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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.

J
11 days ago

Pottery equipment

Jill from Blenheim

Does anyone have any pottery equipment, tools or a wheel they would like to sell?

11 days ago

Last chance for tickets!

Heart Foundation Lotteries

Don’t miss out! For only $15 a ticket, you could be in to win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home located in beautiful Papamoa, worth just over $1.1 million.

Featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms and an open plan kitchen, living and dining area, this home is waiting to be loved by … View more
Don’t miss out! For only $15 a ticket, you could be in to win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home located in beautiful Papamoa, worth just over $1.1 million.

Featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms and an open plan kitchen, living and dining area, this home is waiting to be loved by its new owners.

Make this property your permanent residence, a holiday home, rent it or even sell it! Get your tickets today at heartlottery.org.nz.
Find out more

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C
13 days ago

Dresser

Ces from Blenheim

Hi any unused dressers or lowboy? Would like to be considered. Thank you.😍

14 days ago

Poppa's pulled pork

Ernest Rutherford Retirement Village

As the weather cools and cosy evenings become the norm, there’s nothing better than cranking up the heat and treating yourself to heartwarming comfort food. If you're craving a winter recipe that'll warm you from the inside out, look no further than Brent's irresistible slow-cooked… View moreAs the weather cools and cosy evenings become the norm, there’s nothing better than cranking up the heat and treating yourself to heartwarming comfort food. If you're craving a winter recipe that'll warm you from the inside out, look no further than Brent's irresistible slow-cooked pulled pork. Its smoky, aromatic scent often wafts from Brent’s apartment at Ryman’s Kevin Hickman Village, tempting taste buds and stirring appetites. With its tender meat and velvety sauce, this dish is every bit as delicious as it sounds – you’ll be reaching for seconds, thirds, and maybe even fourths!

Click read more for the full recipe.

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18 days ago

Poll: Are swear words no longer?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

In 2023, Apple amended its autocorrect function to allow Iphone users to freely use their intended word without mentioning 'ducks'. Is this a sign of the times? Are swear words no longer taboo in our communities or workplaces?

Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to… View more
In 2023, Apple amended its autocorrect function to allow Iphone users to freely use their intended word without mentioning 'ducks'. Is this a sign of the times? Are swear words no longer taboo in our communities or workplaces?

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

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Are swear words no longer?
  • 20.7% Yes - swear words don't phase me
    20.7% Complete
  • 48.5% No - it's still inappropriate to swear
    48.5% Complete
  • 30.1% It's depends on the word
    30.1% Complete
  • 0.8% Other - I'll share below!
    0.8% Complete
2883 votes
15 days ago

Poll: Should we move to four-year council terms?

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

North Canterbury’s three mayors are backing calls for a four-year council term.

Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) has established an electoral reform group to consider changes to increase voter participation and implement four-year terms.

It will… View more
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

North Canterbury’s three mayors are backing calls for a four-year council term.

Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) has established an electoral reform group to consider changes to increase voter participation and implement four-year terms.

It will be led by Nelson mayor Nick Smith, a former government minister.

Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon said his council supported moving from a three to a four-year term.

‘‘It is not the biggest priority, but it would certainly make a difference.

‘‘It has been long advocated for and the Future for Local Government Review panel recommended it.’’

He said elections were costly and by holding them less often, councils would have more time to implement their work programmes.

Long-term plans would also likely be moved to four-yearly, instead of every three years, which would take the pressure of council staff, he said.

Hurunui mayor Marie Black said she also supported four-year terms.

‘‘I never really agreed with it for a long time, but now I see the value, because it is costly to have elections and I think the volume of work and outcomes over a four-year term would be greater.’’

She said councillor remuneration would need to be considered, as four years would be a major commitment for councillors juggling other employment.

‘‘I first came in as a councillor working part-time for Plunket and I was able to juggle work around meetings.

‘‘But you’ve got to be able to do that, so it places some pressures on councillors.’’

Kaikōura mayor Craig Mackle said four-year terms were needed for central Government, but he also supported local government making the change.

LGNZ president Sam Broughton said a four-year term would ‘‘double the amount of usable time’’ for councils.

He said the first year after an election was spent getting systems in place and for new councillors learning their roles, while the second year was spent working work on long-term plans.

‘‘And then the following January you start thinking about the next election.’’

Broughton said indications were the Government was considering having a referendum on four-year terms, which would likely include changing central government terms as well.

‘‘It is unusual around the world to have a three-year term.

‘‘Most countries have a four-year or even a five-year term.’’

