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195 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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196 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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197 days ago

Queenstown's 'singing dog' to remain muzzled, after attacking other dogs

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Otago News

From reporter Debbie Jamieson:

Happy the singing sheepdog is not as happy as he once was, and neither is his owner.

Kim Turton has been busking on Queenstown’s lake front for 28 years and has been joined by his “best friend” Happy during the last seven years.

However, in March this … View more
From reporter Debbie Jamieson:

Happy the singing sheepdog is not as happy as he once was, and neither is his owner.

Kim Turton has been busking on Queenstown’s lake front for 28 years and has been joined by his “best friend” Happy during the last seven years.

However, in March this year, Happy bit another dog and was classified as menacing by the Queenstown Lakes District Council.

Turton appealed but a decision from the council’s hearing panel this week upheld the classification, noting there had been previous dog-on-dog attacks involving Happy in the last two years.

The council had undertaken education and infringement enforcement action previously. The classification was the next appropriate enforcement tool, the decision said.

Turton argued he had not been treated fairly by the council and the sight of the muzzle made people wary of approaching him, which affected his income from busking.

“I used to make a living here, but now I’m struggling,” he said.

“Happy doesn’t like it, of course, but he still loves singing, and he still sings with me.”

Recently, Turton was approached by a man accusing him of being cruel by muzzling Happy.

“He told me to pack up, so I did. I don’t want a complaint,” he said.

Turton objected to many aspects of the council’s case against him, believing it was a personal vendetta by a staff member and that some evidence was misrepresented.

He was now seeking the advice of a lawyer before considering whether to go to the ombudsman or police with his concerns.

He was left feeling that he couldn’t trust anyone, he said.

“Really I just want to finish this. It’s been four months of hell for me.

“Ten times a day people ask me about the muzzle, and it makes me feel stressed and angry once again.”

Turton told the panel he adopted Happy when Happy was three months old, and he had become his best friend, the decision said.

“When [Turton] first got him, [Happy] was a ‘screwed up puppy that came from a car crash’ and he did not respond to professional dog training, but after being neutered, his whole demeanour had changed, and he became a normal dog."

Turton stressed that he always had Happy on a lead, whether it be a normal lead or lead attached to his foot, as he said it was when the latest incident happened.

The panel was concerned that just having Happy on a lead would not mitigate the risk of Happy attacking another dog.

“We consider it apparent that Happy is nervous of other dogs coming into his space in this environment and his reaction is to be aggressive, and this has occurred several times over the years.

“Action has been taken to address this behaviour in the form of education and placement of cones to mark his area, but there continues to be a problem,” the decision said.

The panel acknowledged that Happy had not shown aggression towards people, only dogs.

198 days ago

Ryman Healthcare & Black Ferns: It takes a village

The Team from Ryman Healthcare

Ryman Healthcare is proud to champion the women's game like never before. We are committed to supporting initiatives that empower women and celebrate their achievements, showcased through our official partnership with the Black Ferns and Black Ferns Sevens.

Our partnership brings a host of … View more
Ryman Healthcare is proud to champion the women's game like never before. We are committed to supporting initiatives that empower women and celebrate their achievements, showcased through our official partnership with the Black Ferns and Black Ferns Sevens.

Our partnership brings a host of benefits that contribute to the growth and development of women's rugby. Together, we aim to inspire the next generation of players and foster a vibrant community around the sport. Click here to learn more.
Learn more now

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198 days ago

Poll: What Hits Hardest?

The Team from NZ Compare

Hello Neighbours! We all understand bills are piling up for everyone.
What's been hitting your wallet the hardest lately, making you cringe every time you pay for it?

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What Hits Hardest?
  • 14.5% Power/Gas
    14.5% Complete
  • 60.9% Groceries
    60.9% Complete
  • 2.2% Broadband/Phone
    2.2% Complete
  • 22.5% Insurance
    22.5% Complete
1051 votes
200 days ago

Win this brand-new Whitianga home!

Heart Foundation

Choose retreat or residence as the winner of this brand-new, fully furnished home in beautiful Whitianga.

For only $15 a ticket, you could be in to win this Jennian home in the Coromandel worth over $1 million. Featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms, two outdoor decks and an open-plan kitchen,… View more
Choose retreat or residence as the winner of this brand-new, fully furnished home in beautiful Whitianga.

For only $15 a ticket, you could be in to win this Jennian home in the Coromandel worth over $1 million. Featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms, two outdoor decks and an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area, this home is waiting to be lived in and loved by its new owners.

