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The NZ Compare Awards are back... and we have introduced MOBILE Awards for the first time returning as an in-person celebration with a Gala Awards night hosted by Mike McRoberts in Auckland on December 1st 2022.
Recognising excellence, leadership and innovation in the New Zealand utility … View moreThe NZ Compare Awards are back... and we have introduced MOBILE Awards for the first time returning as an in-person celebration with a Gala Awards night hosted by Mike McRoberts in Auckland on December 1st 2022.
Recognising excellence, leadership and innovation in the New Zealand utility sectors, the NZ Compare Awards are back for the 6th year and in response to consumer demand, we have introduced MOBILE Awards for the first time.
As the boundaries between the utility industries continue to blur the organisers have responded to growing demand to increase the categories and industries celebrated by the NZ Compare Awards and will now recognise excellence and achievement within New Zealand’s BROADBAND, ENERGY and MOBILE sectors for the first time.
Award categories are consumer driven and informed by the 300,000 Kiwis who use NZ Compare websites each month. Winning carries real gravitas with the Kiwi consumer and the awards represent an opportunity to be confident in the talent and vision your company has worked so hard towards. This significant event will recognise the companies that provide New Zealanders with the very best products and services across these essential industries.
The NZ Compare Awards are supported by a wide range of companies including Movinghub, Vector Metering, Chorus, realestate.co.nz and Neighbourly. The prestigious awards will recognise the companies that provide New Zealanders with the very best products and services in their industries. With a range of different categories including best home and mobile provider, best customer support, fastest service, best rural provider and best broadband innovation.
Winning an NZ Compare Award depends on a combination of criteria. These include consumer surveys and reviews on the NZ Compare websites and decisions from our expert judging panel.
"Judged by an independent panel of New Zealand experts and presented at our gala awards event, the NZ Compare Awards provide a unique stage on which we recognize and reward the achievements of the New Zealand utility sectors." said Gavin Male, CEO of NZ Compare.
So what do you think? Give a shout out to your favourite utility provider here - not just for doing their job... we want to hear about those that go above and beyond! Who should be a winner?
What are the biggest issues your region is facing? Take part in the NowNext Local survey and you could win a one of twenty $100 Prezzy Card for your opinion.
Whether it’s how happy you are or if you plan on staying long term, the NowNext Local survey is getting a snapshot of how kiwis are … View moreWhat are the biggest issues your region is facing? Take part in the NowNext Local survey and you could win a one of twenty $100 Prezzy Card for your opinion.
Whether it’s how happy you are or if you plan on staying long term, the NowNext Local survey is getting a snapshot of how kiwis are feeling.
Dear neighbours,
Meet our Houseplant Hero competition winner Alan Mckenzie! If all sheds came like that, we want one too. Congratulations to Alan and his many many houseplants.
Our passions and mahi play a large part in our legacy. When we channel that mahi into championing causes and giving back, that legacy is carried as inspiration for generations to come.
The rymanhealthcare Senior New Zealander of the Year Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau celebrates Kiwis aged 70 and over… View moreOur passions and mahi play a large part in our legacy. When we channel that mahi into championing causes and giving back, that legacy is carried as inspiration for generations to come.
The rymanhealthcare Senior New Zealander of the Year Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau celebrates Kiwis aged 70 and over who continue to inspire, champion causes, and give back, building lasting legacies that make us all proud to call New Zealand home.
Making it onto the first rung of the property ladder can be an incredibly rewarding journey – and Stuff is here to help you through.
Stuff Homed has launched the First Time Buyers’ Club, an email series to help you navigate the equal-parts exciting and terrifying process of buying your first… View moreMaking it onto the first rung of the property ladder can be an incredibly rewarding journey – and Stuff is here to help you through.
Stuff Homed has launched the First Time Buyers’ Club, an email series to help you navigate the equal-parts exciting and terrifying process of buying your first ever home. When you join our six-week LearnStuff course, you’ll get an email every week giving you all the basics on what you need to know, who you need on your side, and what you need to do at each stage of the journey.
We can’t make the houses any cheaper, but we can guide you through the process, share some tips from the experts, and help you avoid some of the trips and traps.
Sign up (it's free) and get started on your house-buying journey.
"It’s been chilly hasn’t it Neighbours? Has your internet froze when you’re streaming all your fave shows on rainy weekends or maybe the power bill has gone crazy from trying to keep snug?!
