Mackenzie District, Lake Tekapo

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228 days ago

The perfect treat this Mother's Day

Sunday Star Times

This Mother's Day treat yourself or a loved one with the ultimate Sunday self-care gift.

Purchase a discounted subscription to Sunday Star-Times before 12 May, and receive a FREE Antipodes Maya Hyaluronic 72-Hour Hydration Serum worth $56*. Find out more below.

Gifting a subscription? … View more
This Mother's Day treat yourself or a loved one with the ultimate Sunday self-care gift.

Purchase a discounted subscription to Sunday Star-Times before 12 May, and receive a FREE Antipodes Maya Hyaluronic 72-Hour Hydration Serum worth $56*. Find out more below.

Gifting a subscription? Add a personalised e-card to your order to make your gift even more special. Offer ends next week so don’t miss out! T&Cs apply, promo code must be applied.
Find out more

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228 days ago

Lack of investment remains a concern – ECan councillors

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

A lack of investment remains a concern as Environment Canterbury backs the region’s transport plan.

The regional council voted to adopt the 2024-34 Canterbury Regional Land Transport Plan at a council meeting on Tuesday afternoon.

But councillors … View more
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

A lack of investment remains a concern as Environment Canterbury backs the region’s transport plan.

The regional council voted to adopt the 2024-34 Canterbury Regional Land Transport Plan at a council meeting on Tuesday afternoon.

But councillors expressed concerns at a perceived lack of funding from central Government and a potential funding shortfall.

The Canterbury Regional Transport Committee, comprising the region’s 10 mayors, gave its approval to the plan at a meeting on April 18.

Councillor Deon Swiggs said the there had been under-investment in transport and infrastructure in the South Island for too long.

‘‘It is a relatively good plan, but we need to get on top of the funding because we are getting behind in Canterbury and in the entire South Island.’’

He was also concerned at the lack of a timeframe set out for the implementation of the proposed mass rapid transport for Greater Christchurch.

Environment Canterbury principal strategy advisor Clare Pattison said the regional transport plan set out priorities for transport in the region.

But the timings would ultimately be set by Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency and the regional council.

She said the council could refer questions back to the regional transport committee if there were concerns.

Councillor Grant Edge said if the council did not adopt the plan by the June deadline, it would put at risk funding for Canterbury’s roading projects.

Councillor Vicky Southworth said funding was issue which ‘‘continues to be raised’’.

‘‘Hopefully something changes, but we have to put our best foot forward and hope we get the support.’’

The plan proposed an investment of $10.8 billion over 10 years, which would double the region’s transport investment.

But it will require a $4.6b contribution from central Government.
Key projects include the proposed Woodend Bypass and a second Ashburton bridge.

The plan also includes public transport improvements for Greater Christchurch, which are dependent on Government support.

It will now be submitted to Waka Kotahi to be included in the National Land Transport Plan.

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

229 days ago
230 days ago

Caring For You Like Family

The Team from Ryman Healthcare

91-year-old Dora is a rest home resident at Ryman.

Between family gatherings, bus trips and village activities, she certainly enjoys a full life. With the many friendships she’s made, the caregivers and village staff have become an extension of her family.

Hear about Dora’s experienceView more
91-year-old Dora is a rest home resident at Ryman.

Between family gatherings, bus trips and village activities, she certainly enjoys a full life. With the many friendships she’s made, the caregivers and village staff have become an extension of her family.

Hear about Dora’s experience living in a Ryman community.
Find out more

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231 days ago

New Lottery, New Home

Heart Foundation Lotteries

For only $15 a ticket, you could be in to win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home located in stunning Papamoa, worth just over $1 million.

Featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms and an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area, this home is waiting to be loved by its new owner.

Make… View more
For only $15 a ticket, you could be in to win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home located in stunning Papamoa, worth just over $1 million.

Featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms and an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area, this home is waiting to be loved by its new owner.

Make this property your permanent residence, a holiday home, a rental, or you can simply sell it! Get your tickets today.
Find out more

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232 days ago

The perfect treat this Mother's Day

Sunday Star Times

This Mother's Day treat yourself or a loved one with the ultimate Sunday self-care gift.

Purchase a discounted subscription to Sunday Star-Times before 12 May, and receive a FREE Antipodes Maya Hyaluronic 72-Hour Hydration Serum worth $56*. Find out more below.

