Manorburn, Moa Creek

Post a photo of something bright & local!

Post a photo of something bright & local!

Colourful letterboxes, beautiful sunrises or gardens - Share your snaps here and be in to win $250 Prezzy® cards, $250 Resene and $50 ColourShop gift cards.

460 days ago

Snow is coming!

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

MetService expects snow levels as low as 400 to 700 metres above sea level over the southern and eastern parts of the South Island.

MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane says: “The Queenstown-Lakes and Central Otago Districts may get noticeable snow accumulations from early morning… View more
MetService expects snow levels as low as 400 to 700 metres above sea level over the southern and eastern parts of the South Island.

MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane says: “The Queenstown-Lakes and Central Otago Districts may get noticeable snow accumulations from early morning Tuesday, where the first MetService Heavy Snow Watch of the year has been issued until midday Tuesday.”

These snowfalls may affect high country farms, as well as high-level roads and mountain passes. Road Snow Warnings have been issued for Lewis Pass, Porters Pass, Lindis Pass and the Crown Range Road for the potential of snow settling on the road.

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460 days ago

Sam Whitelock Webinar

The Team from Neighbourhood Support New Zealand

Neighbourhood Support members across New Zealand are invited to attend a special wellbeing webinar, 'Building Strong Communities', with Farmstrong Ambassador, Sam Whitelock, at 7:30pm on Tuesday April 4th.

For more information and to register, head to www.neighbourhoodsupport.co.nz....… View more
Neighbourhood Support members across New Zealand are invited to attend a special wellbeing webinar, 'Building Strong Communities', with Farmstrong Ambassador, Sam Whitelock, at 7:30pm on Tuesday April 4th.

For more information and to register, head to www.neighbourhoodsupport.co.nz....

Please invite those on your street and in your neighbourhood who might be interested (it's not just for rural folk, although those of you in rural communities might be particularly interested).

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462 days ago

Get a free gift when you subscribe to NZ House & Garden!

NZ House & Garden Tours

Save up to $69 with an NZ House & Garden subscription. Subscribe today to get NZ’s favourite lifestyle magazine delivered straight to your home every month, plus you’ll receive ManukaRx’s Pro-Aging Skin Oil worth $44.95 absolutely free!

Achieve healthy and ageless skin with the … View more
Save up to $69 with an NZ House & Garden subscription. Subscribe today to get NZ’s favourite lifestyle magazine delivered straight to your home every month, plus you’ll receive ManukaRx’s Pro-Aging Skin Oil worth $44.95 absolutely free!

Achieve healthy and ageless skin with the Pro-Aging Skin Oil. This face oil features the powerful essential oil blend of East Cape mānuka oil and rosehip oil. Offer is valid until 16 April 2023. Offer applies for 1-year and 2-year subscriptions only. For full T&Cs click here.
Find out more

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464 days ago

Queenstown Lakes to face more leaky building claims after 13% rates rise

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Otago News

From reporter Debbie Jamieson:

Queenstown ratepayers are facing more leaky homes claims but none as large as those behind a proposed average 13.6% rate rise this year.

The Queenstown Lakes District Council – which covers Queenstown and Wānaka and surrounding areas – settled last year … View more
From reporter Debbie Jamieson:

Queenstown ratepayers are facing more leaky homes claims but none as large as those behind a proposed average 13.6% rate rise this year.

The Queenstown Lakes District Council – which covers Queenstown and Wānaka and surrounding areas – settled last year with the body corporate of the Oaks Shore apartments, which claimed $163 million for leaky building repairs.

The exact settlement figure was confidential, but the council was taking out a loan to pay the claim.

It was covering other claims also, including one for the neighbouring property Oaks Club Resort, thought to be about $50m.

The impact of the interest costs meant the claims contributed to nearly a third of the massive rates increase for the coming financial year, documents show.

If the claim was paid in a single year the rates increase would be “horrendous” and in the “hundreds of percents”, council finance manager Stewart Burns said during a council meeting on Thursday.

Councillor Esther Whitehead asked what assurances the council could provide that ratepayers would not face another increase due to leaky home claims.
Burns said the council was currently facing three or four claims, but none were on the scale of the two Oaks properties.

