Swannanoa - Ohoka, Swannanoa

Wondering about something in your neighbourhood?

Wondering about something in your neighbourhood?

Whether it's a new building going up or a strange noise you keep hearing, ask your neighbours here.

816 days ago

Outdoor Bowls Open Day - Saturday 10th September 1.00 pm

Bowls Kaiapoi from Kaiapoi Outdoor Bowls

Try your hand at bowling and bring family and friends along as lawn bowls is a sport the whole family can play. No experience necessary and club bowls available. Just come along in flat soled shoes and enjoy the friendship and fun our bowling club has to offer, and take advantage of our FREE … View moreTry your hand at bowling and bring family and friends along as lawn bowls is a sport the whole family can play. No experience necessary and club bowls available. Just come along in flat soled shoes and enjoy the friendship and fun our bowling club has to offer, and take advantage of our FREE introductory first year membership for new and past members (T&C's apply). Contact Bob 021 0540686 for more info

818 days ago

Subscribe to Stuff's First Time Buyers' Club

Stuff

Making it onto the first rung of the property ladder can be an incredibly rewarding journey – and Stuff is here to help you through.

Stuff Homed has launched the First Time Buyers’ Club, an email series to help you navigate the equal-parts exciting and terrifying process of buying your first… View more
Making it onto the first rung of the property ladder can be an incredibly rewarding journey – and Stuff is here to help you through.

Stuff Homed has launched the First Time Buyers’ Club, an email series to help you navigate the equal-parts exciting and terrifying process of buying your first ever home. When you join our six-week LearnStuff course, you’ll get an email every week giving you all the basics on what you need to know, who you need on your side, and what you need to do at each stage of the journey.

We can’t make the houses any cheaper, but we can guide you through the process, share some tips from the experts, and help you avoid some of the trips and traps.

Sign up (it's free) and get started on your house-buying journey.
Find out more

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818 days ago

What would you add to this list of budget-boosting crops?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Dear neighbours,

Have you grown these veges and fruits, and what's on your list of money savers and budget boosters?

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819 days ago

Nominations flood in for North Canterbury elections

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

From local democracy reporter David Hill:

Nominations have flooded in for North Canterbury’s local government elections.

While there has been a shortage of candidates nationwide, a last minute rush kept electoral officers busy in Hurunui and Waimakariri.

Hurunui mayor Marie Black has … View more
From local democracy reporter David Hill:

Nominations have flooded in for North Canterbury’s local government elections.

While there has been a shortage of candidates nationwide, a last minute rush kept electoral officers busy in Hurunui and Waimakariri.

Hurunui mayor Marie Black has been re-elected unopposed, while her Waimakariri counterpart, Dan Gordon, has a challenger: Miles Stapylton-Smith, of Rangiora.

Black said the interest in this year’s local government elections in Hurunui was ‘‘wonderful’’.

“It’s wonderful to have such interest, particularly in the South Ward (around Amberley).”

She said she was delighted to have the opportunity to lead the district for second term.

“I think it’s sound recognition of the work we’ve done on behalf of residents to date.

“I’m looking forward to forming a new council, and taking on some of the challenges which are facing us.”

Deputy electoral officer Naomi Woodham said nominations had been “a slow trickle” until a late rush in the last few days, before nominations closed at 12pm on Friday.

“It just went a little bit nuts. It’s the busiest I’ve ever seen it.”

Woodham said one nomination was confirmed only 30 seconds before noon, after a nominee was found to be not on the electoral roll, and had to enrol quickly online.

The South Ward is leading the way with a whopping 10 nominations, and elections will be required in the East Ward and for the Cheviot Licensing Trust.
The West Ward and the Hanmer Springs Community Board have enough nominations to fill their vacancies without an election.

Four sitting councillors, Nicky Anderson, Mary Holloway, Geoff Shier and Michael Ward have not sought re-election, so there will be at least four new faces around the council table.

“I think we’ve had an exceptional team this term and I look forward to the next term,” Black said.

“We’ve had some retirements from councillors that have given two terms service and they will be missed, but it will be good to have some fresh voices.”

A last minute rush saw 25 nominations received before Friday’s 12pm deadline for the Waimakariri district’s local government elections.

Elections will be held for all positions across the district, including mayor.

In all, 80 candidates will compete for 35 available positions, including mayor, 10 councillors and 24 spots across four community boards.