Make this property your permanent residence, a holiday home, rent it or even sell it – it could be all yours! Be in to win by purchasing your tickets today.
Buy tickets now

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202 days ago

Sickness, boiled water and another hit for Queenstown businesses

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Otago News

Thousands of New Zealanders are drinking water at risk of carrying the same parasite that is causing sickness and disrupting business in Queenstown.

Drinking water providers installed barriers to neutralise or eliminate protozoa such as cryptosporidium and giardia. The barrier was usually … View more
Thousands of New Zealanders are drinking water at risk of carrying the same parasite that is causing sickness and disrupting business in Queenstown.

Drinking water providers installed barriers to neutralise or eliminate protozoa such as cryptosporidium and giardia. The barrier was usually either UV equipment or a fine mesh.

Despite legislation requiring protozoa barriers to be in place in New Zealand since 2014, the water supply drawn from the apparently pristine Lake Wakatipu and feeding central Queenstown did not have one.

The cryptosporidium outbreak was confirmed by September 18 and the Queenstown Lakes District Council quickly imposed a boil water notice in the town. Ongoing testing had failed to reveal a source of the outbreak, but the water supply was considered the most likely.

The council predicted it could be December before a protozoa barrier was in place and the boil water notice was lifted.

Water regulator Taumata Arowai had been assessing water supplies across the country to ensure they had protozoa barriers in place, prior to the Queenstown outbreak.

On Thursday, it said 84 drinking water supplies did not have a protozoa barrier in place, affecting more than 310,000 New Zealanders - 295,000 of those in the South Island.

It put the 27 councils involved on notice to have a plan and funds locked in to fix their drinking water supplies by June next year.

Putting the barriers in place could cost anywhere from tens of thousands of dollars to millions, and it was money the councils would have to find.

Read reporter Debbie Jamieson's full story here.

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204 days ago

Get decorating and save with Resene!

Resene

Now’s the perfect time to get decorating with 25% off Resene premium paints, wood stains, primers, sealers, wallpaper, decorating accessories and cleaning products at Resene ColorShops. Choose from thousands of colours and get your favourites tinted in Eco Choice approved Resene paints.

Ask … View more
Now’s the perfect time to get decorating with 25% off Resene premium paints, wood stains, primers, sealers, wallpaper, decorating accessories and cleaning products at Resene ColorShops. Choose from thousands of colours and get your favourites tinted in Eco Choice approved Resene paints.

Ask our staff for expert advice on everything from choosing the right colour and paint to how to apply it for the best finish.
Find out more

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206 days ago

What's it like living with a loud voice

Sanda Reporter from Stuff

Hi there,

I'm writing a story on what's it like to live with a loud voice. Are you someone who gets high-pitched whenever you are excited? Does your family constantly nag you to dial down your voice? Or are you someone who's annoyed by your loved ones' loud talking?

If you… View more
Hi there,

I'm writing a story on what's it like to live with a loud voice. Are you someone who gets high-pitched whenever you are excited? Does your family constantly nag you to dial down your voice? Or are you someone who's annoyed by your loved ones' loud talking?

If you can relate to any such scenario, I would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment or you can email me at sanda.arambepola@stuff.co.nz
Please put 'NFP' (not for publication) in your comment if you don't want it or your name to appear in the article.

Thank you for taking the time to share your stories.

205 days ago

Kiwi Rugby Fever: WIN SKY Sport!

The Team from NZ Compare

We're a Rugby MAD nation!
Which team are you supporting? How do they compare against the rest in this Rugby World Cup?

Share why you rate your team and you could WIN Sky Sport Now for 3 months (valued at $135)!
CLICK below to enter! Act fast, the entry deadline is October 12, 2023.

View more
We're a Rugby MAD nation!
Which team are you supporting? How do they compare against the rest in this Rugby World Cup?

Share why you rate your team and you could WIN Sky Sport Now for 3 months (valued at $135)!
CLICK below to enter! Act fast, the entry deadline is October 12, 2023.

But that's not all! Many broadband plans currently offer FREE subscriptions to top streaming services. It's the perfect time to switch!
Compare your broadband and power bills to save big this Spring!
COMPARE NOW: www.broadbandcompare.co.nz...

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205 days ago

Life-saving heart research ❤️

The Team from Heart Foundation NZ

Our research funding is all about saving lives in New Zealand ❤️ This year, we were thrilled to announce $3.7m of funding for heart research and specialist overseas training for New Zealand cardiologists. Huge thanks to our donors and supporters for their generosity and for making this … View moreOur research funding is all about saving lives in New Zealand ❤️ This year, we were thrilled to announce $3.7m of funding for heart research and specialist overseas training for New Zealand cardiologists. Huge thanks to our donors and supporters for their generosity and for making this investment in heart health possible.