The electoral reform group will focus on increasing voter turnout, transitioning to four-year terms, considering the ways people can vote, who should administer local elections and how they are best run.

Local Government Minister Simeon Brown said the Government was preparing a Bill on four-year terms, but a final decision would be subject to a binding referendum.

■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

Should we move to four-year council terms?
  • 62.2% Yes
    62.2% Complete
  • 37.8% No
    37.8% Complete
  • 0% I'm not sure/something else (share your thoughts in the comments)
    0% Complete
37 votes
15 days ago

Make your family aware: Scam posing as officers returns

The Team from New Zealand Police

A phone scam is re-emerging with cold calling swindlers claiming to be Police officers.

New Zealand Police are advising the public to be vigilant, after a handful of reports have been made in recent days. Unfortunately, at least two elderly Aucklanders have been conned out of tens of thousands … View more
A phone scam is re-emerging with cold calling swindlers claiming to be Police officers.

New Zealand Police are advising the public to be vigilant, after a handful of reports have been made in recent days. Unfortunately, at least two elderly Aucklanders have been conned out of tens of thousands of dollars.

Waitematā CIB’s Detective Senior Sergeant Ryan Bunting says scammers are cold calling, mainly on landlines, and claim to be a Police officer.“They will also provide a fake ID or badge number to make their call seem legitimate,” he says.“This person will carry on and provide a reason for their call: either they are investigating fake bank notes, or that your credit card has been cloned.

“As part of this scam, they will ask you to withdraw money from a nearby bank to be collected or ask you to provide further financial or banking information to aid their investigation.”

Be aware: this is a scam call.

Police are investigating two reports this week, in south Auckland and the North Shore, where two people have fallen victim to the scam. “Both victims withdrew cash from a bank and handed this over to someone who arrived at their door to collect it under the fake cover story,” Detective Senior Sergeant Bunting says.“These victims have had their good-will and trust trodden on by these scammers.”

Investigation staff have ensured there is support available for the victims. Detective Senior Sergeant Bunting says: “Scammers have no ethics whatsoever and will take any opportunity to try and con you.“These scams take many forms, and the offenders trick people under a variety of guises or storylines.”

There are occasions where legitimate Police officers will contact people as part of their duties, he says.

Police are asking the community to be aware and take the opportunity to spread the word amongst friends and family members. “We are particularly keen to ensure elder family members are aware of what is happening,” Detective Senior Sergeant Bunting says. “If anyone receives a call of this nature, hang up.

“If you have had the unfortunate position of being a victim to this scam and have not reported this, we encourage you to report this to Police.”

Please remember:
- Police will never call to ask you for bank details, pin numbers or passwords
- Police do not offer prize money
- Police will not ask you to go to a bank to withdraw money
- If you receive a call out of the blue of a similar nature: challenge the caller to identify themselves, ask for their details.
- Hang up, contact 105 to verify the ID and request the officer to contact you
- If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

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A
15 days ago

peastraw conventional bales

Anne from Blenheim

small conventional bales of weed free pea straw, storaged under cover in canterbury reagion, pick up in blenheim central, $18 per bale

Price: $18

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17 days ago

Flood funding boost for Canterbury rivers

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Central Government funding to assist with flood resilience has been welcomed by Environment Canterbury.

The regional council has received cash from the new regional infrastructure fund as part of Budget 2024.

Environment Canterbury acting chairperson… View more
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Central Government funding to assist with flood resilience has been welcomed by Environment Canterbury.

The regional council has received cash from the new regional infrastructure fund as part of Budget 2024.

Environment Canterbury acting chairperson Craig Pauling said the new co-funding arrangement ‘‘is a great start’’.

‘‘Co-investment is something we’ve been pushing for a long time, along with the rest of Te Uru Kahika – Regional and Unitary Councils Aotearoa.

‘‘Flooding is the country’s most common natural hazard, and urgent action is needed to ensure our communities are resilient"

The country’s regional councils have been advocating for central Government support for river resilience projects for several years.

It led to the 'Before the Deluge' report, which was released just before Cyclone Gabrielle struck parts of the North Island last year.

Pauling said Environment Canterbury identified seven priorities for the region, which were put forward in the report.

‘‘We will continue to work with the Government to progress projects to help safeguard lives, property and vital infrastructure across Waitaha, as well as help us with overall river resilience including biodiversity and biosecurity outcomes.

‘‘I am looking forward to keeping the conversations with the Government going and getting these initial pieces of work started.’’

