Macraes, Macraes Flat

457 days ago

Are You a Low or Standard User?

The Team from NZ Compare

Another energy mystery that leaves many of us a tad confused…

Don’t be tricked into thinking a Low User plan means low costs. If you're a Standard User, sticking to Standard User plan is key to maximize savings. Compare plans wisely to make the right choice!

Your plan can change … View more
Another energy mystery that leaves many of us a tad confused…

Don’t be tricked into thinking a Low User plan means low costs. If you're a Standard User, sticking to Standard User plan is key to maximize savings. Compare plans wisely to make the right choice!

Your plan can change based on how many people are living at your house, what appliances you have running and/or what is used to cook with and heat the home.

Make sure you're on the right plan, take a squizz at our handy guide.
Learn more now

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458 days ago

Cozy up with a coffee and your favourite magazine this winter

Mags4Gifts

Until 3 September, purchase any magazine or newspaper on Mags4Gifts and automatically go in the draw to win a Sunbeam Barista Max Espresso Machine worth $499.

Mags4Gifts has a wide range of magazine and newspaper subscriptions. There’s something for the whole family! Start by browsing our best… View more
Until 3 September, purchase any magazine or newspaper on Mags4Gifts and automatically go in the draw to win a Sunbeam Barista Max Espresso Machine worth $499.

Mags4Gifts has a wide range of magazine and newspaper subscriptions. There’s something for the whole family! Start by browsing our best sellers which include NZ House & Garden, NZ Gardener, and The TV Guide. T&Cs apply.

The team at Mags4Gifts
Find out more

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458 days ago

Takahē released near Queenstown to create third wild population

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Otago News

Takahē have returned to Ngāi Tahu land near Queenstown where it is hoped a third wild population will be established.

Ngāi Tahu and the Department of Conservation released 18 takahē on the Ngāi Tahu tribal property Greenstone Station on Wednesday.

It was overseen by Ngāi Tahu rangatira … View more
Takahē have returned to Ngāi Tahu land near Queenstown where it is hoped a third wild population will be established.

Ngāi Tahu and the Department of Conservation released 18 takahē on the Ngāi Tahu tribal property Greenstone Station on Wednesday.

It was overseen by Ngāi Tahu rangatira Tā Tipene O’Regan who first saw the birds during an expedition with Dr Geoffrey Orbell in 1949, one year after they were rediscovered, having previously thought to be extinct.

“I have been enraptured by takahē since I was a boy, so it is very satisfying to release our taonga on our own whenua as we move towards a shared goal of seeing takahē throughout the Ngāi Tahu Takiwā,” he said.

Read reporter Debbie Jamieson's full story here.

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459 days ago

Worried About Winter Bills?

The Team from NZ Compare

Final call for winter deals, neighbours!
Worried about facing those winter bills? No worries, our budget-friendly power and broadband plans have you covered. Stay cozy, stay connected, and stress less. Hurry, these offers won't last!

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459 days ago

Proposed triple-chair swing for Queenstown thrill-seekers who don't bungy

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Otago News

A proposed triple-person swing over the Kawarau River in Queenstown will appeal to thrill-seekers who don’t want to do a bungy jump, the proposers say.

AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand has applied for consent to develop the swing at its original Kawarau Bungy Bridge site.

It would launch from a… View more
A proposed triple-person swing over the Kawarau River in Queenstown will appeal to thrill-seekers who don’t want to do a bungy jump, the proposers say.

AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand has applied for consent to develop the swing at its original Kawarau Bungy Bridge site.

It would launch from a platform on the upper northern banks of the river, enabling guests to swing up to 35 metres above the river before being winched back to the platform.

Would you give it a go? Read the full story from reporter Debbie Jamieson here and let us know in the comments.

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489 days ago

Cook a Heart Healthy Meal Today!

Heart Foundation NZ

A heart healthy diet is one rich in fruit and vegetables. Not only are they better for your heart, but they allow you to feel fuller with less calories. This amazing Vegetarian Lasagne from the Heart Foundation is definitely delightful. It's a perfect winter dish to warm you up and help keep … View moreA heart healthy diet is one rich in fruit and vegetables. Not only are they better for your heart, but they allow you to feel fuller with less calories. This amazing Vegetarian Lasagne from the Heart Foundation is definitely delightful. It's a perfect winter dish to warm you up and help keep your heart healthy. Let's get cooking! #HeartHealthy #EatingWell

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460 days ago

Have you got a great recipe for peas?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Dear neighbours, every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of reader recipes using a seasonal crop. This month, we're on the hunt for pea recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by August 27, 2023. Every published recipe wins a copy of the September issue of NZ Gardener.

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460 days ago

More Kiwis eligible for insulation grants

EECA

Everyone deserves a warm, dry, healthy home – see if you’re eligible for financial support to insulate and heat yours.

Warmer Kiwi Homes is a government grant that offers 80% - 90% of the cost of ceiling and underfloor insulation, and up to 80% off an energy-efficient heater, like a heat … View more
Everyone deserves a warm, dry, healthy home – see if you’re eligible for financial support to insulate and heat yours.

Warmer Kiwi Homes is a government grant that offers 80% - 90% of the cost of ceiling and underfloor insulation, and up to 80% off an energy-efficient heater, like a heat pump. In August, the eligibility criteria were extended so over 50,000 more households are eligible for insulation grants.

And you may get it even cheaper than that - lots of community organisations offer extra funding to reduce the cost further.

Check your eligibility, or check for your whānau.
Find out more

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460 days ago

New Central Otago river minimum flows could cost '$100m plus' - farmers

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Otago News

From reporter Debbie Jamieson:

Central Otago farmers say it could cost more than $100 million for the community to meet proposed minimum flows for the Manuherekia River.

