Waitaki District, Oamaru

503 days ago

Happy Valentines Neighbours!

The Team from NZ Compare

The team at NZ Compare hope everyone is keeping safe and snuggled up with their loved ones n this terrible weather. 🥰

We've got the down-low on the best shows to stream on rainy days, take a look!

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503 days ago

National State of Emergency

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Regional updates for February 15th, see the live Stuff updates.

14th February - 10:45am Update: National State of Emergency
Minister for Emergency Management, Kieran McAnulty, has confirmed a National State of Emergency this morning due to the widespread damage across the country due to … View more
Regional updates for February 15th, see the live Stuff updates.

14th February - 10:45am Update: National State of Emergency
Minister for Emergency Management, Kieran McAnulty, has confirmed a National State of Emergency this morning due to the widespread damage across the country due to Cyclone Gabrielle.

While many regions have already declared a local state of emergency, a National State of Emergency gives the National Controller legal authority to apply resources across the country in support of a national level response.

Here's what you need to know:
- Heavy rain red warnings are in place for Northland and Hawke's Bay, with red strong wind warnings also for Northland, Coromandel and Taranaki. Check all weather warnings on the MetService website.
- States of emergency have been declared in Northland, Auckland, Tairāwhiti, Ōpōtiki, Thames-Coromandel District, Waikato District, Hauraki District, Whakatāne District, Bay of Plenty, Napier and Hastings.
- There has been a landslide in Murawai with one firefighter missing.
- Gisborne is feared cut off and the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula. Residents are to take note of the Welfare Centres for Gisborne and Coromandel.
- A number of road closures are in place across the North Island. View these on the Waka Kotahi NZTA website.
- Fire and Emergency is urging people to only call 111 if life or safety is at risk after a surge in calls.
- In Auckland there are 27 shelters and civil defence centres where people can go in an emergency.

Stuff are posting live updates and have shared what you need in your 3-day emergency kit. Stay up to date with Civil Defence updates and track the storm here.

2pm Update for Hawke's Bay:
Multiple evacuations needed in Puketapu, Esk Valley, Rissington, Omahu, Waiohiki, Jervoistown and Meeanee and Waipawa.
Many remain trapped in cars and houses. Several bridges have been taken out with access between Hastings and Napier now cutoff. More than 20,000 people are without power and cellphone communication in and out of the region is patchy.
Omahu residents needing shelter can go to Hastings Sports' Centre. Taradale residents can head to St Joseph's Māori Girls' School.

507 days ago

ZZ Top bassist visits Queenstown music store ahead of Gibbston concert

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Otago News

From reporter Debbie Jamieson:

ZZ Top bass guitarist Elwood Francis delighted fans with an unscheduled stop at a Queenstown music shop this week.

Francis and band frontman Billy Gibbons are in Queenstown to perform at the Gibbston Valley Winery Summer Concert on Saturday.

Maya Music store… View more
From reporter Debbie Jamieson:

ZZ Top bass guitarist Elwood Francis delighted fans with an unscheduled stop at a Queenstown music shop this week.

Francis and band frontman Billy Gibbons are in Queenstown to perform at the Gibbston Valley Winery Summer Concert on Saturday.

Maya Music store owner Deo Bohn, himself a keen guitar and bass player, was surprised to see the distinctive rocker walk into his store early in the week.

“He just walked in the door with a roadie. They were looking at some instruments,” he said.

He had a chat with Francis, who shared some photos of the band’s concert in Taupō from the weekend, and grabbed a few photos.


Francis and Gibbons had stopped in a record store in Taupō and Bohn hoped Gibbons would call by his Queenstown store also.

Bohn had brought his copy of ZZ Top’s First Album​ into the store, just in case he could get it signed by Gibbons.


Gibbons has been with the band – famous for beards, hot rods and spinning guitars – since it formed in 1969.

Francis, previously the band’s guitar technician and famous in his own right for performing with a 17-string guitar, stepped into his role after the death of original band member Dusty Hill in 2021.

Queenstown man Andrew Wesney was having a guitar lesson when Francis called into the store.

“I was pretty stoked to see him and get to meet him in person. It was cool,” he said.

Bohn said it was not unusual for visiting musicians to call into the store, which was near Queenstown’s airport.


Some Kiwi artists such as The Black Seeds and Kora would book practice space at the shop before a gig.

“You never know who’s going to walk in the door in Queenstown,” he said.

Musicians Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo have also been in Queenstown during the week, posting a photo overlooking Lake Wakatipu, towards Cecil Peak, on their Facebook page on Monday.

Mora Wines and Artisan Kitchen posted a photo of the pair having lunch there on Thursday.

The Greenstone Summer Concert returned this year after being cancelled due to the difficulties of bringing in international artists under Covid-19 border restrictions last year.

