Macraes, Macraes Flat

New lottery, new home

New lottery, new home

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

469 days ago

Waka Kotahi - 'sabotaging growth' after it opposes massive housing development

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Otago News

A growing Central Otago town may be denied a 500 section development, after Waka Kotahi cited concerns over climate change and the lack of public transport.

But that position has angered outspoken Otago Regional Council councillor, Michael Laws, who lives in Cromwell.

‘’Waka Kotahi are … View more
A growing Central Otago town may be denied a 500 section development, after Waka Kotahi cited concerns over climate change and the lack of public transport.

But that position has angered outspoken Otago Regional Council councillor, Michael Laws, who lives in Cromwell.

‘’Waka Kotahi are sabotaging growth in Central Otago and the likes,’’ he said on Thursday, the same day as submissions to the Central Otago District Council closed.

‘’This is something that will benefit our entire region.’’

About 10km west of Cromwell, company Fulton Hogan plans to rezone about 118ha of a former quarry into a 90ha residential area, including a 5ha business park and 22ha industrial area.

But a major road block for that development is the position taken by Waka Kotahi, which partly funds public transport in Queenstown and Dunedin – but not in Central Otago – one of the fastest-growing regions in the country.

Read the full story from reporters Joanne Naish and Hamish McNeilly here (subscription required).

471 days ago

LOVE TO DANCE | Applications open now!

The Team from Ryman Healthcare

Win one of three $5,000 grants to support your community's love of dance!

Whether it’s pre-schoolers or seniors, Scottish dancing or salsa, kapa haka or Kathak, breakdance or ballet – if you’re encouraging people of all ages and abilities to keep moving through dance, we want to hear … View more
Win one of three $5,000 grants to support your community's love of dance!

Whether it’s pre-schoolers or seniors, Scottish dancing or salsa, kapa haka or Kathak, breakdance or ballet – if you’re encouraging people of all ages and abilities to keep moving through dance, we want to hear from you!

Know someone who could use our support? Apply now!
Learn more

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476 days ago

Poll: True or false? Drinking a glass of red wine every day is good for your heart.

The Team from Heart Foundation NZ

To find out the answer, click the link below and take our ‘Truth about alcohol' quiz.

www.heartfoundation.org.nz...

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True or false? Drinking a glass of red wine every day is good for your heart.
  • 50.1% True
    50.1% Complete
  • 49.9% False
    49.9% Complete
2429 votes
473 days ago

Last chance to buy tickets!

Heart Foundation

Lottery closing soon! Buy your tickets today for a chance to win this fully furnished home in South Island’s stunning Wānaka!

Worth over $1.5 million this Jennian Homes build features four bedrooms, two bathrooms and boasts a stylish open-plan kitchen, living and dining area for year-round … View more
Lottery closing soon! Buy your tickets today for a chance to win this fully furnished home in South Island’s stunning Wānaka!

Worth over $1.5 million this Jennian Homes build features four bedrooms, two bathrooms and boasts a stylish open-plan kitchen, living and dining area for year-round entertainment.

Make this property your permanent residence, a holiday home, rent it or even sell it – it could be all yours for only $15! Be in to win by purchasing your tickets today.
Buy tickets now

475 days ago

One gift? Why not give 52 gifts with The TV Guide.

The TV Guide

Spoil the TV connoisseur in your life with a subscription to NZ’s most popular entertainment magazine. The TV Guide contains TV listings, entertainment, gossip, competitions, puzzles, and more!

This Father’s Day, gift a 1-year subscription to The TV Guide and save $57 off RRP - 52 issues … View more
Spoil the TV connoisseur in your life with a subscription to NZ’s most popular entertainment magazine. The TV Guide contains TV listings, entertainment, gossip, competitions, puzzles, and more!

This Father’s Day, gift a 1-year subscription to The TV Guide and save $57 off RRP - 52 issues delivered weekly straight to their home. Offer available until 2 September 2023.