Deputy electoral officer Sarah Nichols said she was pleased to see a high level of interest from candidates.

“It’s been great to see the increased interest from locals who are passionate about Waimakariri and want to serve their communities in this upcoming term.”

Gordon said seeing so many candidates standing was good for democracy.

Voting documents will be posted from September 16, with special voting available.

Election Day is on Saturday, October 8, with voting closing at 12pm.

Hurunui District Council nominations:

Mayor: Marie Black. (Elected unopposed)

West Ward (4 vacancies): Karen Armstrong, Ross Barnes, Tom Davies, David Hislop. (No election required)

East Ward (2 vacancies): Vincent Daly, Dean Eades, Gail Grant, Fiona Harris. (Election required)

South Ward (4 vacancies): Robbie Bruerton, Ken Chaney, Sharon Earl, Stewart Henry, Garry Jackson, Jonathan Kruse, Sharon Macarthy, Nic McPherson, Vanessa McPherson, Pauline White. (Election required)

Hanmer Springs Community Board (5 vacancies): Mary Holloway, Chris Hughey, Michael Malthus, Alice Stielow, Richard Tapper. (No election required.)

Cheviot Licensing Trust (6 vacancies): Stephen Coleman, Murray Crampton, Geoff Denton, Sue Harrison, Glen McNabb, Kait Murray, Kate Nicol, Kate Sims. (Election required)

Environment Canterbury North Canterbury/Ōpukepuke Regional Constituency: (2 vacancies) - Grant Edge, Shaun Lissington, Claire McKay, Rachel Vaughan. (Election required)

Waimakariri District Council:

Mayor: Dan Gordon, Miles Stapylton-Smith. (Election required)

Rangiora-Ashley Ward (4 vacancies): Joan Ward, Padi Nistala, Steve Wilkinson, Paul Williams, Robbie Brine, Gordon Malcolm, David Harnett, Jason Goldsworthy, wayne Linton, Stephanie Waterfield, Sam Fisher. (Election required)

Kaiapoi-Woodend Ward (4 vacancies): Philip Redmond, Brent Cairns, Neville Atkinson, Stephen Bell, Al Blackie, Sandra Stewart, Joel McLachlan, Tim Bartle, Shona Powell, Natalie Leary, Russell Keetley, Vicki Payne, Phil Shaw. (Election required)

Oxford-Ohoka Ward (3 vacancies): Tim Fulton, Niki Mealings, Colin Wightman, Thomas Robson, Cole Gillman. (Election required)

Oxford-Ohoka Community Board:

Ohoka-Swannanoa Subdivision (3 vacancies): Sarah Barkle, Jarrad Allen, Ray Harpue, Michelle Wilson, Julie Tapp. (Election required)

Oxford Subdivision (3 vacancies): Thomas Robson, Tim Fulton, Pete Merrifield, Mark Brown. (Election required)

Rangiora-Ashley Community Board:

Rangiora Subdivision (6 vacancies): Steve Wilkinson, Jim Gerard, Grant Harris, Murray Clarke, Burce McLaren, Liz McClure, Paul Williams, Robbie Brine, Jason Golsworthy, onique Fleming, Morris Harris, Kelly Bisset, Eve Mullins. (Election required)

Ashley Subdivision (2 vacancies): Kirstyn Barnett, Duncan Lundy, Ivan Campbell, Guy Porter. (Election required)

Kaiapoi-Tuahiwi Community Board (5 vacancies): Shayne Dear, Jackie Watson, Aaron Lovelace, Tracey Blair, Al Blackie, Hannelle van der Linde, Sandra Stewart, Tim Bartle, Natalie Leary, Russell Keetley, John Lee, Janet Morrison, George Smith. (Election required)

Woodend-Sefton Community Board (5 vacancies): Shona Powell, Rhonda Mather, Steven McMillan, Andrew Thompson, Mark Paterson, Rachel Clark, Vicki Payne, Ian Fong, Mathew Potter, Liam Quinn. (Election required)

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824 days ago

Rangiora Bowling Club “ Have a Go Days”

