Waitaki District, Oamaru

944 days ago

Are you obsessed with your houseplants? Enter our Houseplant Hero competition!

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

The hunt is officially on for New Zealand's best collection of houseplants
. Which means you could be 2022 Houseplant Hero. There’s some great prizes to be won! To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) what potted plants you have, the time you put into caring for them, and what … View more
The hunt is officially on for New Zealand's best collection of houseplants
. Which means you could be 2022 Houseplant Hero. There’s some great prizes to be won! To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) what potted plants you have, the time you put into caring for them, and what you love about them. Send us up to five photos of your indoor plant displays. Email mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Meanwhile, here's last year's winner Alyce Read, from Nelson.

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948 days ago

Candle creations

The Team from Resene ColorShop Oamaru

Who would have thought pine chair feet could make such an amazing addition to your home décor? Painting these with Resene testpots and stacking them to make contemporary candle holders is a breeze.

Find out how to create your own.

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953 days ago

Trust a farmer to give us their opinion.

PGG Wrightson

The new range of Line7 performance workwear has been designed, developed and tested by you – New Zealand farmers. We asked, listened, and collaborated directly with farmers in the making of this gear. We tested and re-tested in on-farm environments. We re-engineered what farming workwear can be … View moreThe new range of Line7 performance workwear has been designed, developed and tested by you – New Zealand farmers. We asked, listened, and collaborated directly with farmers in the making of this gear. We tested and re-tested in on-farm environments. We re-engineered what farming workwear can be with your needs front of mind.

We brought our decades of experience creating world-class performance gear. Add to that a legacy of Kiwi innovation, a challenger spirit and a practical attitude that’s been part of Line 7 since we started back in 1963.

Every detail has been reviewed and refined – without overlooking the obvious. Breathable, flexible, functional and comfortable, while still being supremely durable and waterproof. Made to fit farmers of all shapes and sizes, with a dedicated range for women. Built to last, and last a bit longer still, with an included repair kit that means you can fix it up quickly yourself.

Now take it out there, try it on and put it to the test. Wear it out and wear it again. We’re pretty damn confident you won’t be disappointed
Find out more

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955 days ago

Queenstown and Wānaka house sale prices tumble - but no trend yet

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Otago News

From reporter Debbie Jamieson:

Queenstown median house prices have dipped below $1 million for the first time in 18 months.

Real Estate Institute figures for April show a 22.1% decrease from the same month last year, from $1.22m to $950,000 for the tourist town.

The last time it dipped below $1m… View more
From reporter Debbie Jamieson:

Queenstown median house prices have dipped below $1 million for the first time in 18 months.

Real Estate Institute figures for April show a 22.1% decrease from the same month last year, from $1.22m to $950,000 for the tourist town.

The last time it dipped below $1m was in August 2020, and the median price has regularly been in seven figures since 2018.

There was an even larger drop in Wānaka, where the median price dropped 43.3% to $635,000, largely due to sales of townhouses at the Riverside Residence development.

Of the 58 sales in Wānaka this April, 24 were townhouse purchases from Riverside Residence between $400,000 and $700,000, according to a report from the institute.

The median price excluding these sales would have been $1.115m.

There are 62 units within Riverside Residence, many of which are sold for short-term accommodation only.

Real Estate Institute Otago/Southland spokesperson Liz Nidd said the market across the country had been affected by Covid-19 and recent school holidays.

“There is a rationalisation of the market happening, but it’s too early to panic,” she said.

The report says owner-occupiers were the most active buyers in the Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes regions, although finance was challenging for many purchasers.

First home buyers in the region were scarce due to tightened lending conditions, loan to value ratios and rising interest rates.

“Anecdotally, unless first home buyers have support from the bank of mum and dad, they tend to be priced out of all but the outer suburbs,” Nidd said.

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.

Queenstown Community Housing Trust executive officer Julie Scott said even with the drop in sales prices, homes in the region remained far out of reach for low and middle income households.

“This makes absolutely no difference,” she said.

The trust has almost 800 households on its waiting list.

The institute’s report says investors had also stepped back from the market due to new tax legislation, despite rents increasing.

A lack of rental properties was making it difficult for prospective tenants.

Nationally, house sales nationwide tumbled by 29.3% between March and April, highlighting the ongoing slowdown of the market, the institute said.

Its latest figures showed there were just 4860 sales around the country in April. That was down 35.2% from the 7497 sales at the same time last year.

In Queenstown, sales decreased by 10.9%.

Agents said “fear of missing out” was replaced with a “fear of overpaying”.

“With fewer buyers in the market, there is less competition, not as much urgency and vendors have become more realistic in their expectations.”

Agents were hopeful that the Central Otago/Lakes region might see some more overseas buyers now that borders are open but are also aware that some Kiwis will leave New Zealand after two years of Covid-19.

955 days ago

Triple-bay compost bin

The Team from Resene ColorShop Oamaru

Create your own triple compost bin and stain in Resene Waterborne Woodsman. Use the handy compartments for fresh scraps, decomposing material and usable compost.
Find out how to create your own.

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956 days ago

The future is in good hands

LIC

While farming has changed significantly through the generations, LIC has had the privilege of journeying alongside farmers, their families and their businesses and have made constant improvements to deliver superior genetics and technology in response.

Visit our website to find out more about … View more
While farming has changed significantly through the generations, LIC has had the privilege of journeying alongside farmers, their families and their businesses and have made constant improvements to deliver superior genetics and technology in response.

