Sefton, Sefton

Eco Choice

Eco Choice

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

4 days ago

More solar farms proposed in North Canterbury

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

North Canterbury could soon be lit up with solar farms.

The Waimakariri District Council has received resource consent applications from three companies looking to build solar farms in the district, while the Hurunui District Council has also received a… View more
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

North Canterbury could soon be lit up with solar farms.

The Waimakariri District Council has received resource consent applications from three companies looking to build solar farms in the district, while the Hurunui District Council has also received a solar farm application.

MainPower, North Canterbury’s energy network, has applied for resource consent to construct a solar farm on a 10-hectare site at Thongcaster Road at Eyrewell Forest, to the north of Waimakariri River.

The site is expected to produce enough energy to power 1250 local homes via MainPower’s distribution network, a Mainpower spokesperson said.

‘‘MainPower has been encouraged by the support of the neighbours surrounding the proposed solar farm.’’

There is no confirmed timeframe at this stage for the construction.

A Waimakariri District Council spokesperson said Mainpower ‘‘obtained affected party approval’’ from all 11 affected parties, so notification was not required.

Auckland-based Lightyears Solar Ltd has applied for a resource consent to build an eight hectare solar farm at Swannanoa, near Rangiora, with 9077 solar panels.

A council spokesperson said the application is on hold while more information is sought from the applicant.

No decision has been made on whether the application will be notified.

Lightyears Solar Ltd co-founder and development manager Matt Shanks said his company proposed building ‘‘a mid-sized, dual use solar farm’’.

Construction is expected to begin later this year, with commissioning early next year.

‘‘The solar panel rows will be spaced about 5m apart and the landowner will graze animals under the solar farm array.’’

He said the farm would generate six megawatts of renewable energy, which would mostly be consumed locally ‘‘providing for some of Rangiora’s daytime energy needs’’.

Shanks said Lightyears Solar had contacted the immediate neighbours to the farm, as part of the consent process.

‘‘We keep it low impact by keeping the panels fairly low to the ground, installing planting strips around the farm, and ensuring there is plenty of space between the rows for grazing and continued pasture growth.’’

A resource consent was received last month from Australian company Energy Bay Ltd to construct and operate a utility scale solar energy farm on 80ha on the corner of Upper Sefton Rd and Beatties Rd, Sefton, north of Rangiora. The Hurunui District Council also received an application last month from Far North Solar Farm Ltd for a 180.8ha solar farm at Waipara.

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

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4 days ago

E-scooter agreement extended in Waimakariri

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Pink Flamingo Scooters will continue zipping through towns like Rangiora and Kaiapoi.

The Wellington-based company has been confirmed as Waimakariri district’s e-scooter provider for another three years.

Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon said the … View more
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Pink Flamingo Scooters will continue zipping through towns like Rangiora and Kaiapoi.

The Wellington-based company has been confirmed as Waimakariri district’s e-scooter provider for another three years.

Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon said the community has been overwhelmingly positive since the e-scooters were first introduced in 2020.

‘‘There has not been much negative feedback and Flamingo has been proactive in engaging with the council.

‘‘E-Scooter companies could have come here anyway, but because Flamingo has chosen to work with us we have been able to get a better outcome for the community.’’

An online survey found two-thirds of respondents supported extending the agreement for the pink scooters to be available in the district.

Gordon said the scooters provided another mode of transport when people were travelling short distances.

‘‘It is a tangible way we can enable innovation that gets people out of cars and reduces emissions.

‘‘I have used them myself and they are fun to use. It is a fun way of getting around.’’

Flamingo Scooters chief executive Jacksen Love said user surveys found that 73% of users said the scooters made it easier for them to not own or use a motor vehicle.

The company has been operating in Waimakariri since December 2020.

A no-ride zone on High St, between Durham St and the BNZ corner, is enforced by geo-fencing, and the scooters are equipped with GPS trackers making them easier to locate.

‘‘The scooters are looked after and promptly picked up and returned to places where they will be used,’’ Gordon said.

Love said scooter use was monitored and Flamingo Scooters had the ability to terminate rides or suspend accounts of those who misuse the scooters.

There are 150 e-scooters available on the streets in the Waimakariri district and Flamingo Scooters has a licence to operate up to 200.

Local people are contracted to look after the e-scooters.

A report prepared by council staff said there were about 85,000 rides on e-scooters over the last 21 months, mostly in Rangiora.

The scooters were also available in Kaiapoi, Woodend and Pegasus, while users also rode them along the Passchendaele Pathway between Kaiapoi and Rangiora.