The team at The TV Guide.
Find out more

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483 days ago

The most beautiful spot in every region of NZ

Lorna Thornber Reporter from Stuff Travel

Hi there,
We're on the lookout for the most beautiful spots in New Zealand, and would love to hear your favourites.
While it will be impossible to include all of them in one article, we'd appreciate your help in narrowing it down. What do you think are most beautiful places in … View more
Hi there,
We're on the lookout for the most beautiful spots in New Zealand, and would love to hear your favourites.
While it will be impossible to include all of them in one article, we'd appreciate your help in narrowing it down. What do you think are most beautiful places in NZ's regions? Do you have a favourite spot in the Waikato, Taranaki, Canterbury, Southland or elsewhere?
Feel free to comment below, send me a message or email me at lorna.thornber@stuff.co.nz. Please include 'NFP' in your comment if you do not want it or your name included in an article. Thanks in advance for taking the time to share.

481 days ago

Poll: Is the letterbox obsolete?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

With online being the main mode of communication these days, it's no wonder that there has been a worldwide mail decline and here in Aotearoa, NZ Post has needed to lay off 750 full-time staff. Do you think it's time to say goodbye to the trusty letterbox?

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Is the letterbox obsolete?
  • 5.3% Yes, it can go!
    5.3% Complete
  • 34.1% Not just yet, I still use it
    34.1% Complete
  • 60.6% Never, there'll always be a need for it
    60.6% Complete
3118 votes
479 days ago

Could you spot the signs of a heart attack?

Heart Foundation NZ

Heart attack is a leading cause of death in New Zealand.
Learn to recognise the warning signs and symptoms of a heart attack, so you know what to do if you see or experience them. Don’t try to walk it off, wash it off or push through it. Make the right call, it may save your life.

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488 days ago

Poll: Should we pay people for giving blood?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Blood Service says it needs 40,000​ new donors in the next 12 months to ensure it can meet demand of those needing plasma and blood. Suggestions have been made to pay people for donating, however there are concerns about the dangers of that. Do you think we should pay people for these … View moreThe Blood Service says it needs 40,000​ new donors in the next 12 months to ensure it can meet demand of those needing plasma and blood. Suggestions have been made to pay people for donating, however there are concerns about the dangers of that. Do you think we should pay people for these donations?

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Should we pay people for giving blood?
  • 31.8% Yes, it makes sense
    31.8% Complete
  • 50.7% No, that's too risky
    50.7% Complete
  • 17.6% I'd need more information
    17.6% Complete
2141 votes
489 days ago

Spark a little hope this Christmas

Christmas Box

Meeting an ever increasing need in our communities, Christmas Box provides more than just food, it brings a reminder that people care. By alleviating some of the pressure families feel, especially in the time of inflation and cost-of-living, a Christmas Box sparks hope that goes beyond Christmas.
View more
Meeting an ever increasing need in our communities, Christmas Box provides more than just food, it brings a reminder that people care. By alleviating some of the pressure families feel, especially in the time of inflation and cost-of-living, a Christmas Box sparks hope that goes beyond Christmas.

Don’t wait for December, it’s time to start thinking about how you can help today!

For just $40 a box, you can give the gift of hope and 100% of your donation will go to families who are doing it tough this year. Your generosity makes a difference.
Find out more

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489 days ago

Learn These Power Terms and SAVE MONEY!

The Team from NZ Compare

Have you ever tried to look for a new power plan to end up stuck, super confused by all the specific lingo that’s used? Things like kWh, standard vs. low users, or free hours of power? Don’t get us started on controlled and anytime meters!

If you’re unsure of some of these terms, it … View more
Have you ever tried to look for a new power plan to end up stuck, super confused by all the specific lingo that’s used? Things like kWh, standard vs. low users, or free hours of power? Don’t get us started on controlled and anytime meters!

If you’re unsure of some of these terms, it really won’t help you feel confident in comparing different plans. We don’t want to see our Neighbours get tripped up and stuck with a big bill this chilly season!

So to help you, we’ve put together a list of all the power terminology that you need to know!
Learn the terms

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491 days ago

Queenstown on fast-tracked building boom to create rooms for visitors and workers

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Otago News

Read reporter Debbie Jamieson's full story

Two large-scale Queenstown accommodation developments have been accepted for fast-tracking as developers eye tourism opportunities.

