2023 data was not available.
A rapidly rising population formed part of the reasoning behind a proposal to establish a community board for the south ward.
But when presenting to the Local Government Commission last week, the council presented the 2023 Census data while noting the number consents issued.
‘‘We do our own numbers for planning for things like water supply,’’ Dobbie said.
‘‘If we utilised growth numbers that come from the Census, we wouldn’t have water available when it is needed.’’
A Stats NZ spokesperson said the figures for Hurunui’s south ward compared the 2018 Census with population estimates and projections.
‘‘Estimated population change for an area comes from estimated natural increase (births minus deaths), plus estimated net migration.’’
Migration is hard to estimate because there is no single authoritative data source to measure migration into and out of an area, the spokesperson said.
‘‘Estimates for June 2023 are provisional and subject to revision,’’ the spokesperson said.
Building consents are useful, but not all consents result in completed houses, there is a lag between consent and occupancy, some are for second homes and some are to replace demolished buildings.
A second release of 2023 Census data is due on October 3, while population estimates will be revised next year.
Local Government Minister Simeon Brown said the Government is not considering allowing alternative data sources to be considered in representation reviews.
"Representation review data looks at the entire population, not just ratepayers or those eligible to vote, so care would be needed in considering whether alternative data sources could be used in the future.''
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Get painting and help Kiwi kids. Buy any Resene 60 mL testpot colour starting with the letter P, O or T and Resene will donate $1 to Plunket NZ.
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By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
How many respite care beds are available in North Canterbury is causing confusion, with the associate health minister demanding answers from Health NZ.
Waimakariri MP and Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey said he was frustrated at Te Whatu Ora … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
How many respite care beds are available in North Canterbury is causing confusion, with the associate health minister demanding answers from Health NZ.
Waimakariri MP and Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey said he was frustrated at Te Whatu Ora Health NZ’s response to criticism over respite care availability in the region.
Doocey wrote to the agency last month seeking answers after media coverage highlighted concerns about the lack of respite care beds in North Canterbury.
‘‘Despite our best efforts to seek clarification from Health NZ, it seems the community is no closer to being reassured that adequate respite services are actually available, he said.
‘‘Regardless of how many bed vacancies are showing on Health NZ’s books, if a facility wishes to decline to offer respite care, we are no closer to a practical solution for local families in desperate need.’’
In July, Health NZ confirmed to Local Democracy Reporting that four flexi-beds at the Rangiora Health Hub had been ‘‘decommissioned for respite care’’.
Those needing respite care would need to access it through aged care facilities in North Canterbury.
But the NZ Aged Care Association said it was concerned Health NZ is passing respite care on to aged care facilities, which are not always equipped to deal with demand.
An association spokesperson said while aged care facilities were contracted to provide different forms of respite care, there was only one dedicated respite care bed in North Canterbury.
Aged care providers contacted by Local Democracy Reporting said they cannot always guarantee having beds for respite available, due to the competing demands on their service.
In a letter to Doocey, Health NZ regional manager ageing well Mardi Fitzgibbon said the North Canterbury aged care facilities were contracted to supply respite care and it was assured there were plenty of beds available.
She said the four flexi-beds at the Rangiora Health Hub were ‘‘never used for respite allocations and were instead GP flexi beds’’.
When Local Democracy Reporting contacted Health NZ for clarification, the agency said the flexi-beds ‘‘were used for a variety of needs under the care and direction of a GP’’.
Health NZ Canterbury executive director of nursing Becky Hickmott said the Rangiora Health Hub's key offering is a high-quality maternity service.
‘‘The flexi beds were for people who needed time for recuperation or ongoing monitoring in North Canterbury.’’
The flexi bed area is now used for clinic rooms, hearing screening, day assessment unit appointments and maternity bed overflow.
Respite care is funded by Health NZ and is allocated by the Needs Assessment Service Co-ordination following an assessment of a person’s needs.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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