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Everyone deserves a warm, dry, healthy home – see if you’re eligible for financial support to insulate and heat yours.
Warmer Kiwi Homes is a government grant that offers 80% - 90% of the cost of ceiling and underfloor insulation, and up to 80% off an energy-efficient heater, like a heat … View moreEveryone deserves a warm, dry, healthy home – see if you’re eligible for financial support to insulate and heat yours.
Warmer Kiwi Homes is a government grant that offers 80% - 90% of the cost of ceiling and underfloor insulation, and up to 80% off an energy-efficient heater, like a heat pump. In August, the eligibility criteria were extended so over 50,000 more households are eligible for insulation grants.
And you may get it even cheaper than that - lots of community organisations offer extra funding to reduce the cost further.
Check your eligibility, or check for your whānau.
From reporter Debbie Jamieson:
Central Otago farmers say it could cost more than $100 million for the community to meet proposed minimum flows for the Manuherekia River.
The Otago Regional Council received a report this week that summarises recent hydrology and ecology work on the river and … View moreFrom reporter Debbie Jamieson:
Central Otago farmers say it could cost more than $100 million for the community to meet proposed minimum flows for the Manuherekia River.
The Otago Regional Council received a report this week that summarises recent hydrology and ecology work on the river and suggests setting a minimum flow of 2000 and 2500 litres per second.
The 85km river, which runs from the Maniototo to Alexandra, has a long history of water use for gold mining and irrigation with about 75% of its water currently taken – compared to about 25% in other regions of New Zealand.
In an effort to meet the Government’s National Policy Statement on Freshwater Management the council considered a plan to set a low flow of between 1200 and 3000 litres per second, in August 2021.
A bitter discussion followed, resulting in one councillor resigning, calls for the Environment Minister to replace councillors with commissioners, and a vote for more “science” to be undertaken.
Two years later, that work is complete, and the new report is on the table.
However, Matakanui Station owner and Manuherekia Catchment Group interim chairperson Andrew Paterson said the farming community was not happy with the recommended flow, which was double the 1100 litres per second suggested by farmers.
“We don’t disagree that there should be an increase in minimum flow. We just disagree on how high it should be.
“We all love the river. It’s the lifeblood of the valley. It keeps the valley and the communities pumping, and we don’t want to cut that off,” he said.
Reaching the proposed flow in summer would require use of water stored in the Falls Dam or community reservoirs, which could cost more than $100 million to build, he said.
That was a cost that should be met by the wider community as it extended beyond the interests of farmers, he said.
Farmers were suspicious that the council was attempting to make the science fit a figure and felt that the arguments were stacked against farmers, he said.
Between 400 and 500 farms, orchards and vineyards were reliant on the river and would continue to be involved in the process.
It had the potential to go to the Environment Court, Paterson said.
“The views of the farming community compared to the views of the community are poles apart. We could never come to an agreement.”
Councillor Alexa Forbes said receiving the report during a briefing on Tuesday felt like reaching a milestone after a long and bitter journey.
“The feeling around the table was so much more positive and workable than that dreadful day in August 2021 when we really found no common ground at all,” she said.
Draft recommendations would be developed and put before the council for noting in September, ahead of a public consultation period.
Dave Murdoch of Tauranga was nominated by Ian Smith for being quite simply, the nicest neighbour!
"Dave next door is the best - we live in an apartment block in the CBD and every day he gets up and cleans the driveway- always puts out everyone’s rubbish bins and scrubs them out every time… View moreDave Murdoch of Tauranga was nominated by Ian Smith for being quite simply, the nicest neighbour!
"Dave next door is the best - we live in an apartment block in the CBD and every day he gets up and cleans the driveway- always puts out everyone’s rubbish bins and scrubs them out every time they are emptied. He cleaned around our pool area after a storm recently as we were busy at work. He is always first to help others whenever he can whether they have an issue with their unit or a stranger having car trouble out on the street - They don’t come better!"
If you have a Nice Neighbour, don't keep it to yourself. You might win a $25 Prezzy® card each and a shoutout on Stuff. Go on, nominate them now!
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins announced the end of the final pandemic-related public health orders which is the mandatory seven-day isolation for people infected and mask requirement in health facilities. For some, it's a welcome change but for others this is a concerning move. How are you … View morePrime Minister Chris Hipkins announced the end of the final pandemic-related public health orders which is the mandatory seven-day isolation for people infected and mask requirement in health facilities. For some, it's a welcome change but for others this is a concerning move. How are you feeling about the changes?
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Dreaming of calling the City of Sails home?
For only $15 a ticket, you could win this brand-new, fully furnished home in Glenbrook, Auckland in the Heart Foundation Lottery. Worth over $1 million and built to perfection by Jennian Homes, this home features four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen… View moreDreaming of calling the City of Sails home?
For only $15 a ticket, you could win this brand-new, fully furnished home in Glenbrook, Auckland in the Heart Foundation Lottery. Worth over $1 million and built to perfection by Jennian Homes, this home features four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen plus walk-in pantry, two beautiful living rooms and is only a short walk away from Glenbrook Beach with stunning views out to Āwhitu Peninsula.
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.