ZZ Top is headlining the show, along with 90s grunge legends Stone Temple Pilots, four times Grammy Award winners Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, and Aussie rockers The Angels.


They performed at Taupō on Saturday but the Whitianga Summer Concert scheduled for Sunday was cancelled due to weather conditions.

About 15,000 people are expected at Saturday’s Gibbston Valley Winery Summer Concert in Queenstown, which starts with Wānaka band Powder Chutes at 11.30am.

Organisers said it was forecast to be a warm and sunny summer’s day, so people should stay hydrated and use sunscreen.

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506 days ago

Help those in need...

Resene

Swap food for a FREE Resene testpot with Hunger for Colour!

Simply bring two cans of food into your local Resene ColorShop and swap them for one Resene testpot (60-80ml). We'll donate all food to The Salvation Army foodbanks.

By adding a little more colour to your life you can also help… View more
Swap food for a FREE Resene testpot with Hunger for Colour!

Simply bring two cans of food into your local Resene ColorShop and swap them for one Resene testpot (60-80ml). We'll donate all food to The Salvation Army foodbanks.

By adding a little more colour to your life you can also help those in need.
Find out more

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507 days ago

Mobile Compare has Launched!

The Team from NZ Compare

The newest addition to the NZ Compare suite of comparison brands has landed - Mobile Compare is the home of Kiwi Mobile Plans. A one stop shop for Neighbours everywhere!

Start 2023 right! Forget overspending and getting stuck with a plan that offers too much or too little.

Whether you’re … View more
The newest addition to the NZ Compare suite of comparison brands has landed - Mobile Compare is the home of Kiwi Mobile Plans. A one stop shop for Neighbours everywhere!

Start 2023 right! Forget overspending and getting stuck with a plan that offers too much or too little.

Whether you’re after unlimited minutes and calling, endless data or flexible payment options to fit your budget, Mobile Compare has it all from your favourite providers. Plus, the website is super easy to use — you’ll find a fantastic deal in no time! Check it out today!

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507 days ago

Chair makeover

The Team from Resene ColorShop Oamaru

Jazz up a tired set of wicker chairs with eye-popping colours and Resene FX Metallic paint.

Find out how to add a little shimmer of your own with these easy instructions.

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510 days ago

Poll: Are you happy with your local council?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

With rising inflation, the pressure is piling on councils this year to tighten their budgets to keep rates payments down for households across the country.
Overall, do you feel that your council and community board does a good job for your area?

If you don't wish for your replies to be … View more
With rising inflation, the pressure is piling on councils this year to tighten their budgets to keep rates payments down for households across the country.
Overall, do you feel that your council and community board does a good job for your area?

If you don't wish for your replies to be used in the We Say You Say column, include NFP in your comment.

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Are you happy with your local council?
  • 7.6% Yes, we are really lucky with our local council
    7.6% Complete
  • 22.7% Yes, I'm fairly happy with my local council
    22.7% Complete
  • 59% No, I'm really unhappy with my local council
    59% Complete
  • 10.7% I'm indifferent
    10.7% Complete
2406 votes
509 days ago

Seniors Newsletter

The Team from Office for Seniors

Our February issue of our Seniors Newsletter is out now. In this issue we're keeping you in the know how on copper withdrawal and how that may affect you, plus lots more.

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509 days ago

Subscribe & receive a free 250g box of Guylian chocolates.

Mags4gifts

To celebrate Valentine’s Day, subscribe to NZ House & Garden, NZ Gardener, or TV Guide online at Mags4Gifts and receive an iconic box of Guylian Belgian seashells.

Simply enter the promo code ‘VALENTINES’ at the checkout to redeem this great offer. Valid until 11:59pm 14 February … View more
To celebrate Valentine’s Day, subscribe to NZ House & Garden, NZ Gardener, or TV Guide online at Mags4Gifts and receive an iconic box of Guylian Belgian seashells.

Simply enter the promo code ‘VALENTINES’ at the checkout to redeem this great offer. Valid until 11:59pm 14 February 2023, white stocks last. For full terms and conditions click here.

The team at Mags4Gifts.
Find out more

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510 days ago

Night-time sealing work on SH6 at Kawarau Gorge and Jack's Point

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Otago News

Following the summer holiday pause on roadworks, resealing is set to resume on sections of SH6 in the Kawarau Gorge and at the SH6-Jack Hanley Drive intersection.

The work by Aspiring Highways is part of the biggest nationwide summer works programmes ever undertaken by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport … View more
Following the summer holiday pause on roadworks, resealing is set to resume on sections of SH6 in the Kawarau Gorge and at the SH6-Jack Hanley Drive intersection.

The work by Aspiring Highways is part of the biggest nationwide summer works programmes ever undertaken by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.

Because of the large volume of daytime traffic on SH6, work will be done at night with rolling closures, Waka Kotahi maintenance contract manager Peter Standring said.