Don't stress, we’ve got a tonne of awesome broadband and power deals to chill your … View more"It’s been chilly hasn’t it Neighbours? Has your internet froze when you’re streaming all your fave shows on rainy weekends or maybe the power bill has gone crazy from trying to keep snug?!
Don't stress, we’ve got a tonne of awesome broadband and power deals to chill your bills instead of your wallet. Think BIG joining credits, cheap broadband, beneficial power plans and more. Limited time only, DEALS END 30th AUGUST 2022! BE QUICK!
It’s easy, just sit down over a hot cuppa or a beer – whatever tickles your fancy and take a look here. We’ll do the rest for you!"
Making it onto the first rung of the property ladder can be an incredibly rewarding journey – and Stuff is here to help you through.
Stuff Homed has launched the First Time Buyers’ Club, an email series to help you navigate the equal-parts exciting and terrifying process of buying your first… View moreMaking it onto the first rung of the property ladder can be an incredibly rewarding journey – and Stuff is here to help you through.
Stuff Homed has launched the First Time Buyers’ Club, an email series to help you navigate the equal-parts exciting and terrifying process of buying your first ever home. When you join our six-week LearnStuff course, you’ll get an email every week giving you all the basics on what you need to know, who you need on your side, and what you need to do at each stage of the journey.
We can’t make the houses any cheaper, but we can guide you through the process, share some tips from the experts, and help you avoid some of the trips and traps.
Sign up (it's free) and get started on your house-buying journey.
Dear neighbours,
Have you grown these veges and fruits, and what's on your list of money savers and budget boosters?
Knitting needles are clicking across our villages and the wider community for the Yuri Bear project🐻❤️.
We’re aiming to knit 20,000 teddy bears for children displaced as a result of turmoil in their country.
We’ve been overwhelmed by the response so far, but 20,000 bears is no … View moreKnitting needles are clicking across our villages and the wider community for the Yuri Bear project🐻❤️.
We’re aiming to knit 20,000 teddy bears for children displaced as a result of turmoil in their country.
We’ve been overwhelmed by the response so far, but 20,000 bears is no small ask!
If you can knit, know someone who can or would like to find out how you can help, please click on the link below.
Dear neighbours,
To celebrate National Gardening Week (October 17-25), Yates have partnered with NZ Gardener to give away some fantastic prizes to some of the most inspirational compost builders in the country. Show us your compost setup, whether it’s tiny or huge, and the best looking compost … View moreDear neighbours,
To celebrate National Gardening Week (October 17-25), Yates have partnered with NZ Gardener to give away some fantastic prizes to some of the most inspirational compost builders in the country. Show us your compost setup, whether it’s tiny or huge, and the best looking compost wins 1 of 9 Compost Kits (RRP $319 each).
So email through your best tip for successful compost and one photo of your composting setup to loveyourgarden@yates.co.nz by August 26, 2022 to be in to win.
The Queenstown Lakes District has taken the first step to force developers to contribute to community housing in an effort to combat an affordability crisis.
The region is already considered a leader in developing affordable housing within New Zealand after creating the Queenstown Lakes Community … View moreThe Queenstown Lakes District has taken the first step to force developers to contribute to community housing in an effort to combat an affordability crisis.
The region is already considered a leader in developing affordable housing within New Zealand after creating the Queenstown Lakes Community Housing Trust in 2007.
Now the Queenstown Lakes District Council has become the first regional authority to propose a mandatory contribution on all housing developments under the district plan.
Under the proposal, known as “inclusionary zoning”, all residential subdivisions in urban areas would be required to contribute 5% of the estimated sales value of serviced lots or, for those with more than 20 lots, a 5% land contribution.
The 25 apartments are among the first of up to 4000 Housing Minister Megan Woods hopes will go through the $400m Progressive Home Ownership scheme.
Residential subdivisions in larger lifestyle blocks would contribute 1% and a contribution for units would be calculated according to floorspace.
Residential flats, social or affordable housing and retirement villages would be exempt.
During a council meeting to begin the process of including the provisions in the proposed district plan, mayor Jim Boult said housing affordability was the most difficult issue the council faced.
The proposal would go through a public submission process and likely be contested by developers in the Environment Court.
Proceeding with the plan was a “watershed development”, but the council should continue to look at other mechanisms to increase the supply of affordable housing, he said.
