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An earthquake occurred 15 km south-east of Amberley today (Friday Sep 13) at 10:41am.
What you need to know:
- Light shaking was felt right down through Christchurch and Kaiapoi.
- The magnitude was 4.0 and the depth was 22 km
- See the Geonet image below to see how far the shaking was … View moreAn earthquake occurred 15 km south-east of Amberley today (Friday Sep 13) at 10:41am.
What you need to know:
- Light shaking was felt right down through Christchurch and Kaiapoi.
- The magnitude was 4.0 and the depth was 22 km
- See the Geonet image below to see how far the shaking was reported.
- Some people have reported hearing a loud bang.
You may wish to check out Natural Hazards Commission list of ways to make your home safer for natural disasters here.
Did you feel it where you are?
Longer days and warmer weather are fast approaching!
Make the most of your Sundays with a subscription to the Sunday Star-Times. From just $51, enjoy gripping investigations, in-depth analysis, and exclusive subscriber rewards. Plus, for September only, receive a free Antipodes Supernatural … View moreLonger days and warmer weather are fast approaching!
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Kia ora neighbours,
In our September mag, Amy Roberts from Villaleigh Plants has a list of her favourite blooms for long display. "If you want a long season, look beyond the flowers," is her advice. Here are her picks: Geranium phaeum 'Mourning Widow', Salvia leucantha, … View moreKia ora neighbours,
In our September mag, Amy Roberts from Villaleigh Plants has a list of her favourite blooms for long display. "If you want a long season, look beyond the flowers," is her advice. Here are her picks: Geranium phaeum 'Mourning Widow', Salvia leucantha, Hylotelephium 'Autumn Joy' (pictured), Eryngium pandanifolium and Alchemilla mollis.
Have you got them in your garden? In fact, we'd love to see what you've got in bloom now. Post a photo and share the joy!
Create your very own mini Jurassic Park with this easy-to-make potted dinosaur garden. Rejuvenate old dinosaur toys that have faded with Resene testpots to help them keep looking good in the harsh sunlight.
Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter. Photo: Lightyears Solar Ltd co-founders Matt Shanks (left) and Sean Toban.
A North Canterbury residents group has called for a proposed solar farm consent application to be publicly notified.
Community concern at a proposal to build a 180.8-hectare … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter. Photo: Lightyears Solar Ltd co-founders Matt Shanks (left) and Sean Toban.
A North Canterbury residents group has called for a proposed solar farm consent application to be publicly notified.
Community concern at a proposal to build a 180.8-hectare solar farm near Waipara, north of Amberley, has prompted the Waipara Residents’ Association to write to the Hurunui District Council to press for it to be notified.
Far North Solar Farm Ltd applied to the Hurunui District Council in March for resource consents for its proposal.
The company is proposing to build a 143.8 MWp solar farm on a 242.4ha property next to State Highway 7 near Waipara.
Waipara Residents’ Association chairperson Steven Ellis said the committee has written to the council to request the consent applications ‘‘be publicly notified and not fast tracked’’.
‘‘It is important that community members be given the opportunity to be heard, through a submission process, regarding their thoughts about the proposed use of this farm land.’’
Community concern led to the group Save Waipara Valley being formed last year.
A Hurunui District Council spokesperson said the application is on hold, while the applicant commissions peer reviews of the landscape and visual effects, and glint and glare effects.
No decision has been made whether to notify the consent.
Meanwhile, the Waimakariri District Council has received resource consent applications for solar farms at Swannanoa and Sefton.
Auckland-based Lightyears Solar Ltd has applied for a resource consent to build an eight hectare solar farm at Swannanoa.
A council spokesperson said staff are working through the notification process, but no decision on notification has been made.
The council could decide to have no notification, a limited notification with neighbours and affected parties, or a full public notification.
Lightyears Solar Ltd co-founder and development manager Matt Shanks said his company proposed building ‘‘a mid-sized, dual use solar farm’’.
The farm will generate six megawatts of renewable energy, which will mostly be consumed locally ‘‘providing for some of Rangiora’s daytime energy needs’’, he said.
He said Lightyears Solar has contacted the immediate neighbours to the farm, as part of the consent process.
An Australian company Energy Bay Ltd has applied for a resource consent to build a solar farm on 80ha at Sefton.
The council spokesperson said the application was on hold, awaiting more information.
No decision has been made whether to notify the consent.
Environment Canterbury has received consent applications from Lightyears Solar, which are on hold awaiting further information.
But the regional council has no active consent applications from Far North Solar Farm Ltd and Energy Bay Ltd for solar farms in North Canterbury.
The Waimakariri District Council granted a consent, subject to conditions, in April for MainPower, North Canterbury’s energy network, to construct a solar farm on a 10 hectare site at Thongcaster Rd at Eyrewell Forest, to the north of Waimakariri River.
The site is expected to produce enough energy to power 1250 local homes through MainPower’s distribution network.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Continuing with Neighbourly's online Q&A with experts in their field, this week we are tackling online safety with Jandy Fiske from Netsafe.