Did you know that socially well-connected people are happier and healthier according to the latest research? Reach out to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while or catch up with your loved ones to benefit your mental health and wellbeing.
Read our blog on social connection to find out more!
Queenstown's Lake St will temporarily close from next Monday, August 28 for about two months to allow for the final stages of work to upgrade Man St.
Queenstown Lakes District Council property and infrastructure general manager Tony Avery acknowledged the closure would potentially cause … View moreQueenstown's Lake St will temporarily close from next Monday, August 28 for about two months to allow for the final stages of work to upgrade Man St.
Queenstown Lakes District Council property and infrastructure general manager Tony Avery acknowledged the closure would potentially cause delays during peak times for those travelling through town and noted the decision was not taken lightly.
“The ... team has carefully considered all possible options ... unfortunately, maintaining one lane on stop/go traffic management was not considered safe given the steepness of the street and the increased number of heavy vehicles required to complete the work."
Avery said the work was part of the infrastructure upgrades required to enable development of the land at Lakeview and would help create a safer environment for all road users.
It involved rebuilding Man St from Lakeview to Brecon St, including a wide shared path as far as Hay St, the rebuild of road foundations in preparation for sealing, raised safety platforms to slow down traffic and the installation of traffic lights to better manage the intersection of Man and Brecon streets.
“We will closely monitor the effects on traffic and maintain contact with the Wellington Transport Operations Centre, which operates traffic lights across the South Island. However, we also ask that drivers be patient, allow extra time if travelling through town to and from Fernhill and beyond or consider travelling outside of peak times where this is possible,” Avery said.
Get 20% off Kiwi-made Resene quality paints, primers, sealers and wood stains.
Plus buy one testpot get one free on 60-80ml testpots 60-80. Visit your local Resene ColorShop or reseller and get started on your decorating project.
Choose from the widest range of Eco Choice approved paints … View moreGet 20% off Kiwi-made Resene quality paints, primers, sealers and wood stains.
Plus buy one testpot get one free on 60-80ml testpots 60-80. Visit your local Resene ColorShop or reseller and get started on your decorating project.
Choose from the widest range of Eco Choice approved paints available in New Zealand!
Hey Neighbours!
Is your Mobile plan one of the many Winter bills piling up? It might be time to review it so you can relax..even just a smidge?! Compare all the mobile plans and providers on Mobile Compare and find a plan that lets you stay connected without overpaying.
Transform a basic cabinet using four simple steps and Resene Enamacryl.
Find out how with these easy step by step instructions.
The leader of the National Party has announced a plan to ban cellphones from all classrooms to minimize distractions for students. The Labour party has commented that this is commonplace already and is a decision best left for individual schools. Do you think a ban should be enforced?
Tell us about gardeners doing something worth celebrating in your community, and they could be in the running for the Ryman Healthcare Gardener of the Year! The winner will receive Vegepod product worth $1000. And the most colourful character receives $1000 worth of Resene paint.
Send up to five… View moreTell us about gardeners doing something worth celebrating in your community, and they could be in the running for the Ryman Healthcare Gardener of the Year! The winner will receive Vegepod product worth $1000. And the most colourful character receives $1000 worth of Resene paint.
Send up to five high-resolution photos and explain why you wish to nominate a person or group to be the Ryman Healthcare 2023 Gardener of the Year. Email your entry to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Or post your nomination to 2023 Gardener of the Year, NZ Gardener, PO Box 6341, Victoria St West, Auckland 1142.
A growing Central Otago town may be denied a 500 section development, after Waka Kotahi cited concerns over climate change and the lack of public transport.
But that position has angered outspoken Otago Regional Council councillor, Michael Laws, who lives in Cromwell.
‘’Waka Kotahi are … View moreA growing Central Otago town may be denied a 500 section development, after Waka Kotahi cited concerns over climate change and the lack of public transport.
But that position has angered outspoken Otago Regional Council councillor, Michael Laws, who lives in Cromwell.
‘’Waka Kotahi are sabotaging growth in Central Otago and the likes,’’ he said on Thursday, the same day as submissions to the Central Otago District Council closed.
‘’This is something that will benefit our entire region.’’
About 10km west of Cromwell, company Fulton Hogan plans to rezone about 118ha of a former quarry into a 90ha residential area, including a 5ha business park and 22ha industrial area.
But a major road block for that development is the position taken by Waka Kotahi, which partly funds public transport in Queenstown and Dunedin – but not in Central Otago – one of the fastest-growing regions in the country.
Read the full story from reporters Joanne Naish and Hamish McNeilly here (subscription required).
Combine Resene paint colours to transform a dull garden corner into an oasis.
Find out how with these easy step by step instructions.
Win one of three $5,000 grants to support your community's love of dance!
Whether it’s pre-schoolers or seniors, Scottish dancing or salsa, kapa haka or Kathak, breakdance or ballet – if you’re encouraging people of all ages and abilities to keep moving through dance, we want to hear … View moreWin one of three $5,000 grants to support your community's love of dance!
Whether it’s pre-schoolers or seniors, Scottish dancing or salsa, kapa haka or Kathak, breakdance or ballet – if you’re encouraging people of all ages and abilities to keep moving through dance, we want to hear from you!
Know someone who could use our support? Apply now!
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