Queenstown Lakes District, Queenstown

Got a gem of a neighbour?

Got a gem of a neighbour?

Nominate them for a Nice Neighbour prize. Tell us why they should be nominated here.

63 days ago

Turn your balcony or patio into a lush garden

Rowena Jackson Retirement Village

If you have a green thumb, just imagine what you could do with a balcony with a fantastic view like this one at Murray Halberg Village. This elevated space offers the perfect blank canvas to create a lush outdoor space without lawn maintenance or heavy lifting.

Shane Fairbairn, Landscape Manager… View more
If you have a green thumb, just imagine what you could do with a balcony with a fantastic view like this one at Murray Halberg Village. This elevated space offers the perfect blank canvas to create a lush outdoor space without lawn maintenance or heavy lifting.

Shane Fairbairn, Landscape Manager at Ryman Healthcare, shares some tips for creating the perfect outdoor space on your patio or balcony so you can enjoy the benefits of gardening without the hassles.

First, decide on a theme. Is it cosy and bohemian, sleek and minimalist, a lush urban jungle, or something else? Your vision will guide your plant and furniture choices.

For all his tips and advice click read more.

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65 days ago

Have you made a nomination yet?

Prospa

Let your community know how a small business has made a difference in your life by nominating them in the 2024 Prospa Local Business Hero awards.

Whether it's your super friendly barista, the bookstore that knows the exact book you need to read next or the florist with the biggest blooms … View more
Let your community know how a small business has made a difference in your life by nominating them in the 2024 Prospa Local Business Hero awards.

Whether it's your super friendly barista, the bookstore that knows the exact book you need to read next or the florist with the biggest blooms in town nominate them now and make a small business' day.

Share a few words about your favourite local now. You could help them win an incredible prize package worth $10,000.
Nominate now

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65 days ago

Sustainable Style. A Special Price.

Mazda NZ

If you’re looking for a stylish SUV that stands out from the crowd and won’t break the bank, the convention-defying Mazda MX-30 has you covered.

Featuring a unique mild hybrid engine and cutting-edge style, as well as sustainable materials that reduce environmental impact, the Mazda MX-30 is… View more
If you’re looking for a stylish SUV that stands out from the crowd and won’t break the bank, the convention-defying Mazda MX-30 has you covered.

Featuring a unique mild hybrid engine and cutting-edge style, as well as sustainable materials that reduce environmental impact, the Mazda MX-30 is perfect for zipping around your neighbourhood.

Find out more and book a test drive at your local Mazda Dealer today.
Read More

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68 days ago

Queenstown housing shortage leads developers to innovate

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Otago News

By reporter Debbie Jamieson:

Property developers are coming up with new models for much-needed worker accommodation to alleviate a chronic housing shortage in Queenstown and Wānaka.

The South Island’s scenic Queenstown Lakes District has a well-documented housing crisis largely driven by … View more
By reporter Debbie Jamieson:

Property developers are coming up with new models for much-needed worker accommodation to alleviate a chronic housing shortage in Queenstown and Wānaka.

The South Island’s scenic Queenstown Lakes District has a well-documented housing crisis largely driven by the high cost of land, a shortage of housing and the financial appeal and growth of short-term visitor accommodation options such as Airbnb in residential property.

This has led to difficulties with finding accommodation for seasonal workers and working holiday visa holders employed in tourism and hospitality, which has affected many businesses.

Chris Broadhead, a Timaru-based commercial and industrial property developer, wanted to build a commercially viable development that would help the situation in Wānaka.

The solution he came up with was the 15-unit Reece Quarters project (artist's impression attached).

The seven-bedroom units would be based in a semi-industrial area, about 15 minutes’ walk from central Wānaka.

They would be sold separately and leased to people and businesses based exclusively in Central Otago.

They were different from traditional residential homes because they could be bought and leased as commercial entities, providing flexibility not available in traditional residential accommodation, Broadhead said.

Potential lessees included out-of-town businesses who wanted to house employees in Wānaka for short-term contracts, large seasonal employers, and local hospitality business needing homes for staff.

