Swannanoa - Ohoka, Swannanoa

507 days ago

Feature wall dos and don’ts

The Team from Resene ColorShop Rangiora

Switch up your place with fresh new looks that are high on impact and low on cost with Resene paints.

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507 days ago

Warmer welcome planned for migrants to North Canterbury

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Two North Canterbury councils are stepping up their efforts to welcome new migrants.

The Waimakariri District Council has joined with 33 councils, including Hurunui, to be accepted into Immigration New Zealand’s Welcoming Communities programme.

View more
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Two North Canterbury councils are stepping up their efforts to welcome new migrants.

The Waimakariri District Council has joined with 33 councils, including Hurunui, to be accepted into Immigration New Zealand’s Welcoming Communities programme.

Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon said new migrants faced a number of challenges when settling into a new community.

"We see Welcoming Communities as a means to bridge the gap between newcomers and long term residents, celebrate diversity, and support our new migrants to apply their unique skills, talents and experience to creating more vibrant communities across the district."

The council had already established a migrant facilitator portfolio within the community team back in 2016 in response to the growing number of migrants, particularly in the dairy sector and assisting in the earthquake rebuild.

Now new funding allowed for a half-time facilitator to be employed over a three year period to work alongside migrants, employers and migrant advocates.

Community team leader Tessa Sturley said the money would support the good work already happening in the migrant space.

The community team has already helped to establish the Migrants and Newcomers Network, now known as Glow (Global Locals of Waimakariri), which ran a number of initiatives including English language classes.

Since then the booming hospitality sector and the growing retirement village sector have been "significant employers of migrant staff", Sturley said.

Often the families of migrant workers had limited English making it difficult to find work or integrate into the community.

The Hurunui District Council was accepted into the programme last year and received its initial accreditation in April.

It was now close to completing the first of four accreditation stages, welcoming communities facilitator Natalie Paterson said.

A Welcoming Communities advisory group had been established to complete a stocktake of support available for different ethnic groups and newcomers to determine what was working and to identify any gaps.

A three-year Welcoming Communities plan has now been developed, which was adopted by the council last week.

"We feel it is important to put migrants at the centre of conversations so we can hear their experiences," Paterson said.

Feedback from migrants had already led to extending a driver licensing programme, which supported young people to pass their learners’ license, to migrants.

Even setting up a bank account or enrolling children in school could be a challenge for migrants, Paterson said.

The Welcoming Communities programme supported New Zealanders moving into the district from other parts of the country, as well as those arriving from overseas.

Paterson said conversations had already begun with agencies like the Rātā Foundation to seek funding once the initial seed funding ran out.

■ Public interest journalism through New Zealand on Air.

512 days ago

Which NZ town does winter best?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

We know the spots in summer for beaching, camping and warm nights. But which NZ town really comes into its own during winter? Whether it's based on the activities, the beauty of the town or places to wine and dine, share your thoughts and reasons below!

Type 'Not For Print' if you… View more
We know the spots in summer for beaching, camping and warm nights. But which NZ town really comes into its own during winter? Whether it's based on the activities, the beauty of the town or places to wine and dine, share your thoughts and reasons below!

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

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508 days ago

Rangiora cycleway deferred to avoid blowout

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

From local democracy reporter David Hill:

A proposed Rangiora cycleway project has been deferred to avoid a forecast $1.7 million budget blowout.

The Waimakariri District Council has decided not to proceed with the proposed on-road cycleway along Ashley, Ivory and Percival streets, and … View more
From local democracy reporter David Hill:

A proposed Rangiora cycleway project has been deferred to avoid a forecast $1.7 million budget blowout.

The Waimakariri District Council has decided not to proceed with the proposed on-road cycleway along Ashley, Ivory and Percival streets, and Southbrook Rd, after staff found during the design stage it could not meet the cost of Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency’s design criteria.

In report presented at Tuesday’s (July 4) council meeting, senior engineering adviser Don Young said the extra safety provisions would require a painted median on a separated cycleway, which had not been allowed for in the original design.

The project was one of four cycleways approved under the government’s Transport Choices funding package.

Young said meeting Waka Kotahi’s design criteria could lead to a budget blowout of up to $1.7 million across the four cycleways.

It was estimated the Rangiora cycleway’s budget would blowout from $745,000 to $1.585m to provide for the extra safety provisions.