Council staff have referred 26 complaints to Flamingo for scooters blocking pathways, while the company has received 60 complaints from the public over the last 21 months.

There have been 18 minor crashes over the same period, all due to rider error, the report said.

The agreement between the council and Flamingo Scooters sees the council paid an 8 cent levy for each ride, which is set aside for e-scooter infrastructure.

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

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4 days ago

Arthrits Pain

Rae from Rangiora

Hello Neighbours

I'm offering 5 people who suffer with Arthritis a free 15 min treatment using my Bioptron Medical Light. Registered with Medsafe, manufactured in Switzerland, The medical solution for your health and wellbeing.

We all know the pain and struggles that come with arthritis.… View more
Hello Neighbours

I'm offering 5 people who suffer with Arthritis a free 15 min treatment using my Bioptron Medical Light. Registered with Medsafe, manufactured in Switzerland, The medical solution for your health and wellbeing.

We all know the pain and struggles that come with arthritis. The stiffness, inflammation, and limited mobility can make everyday tasks feel like a burden. You may know anyone or you yourself may be suffering from this chronic condition.

According to Arthritis New Zealand, about 670,000 kiwis over the age of 15 have at least one type of arthritis, which is 17% of the population. This number increases with age, with more than 45% of people over the age of 65 having some form of arthritis.

Arthritis is so common that it likely affects someone in nearly every household. Luckily, Bioptron Light Therapy has been proven to be an effective treatment for arthritis. It is one of the certified medical indications of this revolutionary technology.

By stimulating blood circulation, reducing inflammation and relieving muscle spasms, Bioptron Light Therapy can provide much-needed relief from arthritis symptoms. The recommended treatment time is just 4–10 minutes for pain treatment at a distance of 10 cm.

Imagine being able to enjoy daily activities without constant joint pain. With just ten minutes a day, Bioptron Light Therapy can help you, your loved ones, and your clients regain their freedom and quality of life. It's a non-invasive, drug-free option for managing arthritis that can be used in the comfort of their own home.

You don't have to let arthritis control your life. Take back control and live a brighter, pain-free future with Bioptron Light Therapy.

Room to Heal Rangiora
Email: raeimmersioncosmetics@gmail.com
www.immersioncosmetics.co.nz...

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4 days ago

Spray painter

Pauline from Rangiora

Hello everyone I am looking for someone local , a business where I can get kitchen cupboard doors re painted and lacquered, looking for a professional finish, not confident enough to do myself PM me or leave a contact here
Thank you

4 days ago

Kaiapoi night market gains council support

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Kaiapoi is set to have a weekend night market.

The Waimakariri District Council has approved a one-year licence with Market Investment Ltd, the company behind the Christchurch Night Market, to run a weekly night market in the Kaiapoi park and ride car … View more
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Kaiapoi is set to have a weekend night market.

The Waimakariri District Council has approved a one-year licence with Market Investment Ltd, the company behind the Christchurch Night Market, to run a weekly night market in the Kaiapoi park and ride car park, next to New World.

Mayor Dan Gordon said the proposed night market was one of several exciting initiatives being developed in Kaiapoi, including a new music festival Kaiapoi Riversong held on Saturday (April 20).

‘‘The Kaiapoi Night Market will add another dimension to the fantastic dining and shopping experiences already on offer in the town.

‘‘There is such a vibrancy in Kaiapoi which has been contributed to by the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association Park operating in the regeneration land.

‘‘Having the night market will offer these visitors another great experience of the town.’’

Gordon said council staff have engaged with Kaiapoi hospitality and retail businesses and found no opposition to the night market proposal.

The Kaiapoi Night Market is subject to a resource consent, but is expected to start in the winter months.

While no date has been set for the market’s opening, it is expected to be held on either a Saturday or Sunday night.

The company anticipates a market with 50 stalls, including a mix of food and beverage providers and retail.

Council staff will review the market after six months to assess its impact on Kaiapoi’s existing hospitality businesses.

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

4 days ago

Small self efficient home needed.

Deborah from Waikuku & Waikuku Beach

Home needed. Rent $250- $320. Any more and I won’t eat.
I’m a non smoker. No pets.
Must be empty. I own all my own gear.
I have until May 29th to vacate where I am.
Please private message me if you can help.
Regards Deborah

6 days ago

Rangiora after-hours clinic faces more delays

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

The wait continues for a promised North Canterbury after hours healthcare facility.

Work is yet to begin on the proposed new Rangiora Medical Centre at the Rangiora Health Hub on Ashley St, which was first proposed more than five years ago.

