Saint James Range, Hanmer Springs

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34 days ago

Aged Advisor People's Choice Award Winners - for the fifth time!

Ernest Rutherford Retirement Village

We're proud to be named Best Provider Nationwide - for the fifth time - at the 2024 Aged Advisor People’s Choice Awards for Best Retirement Village and Aged Care Facilities.

The high ratings and reviews we receive from our residents and their families reflects the effort our team puts … View more
We're proud to be named Best Provider Nationwide - for the fifth time - at the 2024 Aged Advisor People’s Choice Awards for Best Retirement Village and Aged Care Facilities.

The high ratings and reviews we receive from our residents and their families reflects the effort our team puts into providing the best possible experience for our residents.

Our passion is creating communities where our residents can thrive. Receiving this award for the fifth time tells us that we’re on the right track.

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36 days ago

Bird house

Resene

It’s easy to create your own colourful bird house from an old wooden box and some Resene testpots. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions. Find out more

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39 days ago

Resene October sale on now!

Resene

Save 25% on Resene quality paints, wood stains, primers and wallpapers at Resene ColorShops!
Choose from our huge range of paints and colours designed and made in New Zealand. Bring out the best in your home with Resene, NZ’s Most Trusted Paint.
Find out more

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40 days ago

Ryman’s Walk in Wednesdays

The Team from Ryman Healthcare

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.
Find out more

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41 days ago

Win this brand new home!

Heart Foundation Lottery

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 is waiting to be loved by its new … View more
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 is waiting to be loved by its new owner.

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41 days ago

Maintaining independence as we age

Ernest Rutherford Retirement Village

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.

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45 days ago

Toadstool table

Resene

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.
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45 days ago

Delays place doubt on Hanmer flyride project

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

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 more
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 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.

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54 days ago

Vanessa

The Team from Humans of Christchurch Ōtautahi

“Giggly girt! Giggly girt!”

“See I got my hair cut on Friday. I've got my hair band to keep it up. See? Like this I keep it up.

Biscuit Blair - she's my favourite woman. And you. And that cheeky lady over there.

My last name is Rule. I'll write it down for you, … View more
“Giggly girt! Giggly girt!”

“See I got my hair cut on Friday. I've got my hair band to keep it up. See? Like this I keep it up.

Biscuit Blair - she's my favourite woman. And you. And that cheeky lady over there.

My last name is Rule. I'll write it down for you, you silly old duff.
I was born on West Coast. I moved here when I was a little girl.

I like doing pictures here that’s why I like pictures. Doing art. I like going for a walk. I come here Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday.

My sister, I go see her on Saturday. Have a cup of coffee, at home. She's five, nine. 59. I'm five, seven, 57. This year I'll be 58. My birthday's on a Thursday. I'm having chocolate cake and pizza. And lolly ice cream.
Some people are noisy. Nicholas, and Peter and Chris, they are my friends and that giggly girt over there.

I get headache sometimes at other work, because noisy.

I'm happy here. I could go for a walk if I want to. I'm good.”

- Vanessa, White Room Creative Spaces

The White Room is a community creative space that removes barriers to
making art. Through this, artists build confidence and connections and
embrace new opportunities.

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47 days ago

No decision yet on Hanmer flyride

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

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 more
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 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.

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48 days ago

Changing the conversation around dementia

Ernest Rutherford Retirement Village

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 more
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, 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.

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61 days ago

Kalle

The Team from Humans of Christchurch Ōtautahi

"Sports and travelling run in the family, and that's kind of what's led me to come to New Zealand."

"I grew up in a small town in Finland. My dad was involved with sports all his life, he was a shot putter, discus thrower, powerlifter, we traveled quite a bit when I was … View more
"Sports and travelling run in the family, and that's kind of what's led me to come to New Zealand."

"I grew up in a small town in Finland. My dad was involved with sports all his life, he was a shot putter, discus thrower, powerlifter, we traveled quite a bit when I was a kid. He never mentioned much of the rugby days. He just said he broke both of his shin bones playing rugby, so he said, ‘never play the sport, It's crazy.’