Properties caught in the leaky home legislation were built between 15 and 20 years ago.

Claims had to be made within 10 years of a property’s completion.

The council was reaching the end of that period, he said.

Council standards for building inspections and consents have improved in the last 20 years.
The building inspection and consent processes at the time of the construction of the affected buildings was also a contributing factor, he said.

“The standard we have to meet these days compared to 20 years ago is quite different, and we are audited regularly on those services.

“We certainly have got a lot of confidence that the way we operate now is appropriate.”

Draft annual plan documents show how increases in interest rates, depreciation expenses and record-high inflation have also contributed to the region’s rates increase.

To lessen the rates rise, the council is planning to defer $106.7m in projects, including a Wānaka water treatment plant, a new reservoir at Quail Rise, and a Queenstown water treatment plant at Two Mile.

Increases in some user fees such as building consents, animal registration, and sport and recreational services are also proposed.

The council is undertaking public consultation on the draft annual plan.

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464 days ago

Last chance to nominate!

Prospa

Our 2023 Local Business Hero Awards nomination phase closes on Sunday. Neighbours - you only have a few more days to nominate a favourite local business to give them a chance to win an incredible $10,000 package.

Show your support for your local today by nominating them to be this year's … View more
Our 2023 Local Business Hero Awards nomination phase closes on Sunday. Neighbours - you only have a few more days to nominate a favourite local business to give them a chance to win an incredible $10,000 package.

Show your support for your local today by nominating them to be this year's Prospa Local Business Hero!
Nominate now

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465 days ago

Find Your Safe Haven

Yvette Williams Retirement Village

Nothing is less predictable than the weather.

Ryman villages are designed to be safe havens, we prepare for adverse events, so you don’t have to. In an emergency, we’ll take care of everything, to ensure sure that you and those you treasure most have exactly what you need.

Rest assured, … View more
Nothing is less predictable than the weather.

Ryman villages are designed to be safe havens, we prepare for adverse events, so you don’t have to. In an emergency, we’ll take care of everything, to ensure sure that you and those you treasure most have exactly what you need.

Rest assured, you’re in safe hands.

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469 days ago

Buy more tickets today!

Heart Foundation

Increase your chances to win this brand-new, fully-furnished home located just north of Auckland in the stunning beachside town of Mangawhai.

Valued at over $1.4 million and built to perfection by Jennian homes, this brand-new home features three-bedrooms, two-bathrooms and boasts an open-plan … View more
Increase your chances to win this brand-new, fully-furnished home located just north of Auckland in the stunning beachside town of Mangawhai.

Valued at over $1.4 million and built to perfection by Jennian homes, this brand-new home features three-bedrooms, two-bathrooms and boasts an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area.

Make this property your permanent residence, a holiday home, a rental or even sell it. Tickets only $15 – get in quick and purchase more tickets today.
Find out more

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474 days ago

Are class sizes too big these days?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Primary, secondary and kindergarten teachers are striking this week as they look for a pay offer that meets inflation at 7.2% and makes concessions around staffing issues - in particular, student to teacher ratios.

A ratio of 1 teacher for 23 students applies for year 11 students, however … View more
Primary, secondary and kindergarten teachers are striking this week as they look for a pay offer that meets inflation at 7.2% and makes concessions around staffing issues - in particular, student to teacher ratios.

A ratio of 1 teacher for 23 students applies for year 11 students, however support staff can be counted as teachers so the reality is that class sizes can be much higher.
What do you think are the ideal sizes for classrooms?

Type NFP alongside your comments if you don't wish these to be shared in the We Say You Say column of the local paper.

472 days ago

Poll: How much is your monthly POWER bill?

The Team from NZ Compare

We can see you're paying a lot for your broadband each month (we'll have some helpful advice on that soon)! Now let's shine the spot light on Power! The other BIG bill Kiwis are juggling.

We know usage can fluctuate quite a bit meaning so would your bill but to keep it simple, … View more
We can see you're paying a lot for your broadband each month (we'll have some helpful advice on that soon)! Now let's shine the spot light on Power! The other BIG bill Kiwis are juggling.