“The road will open at least hourly for a contractor vehicle to pilot waiting drivers through the site. This will keep construction crews and road users safe and lessen damage to the new seal.”

All sealing work needs fine, warm weather, with the dates below subject to these conditions:

- SH6 Kawarau Gorge from Victoria Flats Bridge to east of Pearson Road:
Sunday, February 12, and Monday, February 13, 9pm to 5am

- SH6 Kawarau Gorge from Crown Range intersection to Bungy Bridge:

Tuesday, February 14, and Wednesday, February 15, 9pm to 5am

- SH6 intersection with Jack Hanley Drive, Jack’s Point:
Thursday, February 16, 9pm to 5am

“This work is necessary to improve the surface on these sections of highway, and ultimately makes our roads safer for people,” Standring said.

“We understand resealing can be noisy, our team will be doing all we can to get this job done as quickly as possible to minimise the impact of this work on households and businesses.”

Speed restrictions will be in place after the work is completed to enable the seal to fully set.

512 days ago

Making a plan could save your life…

The Hello Project

All too often, our older community are found at home alone, suffering, physically hurt and unable to help themselves. If you’re living alone and would like some extra support, get to know your neighbours, reassure them that you're okay with them checking in on you, and together make a plan … View moreAll too often, our older community are found at home alone, suffering, physically hurt and unable to help themselves. If you’re living alone and would like some extra support, get to know your neighbours, reassure them that you're okay with them checking in on you, and together make a plan and talk through what warning signs to look out for should something be wrong. It could just save your life.

For more information, and tips to help you make a plan go to thehelloproject.nz
Learn more

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513 days ago

Want something to listen to this weekend?

Stuff

Needless to say, it's been a horrible week for a lot of us with the scary weather and all it's brought with it. If you're doing it tough, here's something which might help.

Stuff's podcast Stuff Explained has been talking with Hummingly's Jolie Wills, a … View more
Needless to say, it's been a horrible week for a lot of us with the scary weather and all it's brought with it. If you're doing it tough, here's something which might help.

Stuff's podcast Stuff Explained has been talking with Hummingly's Jolie Wills, a psycho-social expert in disaster and disruption. In this short podcast interview, Jolie shares her expert advice on what you, or the people you want to support, may need right now.

Whether you're currently involved, or you want to help others, it's worth a quick listen!
Listen now

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514 days ago

Poll: Which photograph should win the People & Communities category?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Canon Summer Snap competition has garnered some stunning photos from across Aotearoa. Once again, Neighbourly is the judge of their People and Communities photograph category so we need you!

There's a camera up for grabs for these talented photographers, and it's up to you to … View more
The Canon Summer Snap competition has garnered some stunning photos from across Aotearoa. Once again, Neighbourly is the judge of their People and Communities photograph category so we need you!

There's a camera up for grabs for these talented photographers, and it's up to you to choose who takes the crown...and the Canon EOS!

Cast your vote in the poll below before 4pm, 14 February.

Which photograph should win the People & Communities category?
  • 13.5% Sparrow stories at Oriental Bay
    13.5% Complete
  • 15.9% Forever Brothers
    15.9% Complete
  • 35.4% Fishing at Ngunguru
    35.4% Complete
  • 25.3% Summer evening at Lake Wakatipu
    25.3% Complete
  • 7% Runners on Himatangi Beach
    7% Complete
  • 2.8% Party colour at Wellington Botanic Gardens
    2.8% Complete
1930 votes
517 days ago

Poll: Should we be taking more action on climate change?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

With torrential rain and flooding caused by an 'atmospheric river', should this event convince us all that climate change is real and we need to be taking action?

*Add NFP if you don't wish for your comments to be used for We Say You Say in the local papers.*

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Should we be taking more action on climate change?
  • 66.8% Yes, we need to do more
    66.8% Complete
  • 10.9% No, there's no such thing as climate change
    10.9% Complete
  • 3.9% I don't know - I'd need more information
    3.9% Complete
  • 18.4% There's nothing we can do about climate change
    18.4% Complete
2675 votes
517 days ago

A Morning with Sir Ashley Bloomfield

Yvette Williams Retirement Village

Sir Ashley Bloomfield was New Zealand’s Director-General of Health from June 2018 to July 2022 and became a familiar figure as the public face of the health response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

His vast career experiences over the last 25 years in public policy and health leadership include … View more
Sir Ashley Bloomfield was New Zealand’s Director-General of Health from June 2018 to July 2022 and became a familiar figure as the public face of the health response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

His vast career experiences over the last 25 years in public policy and health leadership include being based at the World Health Organization in Geneva, working on non-communicable disease prevention and control with a global focus.

Join us for a morning with Sir Ashley Bloomfield as he shares insight into his career and the challenges he faced during uncertain times.

Time: Wednesday 8 February, 10.30am
Location: Online.

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