Jandy Fiske has been with Netsafe for nearly 8 years. Starting on their helpline, she's now Netsafe's Community Engagement Advisor. … View moreContinuing with Neighbourly's online Q&A with experts in their field, this week we are tackling online safety with Jandy Fiske from Netsafe.
Jandy Fiske has been with Netsafe for nearly 8 years. Starting on their helpline, she's now Netsafe's Community Engagement Advisor. Jandy says: 'I'm passionate about online safety because I strongly oppose bullying and want to support those affected by it.'
Jandy is passionate about protecting vulnerable communities and is promoting online safety to ensure no one falls prey to online scams. She can answer your questions about any type of online scams, and also about online harm such as online bullying.
↓ Ask your question below now and she'll be online on Wednesday, 11th September to reply to you ↓
A close-up experience with Tutumairekurai/Hector’s dolphins reinforced Councillor Genevieve Robinson’s commitment to protecting our coastal environment.
She’s also kept on her toes by our Youth Rōpu, who bring fresh perspectives and challenge us to think differently about the issues we … View moreA close-up experience with Tutumairekurai/Hector’s dolphins reinforced Councillor Genevieve Robinson’s commitment to protecting our coastal environment.
She’s also kept on her toes by our Youth Rōpu, who bring fresh perspectives and challenge us to think differently about the issues we face.
Hear more from Councillor Robinson, who represents Ōhoko/Christchurch Central, as she shares her views.
youtu.be...
Winter’s almost over, and while many of us are shaking off the chilly months spent indoors, Wendy and John from Keith Park Village have been making the most of every moment. For this couple, winter isn’t a time to hunker down – it’s the perfect season to jet off to warmer climates and … View moreWinter’s almost over, and while many of us are shaking off the chilly months spent indoors, Wendy and John from Keith Park Village have been making the most of every moment. For this couple, winter isn’t a time to hunker down – it’s the perfect season to jet off to warmer climates and explore hidden corners of the world.
Click read more for the full story.
For only $15 a ticket, you could win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home located in the coastal town of Cooks Beach, Coromandel.
With golden sandy beaches and lush Coromandel bush, what's not to love about the 150th Heart Foundation Lottery?
Valued at over $1.2 million, this … View moreFor only $15 a ticket, you could win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home located in the coastal town of Cooks Beach, Coromandel.
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Put an empty wine bottle to good use with this feeder finished in Resene Clover that can cater for a range of garden birds.
Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Amberley's role in studying the Earth’s magnetic field is set to remembered.
The Amberley Domain was home to a geophysics observatory from 1913 until 1978, playing its part in studying electrical storms and aurora.
Jo Hassall, who chairs the … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Amberley's role in studying the Earth’s magnetic field is set to remembered.
The Amberley Domain was home to a geophysics observatory from 1913 until 1978, playing its part in studying electrical storms and aurora.
Jo Hassall, who chairs the Hurunui District Council’s south ward committee, said the community planned to erect a park bench, picnic table and a display board in the domain to tell the story.
‘‘It is going to be quite exciting,’’ she said.
‘‘The building is long gone and there is nothing to say there was once a geophysics observatory in the domain.
‘‘If we don’t preserve these sites, they are lost forever.’’
She said the process started after a letter was received from an astronomer in Rolleston, alerting the ward committee to the domain’s illustrious past.
A working bee is being planned to clear the area and remove some dead trees, while the Amberley Reserve Advisory Group is going to apply for funding to support the project.
Hassall said it will add value to the site, as there is nowhere for parents to sit while children are playing on the tennis and netball courts at the domain.
‘‘It will be a lovely area when it is finished and there is a beautiful view out to Mt Grey.’’
The observatory was originally established in the Christchurch Botanic Gardens in the 19th century, but was moved to Amberley in 1913, according to a Christchurch City Council report.
‘‘The introduction of the electric tram system affected some of the observatory’s instrumentation making it difficult to obtain accurate records,’’ the report says.
‘‘In 1913 a new magnetograph was acquired and located offsite in the Amberley Domain, North Canterbury.’’
Observations continued at the Christchurch site, alongside the Amberley observatory which was tucked into an embankment.
An article on the teara.govt.nz website says the observatory was moved to Eyrewell, near Oxford, in 1978 due to the growth of Amberley.
The observatories have operated alongside other New Zealand magnetic observatories at Apia in Samoa and Scott Base in Antarctica, with the data shared as part of a global network.
The GNS Science geomagnetics team continues to measure and monitor the magnetic field from the Eyrewell observatory.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Are you planning your next getaway? Organising a holiday is exciting, but the journey itself can sometimes be a little overwhelming. To ensure your trip is smooth from start to finish, here are some top tips from the travel experts at You, Me and Friends to help you avoid common travel pitfalls and… View moreAre you planning your next getaway? Organising a holiday is exciting, but the journey itself can sometimes be a little overwhelming. To ensure your trip is smooth from start to finish, here are some top tips from the travel experts at You, Me and Friends to help you avoid common travel pitfalls and enjoy a carefree vacation.
Click read more for the full story.
With a clever bit of colour matching and spot patching you can have your front door tidied up quickly.