Included in the initial funding round will be upgrades to critical and aged flood management infrastructure across the region to make it more resilient to the changing climate.

Further work on the Rangitata flood resilient programme and projects in South Canterbury will also be funded.

The Government is still working through the amount of support which will be offered to each project.

River resilience was a major focus in the consultation for Environment Canterbury's latest long-term plan.

About three-quarters of submitters supported the council increasing its spending on flood protection, and pest and weed control.

The council is proposing to invest $25 million a year, over the next 10 years, to boost flood protection.

It also plans to introduce a district-wide rate for river resilience in Selwyn, and is considering similar options for the Ashley Rakahuri River and rivers in South Canterbury.

■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

17 days ago

Paint it Green with Resene this June and help the New Zealand Trees That Count programme!

Resene

Simply visit your local Resene owned ColorShop, choose your favourite green testpots and for each one you buy Resene will donate $1 to the New Zealand Trees That Count programme.

Offer applies to all Resene green 60 mL testpots (excludes metallic and wood stains) purchased by retail customers … View more
Simply visit your local Resene owned ColorShop, choose your favourite green testpots and for each one you buy Resene will donate $1 to the New Zealand Trees That Count programme.

Offer applies to all Resene green 60 mL testpots (excludes metallic and wood stains) purchased by retail customers between 1-30 June 2024 at Resene owned ColorShops.

Trees That Count are an environmental charity on a mission to plant millions more native trees throughout New Zealand. Trees That Count runs the country’s only marketplace which provides a place for anyone to fund or gift native trees. This support is matched with planters throughout the country who are restoring, and growing, precious wildlife corridors or pockets of native forest, turning small projects into mighty ones.

To find your nearest Resene ColorShop, click here.

For more information on Trees That Count, visit us.
Find out more

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18 days ago

Mayors pay tribute to local 'heroes'

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Volunteers are ‘‘truly our heroes’’, say North Canterbury’s mayors.

As they look ahead to National Volunteer Week next week, Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon and Hurunui mayor Marie Black have given a shout-out to those who give up countless hours… View more
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Volunteers are ‘‘truly our heroes’’, say North Canterbury’s mayors.

As they look ahead to National Volunteer Week next week, Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon and Hurunui mayor Marie Black have given a shout-out to those who give up countless hours to serve their communities.

Gordon said some organisations have been serving their communities for 150 years or more.

The Rangiora Volunteer Fire Brigade celebrated its 150th anniversary at Queen’s Birthday Weekend, while its Kaiapoi counterpart marked 150 years in 2020.

Both urban and rural fire brigades in North Canterbury relied entirely on volunteers.

‘‘They just do an amazing job. They attend much more than fires, they attend medical emergencies and are first responders,’’ Gordon said.

‘‘They are truly our heroes.’’

It was estimated volunteers contributed more than one million volunteer hours to the Waimakariri district.

‘‘We just couldn’t do what we do without it,’’ Gordon said.

Black said her district was ‘‘full of amazing people’’.

Firefighters left farms and businesses at a moment’s notice to respond to callouts.

The Hurunui Volunteer Rural Fire Brigade has responded to 40 call-outs in the last five months.

‘‘It is so important to acknowledge our volunteers and what they contribute,’’ Black said.

‘‘We have so many committees, sports clubs, church groups and emergency service volunteers.

‘‘It is a real value add to our district.’’

Like firefighters, St John and Civil Defence volunteers responded to call outs ‘‘at a drop of a hat’’, Black said.

Organisations like the North Canterbury Rural Support Trust supported people in a time of need.

National Volunteer Week runs from June 16 to 22, with the theme of Whiria Te Tangata – Weave the people together.

The Big Shout-out campaign, to celebrate volunteers, was also running throughout the month of June.

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Photo one: Hurunui mayor Marie Black, right, pictured with deputy mayor Vince Daly, says volunteers add value to the district. (By David Hill/LDR)
Photo two: Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon (right), pictured with deputy mayor Neville Atkinson, says volunteers contribute more than one million volunteer hours to the district.

■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

19 days ago

As voted by you New Zealand

The Team from Ryman Healthcare

Big news in our community!

Ryman has been voted New Zealand’s Most Trusted Brand in Aged Care & Retirement Villages for the 10th time! So we want to say Thank You Aotearoa, for your continued trust and support. Together, we’ll continue building vibrant communities where everyone can … View more
Big news in our community!