Visit our website to find out more about how these advances are getting the next generation interested in dairy farming.
Find out more

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957 days ago

Want to go shopping without leaving your couch?

The Team from NZ Compare

NZ Compare is the home of easy and free to use comparison sites. We’re passionate about helping Kiwis compare what’s out there, so we wanted to introduce you to a new member of our brand family – PriceMe!

PriceMe is NZ's largest comparison-shopping site, sounds fun right?! Whether … View more
NZ Compare is the home of easy and free to use comparison sites. We’re passionate about helping Kiwis compare what’s out there, so we wanted to introduce you to a new member of our brand family – PriceMe!

PriceMe is NZ's largest comparison-shopping site, sounds fun right?! Whether you're buying electronics, appliances, smartphones or watches, hair straighteners or any other everyday household or office product – find the best prices on PriceMe.

Make it your first stop, not an afterthought Neighbours!

Plus, you don’t need to leave the house! Shopping made simple, just how we like it.
Visit us

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959 days ago

Does your business need a better broadband plan?

The Team from NZ Compare

Business is tough and finding the right broadband plan or provider can be just as rough, so let's make it a little easier.

We want you to focus on achieving your strategy, not going from site to site, call to call to get a good deal! So we've launched Business Compare - a simple, free … View more
Business is tough and finding the right broadband plan or provider can be just as rough, so let's make it a little easier.

We want you to focus on achieving your strategy, not going from site to site, call to call to get a good deal! So we've launched Business Compare - a simple, free to use website that will help you compare NZ broadband retailers that supply businesses just like yours!

NZ Compare is here to help Kiwi businesses find the right plan, the right provider, the right fit. Go visit Business Compare now!

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962 days ago

Concrete planter

The Team from Resene ColorShop Oamaru

This modern, stylish planter finished in Resene is a great option to show off a statement plant. Find out how to create your own.

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965 days ago

Can you help a business in your community?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

We are incredibly proud to launch Short Notice is a new initiative designed to connect neighbours with a little spare time on their hands with local businesses that need a bit of extra help!

It's very simple; using the new Short Notice community hub, share a little about yourself, your … View more
We are incredibly proud to launch Short Notice is a new initiative designed to connect neighbours with a little spare time on their hands with local businesses that need a bit of extra help!

It's very simple; using the new Short Notice community hub, share a little about yourself, your availability and how you'd like to help.

If you're a business owner sign up for a FREE Premium Business listing to get access to Short Notice and let your community know what help you need.

Together, let's help keep small businesses busy!
Explore Short Notice

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966 days ago

Any size McCafé® coffee is $4

McDonald's

Grab yourself a delicious Barista Made Coffee for only $4 at McCafé.

McCafé, simply good coffee.

Available for a limited time.
Find out more

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969 days ago

Our 2022 Prospa Local Business Hero Winner!

Prospa

Congratulations to Robert Fenwick, owner of Fenwicks Pharmacy in Canterbury, the 2022 Prospa Local Business Hero.

Robert has been recognised for his ongoing service and support for the community through tough times. Fenwicks pharmacy remained open throughout the lockdown with friendly greetings,… View more
Congratulations to Robert Fenwick, owner of Fenwicks Pharmacy in Canterbury, the 2022 Prospa Local Business Hero.

Robert has been recognised for his ongoing service and support for the community through tough times. Fenwicks pharmacy remained open throughout the lockdown with friendly greetings, conversations and smiles!

Congratulations to all the finalists and thank you for nominating your favourite local business. We'd like to acknowledge the official winner of the public voting poll, Josh Coe, owner of Page 42 cafe. Unfortunately, Josh has decided to close his business after 3.5 years and we wish him all the best.

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969 days ago

Rustic house number

The Team from Resene ColorShop Oamaru

Turn scrap building materials into a fun and practical piece for the home. Use timber offcuts and some creativity to make a rustic house number sign with Resene Alabaster and Resene Woodsman Crowshead.

Find out how to create your own.

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971 days ago

Poll: Why aren't you switching power providers?

The Team from NZ Compare

The weather is getting chilly, ya power is going to rise! So why are you sticking with the same plan and provider if it might be costing you MORE money?!

53.9% of Neighbours said they switched over 6 months ago and 33.6% said you have no idea when you last switched! We want to know why … View more
The weather is getting chilly, ya power is going to rise! So why are you sticking with the same plan and provider if it might be costing you MORE money?!

53.9% of Neighbours said they switched over 6 months ago and 33.6% said you have no idea when you last switched! We want to know why you're not switching power providers?

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Why aren't you switching power providers?
  • 32.6% Switching is too hard, I have enough to deal with!
    32.6% Complete
  • 23.7% I'm in a contract
    23.7% Complete
  • 43.8% I don't know where to find a better deal
    43.8% Complete
473 votes
971 days ago

Know a deserving neighbour?

Ashleigh from The Neighbourly Team

Our winning Nice Neighbours have been featured across NZ in the local papers, maybe you've spotted these smiling faces...
If you have a nice neighbour who needs recognised for the little (or big!) things they do, nominate them on our Nice Neighbour page and you could each get a $25 Prezzy® … View more
Our winning Nice Neighbours have been featured across NZ in the local papers, maybe you've spotted these smiling faces...
If you have a nice neighbour who needs recognised for the little (or big!) things they do, nominate them on our Nice Neighbour page and you could each get a $25 Prezzy® card - that sounds like morning tea to me!

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