I started playing when I was 18. I played my first cap for the Finnish national team in 2014, we won the Finnish championship with my club. Rugby is not a big thing in Finland.

I moved here to play rugby in 2017. The club that wanted me to come over was Methven Rugby Club. They got me here and they were like, ‘what do you do for work? I’d just finished chef school in Finland. ‘We'll get you a job at Mount Hutt as a chef, you can do that while you play rugby with us.’ I said, ‘Perfect. Yeah, I'm in’.

I've always loved food. My mum was an amazing cook, and still is. When I was studying tourism I worked in some hotels in Finland, and I saw how the chef's worked. I just loved the kitchen vibe and I was like, Yeah, that’d be something I'd love to do.

I've had more of a culinary journey In New Zealand than in Finland. I started at Mount Hutt, after that I worked at The Dubliner in Methven. I worked as a senior pizza chef at Sal’s for maybe six months then worked as chef de partie at Cellar Door. At Eliza's Manor, I worked myself up to a junior sous chef. Then the opportunity came to work my first head chef job at Moon Under Water.

We're privileged to have a busy atmosphere, we can try new things and get a bit creative. There are no TV’s, just come here with your family or with your mates, play board games, to socialise.

I really want to drive the local food and ingredients through the menu. We don't mind spending more for quality ingredients as long as it's supporting New Zealand businesses. We just love to use local. And it's pub food, but I feel like it's elevated.

I play club rugby here for the Christchurch Football Club, the oldest club in New Zealand and I still play regularly for the Finnish national team, whenever they can fly me over to play."

- Kalle

View more stories, or nominate someone: @humansofchch
www.humansofchch.org......

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52 days ago

Tray chic

Resene

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.

Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
Find out more

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57 days ago

New lottery, new home

Heart Foundation Lottery

Soak 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,… View more
Soak 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.

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

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68 days ago

Hero

The Team from Humans of Christchurch Ōtautahi

“I was born and raised in war. To be honest, those are not good memories.

I really like Iran, and I really miss it, but I couldn’t be myself there. Even though my family didn’t like my decision, I left Iran. I promised myself that I would do whatever I can for all communities, especially … View more
“I was born and raised in war. To be honest, those are not good memories.

I really like Iran, and I really miss it, but I couldn’t be myself there. Even though my family didn’t like my decision, I left Iran. I promised myself that I would do whatever I can for all communities, especially for the kids, so they do not have the same experience I had.

I studied software engineering in Iran and left in 2006. I went to Malaysia and stayed in Kuala Lumpur for seven years. I was admitted to Lincoln University to do my PhD here, but unfortunately, I couldn’t afford the expenses. I requested a scholarship, but they told me I had to be there for six months first. So, I stayed in Malaysia and did my PhD in network security. In December 2013, I came to New Zealand with a work visa.

It took me a while to connect with the Iranian community here. I volunteered with the Multicultural Council, SPCA, and community patrol, and I established the Christchurch Iranian Society in 2017. Before that, I started working on Radio Toranj, the only Farsi-language radio show in New Zealand.

One of the reasons I started organizing cultural events was to showcase Iranian culture. I wanted to show people that we have delicious food, colorful dresses, traditional customs, and our own instruments. My hope was to show people that we are not what you see in the media.

I am working to involve all the communities that celebrate Nowruz, the Persian New Year, in the Nowruz festival in March 2025. We want to share this celebration not only with our community but with the public as well. It’s better when it’s shared.

I remember the first time someone from Dunedin called me and asked, Hero, can you help? Something happened, and they keep declining Iranian visa applications. When I heard that, I felt insulted. We are still human, so how can they do that?

Through this journey, I’ve learned a lot. Every single day, people with different cases call me, and I try to share my knowledge and guide them as much as I can.

I have received several awards, including the Christchurch Civic Award and an Award of Recognition for my contributions to the community during the pandemic. In 2021, I established Canterbury Kia Ora Academy, a charitable trust. Through this charity, I can help other communities as well, not just the Iranian community.”

- Hero

View more stories, or nominate someone: @humansofchch
www.humansofchch.org......

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