Click the link to find out more about the transformative research projects.

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206 days ago

Telephone dictation voting in the 2023 General Election

The Team from Electoral Commission

If you are blind, partially blind, or have a physical disability that means you cannot mark your voting paper without help, you can use the telephone dictation voting service.

You can use the telephone dictation voting service both from within New Zealand and if you’re overseas.

You do … View more
If you are blind, partially blind, or have a physical disability that means you cannot mark your voting paper without help, you can use the telephone dictation voting service.

You can use the telephone dictation voting service both from within New Zealand and if you’re overseas.

You do need to register to use this service though, before noon (NZ time) on Saturday 14 October.

You can find more information on our website here: vote.nz...

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206 days ago

An AI-generated future Queenstown has skyscrapers and cargo ships

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Otago News

By reporter Debbie Jamieson:

An AI-generated future for Queenstown including skyscrapers and a container ship is dividing opinion in the tourist town.

According to the vision, the golf course at Kelvin Heights will be covered in development and linked by a bridge to Queenstown Gardens, which … View more
By reporter Debbie Jamieson:

An AI-generated future for Queenstown including skyscrapers and a container ship is dividing opinion in the tourist town.

According to the vision, the golf course at Kelvin Heights will be covered in development and linked by a bridge to Queenstown Gardens, which hosts a line of glass-covered buildings.

Spread out skyscrapers sit in the central business district and on the popular lake front, while Shotover St has become an eight-lane highway.

Local André Chalmers took the photo of Queenstown and created the image with Photoshop Generative AI Fill to see what the town would look like with increased building heights.

The Queenstown Lakes District Council is consulting on plans to allow higher density development in the district, as directed under central Government’s National Policy Statement.

Queenstown, Frankton, Arrowtown, Wānaka and Lake Hāwea all face potential changes with buildings in the Queenstown town centre potentially reaching heights of 24m – or up to seven storeys.

They are currently restricted to 15.5m.

Of course, the skyscrapers in Chalmers’ image are much taller than 24m, but then the possibility of getting container ships and an oil tanker into Lake Wakatipu is also absurd – let alone considering where they might be going.

One commentator has suggested the ships could provide workers' accommodation.

Other social media followers have referred to the image as The Rio of the South, Queenscity, and Queenscoast.

Some have expressed concern that the image was an over-exaggeration and being used to spread misinformation and confusion.

Others are concerned there’s no snow on the Remarkables, no queue at Fergburger and no more car parking spots.

Plans to increase urban areas around the district have caused concern in communities such as Arrowtown, where a public meeting was held last month to understand the proposals.

High density residential areas could increase to 16.5m in Queenstown and 12m in Wānaka (from 10m) with medium density across much of the district to increase to 11m and low density increasing 1m to 8m.

The removal of setbacks in some zones will allow for more buildings and residential units to be constructed within a site than at present.

Minimum lot sizes in new developments are smaller and there is a reduction in car parking for developments close to public transport.

In its analysis of the proposal Todd and Walker Law said more development upwards and outwards would be permitted.

“We expect that new buildings constructed to the maximum height limits will disrupt existing views and amenity values for some landowners.

“The increase in townhouse and apartment complexes may also change the nature of existing suburbs.”

Submissions on the Proposed Urban Intensification Variation should be made by October 5.

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206 days ago

Voting is now open in the 2023 General Election!

The Team from Electoral Commission

You can find all the information you need about where, when and how to vote at vote.nz....

If you were enrolled at your current address by September 10, you will have been sent an EasyVote pack in the mail with an EasyVote card which will make voting easier.

However if yours hasn't … View more
You can find all the information you need about where, when and how to vote at vote.nz....

If you were enrolled at your current address by September 10, you will have been sent an EasyVote pack in the mail with an EasyVote card which will make voting easier.

However if yours hasn't arrived yet you can vote without it! Find your nearest voting place here:
map.vote.nz...

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208 days ago

Happy Grandparents Day!

The Team from NZ Compare

Happy Grandparents Day to our fantastic neighbours!

We wish you a day filled with celebration for your poppa, nan, koro, grandma or g'dad, while also remembering those who are no longer with us.
May your day be brimming with joy and treasured memories!

We extend our heartfelt … View more
Happy Grandparents Day to our fantastic neighbours!

We wish you a day filled with celebration for your poppa, nan, koro, grandma or g'dad, while also remembering those who are no longer with us.
May your day be brimming with joy and treasured memories!

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone for their amazing nominations! Your stories have touched our hearts deeply. And the winner is... Koko Grant, nominated by Khalei-Marley Taylor-Karaitiana! Congratulations!

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