Pleasant Point - Temuka, Pleasant Point

Eco Choice

Eco Choice

Paint smart with NZ’s widest range of Eco Choice approved paints, available at your local Resene ColorShop

200 days ago

Poll: What issues influence your vote most?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

October 14th is the last day for voting in the General Election 2023. And while there are some policies that are nice to have, there are other issues that are imperative to us. Where do your priorities lie this election? From the options below, choose what is swaying your vote the most.

Type … View more
October 14th is the last day for voting in the General Election 2023. And while there are some policies that are nice to have, there are other issues that are imperative to us. Where do your priorities lie this election? From the options below, choose what is swaying your vote the most.

Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.

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What issues influence your vote most?
  • 3.2% Education
    3.2% Complete
  • 24.2% Health
    24.2% Complete
  • 8.1% Environment
    8.1% Complete
  • 6% Housing
    6% Complete
  • 18.7% Justice/Law
    18.7% Complete
  • 2.2% Infrastructure
    2.2% Complete
  • 0.4% Defence and foreign affairs
    0.4% Complete
  • 2.5% Community & Inclusion
    2.5% Complete
  • 7.5% Income & Employment
    7.5% Complete
  • 22.3% Economy
    22.3% Complete
  • 4.9% Other - I'll share below
    4.9% Complete
1929 votes
198 days ago

Ryman Healthcare & Black Ferns: It takes a village

The Team from Ryman Healthcare

Ryman Healthcare is proud to champion the women's game like never before. We are committed to supporting initiatives that empower women and celebrate their achievements, showcased through our official partnership with the Black Ferns and Black Ferns Sevens.

Our partnership brings a host of … View more
Ryman Healthcare is proud to champion the women's game like never before. We are committed to supporting initiatives that empower women and celebrate their achievements, showcased through our official partnership with the Black Ferns and Black Ferns Sevens.

Our partnership brings a host of benefits that contribute to the growth and development of women's rugby. Together, we aim to inspire the next generation of players and foster a vibrant community around the sport. Click here to learn more.
Learn more now

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198 days ago

Poll: What Hits Hardest?

The Team from NZ Compare

Hello Neighbours! We all understand bills are piling up for everyone.
What's been hitting your wallet the hardest lately, making you cringe every time you pay for it?

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What Hits Hardest?
  • 14.5% Power/Gas
    14.5% Complete
  • 60.9% Groceries
    60.9% Complete
  • 2.2% Broadband/Phone
    2.2% Complete
  • 22.5% Insurance
    22.5% Complete
1051 votes
199 days ago

$20,000 New Home Offer

Ngaio Marsh Retirement Village

If you're looking to find a home with the freedom to embrace adventures or a place that feels like home for the whole family; now is the time to buy a Ryman independent apartment, townhouse or serviced apartment and reward yourself too. Imagine a new smart TV, a holiday or furniture for your … View moreIf you're looking to find a home with the freedom to embrace adventures or a place that feels like home for the whole family; now is the time to buy a Ryman independent apartment, townhouse or serviced apartment and reward yourself too. Imagine a new smart TV, a holiday or furniture for your new home. With more money staying in your pocket, it’s yours to spend!

Purchase an occupation right to any Ryman independent apartment or townhouse and receive a $20,000 credit on settlement. Or purchase an occupation right to any serviced apartment and receive a $10,000 credit on settlement.* Offer valid until 22 December 2023.


*Terms and conditions apply.

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200 days ago

Win this brand-new Whitianga home!

Heart Foundation

Choose retreat or residence as the winner of this brand-new, fully furnished home in beautiful Whitianga.

For only $15 a ticket, you could be in to win this Jennian home in the Coromandel worth over $1 million. Featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms, two outdoor decks and an open-plan kitchen,… View more
Choose retreat or residence as the winner of this brand-new, fully furnished home in beautiful Whitianga.

For only $15 a ticket, you could be in to win this Jennian home in the Coromandel worth over $1 million. Featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms, two outdoor decks and an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area, this home is waiting to be lived in and loved by its new owners.

Make this property your permanent residence, a holiday home, rent it or even sell it – it could be all yours! Be in to win by purchasing your tickets today.
Buy tickets now

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201 days ago

Election 2023: Heartland electorate on the line as experienced political operators vie for Rangitata

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

In the lead-up to the 2023 general election, The Press is profiling Canterbury’s electoral races. Here’s what you need to know about the candidates running to be Rangitata’s MP. (By reporter Keiller MacDuff).

Rangitata is shaping up to be a battle royale, but it will be a big ask for … View more
In the lead-up to the 2023 general election, The Press is profiling Canterbury’s electoral races. Here’s what you need to know about the candidates running to be Rangitata’s MP. (By reporter Keiller MacDuff).

Rangitata is shaping up to be a battle royale, but it will be a big ask for incumbent Labour minister Jo Luxton to retain the deeply blue electorate, with some commentators already calling it for National party newcomer James Meager.