Trish from Rangiora

If you have ever thought about playing Lawn Bowls, come and give it a try. For the next 2 Saturdays 13th and 20th August. 10am to 12noon and 1pm to 3pm. We are on the corner of Blackett Street and Good Street. The entrance is up the drive on Good Street. Just wear some comfy clothes and Sports … View moreIf you have ever thought about playing Lawn Bowls, come and give it a try. For the next 2 Saturdays 13th and 20th August. 10am to 12noon and 1pm to 3pm. We are on the corner of Blackett Street and Good Street. The entrance is up the drive on Good Street. Just wear some comfy clothes and Sports shoes and we have the Bowls to give it a go.
Our Opening day for the season is Saturday 27th August.
Looking forward to seeing you there.
Any Enquiries ring Trish 027 668 6778

821 days ago

Books by NZ authors donated to Kaiapoi school

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

From local democracy reporter David Hill:

Kaiapoi High School and the Karanga Mai Young Parents’ College have received a generous donation of 150 books.

The books were donated by Laura Caygill, from Waimakariri Libraries.

Laura was part of the judging panel for the New Zealand Book Awards for … View more
From local democracy reporter David Hill:

Kaiapoi High School and the Karanga Mai Young Parents’ College have received a generous donation of 150 books.

The books were donated by Laura Caygill, from Waimakariri Libraries.

Laura was part of the judging panel for the New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults and was given a copy of each book to read as part of the role.

‘‘You could definitely say I had a summer of reading,’’ Laura says.

All books entered in the awards are written by New Zealand authors and Laura says she was very impressed with the calibre of entries.

‘‘It was fantastic. There certainly were a lot of books, with such a diverse range of themes and perspectives.

‘‘We are so lucky to have so many talented authors in New Zealand and these awards are a fantastic way to showcase that talent and engage young people in reading.

‘‘We had some wonderful discussions on the judging panel and I know we were all really impressed with the books coming through for our young readers in New Zealand.

‘‘Many of these books would easily stand up on the international stage,’’ Laura says.

Waimakariri Libraries, in collaboration with the community have created online virtual storytimes to celebrate the awards.

They have also produced a Books Alive digital event showcasing one of the Young Adult Fiction finalists - Learning to Love Blue by Saradha Koirala.

Students from Kaiapoi High School have been involved in the Books Alive event, reading chosen excerpts from the book.

This was made available to view online on August 9.

Kaiapoi High School principal Jason Reid, librarian Heather McCorquodale and Karanga Mai English teacher Carola Crawford were delighted to receive all 150 books.

‘‘We are very grateful for the generosity. It’s amazing to see the wealth of knowledge laid out on this table,’’ Jason says.

‘‘They are all new and fresh and written by New Zealand authors, which makes them very relevant and engaging for our young people.’’

The category finalists were announced on Thursday, June 2.

The awards ceremony and announcement of winners of the 2022 New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults was held on August 10.

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822 days ago

Health & Fitness Page

Lorna Jean from Key2fit @ NKG

I have created a group to discuss health & fitness Issues, pop over, And Join in movement
Ask a question.
Let's open discussion.

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823 days ago

Submissions Change of Plan deadline tomorrow

Tina from Swannanoa - Ohoka

Hi All if you haven't made your submission to the council to oppose the Change of plan for www.waimakariri.govt.nz... The deadline is tomorrow at 5:00 PM. Please make your submission today. Make your voice be heard. This will impact all rate payers of the North Canterbury. Anyone, anywhere … View moreHi All if you haven't made your submission to the council to oppose the Change of plan for www.waimakariri.govt.nz... The deadline is tomorrow at 5:00 PM. Please make your submission today. Make your voice be heard. This will impact all rate payers of the North Canterbury. Anyone, anywhere can make submissions. Please help democracy do it work. Get involved today.

822 days ago

Love your compost? Pimp it up to win great prizes for your garden!

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Dear neighbours,

To celebrate National Gardening Week (October 17-25), Yates have partnered with NZ Gardener to give away some fantastic prizes to some of the most inspirational compost builders in the country. Show us your compost setup, whether it’s tiny or huge, and the best looking compost … View more
Dear neighbours,

To celebrate National Gardening Week (October 17-25), Yates have partnered with NZ Gardener to give away some fantastic prizes to some of the most inspirational compost builders in the country. Show us your compost setup, whether it’s tiny or huge, and the best looking compost wins 1 of 9 Compost Kits (RRP $319 each).

So email through your best tip for successful compost and one photo of your composting setup to loveyourgarden@yates.co.nz by August 26, 2022 to be in to win.