"Waka Kotahi has indicated they would rather see us complete three cycleways, than have the entire project fall over," Young said.

"To go ahead would lead to a significant shortfall in funding and the loss of up to 224 car parks.

"We feel it would not be a good step at this stage."

The total budget for all four cycleways had been expected to cost more than $6m, with $4.86m coming from the Transport Choices package and $1m from the Government’s ‘‘Better Off’’ funding.

The council would cover the costs of drainage improvements, additional landscaping and cultural signage.

Waka Kotahi staff had indicated the budget allocated for the Rangiora project could be used to offset the cost over-runs from the other three proposed cycleways, Young said.

Staff were asked to provide a report on options for a revised Rangiora cycleway as part of next year’s 2024-34 long-term plan deliberations.

Young said council staff were due to meet with KiwiRail to discuss issues related to the second proposed Rangiora cycleway at Southbrook.

Pak’nSave management have expressed safety concerns with the proposed route of the Southbrook cycleway, along Railway Rd, due to the number of traffic movements of delivery trucks to the supermarket.

Young said staff planned to meet with Pak’nSave again after the KiwiRail meeting.

The other projects were the Kaiapoi-Woodend and Woodend-Pegasus cycleways.

The four cycleways were chosen following the council’s cycle way network report completed last year.

■ Public interest journalism funded through New Zealand on Air.

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509 days ago

Cats and kittens for adoption - Kitty Kingdom charity rescue

Tina from Rangiora

Check out our updated website for cats and kittens available for adoption and ways you can help us to help them x

www.kittykingdomcanterbury.com...

509 days ago

SUPPORTING OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY - TOGETHER, WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Harcourts Four Seasons Realty 2017 Ltd

At Harcourts, we hold a deep commitment to our local community. We believe in the power of giving back to the very communities that have supported us throughout the years. With every property sold by Four Seasons Realty, a compulsory donation is made to the Harcourts Foundation, this ensures that a… View moreAt Harcourts, we hold a deep commitment to our local community. We believe in the power of giving back to the very communities that have supported us throughout the years. With every property sold by Four Seasons Realty, a compulsory donation is made to the Harcourts Foundation, this ensures that a portion of every transaction goes towards supporting schools, clubs, and charities in our local area.

We are thrilled to announce that Harcourts Four Seasons has been recognized as a founding member of the Harcourts Foundation for our unwavering support over the past 15 years (2008-2023).

This accolade not only showcases our dedication but also highlights the significant positive impact we've made together. When you choose Harcourts Four Seasons, you're not just securing a reliable real estate partner – you're becoming a part of a compassionate community that strives to uplift and support one another.

#community #difference #harcourtsfoundation #harcourtsfourseasons #betterinblue #givingback

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510 days ago

1000l tank

Corran from Rangiora

A 1000L in steel cage has hole cut in to the side at top to allow a down pipe connection
Free. And you would need a trailer to take it away. Located in Rangiora.

Negotiable

510 days ago

Frame

Jacqui from Belfast

Free FIFS … but you’ll need to text me if you want it. 027 204 9986

Pick up from Factory Road. Will reply text you the number.

Free

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510 days ago

Have you got a favourite spring salad? Send us the recipe!

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Dear neighbours, every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of reader recipes using a seasonal crop. This month, we're on the hunt for spring salad recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by July 23, 2023. Every published recipe wins a copy of the September issue of NZ Gardener.

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511 days ago

used super market bags

Arthur from Rangiora

The CITY MISSION OP SHOP, (previously known as Thrive op shop) in the Gables Arcade High street Rangiora is needing more paper supermarket bags urgently. We are at the back end of the arcade near the New World Supermarket. Thank you.

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511 days ago

Foldaway dog ramps

Kim from Loburn

Ramp for smalll dogs/cats 900 long, 350 wide, 450 high
Has 2 hinged support 'flaps' which slot into slat holes for extra strength & safety
Also has non slip tape so pets don't slip as they go up the ramp.
$85.00 Foldaway & portable & now oiled with waterproof coating… View more
Ramp for smalll dogs/cats 900 long, 350 wide, 450 high
Has 2 hinged support 'flaps' which slot into slat holes for extra strength & safety
Also has non slip tape so pets don't slip as they go up the ramp.
$85.00 Foldaway & portable & now oiled with waterproof coating which also enhances the natural wood
Great to help wee ones get on and off the couch safely :-)
Please check out my new facebook site 'rampitupforpets'
Delivery may be available in Christchurch region
Text or phone. 027 3193145

Price: $85

511 days ago

July 2023 Special

The Wheel Magician Christchurch North

If you are at home during the school holidays, why not take advantage of our latest special for the month of July to get your kerbed wheels repaired.

