Hanmer Forest, Hanmer Springs

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37 days ago

Spring spruce up

Charles Upham Retirement Village

Spring is the season of new beginnings and the perfect time to declutter and refresh your home. Imagine stepping into a space that feels open, organised, and filled with only what truly matters. Whether you’re looking to simplify your life, want to downsize, or just enjoy a more comfortable … View moreSpring is the season of new beginnings and the perfect time to declutter and refresh your home. Imagine stepping into a space that feels open, organised, and filled with only what truly matters. Whether you’re looking to simplify your life, want to downsize, or just enjoy a more comfortable living space, decluttering is a great way to start.

With these expert tips from decluttering and organising specialist Peter Walsh, you can take small steps toward a clutter-free home that you’ll love spending time in.

Click read more for more article.

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37 days ago

Ryman’s Walk in Wednesdays

The Team from Ryman Healthcare

Ryman villages across the country are open every Wednesday in November.

Experience the Ryman lifestyle and learn about our living options, tour our showhomes and discover the wonderful amenities on offer.

Click to find out more information.
Find out more

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38 days ago

New lottery, new home

Heart Foundation Lottery

For only $15 a ticket, you could win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home located in Clarks Beach, Auckland.

This coastal town offers the perfect escape, just a short drive from the city.

Valued at over $1 million, this home features three bedrooms and generous open-plan kitchen, … View more
For only $15 a ticket, you could win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home located in Clarks Beach, Auckland.

This coastal town offers the perfect escape, just a short drive from the city.

Valued at over $1 million, this home features three bedrooms and generous open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area. It is waiting to be loved by its new owner.

Make this property your permanent residence, a holiday home, a rental, or simply sell it!

Get your tickets today at heartlottery.org.nz
Find out more

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41 days ago

The tiger who came to tea

Resene

Trays are such a useful item to have in the home – they are obviously great for serving food and drinks, particularly breakfast in bed! Find out how to create your own with Resene wallpaper and Resene Colorwood wood stain with these easy step by step instructions. Find out more

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42 days ago

Does Your Organisation Need New Flooring?

Carpet Court

Is the flooring at your school, early childhood, community or sports centre old and threadbare? Or perhaps you have a new space where there’s no flooring at all. Your organisation could be eligible to receive $2,000 + gst from the RhinoKids Flooring Fund to go towards new flooring. Plus, one … View moreIs the flooring at your school, early childhood, community or sports centre old and threadbare? Or perhaps you have a new space where there’s no flooring at all. Your organisation could be eligible to receive $2,000 + gst from the RhinoKids Flooring Fund to go towards new flooring. Plus, one lucky organisation will win a $20,000 flooring makeover!

Carpet Court is continuing its’ mission to help improve Kiwi kids’ learning environments by rolling out its’ nationwide fund for the fifth year in a row. Apply today!
Find out more

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43 days ago

Spring gardening tips

Charles Upham Retirement Village

Dreaming of a garden bursting with colour and fresh produce? Shane Fairbairn, Ryman Healthcare’s Landscape Manager, shares his top tips to make it happen. You’ll be set to create a gorgeous, relaxing space in no time - grab your trowel, and let’s dig in.

Click read more for more … View more
Dreaming of a garden bursting with colour and fresh produce? Shane Fairbairn, Ryman Healthcare’s Landscape Manager, shares his top tips to make it happen. You’ll be set to create a gorgeous, relaxing space in no time - grab your trowel, and let’s dig in.

Click read more for more information.

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44 days ago

Roading funding shortfall leads to Hurunui annual plan rethink

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Some rates relief could be in store for Hurunui ratepayers next year as the council reconsiders its roading priorities.

The Hurunui District Council forecast an average 14.49% rates hike for the 2025-26 financial year in the 2024-34 long-term plan.

View more
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Some rates relief could be in store for Hurunui ratepayers next year as the council reconsiders its roading priorities.

The Hurunui District Council forecast an average 14.49% rates hike for the 2025-26 financial year in the 2024-34 long-term plan.

But after receiving a significantly reduced subsidy from Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (NZTA), council chief executive Hamish Dobbie said staff are having another look at the roading programme.

‘‘In our long-term plan consultation, our residents signalled they wanted us to invest in our roads, so now it is about figuring out what is a wise investment with the funding we have.’’

He said the council will need to reconsider what it can afford to fund, based on the lower-than-expected subsidy.

The Hurunui council receives a 52% subsidy from NZTA on approved projects, with ratepayers paying the balance.

The council has met with NZTA since raising concerns about the funding it received in the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme.

It had sought a 184% increase, but NZTA director regional relationships James Caygill said this was ‘‘unaffordable’’.