Ryman has been voted New Zealand’s Most Trusted Brand in Aged Care & Retirement Villages for the 10th time! So we want to say Thank You Aotearoa, for your continued trust and support. Together, we’ll continue building vibrant communities where everyone can thrive.

Here’s to 10 more years of trust and excellence!

Click read more for more information.
Find out more

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20 days ago

Amberley golfers await road decision

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Golfers will soon learn where a new road will carve out future access to the Amberley Beach Golf Course amid the threat of erosion due to see level rise.

The Hurunui District Council will decide between a proposal from the Amberley Beach Golf Club to … View more
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Golfers will soon learn where a new road will carve out future access to the Amberley Beach Golf Course amid the threat of erosion due to see level rise.

The Hurunui District Council will decide between a proposal from the Amberley Beach Golf Club to extend a road through a wetland, or a staff proposal to extend road access to the north.

Situated alongside Amberley Beach in Canterbury, the area is at risk of coastal erosion and with the existing access the 18-hole course under threat.

The Amberley Beach Golf Club made a submission to the council’s long-term plan (LTP) hearings last month to remind the council of its commitment in August last year to investigate extending Grierson Ave through the narrowest part of a wetland.

This proposal would secure access to the club’s course and clubhouse, as well as mahinga kai areas in the Waimaiaia Reserve, and the Waipara River mouth.

Club president Bruce Yates said he had expected provision to be made in the LTP.

But mayor Marie Black said the process was complex and took time.

Council staff have held pre-consent discussions with Environment Canterbury to determine what would be involved in applying for a consent through the wetland.

‘‘I think it needs to be recognised these systems are lengthy and we, as councillors, can’t always influence it,’’ Black said.

‘‘But I do acknowledge it has felt very frustrating for our golfers, but we need to consider the whole impact across the community.’’

A report to last week’s council meeting said a pre-application meeting was held on April 23 with Hurunui District Council staff, Environment Canterbury staff and members of the golf club.

The consent process would require an assessment of environmental effects, an ecological assessment and a hydrological wetland assessment.

If lizards were present, a lizard management plan would also be required.

The construction of a road through a natural inland wetland was also likely to be a non-complying activity under the National Environmental Standards for Freshwater.

Council staff estimated it would cost $1.155 million to meet the consenting requirements to build the road.

The alternative option was linking Webbs and Hursley Terrace roads with Golf Links Rd from the northern end.

This option would secure access to most of the golf course, but not the clubhouse and would reduce the course to 16 holes.

It would also secure access to the Waimaiaia Reserve and the Waipara River mouth.

■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

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20 days ago

For Sale 2012 Holden Captiva 7 LX 4x4

Doug from Blenheim

Selling on behalf also listed elsewhere

2012 Holden Captiva 7 LX 4x4
V6, 3.0L 6 speed automatic
SUV, 4doors, 7seats
174000 KM
5 star safety rating
REG 28/08/24 WOF 06/25
View more
Selling on behalf also listed elsewhere

2012 Holden Captiva 7 LX 4x4
V6, 3.0L 6 speed automatic
SUV, 4doors, 7seats
174000 KM
5 star safety rating
REG 28/08/24 WOF 06/25
Price $7500

Base features
• Dual Front Airbag Package
• Anti-Lock Braking
• Brake Assist
• Electronic Brake Force Distribution
• Electronic Stability Program
• Head Airbags
• Hill Holder
• Engine Immobiliser
• Seatbelts - Pre-Tensioners Front Seats
• Side Front Air Bags
• Traction Control System
Additional features
• Reversing Camera
Interior
Base features
• Air Conditioning
• Cruise Control
• CD with 6 CD Stacker
• Central Locking Remote Control
• Cloth Trim
• Hill Descent Control
• Leather Steering Wheel
• Parking Distance Control Rear
• Parking Distance Control Front
• Power Mirrors
• Power Steering
• Power Windows
• Radio CD with 4 Speakers

Price: $7,500

21 days ago

Respite and Carer Support

Ernest Rutherford Retirement Village

Respite care is a great short break option for a family member or loved one that also helps give carers some time out to recharge the batteries. There are a range of circumstances which might require respite overnight or support for day care.

It could be needed after a hospital stay or just as a… View more
Respite care is a great short break option for a family member or loved one that also helps give carers some time out to recharge the batteries. There are a range of circumstances which might require respite overnight or support for day care.

It could be needed after a hospital stay or just as a little extra support for caregivers. Respite care ranges from a few days and even up to a few weeks. A loved one, who lives in their own home, will have their short respite stay in one of our village centres.

Click read more for the full article.

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