28 days ago

Why We Change the Clocks

The Team from NZ Compare

Time to FALL BACK! Use that extra hour to compare your bills with NZ Compare and you could save hundreds of dollars!

Daylight saving ends Sunday at 0300, don't forget to adjust your clocks!

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More messages from your neighbours
1 day ago

Kaikōura council makes key appointment, recruitment challenges remain

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Key appointments have been made at Kaikōura's council, but there are still gaps to fill as it struggles to find staff.

Staff recruitment has been a headache for the Kaikōura District Council in recent years, but chief executive Will Doughty says he has finally appointed a new building control manager.

The council has had vacancies in its building department for more than two years.

‘‘We are consistently chasing our tail looking to get some replacements and we have had good support from contractors and other councils in the building space.

‘‘But it is good to get a full-time role based here.’’

Doughty said other Canterbury councils have been providing support with building inspections and consenting over the last two years, particularly the Hurunui District Council.

Glen Vaughan will be moving from the Central Otago District Council to be the new building control manager in Kaikōura, starting on July 1.

A new building administrator and a new emergency management officer have also been appointed.

But the position of building control officer remains vacant after more than two years, while there is also a vacancy for a part-time customer services officer.

Despite the lack of permanent building staff based in Kaikōura, the council has received a favourable accreditation assessment from International Accreditation New Zealand (IANZ).

‘‘It is a credit to the team that we have no significant non-compliances and seven general non-compliances,’’ Doughty said.

‘‘This is an outstanding result.’’

Should the council address the general non-compliance issues by July it will be classified as a ‘‘low risk’’ building control authority, with the next assessment due in 2026.

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

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4 days ago

Poll: Would you want an unconventional funeral?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Funerals can cost as much as $22,000 and the planning can be stressful especially at a time when loved ones are grieving. Some New Zealanders are re-imagining funerals by making their own coffin or having a relaxed ceremony at home. Would you want a less traditional funeral? Share your thoughts below.

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

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Would you want an unconventional funeral?
  • 83.4% Yes
    83.4% Complete
  • 14.3% No
    14.3% Complete
  • 2.2% Other - I'll share below!
    2.2% Complete
1787 votes
1 day ago

Spoil someone special this Mother’s Day

mags4gifts.co.nz

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, we’ve got you covered. Enjoy up to 34% off 1-year magazine subscriptions and grab a gift for yourself or a mother figure that’ll last all year long!

With over 50 titles to choose from, there’s something for everyone at mags4gifts.co.nz. To make your gift even more special, make sure to click the “This order is a gift” box to add a free personalised e-card to your order. Mother’s Day offers end at midnight on 11 May, so don’t miss out! T&Cs apply.
Find out more

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