Waitaki District, Oamaru

Last chance for tickets!

Last chance for tickets!

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

572 days ago

Landmark Queenstown home of Australian philanthropist on the market for the first time

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Otago News

From reporter Debbie Jamieson:

A landmark central Queenstown home with the town’s widest Lake Wakatipu frontage is for sale for the first time.

The Thomas House was designed and built for Australian businessman David Thomas and his late wife, Barbara.

The much-admired home sits on a … View more
From reporter Debbie Jamieson:

A landmark central Queenstown home with the town’s widest Lake Wakatipu frontage is for sale for the first time.

The Thomas House was designed and built for Australian businessman David Thomas and his late wife, Barbara.

The much-admired home sits on a large site located in Queenstown’s Park St – a location sought after for its lake frontage, panoramic views, and 10-minute walk into town.

Designed by noted Australian architect Andrew Wiley and influenced by the prairie style made famous by American architect Frank Lloyd Wright, the house is subtle, yet grand.

Agent James O’Hagan, of Colliers Queenstown, said it was unusual for a property to offer so many unique and appealing attributes.

“The residence itself is a timeless architectural statement.

“I think it would be one of the most admired and photographed homes in Queenstown, and it’s on one of the most desirable addresses in the area.”

The expansive 2150m² site covers two titles and is zoned high density affording multiple future development options.

The 62m lake frontage was the widest lake frontage of any residential home in the Queenstown town centre area.

“We anticipate strong interest on the basis of this being a very special property offering,” O’Hagan said.

Interiors of the 451m² house were designed by the late George Freedman and the award-winning park-like gardens, planted exclusively in natives, were designed by landscape Ralf Krüger.

The main residence contains separate formal living zones designed to maximise lake and mountain views, a dedicated art gallery with separate art storage and a commercial-grade wine store.

There are three bedrooms in the main residence with a separate lake-facing self-contained studio with private patio and parterre garden.

The home is being offered for sale by deadline private treaty closing May 18.

The house was completed in 2000.

O’Hagan said it was difficult to estimate a sale price, but he anticipated there would be strong interest well above the 2021 CV of $11.59 million.

David and Barbara Thomas are amongst Australia’s largest environmental philanthropists, having donated more than $AUS40m to conservation projects through their Thomas Foundation.

The entrepreneurial couple started Cellarmaster Wines in Australia, in 1982, after buying wine from The Sunday Times Wine Club in London.

Over 14 years they launched 12 more wine clubs in Australia and New Zealand.

In 1996, they sold the business to Fosters for A$160 million, providing the capital to endow The Thomas Foundation.

Initially the foundation supported projects in education, the arts and conservation and in 2013 shifted focus to marine issues.

573 days ago

Would you speak up?

Telecommunications Dispute Resolution

Telecommunications are an integral part of our lives, so when things go wrong it can be frustrating. Do you prefer to keep tight lipped, or are you willing to speak up?

The Telecommunications Dispute Resolution service, or TDR for short, is here to help. It’s ok to complain and we encourage … View more
Telecommunications are an integral part of our lives, so when things go wrong it can be frustrating. Do you prefer to keep tight lipped, or are you willing to speak up?

The Telecommunications Dispute Resolution service, or TDR for short, is here to help. It’s ok to complain and we encourage you to speak up and raise issues early.

For phone and internet disputes, talk to your provider first and give them a chance to sort it. If it remains unresolved or if you need some extra help, you can talk to TDR – your free and independent complaint service.

To get in touch or find out more, visit www.tdr.org.nz or freephone 0508 98 98 98.
Find out more

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573 days ago

Mealtime made easy with HelloFresh

HelloFresh

Sharing the joy with neighbours, family, and friends alike doesn’t have to be hard. HelloFresh makes mealtime easy, even for a crowd.

With HelloFresh you don’t have to think about meal planning or the hassle of going to the supermarket. Everything you need for a no-stress, … View more
Sharing the joy with neighbours, family, and friends alike doesn’t have to be hard. HelloFresh makes mealtime easy, even for a crowd.

With HelloFresh you don’t have to think about meal planning or the hassle of going to the supermarket. Everything you need for a no-stress, delicious meal is delivered straight to your door with quality, pre-portioned ingredients.

Experience the variety and convenience HelloFresh has to offer with meals like Chipotle Beef & Black Bean Loaded Wedges with Radish Salsa & Mayonnaise by using the code NEIGHBOURLYHF to get up to $175 off HelloFresh.
Find out more

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581 days ago

Seniors Newsletter

The Team from Office for Seniors

Our Seniors newsletter is out today. We publish details on the annual increase to NZ Superannuation and Veterans pension payments, the start of the Winter Energy Payment and provide advice on travelling overseas while on Superannuation and what you need to be aware of. We also hear about MoneyTalks… View moreOur Seniors newsletter is out today. We publish details on the annual increase to NZ Superannuation and Veterans pension payments, the start of the Winter Energy Payment and provide advice on travelling overseas while on Superannuation and what you need to be aware of. We also hear about MoneyTalks and the free budget advice they provide. Plus so much more!