The electorate stretches along the eastern side of the South Island, from Timaru to the Rakaia River, and inland from the ocean to the Southern Alps. The predominately rural electorate encompasses Mid and South Canterbury, including Ashburton, Methven, Mt Somers, Temuka and Timaru, and skews slightly older - with more than one-quarter of its residents aged over 60, compared to one-fifth nationally.

It briefly existed for two separate parliamentary terms in the late 19th century, then was re-established for the 2008 election, largely replacing Aoraki and parts of the Rakaia electorate.

National’s Jo Goodhew was the first to represent the re-established electorate, holding it from 2008 until she decided not to contest the 2017 election.

National’s Andrew Falloon went on to a strong win, with a margin of 6331 votes, but resigned abruptly in July 2020 after he was alleged to have sent unsolicited images to young women.

Replaced just weeks before the 2020 election by then Environment Canterbury councillor Megan Hands, National lost the seat for the first time since its creation, with Luxton taking 4000 more votes than Hands.

Labour also increased its party vote share by 15 percentage points to 49% over National’s 40%, whose share dropped by more than 21% on 2017.

The electorate’s first meet the candidate event garnered national attention after Prime Minister Chris Hipkins highlighted comments by New Zealand First candidate Rob Ballantyne decrying “Māori elite” and saying “we are the party with the cultural mandate and the courage to cut out your disease and bury you permanently”.

Ballantyne has stood behind the comments, while NZ First leader Winston Peters enthusiastically endorsed them as coming “exactly from my speeches”.

A former early childhood teacher and business owner, Hinds-based Luxton first entered Parliament as a list MP in 2017. The grand-niece of iconic Labour Prime Minister Norm Kirk, she is associate minister of education and agriculture and minster of customs.

Consultant, former political adviser and press secretary James Meager (Ngāi Tahu) was selected to take over National’s candidacy in September 2022. The 36-year-old grew up in Timaru and now lives in Ashburton.

He has committed to starting work on a new Ashburton bridge in a National Government’s first term, reducing red tape and cutting tax. Well down the party list at 69, Meager will be relying on the electorate seat to get into Parliament.

There’s no disagreement on the need for the second bridge crossing, with both major parties committing to it.

Former Timaru District councillor, nurse and conservationist Barbara Gilchrist, vying for the Green vote, says her priorities are providing a guaranteed income, free dental care and supporting farmers to transition to sustainable agriculture.

Ballantyne, who runs an importing business (and is 16th on his party’s list), promises to remove “any regulations that are too difficult to comply with”, backs the new Ashburton bridge, and will give landowners and businesses “immunity from future Māori claims”.

ACT’s Rangitata candidate, Elaine Naidu Franz, resigned in August after it emerged she had compared Covid-19 mandates to concentration camps.

The rest of the candidates are Michael Clarkson, running for the unregistered Rock the Vote NZ party - which falls under the umbrella of Brian Tamaki and Sue Grey’s Freedom NZ coalition; Wayne Shearer, running for Liz Gunn’s New Zealand Loyal party; Karl Thomas (New Conservatives) and Dolf Van Amersfoot (New Nation Party).

Traditionally drawing strong voter turnout - 85% in 2020, compared to 82% nationally - Rangitata’s older population is keenly engaged, with over 60s averaging 90% and 91% turnout in 2017 and 2020 respectively.

Rangitata has the fourth-highest share of people identifying as Christian (43%) among the general electorates, and is predominantly European (87%) and Maori (9%), with one in 10 people (9%) identifying as either Asian or Pasifika.

The electorate ranked first in New Zealand for the number of residents working between 50 and 59 hours per week (15%), and families whose income was between $70,000 and $100,000 (23%).

A fifth of the population are labourers, while 16% work in manufacturing – the second-highest shares among electorates.

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202 days ago

Master The Gentle Art Of Sleep

Ngaio Marsh Retirement Village

A good night's sleep is essential for your physical and mental well-being. If you find yourself tossing and turning, try these tips to help you achieve the sleep of your dreams.

Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, such as walking, swimming, or yoga on most days of the week. … View more
A good night's sleep is essential for your physical and mental well-being. If you find yourself tossing and turning, try these tips to help you achieve the sleep of your dreams.

Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, such as walking, swimming, or yoga on most days of the week. Just avoid exercising too close to bedtime, as it may increase alertness.

Setting up a regular sleep schedule can work wonders for achieving restful sleep. Try to go to bed and wake up around the same time every day, even on weekends. This will help regulate your body's internal clock, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up naturally.

Electronic devices emit blue light that suppresses the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. Not to mention that texting, watching television or scrolling are all stimulating, which can keep your brain on alert. Avoid using electronic devices for at least an hour before bed and turn off the TV.

Click read more for more tips on achieving a good night's sleep.

