Westland District, Hokitika

Have you got your tickets yet?

Have you got your tickets yet?

For just $15, you could win a fully furnished home in Clarks Beach, Auckland worth over $1 million. Buy your tickets today!

431 days ago

Best Shows to Stream this Labour Long Weekend!

The Team from NZ Compare

Hello Neighbours, are you ready for a relaxing Labor Day long weekend?

If you're looking for some leisurely activities, we've got just the thing – a selection of fantastic shows to enjoy from the comfort of your home!

PLUS, we've got the scoop on broadband providers … View more
Hello Neighbours, are you ready for a relaxing Labor Day long weekend?

If you're looking for some leisurely activities, we've got just the thing – a selection of fantastic shows to enjoy from the comfort of your home!

PLUS, we've got the scoop on broadband providers offering FREE streaming subscriptions! Let's dive in!

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431 days ago
431 days ago

Safer Speed Plan

Christchurch City Council

Lower speeds can saves lives and prevent serious injury. Reducing the speed vehicles travel makes a major difference in a crash. People make mistakes on our roads, and those mistakes shouldn’t cost our neighbours, whānau or pets their lives.

We're asking for … View more
Lower speeds can saves lives and prevent serious injury. Reducing the speed vehicles travel makes a major difference in a crash. People make mistakes on our roads, and those mistakes shouldn’t cost our neighbours, whānau or pets their lives.

We're asking for feedback on a Draft Safer Speed Plan which sets out a three-year implementation plan and 10-year vision for safe speed areas in Christchurch and Banks Peninsula.

To read the plan and give feedback by 25 October visit our website.
Find out more

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435 days ago

Poll: Can you paint a shared fence?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

A common neighbourhood quandary is the shared fence and we wonder what you would do... Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the We Say You Say column of your local paper.

Your fence needs a paint but it's a fence that is shared with your … View more
A common neighbourhood quandary is the shared fence and we wonder what you would do... Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the We Say You Say column of your local paper.

Your fence needs a paint but it's a fence that is shared with your neighbour's property. Do you...

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Can you paint a shared fence?
  • 78.7% Paint just your side and try not to drip paint on theirs
    78.7% Complete
  • 1% Paint both sides while they’re not home
    1% Complete
  • 17.6% Offer to paint the neighbour’s side so it matches
    17.6% Complete
  • 2.8% Decide not to paint it at all as you don’t want to cause conflict
    2.8% Complete
1827 votes
432 days ago

Vote for People's Choice Awards!

The Team from NZ Compare

Wondering about your power, broadband and mobile providers? It's time to have your say!

Voting for the PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARDS in the Power, Broadband and Mobile categories is now open. Click below to VOTE NOW!

Share your voice and VOTE for who you think deserves to WIN … View more
Wondering about your power, broadband and mobile providers? It's time to have your say!

Voting for the PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARDS in the Power, Broadband and Mobile categories is now open. Click below to VOTE NOW!

Share your voice and VOTE for who you think deserves to WIN People's Choice - Power, Broadband and Mobile in New Zealand.
Voting ends on November 17th, 2023.

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434 days ago

WIN $100 Prezzy Card

The Team from NZ Compare

WIN 1 of 5 $100 Prezzy Cards - It's just a few clicks away!
Simply complete our EASY PriceMe survey and get ready to win big!
Ready to win? CLICK below.

But that's not all – your insights will help us create the best deals for Black Friday, tailored just for you.
Get started now… View more
WIN 1 of 5 $100 Prezzy Cards - It's just a few clicks away!
Simply complete our EASY PriceMe survey and get ready to win big!
Ready to win? CLICK below.

But that's not all – your insights will help us create the best deals for Black Friday, tailored just for you.
Get started now and let your voice be heard!

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434 days ago

The Ryman Lifestyle – Your Free Guide

Yvette Williams Retirement Village

When it’s time to explore retirement village options, you have so many choices. So how do you decide what village is best for you? We’ve put together a comprehensive guide explaining all there is to know about Ryman retirement living.

How much does a retirement village cost? What levels of … View more
When it’s time to explore retirement village options, you have so many choices. So how do you decide what village is best for you? We’ve put together a comprehensive guide explaining all there is to know about Ryman retirement living.

How much does a retirement village cost? What levels of care do we provide? The Ryman Guide answers all your questions around finances, living options & what to expect when you move in to one of our thriving village communities.

Get a free copy for yourself & find out why we are New Zealand’s Most Trusted brand in aged care.

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434 days ago

Not everyone is looking forward to Christmas.

Christmas Box

Right now, kiwi families are facing some really big challenges and many find themselves struggling to make ends meet. For some, this will mean Christmas won't be a time to celebrate.

This Christmas, give the gift of hope. With a $40 donation, you have an opportunity to help those who need … View more
Right now, kiwi families are facing some really big challenges and many find themselves struggling to make ends meet. For some, this will mean Christmas won't be a time to celebrate.