The Otago Regional Council received a report this week that summarises recent hydrology and ecology work on the river and … View more
From reporter Debbie Jamieson:

Central Otago farmers say it could cost more than $100 million for the community to meet proposed minimum flows for the Manuherekia River.

The Otago Regional Council received a report this week that summarises recent hydrology and ecology work on the river and suggests setting a minimum flow of 2000 and 2500 litres per second.

The 85km river, which runs from the Maniototo to Alexandra, has a long history of water use for gold mining and irrigation with about 75% of its water currently taken – compared to about 25% in other regions of New Zealand.

In an effort to meet the Government’s National Policy Statement on Freshwater Management the council considered a plan to set a low flow of between 1200 and 3000 litres per second, in August 2021.

A bitter discussion followed, resulting in one councillor resigning, calls for the Environment Minister to replace councillors with commissioners, and a vote for more “science” to be undertaken.

Two years later, that work is complete, and the new report is on the table.

However, Matakanui Station owner and Manuherekia Catchment Group interim chairperson Andrew Paterson said the farming community was not happy with the recommended flow, which was double the 1100 litres per second suggested by farmers.

“We don’t disagree that there should be an increase in minimum flow. We just disagree on how high it should be.

“We all love the river. It’s the lifeblood of the valley. It keeps the valley and the communities pumping, and we don’t want to cut that off,” he said.

Reaching the proposed flow in summer would require use of water stored in the Falls Dam or community reservoirs, which could cost more than $100 million to build, he said.

That was a cost that should be met by the wider community as it extended beyond the interests of farmers, he said.

Farmers were suspicious that the council was attempting to make the science fit a figure and felt that the arguments were stacked against farmers, he said.

Between 400 and 500 farms, orchards and vineyards were reliant on the river and would continue to be involved in the process.

It had the potential to go to the Environment Court, Paterson said.

“The views of the farming community compared to the views of the community are poles apart. We could never come to an agreement.”

Councillor Alexa Forbes said receiving the report during a briefing on Tuesday felt like reaching a milestone after a long and bitter journey.

“The feeling around the table was so much more positive and workable than that dreadful day in August 2021 when we really found no common ground at all,” she said.

Draft recommendations would be developed and put before the council for noting in September, ahead of a public consultation period.

463 days ago

Poll: Covid restrictions: Too soon or about time?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins announced the end of the final pandemic-related public health orders which is the mandatory seven-day isolation for people infected and mask requirement in health facilities. For some, it's a welcome change but for others this is a concerning move. How are you … View morePrime Minister Chris Hipkins announced the end of the final pandemic-related public health orders which is the mandatory seven-day isolation for people infected and mask requirement in health facilities. For some, it's a welcome change but for others this is a concerning move. How are you feeling about the changes?

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

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Covid restrictions: Too soon or about time?
  • 37.6% Too soon
    37.6% Complete
  • 39.3% About time!
    39.3% Complete
  • 23.1% I'm don't mind either way
    23.1% Complete
2580 votes
462 days ago

Win this brand-new home!

Heart Foundation

Dreaming of calling the City of Sails home?

For only $15 a ticket, you could win this brand-new, fully furnished home in Glenbrook, Auckland in the Heart Foundation Lottery. Worth over $1 million and built to perfection by Jennian Homes, this home features four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen… View more
Dreaming of calling the City of Sails home?

For only $15 a ticket, you could win this brand-new, fully furnished home in Glenbrook, Auckland in the Heart Foundation Lottery. Worth over $1 million and built to perfection by Jennian Homes, this home features four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen plus walk-in pantry, two beautiful living rooms and is only a short walk away from Glenbrook Beach with stunning views out to Āwhitu Peninsula.

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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462 days ago

The power of social connection - your health depends on it!

The Team from Heart Foundation NZ

Did you know that socially well-connected people are happier and healthier according to the latest research? Reach out to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while or catch up with your loved ones to benefit your mental health and wellbeing.

Read our blog on social connection to find out more!

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464 days ago

Refresh your home with Resene!

Resene

Get 20% off Kiwi-made Resene quality paints, primers, sealers and wood stains.

Plus buy one testpot get one free on 60-80ml testpots 60-80. Visit your local Resene ColorShop or reseller and get started on your decorating project.

Choose from the widest range of Eco Choice approved paints … View more
Get 20% off Kiwi-made Resene quality paints, primers, sealers and wood stains.

Plus buy one testpot get one free on 60-80ml testpots 60-80. Visit your local Resene ColorShop or reseller and get started on your decorating project.

Choose from the widest range of Eco Choice approved paints available in New Zealand!
Find out more

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465 days ago

Is your Mobile Plan adding stress?

The Team from NZ Compare

Hey Neighbours!
Is your Mobile plan one of the many Winter bills piling up? It might be time to review it so you can relax..even just a smidge?! Compare all the mobile plans and providers on Mobile Compare and find a plan that lets you stay connected without overpaying.

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470 days ago

Poll: Should cellphones stay out of classrooms?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The leader of the National Party has announced a plan to ban cellphones from all classrooms to minimize distractions for students. The Labour party has commented that this is commonplace already and is a decision best left for individual schools. Do you think a ban should be enforced?

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Should cellphones stay out of classrooms?
  • 75.2% Yes, there's no need for phones in classrooms
    75.2% Complete
  • 24.1% Nah, let the school decide
    24.1% Complete
  • 0.7% I'm not sure
    0.7% Complete
4158 votes
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