One is a six-storey hotel with up to 185 rooms, on the Man St car park in central Queenstown.

The other is a … View more
Read reporter Debbie Jamieson's full story

Two large-scale Queenstown accommodation developments have been accepted for fast-tracking as developers eye tourism opportunities.

One is a six-storey hotel with up to 185 rooms, on the Man St car park in central Queenstown.

The other is a proposal to provide 400 to 600 residential units for temporary worker accommodation in Frankton.

Plans for both are yet to be lodged with the Environment Protection Authority and considered by an expert consenting panel.

The proposals show an ongoing enthusiasm by Queenstown developers to use the fast-track consenting process established during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The legislation blocked the public from the resource consent process in order to fast track projects that created jobs and stimulated the economy.

here (subscription required).

495 days ago

Poll: Is 30kph the new 50kph?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The government's Road to Zero project seeks to set speed limits at 30kph in suburban streets across New Zealand. Do you think this is a good idea?

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Is 30kph the new 50kph?
  • 20.8% Yes
    20.8% Complete
  • 76.6% No
    76.6% Complete
  • 2.6% I don't know
    2.6% Complete
5192 votes
491 days ago

NZ ski town face-off: And the winner is...

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Otago News

Stuff has been on the hunt for New Zealand’s best ski town and, after a week of pitting some of the country’s best-loved spots against each other, the results are in: Wānaka is our favourite by far.

Of the seven shortlisted towns announced on Monday, Queenstown’s quieter little sister … View more
Stuff has been on the hunt for New Zealand’s best ski town and, after a week of pitting some of the country’s best-loved spots against each other, the results are in: Wānaka is our favourite by far.

Of the seven shortlisted towns announced on Monday, Queenstown’s quieter little sister secured 31% of reader votes, putting it well ahead of second placeholders Methven, at the base of Mt Hutt, and carrot capital Ohakune, each of which landed 18% of votes.

The photogenic old gold rush town of Arrowtown came third with 13% of votes, while fourth place was shared by Mackenzie alpine village Lake Ohau and Canterbury hot pool haven Hanmer Springs, which each claimed 9% of votes.

Just 2% of readers voted for Tūrangi in the Ruapehu region.

Queenstown, Albert Town, Saint Arnaud, Raetihi, National Park Village, Springfield and Tekapo were all eliminated in the semi-finals.

About an hour’s drive from Queenstown Airport via the super-scenic Crown Range Road or 90 minutes via the easier-going Kawarau Gorge, Wānaka is within easy driving distance of four ski fields.

With its mountain-hugged, glacier-carved lake, the Central Otago town has all the visual appeal of nearby Queenstown with smaller crowds. It’s far from a sleepy hollow, however, with adventure activities galore, and plenty of top spots to eat and drink.

NZ ski town face-off winners
Wānaka
Methven and Ohakune
Arrowtown
Lake Ohau and Hanmer Springs
Tūrangi

Is Wānaka New Zealand’s best ski town? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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492 days ago

Queenstown rental listing 'experiment' highlights market problems

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Otago News

A cabin without a bathroom or kitchen listed for rent in Queenstown this week has been removed from Facebook Marketplace after concerns were raised about it.

The cabin was in the backyard of a Lake Hayes Estate property, and was losted for $250 a week including utilities.

“Furnished. No … View more
A cabin without a bathroom or kitchen listed for rent in Queenstown this week has been removed from Facebook Marketplace after concerns were raised about it.

The cabin was in the backyard of a Lake Hayes Estate property, and was losted for $250 a week including utilities.

“Furnished. No insulation, but it has a small heater. No bathroom or kitchen,” the listing said.

A Tenancy Services spokesperson said it would be unlawful to rent out the cabin for residential purposes as a standalone proposition, as such rentals needed to have, or have access to, appropriate cooking and bathroom facilities.


But when approached by Stuff the lister, Tommy Fu, said the cabin was not really for rent, and the listing was an experiment.

Read the full story by reporter Miriam Bell here.

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