This Christmas, give the gift of hope. With a $40 donation, you have an opportunity to help those who need it most. With Christmas Box, 100% of donations go to not only feeding a family with food essentials and treats but will also provide much-needed hope. Only together, can we bring hope to those in need all across Aotearoa. We can't do it alone.
Find out more

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436 days ago

Broadband Costs on the Rise?

The Team from NZ Compare

Have you recently observed your broadband expenses creeping up?

According to our recent Neighbourly poll, a staggering 80% of respondents have remained loyal to the same broadband provider for over 5 years, and within that group, a whopping 80% have been with their provider for more than 10 … View more
Have you recently observed your broadband expenses creeping up?

According to our recent Neighbourly poll, a staggering 80% of respondents have remained loyal to the same broadband provider for over 5 years, and within that group, a whopping 80% have been with their provider for more than 10 years!

Staying loyal could be costing you money! By switching providers, you could save over $300 a year.

If you're currently under contract, here's a tip: set a reminder for the 11th month to compare your options. This way, you won't get automatically rolled onto higher pricing. It's your chance to keep more money in your pocket!

Don't let rising costs get the best of you. Explore your options and save big - check out Broadband Compare and Power Compare to compare different plans and providers!
Compare now

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438 days ago

ANNOUNCING THE WINNER OF KIWI RUGBY FEVER COMPETITION

The Team from NZ Compare

We are Rugby MAD nation! We had an amazing turnout with over 965 entries from rugby fans to back their country for a chance to win a 3-month subscription to Sky Sport Now!

Now, the moment of truth – did you emerge as the lucky winner? CLICK below to find out! But hey, if you missed out on the… View more
We are Rugby MAD nation! We had an amazing turnout with over 965 entries from rugby fans to back their country for a chance to win a 3-month subscription to Sky Sport Now!

Now, the moment of truth – did you emerge as the lucky winner? CLICK below to find out! But hey, if you missed out on the competition, don't worry! We've got a BONUS rugby family GIVEAWAY just for you. Check out our featured post here: www.facebook.com...

And here's the game plan: Stay connected with NZ Compare for the freshest broadband and power deals, along with exciting competitions. We're your money-saving champions! CLICK HERE to discover more: www.nzcompare.com...

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438 days ago

Shelve it

The Team from Resene ColorShop Timaru

Maximise that awkward corner or otherwise inaccessible space with sleek fitted shelves painted in Resene paints.
Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.

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438 days ago

Win your own Whitianga holiday home in time for summer!

The Team from Heart Foundation NZ

The Heart Foundation Lottery No. 144 is now open. For as little as one $15 ticket, you will be in the draw to win a brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home worth just over a million dollars in beautiful Whitianga. There are also other great prizes to be won, including overseas holidays, $10,000 … View moreThe Heart Foundation Lottery No. 144 is now open. For as little as one $15 ticket, you will be in the draw to win a brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home worth just over a million dollars in beautiful Whitianga. There are also other great prizes to be won, including overseas holidays, $10,000 cash and a new Toyota hybrid. Proceeds from all tickets help to fund life-saving heart research. Someone will win this incredible home on 30 November. Now that would make it a summer to remember!

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439 days ago

Franz Josef given two options to manage ‘most dangerous flood plain in the country’

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

By local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:

Just two options have been proposed to manage the "dangerous" threat posed by the flood-prone Waiho River to the wider Franz Josef community.

In a heated community meeting at Franz Josef on Wednesday, the West Coast Regional Council … View more
By local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:

Just two options have been proposed to manage the "dangerous" threat posed by the flood-prone Waiho River to the wider Franz Josef community.

In a heated community meeting at Franz Josef on Wednesday, the West Coast Regional Council suggested two options: do nothing or sacrifice the southern stopbanks.

For years the community has been waiting for answers on what would be done about what one official described as potentially the "most dangerous flood plain in the country".

The Waiho River has been changing its course and rising due to sediment build up, putting rural properties and Franz Josef at risk.

Anger was palpable at times among a crowd of 50 on Wednesday, with one man walking out while graphically expressing his frustration.

"We have had no meeting for four years and it's a lack of respect for us," Waiho Flat land owner Sonia Pettigrew said.

"There's media here now, and our land values are plummeting."

South side farmer Graham Berry said it was "ridiculous" affected landowners were not involved in the process to decide on a strategy.

Berry said it was "galling" it had come to this, as officials had suggested three years ago to move State Highway 6 within five years, with promises about Waiho Flat plans.

"F... you. I'm not going to take this any more ... That plan was meant to be there with action within five years.

"We know the risk," Berry said.

Council chief executive Darryl Lew said "this is the country's new Esk Valley". "This is probably the most dangerous flood plain in the country right now."

He said his biggest concern was the risk to people.

The Waiho River burst its banks in 2019, flooding the rural Waiho Flat community and causing stress over its future.

"We've got to come together as a community with the councils and make an approach to Government. We can't do this ourselves," Lew said.