The … View more
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

The wait continues for a promised North Canterbury after hours healthcare facility.

Work is yet to begin on the proposed new Rangiora Medical Centre at the Rangiora Health Hub on Ashley St, which was first proposed more than five years ago.

The Waimakariri District Council granted a resource consent for the project in 2022, while the building consent is still being processed.

A council spokesperson said the application was on hold while some civil construction details are resolved by the applicants’ consultants.
‘‘We hope to be able to grant the consent in the very near future.’’

The Ministry of Health entered into an agreement with South Link Health Group in 2021 to build the after hours facility, following a petition being presented to the former Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) two years earlier.

South Link Health Group is a network of 26 medical practises, and is responsible for funding and constructing the new facility.

It will include full radiology services (ultrasound, CT and MRI scans), GP services, a pharmacy, and urgent after hours healthcare.

A spokesperson for South Link Health said in December work was expected to begin on the site in March, with the medical centre on track to open in the first half of 2025.

In the meantime, limited after hours healthcare is available at Durham Health, Rangiora, and the Amberley Medical Centre, and at local pharmacies.

Residents can ring 111 in an emergency, contact their GP to speak to a triage nurse, call Healthline 0800 611116 for free advice from a nurse, or arrange online video consultations with a doctor (for a charge).

The after hours triage service is delivered by Whakarongarou and operates in North Canterbury, with access to a St John paramedic if a face to face assessment is required.

A rural after hours service, Ka Ora Telecare, offers phone or video consultations with a doctor. Go to kaora.co.nz/app/services/sub-services/3. The Pegasus 24 Hour Surgery in Christchurch is also available.

■ Public interest journalism funded through New Zealand on Air.

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5 days ago

This week's prize draw!

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Winners of the $100 Farmers vouchers in this week's Neighbourly prize draw are:

Gustavo Silva from Auckland Central

Mary Halliday from Port Waikato

Emily Taylor from Rolleston

View more
Winners of the $100 Farmers vouchers in this week's Neighbourly prize draw are:

Gustavo Silva from Auckland Central

Mary Halliday from Port Waikato

Emily Taylor from Rolleston

Neil Morrison from Invercargill

Get in touch with our Neighbourly Helpdesk team before the 30th of April to claim your prize by heading here.

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6 days ago

Shoe Rack

Elisabeth from Rangiora

Fairly new, holds 8 pairs of shoes comfortably. Pick up only.

Price: $10

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6 days ago

Potted colour

The Team from Resene ColorShop Rangiora

Express yourself with this artistic dip-dye paint effect using Resene paints. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.

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7 days ago

Lonicera nitida plants (Box Honeysuckle)

Vicki from Rangiora

Good sized plants. Looks like buxus when grown but grows at twice the speed. Tiny oval dark green leaves. Plant in full sun or semi shade. Ideal plant to shape into balls cones etc perfect for planting now $3.00 per plant

Price: $3

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7 days ago

Turn downsizing stress into strength

Charles Upham Retirement Village

Downsizing can open the door to a new stage of your life that is rich in opportunity. However, it can be a daunting prospect. If you are embarking on a new chapter of life, the thought of shedding familiar possessions can feel even more stressful. This can be true even if the life changes are a … View moreDownsizing can open the door to a new stage of your life that is rich in opportunity. However, it can be a daunting prospect. If you are embarking on a new chapter of life, the thought of shedding familiar possessions can feel even more stressful. This can be true even if the life changes are a good thing, such as a move to somewhere you will love to live.

Once you understand why you have this feeling, you can reframe it as creating a new environment that will support your present life while reminding you of your best experiences.

Click read more for the full article.

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7 days ago

Pears 2kg bags doyenne du comice

Sue from Kaiapoi

freshly picked firm pears
great for bottling or dehydrating
sold at gate
larger amounts available please text 021 2222838
bramleys road turn off lineside road 2nd house on left

Price: $5

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8 days ago

Minimalist Design in Apartment Living

The Team from Ryman Healthcare

Ryman’s Charles Upham Retirement Village resident Di is a former fashion designer, artist and self-confessed shoe hoarder who travels, still paints and has stamped her eclectic minimalist style on her apartment.

She gives us her top 3 design tips on how she’s turned her space into a … View more
Ryman’s Charles Upham Retirement Village resident Di is a former fashion designer, artist and self-confessed shoe hoarder who travels, still paints and has stamped her eclectic minimalist style on her apartment.

She gives us her top 3 design tips on how she’s turned her space into a beautiful home.
Find out more

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