The apartments would each have en suites and separate heat pumps in each bedroom, dual kitchens and laundries, and communal living and dining spaces.

Some larger apartments would have configurations to cater for office space or extra bedrooms.

A covenant on the title requiring tenants to be working in Central Otago would ensure the units would remain as worker accommodation for the first 10 years, Broadhead said.

“I’m trying to support the community and make sure they don’t go to Airbnbs – it’s stuffing towns all over the world that are tourist destinations.”

The development has been on the market since the end of January with a starting price of $2 million (excluding GST), and one has sold.

Broadhead said the first stage would involve four units, and once that stage sold, he would commit to the remainder.

He anticipated investors would get a return of about 7.5% or more depending on their lease arrangement.

He had already been approached by another Wānaka investor looking to undertake a similar development in two years.

“The concept is completely new. It’s not been done in Queenstown or Wānaka at all,” he said.

The push for a new model of worker accommodation is forcing innovation in nearby Queenstown also.

Australian-based No.1 Hansen Road Ltd is seeking a fast-tracked resource consent for a 554-unit worker accommodation development known as Junction Village, in the suburb of Frankton.

Documents lodged with the Environmental Protection Authority say up to 710 people could live across eight buildings, in hostel-type rooms and one-, two- and three-bedroom units, next to the BP station.

Communal facilities would be provided within the buildings, and ground-floor commercial and retail tenancies were planned.

The ownership model for the units and buildings was unclear, but the application stated that the units were not short-term visitor accommodation and were not intended to be sold off individually.

The ongoing management of the worker accommodation was intended to be kept in-house with a management entity for the letting, supervision and operation of the complex.

The application noted that the applicant would determine whether to subdivide floors separately or retain entire buildings for sale or management by certain entities at a later date.

The company anticipated that the development would be built over four years, providing up to 540 full-time jobs.

In central Queenstown, the developers of the $2 billion Lakeview Te Taumata site have committed to a 96-apartment co-living hotel as part of the first phase of the wider development.

The apartments were small, private living units with shared lounge, dining room and workspace areas.

They would have a minimum booking requirement of seven nights, a spokesperson for Melbourne-based developer Ninety-Four Feet said.

“This will be a high-quality accommodation offering.

“We anticipate demand to stem from young professionals and corporate profiles who have regular business in the area, digital nomads – a key player in Queenstown’s burgeoning tech sector – as well as seasonal tourism workers.”

The company expected the first stage to be completed in 2027.

It would retain ownership of the co-living hotel, but it would be managed by an operator.

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69 days ago
69 days ago
69 days ago

Swap food for a FREE Resene testpot!

Resene

Hunger for Colour is back for 2024! Bring two cans of food into your local Resene ColorShop and swap them for one Resene testpot (60-80ml). Resene will donate all food to The Salvation Army foodbanks.

We accept all cans of food in good condition and suitable for humans to eat. If you prefer to … View more
Hunger for Colour is back for 2024! Bring two cans of food into your local Resene ColorShop and swap them for one Resene testpot (60-80ml). Resene will donate all food to The Salvation Army foodbanks.

We accept all cans of food in good condition and suitable for humans to eat. If you prefer to bring in canned pet food, we can accept that also and will donate it to the SPCA and local community animal shelters.

By adding a little more colour to your life you can also help those in need.
Find out more

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71 days ago

Ways to Lower your Power Bill

The Team from NZ Compare

Feeling the Summer heat? Don't let your power bill skyrocket along with the temperatures!

Check out these 10 simple tips to keep cool and save money on your power bills this season.

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71 days ago

Declutter and organise photos with Peter Walsh

Rowena Jackson Retirement Village

Peter is helping us out with something that nearly everyone can relate to – dealing with the unsorted photos taking up space on your phone or languishing in boxes in your home.

“Without fail, when I give a talk about getting organised, I’m always asked how to deal with photos,” says … View more
Peter is helping us out with something that nearly everyone can relate to – dealing with the unsorted photos taking up space on your phone or languishing in boxes in your home.

“Without fail, when I give a talk about getting organised, I’m always asked how to deal with photos,” says Peter.