Dobbie said ratepayers were already paying two-thirds of the district’s roading budget as a number of projects were not funded by NZTA.

Options for a revised roading programme will be presented to the council to consider ahead of next year’s annual plan.

Dobbie did not expect rates to rise any more than the 14.49% signalled and will likely be less.

Funding has been reduced for low cost, low risk projects, which cost less than $2 million, so these will need to be reconsidered, he said.

‘‘It means the Government doesn’t value that type of work, so we need to consider how we value it.

‘‘The Government values the sealed road networks, so how do we allocate ratepayer money to those aspects of our network versus our unsealed roads.’’

Dobbie said Hurunui, a large rural community with around 13,000 residents, had about 900km of unsealed roads and 600km of sealed roads.

The council estimated it needs about $3 million a year to maintain and upgrade its ageing network of 286 bridges.

‘‘I think we have an understanding of what the issues are, but I wouldn’t say we are any closer to finding a solution,’’ Dobbie said.

He said he understood NZTA is restricted by Government funding.

‘‘This Government claims to be about infrastructure, so hopefully they can find a way to help us with intergenerational (or debt) funding and help us to pay it back.

‘‘We will pay our share.’’

Transport Minister Simeon Brown and NZTA have been contacted for comment.

■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

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44 days ago

Paint it orange with Resene for Arthritis NZ!

Resene

Buy any orange Resene testpot 60 ml at your local Resene owned ColorShop in November and Resene will donate $1 to Arthritis NZ!

The more orange testpots you buy, the more will be donated.
Find out more

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45 days ago

Last chance for tickets!

Heart Foundation Lottery

Don't miss out! For only $15 a ticket, you could win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home located in breathtaking Blenheim, Marlborough.

Valued at over $1 million, this home features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area. It’s waiting to … View more
Don't miss out! For only $15 a ticket, you could win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home located in breathtaking Blenheim, Marlborough.

Valued at over $1 million, this home features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area. It’s waiting to be loved by its new owner.

Make this property your permanent residence, a holiday home, a rental, or simply sell it!

Get your tickets today at heartlottery.org.nz
Find out more

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70 days ago

What's your favourite recipe for gooseberry?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Love gooseberries? Share your favourite way to enjoy them. We're looking for our readers' favourite family recipes for this delicious crop. Send yours to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the magazine, you will receive a free copy of our December 2024 issue.

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48 days ago

Canterbury beach community ‘thrilled’ with new flood protection plans

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

A North Canterbury beach community is set to get an early Christmas present to help in the fight against rising sea levels.

The Hurunui District Council has confirmed its plans to build a $750,000 coastal bund to protect the Amberley Beach village from … View more
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

A North Canterbury beach community is set to get an early Christmas present to help in the fight against rising sea levels.

The Hurunui District Council has confirmed its plans to build a $750,000 coastal bund to protect the Amberley Beach village from the sea, with work to begin this month.

Amberley Beach Residents’ and Ratepayers’ Community Association spokesperson Paula Le Compte said the announcement is good news for residents.

‘‘I know the entire beach community will be thrilled that it is going ahead.’’

A bund is a type of embankment which protects against the sea.

Le Compte said the area was important for fishing and recreation, while the village of 109 properties included a mix of home owners, rentals and holiday homes.

Chief executive Hamish Dobbie said he expected the new bund to be completed by Christmas.

The existing bund is owned by the community and was built in 1993, with the council acting as ‘‘a collector of funds’’.

The council was granted a consent by Environment Canterbury in March last year to build a new bund.

An Amberley Beach Coastal Adaptation Plan was adopted by the council in July last year, following extensive engagement with the community over three years.

The plan identified a number of options for the community to respond to coastal erosion, flooding and sea level rise.

These included a new, relocatable bund, while in the longer term other coastal protection measures or managed retreat will be considered.

The new bund was designed by the residents’ association and approved in August, after being peer reviewed.

It is expected to have a lifespan of 30 years.

The council voted in April to approve the use of debt funding to pay for the new $750,000 bund, with Amberley Beach residents paying for it through a combination of funds already saved and a targeted rate.

Residents approached the council earlier this year with a proposal to increase their targeted rate from $252 to $304 a year, which was included in the Long Term Plan.

The coastal adaptation plan has a clause where residents would need to consider another option, such as ‘‘proactive relocation’’, if the targeted rate for the bund exceeds $750 per household per year.

■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

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49 days ago

Drought-stricken farmers welcome rain, but concern remains

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Recent rain has given drought-stricken farmers in Canterbury a boost, but concern remains, says Hurunui mayor Marie Black.