Council chairperson Peter Haddock acknowledged and apologised for the level of grievances, saying they were trying to get to the bottom of it.

Until six months ago, Haddock said he wanted to "hold the line," believing the rate of sedimentation and the existing stopbank alignment on both sides would give them years before action was needed.

However, he said he changed his mind after hearing new expert evidence and it would be doing the community "an injustice" to let it lie.

"How long has Franz left? Maybe 20 years. If we let the banks go on the south side, maybe three times longer," Haddock said.

"The community has to decide whether to hope like hell or plan things. I understand this is people's lives, this is people's properties. It's a horrendous thing."

He said central Government had to come to the party.

"I believe it would be a very brave government to turn down a plan … I urge you to try and think seriously about this and look at the options. I don't think the Government can walk away from a river that powerful."

Both local MPs, Damien O'Connor and Maureen Pugh, sent apologies for not attending the meeting.

A technical explanation at the meeting, led by river engineers and hyrdrologists, emphasised the preferred option to secure the township on the Waiho north bank, for the medium term, and systematically remove the southern stopbanks starting in about five years.

This has been suggested previously.

The community were asked last night to come back within weeks with their views and council has promised another meeting to talk things through.

Lew said he had spoken with both major parties and officials, and he knew they needed a united community voice to get government help.

"We want to stand with you."

It would require a deal of the size and scale as that seen in the North Island after Cyclone Gabrielle.

Almost $9 million from the original Waiho River protection package, set three years ago, was still set aside.

But it would not be released until they had a clear business plan from both councils and Te Rūnanga o Makaawhio.

Lew proposed the previously allocated money be used to assess how to begin a buyout assessment, as well as plan the progressive staged retreat.

But he said a lot needed to be done to achieve that, including getting the Government to cough up more money - expected to be hundreds of millions of dollars.

River engineer Matt Gardner, who has been modelling the aggradation rate in the Waiho bed for years, illustrated the effect of doing nothing with the constricted river.

There was a risk of "catastrophic failure" of the stopbanks on both sides in a natural event.

The Alpine Fault risk was also significant in that.

In the next 10 years, it was predicted the river bed would be 3m higher if nothing was done, or 1m higher if the south stopbanks were let go.

As it was, the river bed was already higher than the Franz Josef township on the north side, behind the existing stopbanks.

Under the 10-year plan, the southern stopbanks would be removed in a staged approach - after assets like moving State Highway 6 had been worked through and funded.

Lew, who has a river hydrology background, said within a month of arriving in June, he saw the river rapidly move into the Tatare catchment, to the north.

"The bed levels [are] rising at a rate never before seen in the river."

He assessed the state of the existing stopbank system and became really concerned about "catastrophic failure", he said.

On top of that, there was the frequency and magnitude of floods in the river.

"We need a plan here, and unfortunately we haven't had a plan."

442 days ago

Poll: What issues influence your vote most?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

October 14th is the last day for voting in the General Election 2023. And while there are some policies that are nice to have, there are other issues that are imperative to us. Where do your priorities lie this election? From the options below, choose what is swaying your vote the most.

Type … View more
October 14th is the last day for voting in the General Election 2023. And while there are some policies that are nice to have, there are other issues that are imperative to us. Where do your priorities lie this election? From the options below, choose what is swaying your vote the most.

Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.

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What issues influence your vote most?
  • 3.2% Education
    3.2% Complete
  • 24.2% Health
    24.2% Complete
  • 8.1% Environment
    8.1% Complete
  • 6% Housing
    6% Complete
  • 18.7% Justice/Law
    18.7% Complete
  • 2.2% Infrastructure
    2.2% Complete
  • 0.4% Defence and foreign affairs
    0.4% Complete
  • 2.5% Community & Inclusion
    2.5% Complete
  • 7.5% Income & Employment
    7.5% Complete
  • 22.3% Economy
    22.3% Complete
  • 4.9% Other - I'll share below
    4.9% Complete
1929 votes
440 days ago

High Fashion & Heritage Styles

Yvette Williams Retirement Village

Getting dressed for the day took on a new meaning as members of a fashion troupe quickly donned gowns, bodices and petticoats in a fast-moving fashion show for Ryman residents.

Corsets and bustles were show off at every twist and turn. There were multiple outfit changes for the Yvette Williams … View more
Getting dressed for the day took on a new meaning as members of a fashion troupe quickly donned gowns, bodices and petticoats in a fast-moving fashion show for Ryman residents.

Corsets and bustles were show off at every twist and turn. There were multiple outfit changes for the Yvette Williams Village event, as the fashion models made the most of an Otepoti Dunedin Heritage Festival event.

Historical costumer Lorraine Clark has been showing off Regency, Victorian and Edwardian garments throughout the South Island since 2005. She and Wilma Graham are two of the original members. Known as, Images of the Past, the group wear historically-accurate period garb.

Click to read the full story.

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