Gifting a subscription? … View more
This Mother's Day treat yourself or a loved one with the ultimate Sunday self-care gift.

Purchase a discounted subscription to Sunday Star-Times before 12 May, and receive a FREE Antipodes Maya Hyaluronic 72-Hour Hydration Serum worth $56*. Find out more below.

Gifting a subscription? Add a personalised e-card to your order to make your gift even more special. Offer ends next week so don’t miss out! T&Cs apply, promo code must be applied.
Find out more

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237 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 … View moreFunerals 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?
  • 83.9% Yes
    83.9% Complete
  • 13.9% No
    13.9% Complete
  • 2.2% Other - I'll share below!
    2.2% Complete
1975 votes
234 days 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 … View more
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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234 days ago
236 days ago

Celebrating Our Resident Authors On World Book Day

Ngaio Marsh Retirement Village

It was World Book Day on the 23rd of April, so what better time to celebrate some of our talented residents who have published books.

They range from children’s books, to poems, from non-fiction to a first novel - and all are proof that there is no age limit when it comes to creativity!

View more
It was World Book Day on the 23rd of April, so what better time to celebrate some of our talented residents who have published books.

They range from children’s books, to poems, from non-fiction to a first novel - and all are proof that there is no age limit when it comes to creativity!

Click read more for the full story.

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236 days ago

Poll: Who is the 2024 Prospa Local Business Hero?

Prospa

It's clear that small businesses can really be the backbone of a community. It’s been a joy to read the Prospa Local Business Hero nominations from around the country and we’ve now decided upon eight finalists.

With $10,000 worth of prizes up for grabs, it's up to you to decide who… View more
It's clear that small businesses can really be the backbone of a community. It’s been a joy to read the Prospa Local Business Hero nominations from around the country and we’ve now decided upon eight finalists.

With $10,000 worth of prizes up for grabs, it's up to you to decide who deserves the title of 2024 Prospa Local Business Hero.

So have a read of the nominations below and cast your vote...

Mary & Sam Danielson - The Puketapu Hotel
Hawkes Bay
'On Feb 14, 2023, Cyclone Gabrielle flooded many of the rural areas. Puketapu Hotel went under perhaps half a meter of water. However, immediately Mary Danielson and her son, Sam Danielson, along with their loyal staff pulled it together to cook copious amounts of food that without electricity would have been wasted. Throughout the years many of us have been treated with a pub gathering where we can reconnect and a free meal. At Christmas there was Santa, games, gifts for kids, donated patchwork for adults, an ice cream truck and lots of camaraderie.
This February on the cyclone anniversary, they again pulled out the stops to give hundreds of us a special night. We are all tired of the cyclone cleanup and they understood that it was needed.'

Ian Harvey (& Des Banks) - Flower Bazaar
Christchurch
'I'd like to nominate my local florist, Ian and Des at Flower Bazaar on Innes Rd, Chirstchurch. The friendliest guys you could meet, always supporting their fellow retailers in the area and going above and beyond for their customers. They know my family well, and when my mother sadly passed away last July they even went out of their way to close the shop and come to her memorial service. With cost of living issues for a lot of us nowadays, it can't be easy for small businesses, especially those not selling everyday essentials. It's important we support each other and keep these little guys afloat. I can't sing their praises enough. I hope they win something, they really do deserve it.'

Vivienne Shepherd - The Glass Button Tailor
Whangārei
'The proprietor of this business is so kind. She will come to your home or business to discuss your need for repairs alterations or bespoke requirement. As it is often impossible to give a quote for work to do with tailoring she will give a guesstimate, if her time exceed this figure, she will charge that figure no more. But if the work takes less time, this will be the figure. Also, a client who eventually came to Vivienne had taken, a dress she very much liked, to another repair and alteration business who messed it up. Vivienne adjusted to fit well, straightened the one to straight back seam as well as other adjustments. She spent hours on it but charged well less than this time, due to empathy for the disappointment created by the bad job. Vivienne Shepherd is truly focused on doing the best by her clients. She definitely pursues excellence.'

Aaron Hickmott - Master of Gingerbread
Palmerston North
'He consistently turns out a wide range of biscuits on the shelves in both standard AND gluten free versions - he's our go-to when we need a treat to take to dinner at a longtime friend's place who requires gluten free food. His specialty is gingerbread of course and he sells Gingerbread House kitsets to people all over NZ!
The shop is small but inviting and he keeps loyalty cards for regular customers, bonus treats! I only found out recently that he struggled with dyslexia and left school early, but is a born baker and has gone from strength to strength. Long may he practice his craft!'