We know usage can fluctuate quite a bit meaning so would your bill but to keep it simple, how much does your power bill usually come to?

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How much is your monthly POWER bill?
  • 63.3% Under $200
    63.3% Complete
  • 25.8% Between $200-$300
    25.8% Complete
  • 7% Between $300-$400
    7% Complete
  • 3.9% Over $400
    3.9% Complete
1124 votes
472 days ago

Don't forget to nominate a small business...

Prospa

Know the friendliest barista around? Does your mechanic always go the extra mile? Got a lawn-mowing legend? Hairdresser hero?

Give your favourite local business the recognition they deserve by nominating them in the 2023 Prospa Local Business Hero awards.

There's been hundreds of … View more
Know the friendliest barista around? Does your mechanic always go the extra mile? Got a lawn-mowing legend? Hairdresser hero?

Give your favourite local business the recognition they deserve by nominating them in the 2023 Prospa Local Business Hero awards.

There's been hundreds of incredible entries already but don't forget to nominate your local this week. The recognition will make their day (and they're in with a chance to win a $10,000 package!).

Share a few words about your favourite local now.
Nomiante now

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477 days ago

Poll: How much is your monthly BROADBAND bill?

The Team from NZ Compare

Internet is something we need these days for work, study, keeping in touch with loved ones or just to watch a movie! It's another bill to manage right?!

With the cost of living rising, we want to know how much your broadband bill is setting you back each month?

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How much is your monthly BROADBAND bill?
  • 28.1% Under $75
    28.1% Complete
  • 27.6% Between $75-$85
    27.6% Complete
  • 44.3% Over $85
    44.3% Complete
1593 votes
474 days ago

Have you got a great recipe for jerusalem artichokes?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are still on the hunt for amazing and inventive jerusalem artichoke recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by March 26, 2023. Every published recipe wins a copy of the May issue of NZ … View moreEvery month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are still on the hunt for amazing and inventive jerusalem artichoke recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by March 26, 2023. Every published recipe wins a copy of the May issue of NZ Gardener.

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478 days ago

A seven-hour hike, sweat, and a trip through the Valley of the Trolls for a 'dream wedding'

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Otago News

When you think weddings, you think pampering, gloss and fuss.
You probably don’t imagine a seven-hour slog uphill, sweat and nachos.

But that is exactly what one couple chose for their big day when they hiked to the remote Lake Wilson, off the Routeburn Track.

The Valley of the Trolls, … View more
When you think weddings, you think pampering, gloss and fuss.
You probably don’t imagine a seven-hour slog uphill, sweat and nachos.

But that is exactly what one couple chose for their big day when they hiked to the remote Lake Wilson, off the Routeburn Track.

The Valley of the Trolls, complete with swampland and thick tussocks, doesn’t necessarily sound all that romantic either, but for bride Luana Schramme the tramp through the valley to her stunning wedding spot was “magical”.

Schramme, 27, and her husband Bernardo Araujo, 29, weren’t alone for their wilderness wedding – they had seven friends, a photographer and a celebrant join them on the 34km trip for the unusual ceremony.

Read the full story from reporter Olivia Caldwell here. Congratulations to the newlyweds!

478 days ago

Five years and two companies later, Queenstown finally gets e-scooters

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Otago News

Will you give Queenstown's new e-scooters a go?

Beam is bringing up to 300 e-scooters into central Queenstown on a 24-month trial following agreement with the Queenstown Lakes District Council.

Beam spokesman Frederick Conquer said the first few bookings had started coming in on … View more
Will you give Queenstown's new e-scooters a go?

Beam is bringing up to 300 e-scooters into central Queenstown on a 24-month trial following agreement with the Queenstown Lakes District Council.

Beam spokesman Frederick Conquer said the first few bookings had started coming in on Wednesday following a small launch in the town.

Read the full story from reporter Debbie Jamieson here.

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479 days ago

Applications closing soon!

Yvette Williams Retirement Village

Since 1999, our residents and team members have raised more than $5.1 million for charities across New Zealand and Australia.

Supporting fellow pioneers isn’t new. It’s in our DNA. Learn more about becoming our charity partner for 2022/23.

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