Boxes of unsorted photos can feel overwhelming to organise so they often get left for many years to clutter up our houses. In addition to this, most of us have smartphones that make it easy to take photos anywhere, so pretty soon our digital photo life becomes cluttered too.

Click read more for the full article.

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71 days ago

Win this brand-new home!

Heart Foundation Lotteries

For only $15 a ticket, you could be in to win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home in Pegasus, Christchurch worth almost $1 million.

Featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms and an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area, this home is waiting for its new owner.

Make this property … View more
For only $15 a ticket, you could be in to win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home in Pegasus, Christchurch worth almost $1 million.

Featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms and an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area, this home is waiting for its new owner.

Make this property your permanent residence, a holiday home, rent it or even sell it!

Don’t miss out! Get your tickets today at heartlottery.org.nz.
Find out more

71 days ago

Don't forget to nominate your favourite local...

Prospa

There have been hundreds of wonderful entries in this year's Prospa Local Business Hero from across the country! If you haven't nominated a special local business yet, do it today.

- Got a great mechanic? Nominate them today.
- A barista who makes you smile? Nominate them today.
- … View more
There have been hundreds of wonderful entries in this year's Prospa Local Business Hero from across the country! If you haven't nominated a special local business yet, do it today.

- Got a great mechanic? Nominate them today.
- A barista who makes you smile? Nominate them today.
- A reassuring pharmacy team? Nominate them today.

Make a small business' day today by nominating them as your Prospa Local Business Hero - and you could make their whole year (our national winner picks up an incredible $10,000 prize package!)
Nominate now

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73 days ago

Have you got a family-favourite recipe for carrots?

Jo McCarroll Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

We're looking for delicious carrot recipes to feature in NZ Gardener's April issue. Send your family's favourite ways to eat this easy-to-grow vege crop to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by February 25, 2024. Every published recipe wins a copy of the April issue of NZ Gardener.

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73 days ago

$15,000 to welcome you home...

The Team from Ryman Healthcare

It could be our wonderful staff. Our vibrant communities. Our amazing amenities. Or just the peace of mind that our guaranteed fixed base weekly fee* brings. There are so many reasons to choose the Ryman lifestyle. We’d love to add one more reason to your list - $15,000 back for a limited time*.
View more
It could be our wonderful staff. Our vibrant communities. Our amazing amenities. Or just the peace of mind that our guaranteed fixed base weekly fee* brings. There are so many reasons to choose the Ryman lifestyle. We’d love to add one more reason to your list - $15,000 back for a limited time*.

If you sign up to one of our new home offers, you’ll get a $15,000 credit on settlement*.

There’s truly never been a better time to choose Ryman.

*Terms and conditions apply.
Explore our villages now

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75 days ago

Poll: What power issues have you faced?

The Team from NZ Compare

Hey neighbours! How has your power been treating you lately? Any sparks or stumbles in the past year?
Share the woes and let's brighten each other's day!

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What power issues have you faced?
  • 13.1% Power Outages
    13.1% Complete
  • 73% High Bills
    73% Complete
  • 2.9% Billing Errors
    2.9% Complete
  • 4.2% Voltage Fluctuations
    4.2% Complete
  • 6.8% Poor Customer Service
    6.8% Complete
382 votes
77 days ago

Wedding dresses old and new on show

Rowena Jackson Retirement Village

This week, we're celebrating love in all its forms, with some of our residents celebrating by sharing cherished memories, including their wedding dresses and the beautiful stories behind them.

An array of wedding dresses, ranging from the modern to the traditional, were on display along … View more
This week, we're celebrating love in all its forms, with some of our residents celebrating by sharing cherished memories, including their wedding dresses and the beautiful stories behind them.

An array of wedding dresses, ranging from the modern to the traditional, were on display along with dozens of amazing wedding photos dating back to the 1800s in a nod to Valentine’s Day.

“With it being Valentine’s Day this week, we wanted something that would be inclusive of all the residents, those who are still lucky enough to have their partners but also those sharing happy memories of those that they have lost.”

Click read more for the full story.

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