Economist Shamubeel Eaqub, who helped author the plan, said house prices in Queenstown increased by 40% in the last two years, in a house market that was already “extremely hot”.
Real Estate Institute of New Zealand figures released on Thursday showed the median house price in the district to be $1.2 million in July.
The council needed to increase housing supply and target housing towards people on lower incomes to ensure equitable supply, Eaqub said.
“The housing market is pretty broken whatever we do, so we need to pull on all the levers at the same time,” he said.
Councillor Quentin Smith said the average household income to house price ratio in the district was an “extraordinary” 17.2 to 1 – about 3.5 times higher than the New Zealand average.
“The average household earner in this district could never own the average house under the current model.
“This won’t be an easy process, but we need to try,” he said.
Cr Niamh Shaw said similar inclusionary zoning operated in London, Melbourne, Whistler and Aspen.
Community Housing Trust executive officer Julie Scott said the council had been negotiating a form of inclusionary zoning with developers for about 20 years.
The first deed was signed in 2003 with the Jacks Point developers and covered about 5% of the subdivision value. Of that, about $4m was used to buy land at Lake Hayes Estate and build 27 homes.
In Shotover Country it received enough land to build 44 homes.
Under the Housing Accords and Special Housing Areas Act developers were required to pay contributions of up to 12.5% in the district. The Act has since been repealed.
Inclusionary zoning was behind the trust’s success, Scott said.
“We are the envy of every other community housing provider in the country.”
The trust has helped 243 households into housing and had a waiting list of nearly 800 households.
It has developed 109 homes through inclusionary zoning and has 215 in the pipeline across the district – the majority achieved through inclusionary zoning.
The proposed plan change would formalise the process.
Kinloch resident John Glover told the council the zoning would be a tax and was “really quite perverse”.
“What you’re actually doing is taxing those who are actually providing housing.”
Business and tourism operators whose rapid growth in the district was a significant factor underlying the housing shortage should be part of the solution, he said.
Many ski fields were having their best year ever, but they were not being asked to pay under the policy.
He doubted the policy would fit within the scope of the Resource Management Act and said it would cost hundreds of thousands of ratepayer dollars to defend in courts.
Instead, the council should use the Rating Act to raise money and support the trust.
With the 75+ population projected to double in 20 years’ time, it’s more important than ever to choose a retirement village that is equipped to support you when you’re fully independent as well as if you need care.
That’s why Ryman villages plan ahead by offering independent living in … View moreWith the 75+ population projected to double in 20 years’ time, it’s more important than ever to choose a retirement village that is equipped to support you when you’re fully independent as well as if you need care.
That’s why Ryman villages plan ahead by offering independent living in apartments and townhouses, assisted living in serviced apartments, resthome care and, in most villages, hospital and specialist dementia care.
We offer a higher ratio of care in our villages so that if your needs change, you have priority access to our care centres.
Australian acts Dope Lemon and rapper Sampa The Great are amongst a bill of about 40 artists heading to the South Island for the three-day Rhythm & Alps festival to bring in the new year.
Dance music favourite Andy C and Manchester DJ Bou will fly over from the UK with drum and bass DJ … View moreAustralian acts Dope Lemon and rapper Sampa The Great are amongst a bill of about 40 artists heading to the South Island for the three-day Rhythm & Alps festival to bring in the new year.
Dance music favourite Andy C and Manchester DJ Bou will fly over from the UK with drum and bass DJ Harriet Jaxxon.
Acts from Brazil, Sweden and Germany are also scheduled to perform alongside homegrown talents including Concord Dawn, Flaxxies, Kora, and breakout Soundcloud rapper Lil Bubblegum.
“This year we have focused on a very diverse lineup and building probably the newest and most dynamic stage in the country,” festival organiser Alex Turnbull said.
The festival runs from December 29 to 31 at Cardrona Valley, Wānaka. A second lineup announcement is expected in late August. Tickets are available now.
Dear neighbours,
How many of you remember gardening in school? Hopefully, more students and teachers will be inspired by the great work being done at this amazing school.
Dear neighbours,
Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are now on the hunt for asparagus recipes, so send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz before August 21, 2022.
Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Vegetable … View moreDear neighbours,
Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are now on the hunt for asparagus recipes, so send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz before August 21, 2022.
Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Vegetable Growing Made Easy.
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