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203 days ago

Bird & bee sanctuary

The Team from Resene ColorShop Timaru

Create a birdbath with a natural sandstone paint effect with Resene Sandtex.
Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.

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203 days ago

#RWCfans

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

We've loving our Rugby World Cup fans sharing their photos on Neighbourly and bringing the spirit!

These fans below have won some spot prizes, keep sharing your photos to be in to win!

204 days ago

Get decorating and save with Resene!

Resene

Now’s the perfect time to get decorating with 25% off Resene premium paints, wood stains, primers, sealers, wallpaper, decorating accessories and cleaning products at Resene ColorShops. Choose from thousands of colours and get your favourites tinted in Eco Choice approved Resene paints.

Ask … View more
Now’s the perfect time to get decorating with 25% off Resene premium paints, wood stains, primers, sealers, wallpaper, decorating accessories and cleaning products at Resene ColorShops. Choose from thousands of colours and get your favourites tinted in Eco Choice approved Resene paints.

Ask our staff for expert advice on everything from choosing the right colour and paint to how to apply it for the best finish.
Find out more

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206 days ago

What's it like living with a loud voice

Sanda Reporter from Stuff

Hi there,

I'm writing a story on what's it like to live with a loud voice. Are you someone who gets high-pitched whenever you are excited? Does your family constantly nag you to dial down your voice? Or are you someone who's annoyed by your loved ones' loud talking?

If you… View more
Hi there,

I'm writing a story on what's it like to live with a loud voice. Are you someone who gets high-pitched whenever you are excited? Does your family constantly nag you to dial down your voice? Or are you someone who's annoyed by your loved ones' loud talking?

If you can relate to any such scenario, I would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment or you can email me at sanda.arambepola@stuff.co.nz
Please put 'NFP' (not for publication) in your comment if you don't want it or your name to appear in the article.

Thank you for taking the time to share your stories.

204 days ago

Kiwi Rugby Fever: WIN SKY Sport!

The Team from NZ Compare

We're a Rugby MAD nation!
Which team are you supporting? How do they compare against the rest in this Rugby World Cup?

Share why you rate your team and you could WIN Sky Sport Now for 3 months (valued at $135)!
CLICK below to enter! Act fast, the entry deadline is October 12, 2023.

View more
We're a Rugby MAD nation!
Which team are you supporting? How do they compare against the rest in this Rugby World Cup?

Share why you rate your team and you could WIN Sky Sport Now for 3 months (valued at $135)!
CLICK below to enter! Act fast, the entry deadline is October 12, 2023.

But that's not all! Many broadband plans currently offer FREE subscriptions to top streaming services. It's the perfect time to switch!
Compare your broadband and power bills to save big this Spring!
COMPARE NOW: www.broadbandcompare.co.nz...

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207 days ago

Poll: Top sheet or duvet?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

It's a controversial topic that can cause arguments for bed companions as well as staunch bedding enthusiasts.
Some people sleep beneath a top sheet, while others have said goodbye to 'hospital corners' and just use a duvet. Let's see how kiwis are sleeping these days, share … View more
It's a controversial topic that can cause arguments for bed companions as well as staunch bedding enthusiasts.
Some people sleep beneath a top sheet, while others have said goodbye to 'hospital corners' and just use a duvet. Let's see how kiwis are sleeping these days, share your vote and your reasons below!

Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.

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Top sheet or duvet?
  • 78.8% Top sheet
    78.8% Complete
  • 20.6% Duvet
    20.6% Complete
  • 0.6% Neither - I'll share below!
    0.6% Complete
2205 votes
205 days ago

Safer Speed Plan

Christchurch City Council

Lower speeds can saves lives and prevent serious injury. Reducing the speed vehicles travel makes a major difference in a crash. People make mistakes on our roads, and those mistakes shouldn’t cost our neighbours, whānau or pets their lives.

We're asking for … View more
Lower speeds can saves lives and prevent serious injury. Reducing the speed vehicles travel makes a major difference in a crash. People make mistakes on our roads, and those mistakes shouldn’t cost our neighbours, whānau or pets their lives.

We're asking for feedback on a Draft Safer Speed Plan which sets out a three-year implementation plan and 10-year vision for safe speed areas in Christchurch and Banks Peninsula.

To read the plan and give feedback by 25 October visit our website.
Find out more

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205 days ago

Life-saving heart research ❤️

The Team from Heart Foundation NZ

Our research funding is all about saving lives in New Zealand ❤️ This year, we were thrilled to announce $3.7m of funding for heart research and specialist overseas training for New Zealand cardiologists. Huge thanks to our donors and supporters for their generosity and for making this … View moreOur research funding is all about saving lives in New Zealand ❤️ This year, we were thrilled to announce $3.7m of funding for heart research and specialist overseas training for New Zealand cardiologists. Huge thanks to our donors and supporters for their generosity and for making this investment in heart health possible.

Click the link to find out more about the transformative research projects.

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