Check out our handy advice to get the job done.
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
North Canterbury's mayors are thrilled a youth employment programme has received funding for another 12 months.
Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston announced $9 million in funding last week, which will allow the Mayors’ … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
North Canterbury's mayors are thrilled a youth employment programme has received funding for another 12 months.
Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston announced $9 million in funding last week, which will allow the Mayors’ Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ) programme to be extended to June 2026.
The announcement followed calls from the mayors recently for funding assurances for the programme, which helps young people get into employment, amid a rising unemployment rate.
Kaikōura district councillor Vicki Gulleford said she was pleased with the announcement.
‘‘We don't know how this will be distributed throughout the participating programmes or what the expected number of outcomes will be.
‘‘However, we are very hopeful that the strong successes Kaikōura has achieved through our previous delivery of the programme will stand us in good stead for continuing with a similar or increased contract for the next year.
‘‘Kaikoura District Council will continue to partner with Te Hā o Mātauranga to deliver the programme locally.’’
The Kaikōura MTFJ programme was contracted for 38 sustainable (at least 91 days), full-time employment placements, for the year to June 30 and placed 48 people, including 44 youth.
The Hurunui programme is contracted for 15 placements, and placed 16 young people.
Hurunui mayor Marie Black said she was ‘‘thrilled there is a longer term vision to enable the programme to continue to grow’’.
‘‘The mahi is important for our young people, to remain connected, confident and contribute to our district.
‘‘This extended focus is important for our wonderful employers and our partnership with MSD.’’
The Waimakariri District Council only joined the programme at the beginning of last year, but has enjoyed some positive outcomes, Mayor Dan Gordon said.
MTFJ Waimakariri facilitator Elizabeth Trevathan said about 130 referrals or contacts from job seekers have been received in the last 12 months.
‘‘On average we have around 40 job seekers actively engaged at any one time.’’
While the Waimakariri programme was funded for 14 placements, it placed 29 people, including 26 youth in the year to June 30.
A further 20 young people have been placed into part-time, casual or fixed term employment contracts.
‘‘This programme is a great example of localism in action,’’ Gordon said.
‘‘It utilises local knowledge and relationships to help young people secure work and start careers that will help them throughout their lives.
‘‘There is a real demand and need for it and our council will be seeking to continue the programme and continue helping young people in Waimakariri.’’
The Ministry of Social Development funds the programme.
Upston said the Government’s focus is on getting people into employment and supporting community-led programmes with a proven track record.
The national unemployment rate continues to climb, reaching 4.6% in the June quarter, with young people aged 16 to 24-years the hardest hit.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Police have arrested every patched member of the Christchurch chapter of the Comancheros yesterday, in a significant operation targeting the gang.
Millions of dollars’ worth of illicit drugs have been seized as Police yesterday terminated about 70 warrants as part of the eight-month … View morePolice have arrested every patched member of the Christchurch chapter of the Comancheros yesterday, in a significant operation targeting the gang.
Millions of dollars’ worth of illicit drugs have been seized as Police yesterday terminated about 70 warrants as part of the eight-month investigation, dubbed Operation Avon.
In total, 29 warrants were executed on addresses and more than 40 warrants executed on vehicles, predominately in the Christchurch area, with a handful in Auckland.
Approximately 5kg of class A drugs were seized, along with 11 firearms, ammunition, and about $250,000 cash.
Eighteen men aged between 18 and 55 were arrested and have been charged, including every patched Comancheros Christchurch member.
As part of enforcement activity Police have also restrained $1.9 million dollars of assets, consisting of an Auckland property and 11 vehicles.
The Christchurch chapter of the Comancheros became a priority target of the National Organised Crime Group (NOCG), supported by Canterbury Police, as their brazen alleged offending spread across New Zealand.
“Early on, our investigation identified significant drug offending involving the Class A controlled drugs methamphetamine and cocaine, and extensive money laundering,” says Detective Inspector Darrin Thomson.
“Class A drugs cause untold harm and misery in our communities and the impact on families is intolerable.
“These groups have no hesitation in peddling drugs and accumulating vehicles and property, with no regard for the destruction they cause in everyday New Zealanders’ lives.
“We have no doubt that this disruption of the Comanchero gang will have a positive impact on the drug supply chain across the country.”
Police allege the gang organised for drugs and cash to be relayed between Auckland and Christchurch every few weeks.
Detective Inspector Thomson said over a million dollars’ worth of drugs at wholesale value were believed to have been moved between the North and South Island, which Police will allege at prosecution equates to more than $15 million street value.
The 18 men have made a first appearance at court in Christchurch and Auckland. Charges include participating in an organised criminal group, conspiracy to supply methamphetamine, and conspiracy to supply cocaine.
Further charges, including money laundering and drug dealing charges, are being considered ahead of future appearances.
“NZ Police is committed to putting an end to the harm organised criminal groups perpetuate across New Zealand,” says Detective Inspector Thomson.
“Operation Avon is holding those responsible to account following a meticulous investigation and coordinated response.
“Pivotally, arresting every member of the chapter will put an end to their unwanted presence in our Christchurch community.”
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