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574 days ago

What's your best onion recipe?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Dear neighbours, every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. This month, we're on the hunt for onion recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by April 20, 2023. Every published recipe wins a copy of the June issue of NZ Gardener.

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574 days ago

ANNOUNCING THE WINNER OF THE HOUSEHOLD HERO COMPETITION

The Team from NZ Compare

Over 360 Household Heroes across the nation were nominated by you to win $350! This country is full of amazing Kiwis who are keeping things running at home no matter what! You’re all heroes!

BUT there can only be one winner, was it you? Find out who WON $350 towards their Broadband and Power … View more
Over 360 Household Heroes across the nation were nominated by you to win $350! This country is full of amazing Kiwis who are keeping things running at home no matter what! You’re all heroes!

BUT there can only be one winner, was it you? Find out who WON $350 towards their Broadband and Power bill!

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575 days ago

Gift a subscription and Receive Oriental Lily Bulbs Free!

NZ Gardener

Spoil the Mum in your life with a subscription to NZ’s favourite gardening magazine.

For only $79 get 12 issues of NZ Gardener PLUS 5 Oriental Lily Bulbs worth $17 RRP from NZ Bulbs. Since 1957, NZ Bulbs has been supplying top quality bulbs to New Zealand gardeners. This family-owned business… View more
Spoil the Mum in your life with a subscription to NZ’s favourite gardening magazine.

For only $79 get 12 issues of NZ Gardener PLUS 5 Oriental Lily Bulbs worth $17 RRP from NZ Bulbs. Since 1957, NZ Bulbs has been supplying top quality bulbs to New Zealand gardeners. This family-owned business has shipped hundreds of spring and summer flowering bulbs and tubers all over New Zealand from their base near Feilding.

Offer valid until 11:59pm 14 May 2023. For full terms and conditions click here.

Happy Mother’s Day
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579 days ago

Luxury Queenstown hotel building for sale, offers over $35m considered

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Otago News

From reporter Debbie Jamieson:L

A new five-star-plus Queenstown hotel building is for sale and the vendor will consider offers over $35 million.

Kevin Carlin built the seven-storey 14-suite Carlin Boutique Hotel and Oro restaurant near central Queenstown during the Covid-19 pandemic.

It … View more
From reporter Debbie Jamieson:L

A new five-star-plus Queenstown hotel building is for sale and the vendor will consider offers over $35 million.

Kevin Carlin built the seven-storey 14-suite Carlin Boutique Hotel and Oro restaurant near central Queenstown during the Covid-19 pandemic.

It opened in early 2022 and has since received several international awards including three Boutique Hotel Awards, such as the World's Best New Hotel in 2022.

Carlin operates the hotel and intends doing so for the next 30 years, but now wished to free up the capital involved in the building for other projects.

It was standard practice for hotels and other businesses to rent the buildings they operate from, he said.

”I was the rare person that’s a property developer and owned the building.

”I always intended to sell the real estate to get the cash back for another development,” he said.

He intended leasing the building back for 30 years and operating the hotel himself “if someone pays the price”.

“I’m not going anywhere. This is my retirement project.”

He declined to give details of other developments he sought capital for, though he is developing a five-star Radisson Hotel​ in Queenstown with Australia-based partner Centuria.

Despite a major staff shortage in Queenstown the Carlin Boutique Hotel was almost fully staffed with 38 employees on board.

Bookings were good going ahead, but he was looking forward to the return of European and wealthy Chinese travellers, he said.

Chinese visitors were struggling with visa issues in their own country while a lack of flights connecting Europe and New Zealand was deterring those visitors.

“I was there recently, and it took me four flights to get home to Queenstown,” he said.

Visitors to the hotel can book a room from $2219.50 a night, according to the website.

Each of the interconnected suites has views over central Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu, its own outdoor fire and spa pool, and a kitchen where private chefs can whip up a meal.

“We don’t expect our guests are ever going to buy eggs and cook,” Carlin told Stuff on a tour when it first opened.

The property is listed with Bayleys Real Estate and expressions of interest are sought.

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582 days ago

Do you know any 'Boomerang Babies'?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

In previous generations, children left home at 18 years old and became independent. Now with student debt and the increasing cost of renting and buying a house, we are seeing the rise of the 'Boomerang babies' who stay or move back home for well into their 20's. Is this good for our … View moreIn previous generations, children left home at 18 years old and became independent. Now with student debt and the increasing cost of renting and buying a house, we are seeing the rise of the 'Boomerang babies' who stay or move back home for well into their 20's. Is this good for our communities and have you noticed it in yours?