Alicia Sinclair & the Team - Atawhai Industries
New Plymouth
'Definitely Atawhai Industries New Plymouth. Great crew and management. Prompt service, experienced skilled workers who are cheerful and polite. I was very impressed with the dangerous job they had to do for me and will definitely be calling them for future work. They do so much for the community and help get work for people who would otherwise have difficulties.'

Jitesh Patel - Creswick Foodmarket
Wellington
'I'd like to nominate Jitesh & Hine at Creswick Foodmarket, Northland. Their tidy shop has everything one might need. And if what I am looking for is not there, they consider bringing it in for me. This avoids a lot of travelling across town for me. They also are very community-minded, contributing quietly to events and kids club. I'm glad they are in my community.'

Nicola Read, John Read & Team - Read Bros - Hardware
Thames
'I'd like to nominate Read Bros in Thames. The staff are so knowledgeable and helpful. If it's not in stock they will order it in for you. There you get treated as a person, rather than a number.'

Paul Ayers - Ayers Shoes Repairs
Dunedin
'I'd like to nominate Ayers Shoe Repairs in Hillside Road of Dunedin. They repair many things, not just shoes. Paul does a great job at a very reasonable price. They rang me as soon as my job was ready to collect. They are friendly and helpful.'

Vote for your pick in the poll below...

Who is the 2024 Prospa Local Business Hero?
  • 33.8% Mary & Sam Danielson - The Puketapu Hotel
    33.8% Complete
  • 9.5% Ian Harvey - Flower Bazaar
    9.5% Complete
  • 3.3% Vivienne Shepherd - The Glass Button Tailor
    3.3% Complete
  • 15% Aaron Hickmott - Master of Gingerbread
    15% Complete
  • 5.2% The Team - Atawhai Industries
    5.2% Complete
  • 20.6% Jitesh Patel - Creswick Foodmarket
    20.6% Complete
  • 3.9% Nicola Read & Team - Read Bros Hardware
    3.9% Complete
  • 8.6% Paul Ayers - Ayers Shoes Repairs
    8.6% Complete
811 votes
236 days ago

Thinking of going duck hunting this year?

Te Tari Pūreke

Hi neighbours - to those of you taking part in the opening weekend of duck season, or beyond, the team at Te Tari Pūreke – Firearms Safety Authority hope you will stay safe. We’ve got some simple hints, tips and useful links on our hunter safety page.

Make this duck season a great one by … View more
Hi neighbours - to those of you taking part in the opening weekend of duck season, or beyond, the team at Te Tari Pūreke – Firearms Safety Authority hope you will stay safe. We’ve got some simple hints, tips and useful links on our hunter safety page.

Make this duck season a great one by following the seven rules of firearms safety. We urge duck hunters to treat every shotgun in the maimai as loaded, and to save the drinks until after firearms have been safely locked away for the day. Remember, it takes more than luck to bag a duck.

Mike McIlraith – Director of Partnerships
Find out more

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236 days ago

You’re invited to join our Resene wallpaper experts for an evening of wallpaper inspiration!

The Team from Resene ColorShop Timaru

Learn about the latest wallpaper trends

See the latest wallpaper collections

Learn tips and tricks on hanging wallpaper

Get all your wallpaper questions answered

View more
Learn about the latest wallpaper trends

See the latest wallpaper collections

Learn tips and tricks on hanging wallpaper

Get all your wallpaper questions answered

It's free to attend.

Timaru Resene ColorShop
30-32 Bank Street, Timaru

Wednesday 8 May 2024 5.30pm - 8pm

If you’d like to attend this free wallpaper evening, please RSVP to
timaru.colorshop@resene.co.nz
We look forward to seeing you!

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241 days ago

Lest we forget...

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

On this ANZAC Day, let's take a moment to remember and honor the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our country.

Tell us who are you honouring today. Whether it's a story from the battlefield or a memory of a family member who fought in the war, we'd love … View more
On this ANZAC Day, let's take a moment to remember and honor the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our country.

Tell us who are you honouring today. Whether it's a story from the battlefield or a memory of a family member who fought in the war, we'd love you to share your stories below.

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