Feel free to give me a call on 022 1597826 or email me on paul.thomas@wheelmagician.co.nz for more info or to make a booking.

Fully mobile … View more
If you are at home during the school holidays, why not take advantage of our latest special for the month of July to get your kerbed wheels repaired.

Feel free to give me a call on 022 1597826 or email me on paul.thomas@wheelmagician.co.nz for more info or to make a booking.

Fully mobile service, I'll come to you at a time that suits!

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511 days ago

Art Challenge for Children

Kathy from Rangiora

On August 12th St John's Anglican Craft Group are hosting another art exhibition and silent auction to raise funds for African Famine Relief. This year we'd love donations of art from children and young people. Paintings, drawings or collage no bigger than A3 size can be dropped off to … View moreOn August 12th St John's Anglican Craft Group are hosting another art exhibition and silent auction to raise funds for African Famine Relief. This year we'd love donations of art from children and young people. Paintings, drawings or collage no bigger than A3 size can be dropped off to the church office, High St Rangiora or the church lounge before July 16 with name of child and contact details on the back. All art will be for sale to raise funds, but there will be prizes available for children's art entries.

512 days ago

The Sunday Star-Times Winter Puzzle Comp is Back!

Sunday Star Times

This July we have your chance to win a share of over $5,000 in New World gift vouchers! Simply grab your local newspaper, throw on your thinking cap, and complete the daily puzzle to be in to win.

Beginning on July 3, we will be placing a puzzle in your newspaper each day for a month. Complete … View more
This July we have your chance to win a share of over $5,000 in New World gift vouchers! Simply grab your local newspaper, throw on your thinking cap, and complete the daily puzzle to be in to win.

Beginning on July 3, we will be placing a puzzle in your newspaper each day for a month. Complete all 28 puzzles for a higher chance to WIN. Once you’ve figured it out, head over to stuff.co.nz/puzzletime to enter the solution and be in to win.

To find out more about participating newspapers, click here
Find out more

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515 days ago

Addressing historical greviances

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Local Māori will soon be able to return to live on their customary land.

Waimakariri District Council chief executive Jeff Millward says the proposed Waimakariri District Plan, which was notified in September 2021, includes special purpose zoning for … View more
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Local Māori will soon be able to return to live on their customary land.

Waimakariri District Council chief executive Jeff Millward says the proposed Waimakariri District Plan, which was notified in September 2021, includes special purpose zoning for Māori Reserve 873, between Kaiapoi and Rangiora.

This included allowing for up to seven houses on a four hectare section.
These have been incorporated into the draft Greater Christchurch Spatial Plan, which has recognised the need for infrastructure investment for kāinga nohoanga (places of residence) across the Greater Christchurch area.

"Historically they have been prevented from living on their own land and growing crops for mahinga kai," Millward said.

The National Policy Statement on Urban Development stated that well-functioning urban environments needed to have a variety of homes, and this included enabling Māori to express their cultural traditions and norms.

Māori Reserve 873, which included the kāinga (village) of Tuahiwi and the surrounding rural area, was set aside by the Crown in 1848 as a kāinga nohoanga.

The 1868 Native Land Court defined Ngāi Tahu mahinga kai and whānau rights.

But subsequent territorial authorities, including the Waimakariri District Council, which was established in 1989, had overlooked the history and introduced rural zoning rules and applied them to Māori Reserve 873.

Most recently, about 2005, the Waimakariri District Council changed the rural zoning for the reserve to 10 acres without consulting with the rūnanga.

This was unworkable as properties were already much smaller and had multiple houses on them.

The land grievances were due in part to different cultural understandings and the complexity of Māori ownership.

Māori practised Kaitiakitanga (stewardship) where resources including land were looked after by the hapū for the next generation.

The consequence has seen Māori lose the ability to use the land for mahinga kai and whānau have been unable to live on the land.

Comment was sought from Ngāi Tūāhuriri.

■ Public interest journalism funded through New Zealand on Air.

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