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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579 days ago

Grab an epic broadband and power deal!

The Team from NZ Compare

The NZ Compare Easter Bunny has been busy delivering some epic deals on BROADBAND and POWER!

No chocolate in sight, these treats are better! How about unlimited broadband starting from $62/m with 6 months FREE Prime Video PLUS a chance to WIN 1 of 6 $300 Prezzy Cards with 2degrees? Maybe … View more
The NZ Compare Easter Bunny has been busy delivering some epic deals on BROADBAND and POWER!

No chocolate in sight, these treats are better! How about unlimited broadband starting from $62/m with 6 months FREE Prime Video PLUS a chance to WIN 1 of 6 $300 Prezzy Cards with 2degrees? Maybe you’d like to bundle and get your first 2 months of broadband FREE with Electric Kiwi! Or sink your teeth into a $100 welcome credit with Flick.

There is more so hop to it Neighbours before they go!
GET EPIC EASTER DEALS

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581 days ago

That Wānaka Tree is joined by Wānaka Shark

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Otago News

From reporter Debbie Jamieson:

That Wānaka Tree is world famous but the shark swimming around it may elevate it to new social media heights.

No-one knows where the shark, or to be precise the shark’s fin, came from and local social media posts have divided opinion in the small town.

View more
From reporter Debbie Jamieson:

That Wānaka Tree is world famous but the shark swimming around it may elevate it to new social media heights.

No-one knows where the shark, or to be precise the shark’s fin, came from and local social media posts have divided opinion in the small town.

Posting on Facebook on Monday, Joanne Young said April Fools was over and the stationary fin spoiled the lake's beauty.

“Can it be removed?” she asked.

But Jess B Clark called for the “weed tree” to be removed instead, while Kieran Kaiwai suggested someone jump in and tackle the shark.

Others suggested it would need Department of Conservation and Otago Regional Council involvement involving a lengthy report and an 80% rates rise.

Tony Vial suspected it might be the work of a random Sharks supporter, before adding his own “Go the Warriors”.

Todd Jeremy Owen said he had seen the fin in other spots, including Lake Hawea.

"That Taniwha is way older than that weedy willow,” he said.

Tracy Sarah Jones looked forward to seeing the next 20 million lonely tree shots accompanied by the great shark fin.

While Amanda Waldo had another ominous warning for regular lake users.

"If the duck itch doesn’t get you...” she wrote.

For now, the big questions are unanswered. Will the shark remain? And will it ruin the perfect shot of #thatwanakatree?

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581 days ago

Save at your local Resene ColorShop!

Resene

Bring out the best in your home.

Get 20% off Resene premium paints, stains, wallpapers and accessories, on now at Resene ColorShops!

Hurry Resene sale ends Tuesday 11th April.
Shop online at shop.resene.co.nz or visit your local Resene ColorShop.
Learn More

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584 days ago

Gift a subscription and Receive Oriental Lily Bulbs Free!

NZ Gardener

Spoil the Mum in your life with a subscription to NZ’s favourite gardening magazine.

For only $79 get 12 issues of NZ Gardener PLUS 5 Oriental Lily Bulbs worth $17 RRP from NZ Bulbs. Since 1957, NZ Bulbs has been supplying top quality bulbs to New Zealand gardeners. This family-owned business… View more
Spoil the Mum in your life with a subscription to NZ’s favourite gardening magazine.

For only $79 get 12 issues of NZ Gardener PLUS 5 Oriental Lily Bulbs worth $17 RRP from NZ Bulbs. Since 1957, NZ Bulbs has been supplying top quality bulbs to New Zealand gardeners. This family-owned business has shipped hundreds of spring and summer flowering bulbs and tubers all over New Zealand from their base near Feilding.

Offer valid until 11:59pm 14 May 2023. For full terms and conditions click here.

Happy Mother’s Day
Find out more

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585 days ago

Floating flowers

The Team from Resene ColorShop Oamaru

Create art using Resene paint and your own breath.

Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.

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589 days ago

Poll: Should we scrap daylight saving?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

This Sunday we'll be putting our clocks back for the end of daylight saving. Despite the benefits of an extra hour of sun during daylight saving, these clock changes commonly bring disruptions to our households and sleep - some feel that it should be scrapped altogether. What do you think?

View more
This Sunday we'll be putting our clocks back for the end of daylight saving. Despite the benefits of an extra hour of sun during daylight saving, these clock changes commonly bring disruptions to our households and sleep - some feel that it should be scrapped altogether. What do you think?

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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Should we scrap daylight saving?
  • 32.5% Yes, scrap daylight savings
    32.5% Complete
  • 54.1% No, keep daylight savings
    54.1% Complete
  • 7% I don't mind either way
    7% Complete
  • 6.4% Keep daylight savings but change the dates
    6.4% Complete
6075 votes
Top