The Hurunui Adverse Events Committee met following the wet weather over Labour Weekend, with reports of between 50mm and 100mm of … View more
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Recent rain has given drought-stricken farmers in Canterbury a boost, but concern remains, says Hurunui mayor Marie Black.

The Hurunui Adverse Events Committee met following the wet weather over Labour Weekend, with reports of between 50mm and 100mm of rain throughout the district.

‘‘It was pretty consistent. We were lucky that it fell across the district to relieve many worried farmers," Black said.

‘‘It is also really important to recognise that while it was termed as ‘a million dollar rain’, it hasn’t changed some of the issues farmers are facing with regrassing and the cost burden.’’

She said farmers have experience 11 months of no significant rainfall, with the Government declaring a medium-scale adverse event in March.

‘‘It was a timely and welcomed rain and it was sufficient to get some growth started.

‘‘But we have gone for a long time without significant rain. It has a creeping and insidious impact on the local community and the local economy as a whole.’’

Black said more is needed to ensure creeks and groundwater are properly replenished before summer sets in.

It is a busy time of year for farmers, with new spring lambs on the ground and farmers getting ready for shearing.

Farmers will be looking to cut some hay or baleage in the coming weeks as they look to rebuild their feed supplies, she said.

‘‘We need times of warm, dry weather and there are times when we need moisture. It is hard to get the balance right.

‘‘We will continue to monitor the situation and we have mitigation steps in place.’’

Events are being planned to encourage farmers to take some time off the farm and ensure they are kept informed, she said.

The Labour Weekend rain was not good news for everybody, with the Northern A&P Association’s Rangiora Show cancelled on the Saturday morning (October 26), as the rain tumbled down.

North Canterbury Federated Farmers meat and wool chairperson and Marble Point Station farmer Sara Black said she enjoyed ‘‘staying home and watching it rain’’.

‘‘There are a few lambs around, but because it was a warm and gentle rain, they would have pulled through.’’

Many farmers reduced their ewe numbers prior to lambing, while scanning results indicated there were lower lambing percentages this year, meaning there are less mouths to feed.

49 days ago

Gang presence this weekend

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

International members of the Mongols MC are expected in Canterbury for an event marking five years since the gang established itself in New Zealand.

What you need to know:
-The gang has three chapters in the South Island. Wainoni-based Ōtautahi East, Ashburton-based Mid-South and SH1, Burnham.… View more
International members of the Mongols MC are expected in Canterbury for an event marking five years since the gang established itself in New Zealand.

What you need to know:
-The gang has three chapters in the South Island. Wainoni-based Ōtautahi East, Ashburton-based Mid-South and SH1, Burnham.
- Police say they will have ‘considerable resource’ in the region during the event from November 7-10.
- Police in Canterbury have planned a major operation around the event - thought to coincide with a national meeting - from November 7 to 10, and have drafted in staff from two other districts to help.
- Mongols members from across the country are expected to meet at the gang’s original South Island headquarters - a fortified property on SH1, Burnham, on the outskirts of Christchurch.
- Canterbury district commander Superintendent Tony Hill says:
“We’re prepared for multiple contingencies. We will be monitoring their behaviour very closely over the period, if they’re not behaving appropriately then we will be taking appropriate action quite swiftly.”

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51 days ago

Integrity. Passion. Professionalism.

Bayleys Adam Heazlewood

No.1 Bayleys Canterbury Residential 2017 – 2024

Bayleys National Auction Award Winner – Three Years Running

We are specialists in residential and developments, including existing homes, townhouses and apartments, new builds, lifestyle sections and residential developments. From character … View more
No.1 Bayleys Canterbury Residential 2017 – 2024

Bayleys National Auction Award Winner – Three Years Running

We are specialists in residential and developments, including existing homes, townhouses and apartments, new builds, lifestyle sections and residential developments. From character homes in Christchurch’s oldest suburbs to brand-new builds in one of the many subdivisions surrounding the city, we cover all the bases with equal dedication.
Find out more

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52 days ago

Respite care when you need it

Charles Upham Retirement Village

From rehabilitation after a hospital stay, to a little extra support, whether it’s for a few nights or a few weeks - respite care provides temporary care in a range of circumstances.

If you still live in your own home, a short stay at one of our care centres could be a welcome break from your… View more
From rehabilitation after a hospital stay, to a little extra support, whether it’s for a few nights or a few weeks - respite care provides temporary care in a range of circumstances.

If you still live in your own home, a short stay at one of our care centres could be a welcome break from your usual routine.

Our respite care is offered at rest home-level care, hospital and specialist dementia care. In some circumstances, we may be able to offer you respite care in a serviced apartment.

If you've been thinking about moving to a Ryman care centre, spending time with us in respite care is a great way for you to experience the lifestyle in our villages before making your decision.

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