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822 days ago
822 days ago

Extension for Kaiapoi aqua sports park

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

From local democracy reporter David Hill:

Kaiapoi’s proposed aqua sports park is a step closer after the Waimakariri District Council agreed in principle to extend its
memorandum of understanding by up to three years.

It means the WHoW Charitable Trust will have another three years to develop … View more
From local democracy reporter David Hill:

Kaiapoi’s proposed aqua sports park is a step closer after the Waimakariri District Council agreed in principle to extend its
memorandum of understanding by up to three years.

It means the WHoW Charitable Trust will have another three years to develop its plan for surf wave, whitewater and cable wakeboard facilities alongside its inflatable play park in the Kaiapoi east regeneration area, to the north of Kaiapoi River.

A revised agreement will now be negotiated between the council and the trust until August 2025, before being brought back to the council for final approval.

The original agreement was signed in August 2020 and was due to expire this month.

‘‘The last two years have been particularly challenging in developing plans for large recreational facilities requiring significant funding under Covid restrictions and difficult economic conditions,’’ acting chief executive Jeff Millward says.

‘‘The council was, however, impressed with the WHoW Trust’s commitment to the concept and the district through progressing the Aqualand NZ project in Courtenay Lake, which successfully trialled at a small scale elements proposed for the Aquasports Park.’’

The trust launched its temporary aqua play park, operated by Kaikanui Aqualand NZ, on Courtenay Lake, to the south of Kaiapoi River, in November under a three-year license to occupy agreement with the council.

Councillors also considered an alternative proposal from the Kaiapoi East Residents’ Association (KERA) for an alternative use of the land.

KERA made a deputation to the Kaiapoi-Tuahiwi Community Board last month requesting a licence to occupy the land to plant the area with pockets of forest, fruit orchards and vegetable patches, as well as creating walk ways and picnic and play areas.

While they resolved not to pursue KERA’s proposal for a license to occupy, councillors requested staff to engage with the residents to identify opportunities for the association to progress its objectives in east Kaiapoi.

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823 days ago

Your whole retirement is our consideration

With the 75+ population projected to double in 20 years’ time, it’s more important than ever to choose a retirement village that is equipped to support you when you’re fully independent as well as if you need care.

That’s why Ryman villages plan ahead by offering independent living in … View more
With the 75+ population projected to double in 20 years’ time, it’s more important than ever to choose a retirement village that is equipped to support you when you’re fully independent as well as if you need care.

That’s why Ryman villages plan ahead by offering independent living in apartments and townhouses, assisted living in serviced apartments, resthome care and, in most villages, hospital and specialist dementia care.

We offer a higher ratio of care in our villages so that if your needs change, you have priority access to our care centres.
Find out more

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823 days ago

Major step for mahinga kai project in former Kaiapoi red zone

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

From local democracy reporter David Hill:

Kaiapoi’s multimillion-dollar mahinga kai project is set to take a major step forward with the signing of a new trust deed agreement.

The Waimakariri District Council last week approved a co-govenance agreement with Te Kohaka o Tuhaitara Trust to … View more
From local democracy reporter David Hill:

Kaiapoi’s multimillion-dollar mahinga kai project is set to take a major step forward with the signing of a new trust deed agreement.

The Waimakariri District Council last week approved a co-govenance agreement with Te Kohaka o Tuhaitara Trust to manage the Huria Reserve, heritage and mahinga kai area.

The initiative is a key project from the Waimakariri Residential Red Zone Recovery Plan and comprises eight hectares of land in the Kaiapoi south regeneration area.

The reserve is located to the south of Kaiapoi River, straddling the south bank, and continues south to sit between the proposed Kaiapoi Community Hub and Courtenay Lake.

It is a partnership between the council and Te Runanga o Ngāi Tūāhuriri.

The council is contributing $1.74 million over five years to the project, which was established in the 2018 long-term plan, and will retain ownership of the land.

Waimakariri District Council community and recreation manager Chris Brown said the trust would manage the area under a lease agreement and would seek additional funding from other sources.

Mayor Dan Gordon said the project was an important part of Kaiapoi’s ongoing regeneration.

‘‘It’s a fantastic partnership and I'm in full support of it. It’s good to see this finally coming to fruition.

‘‘The project will create a public reserve with walkways and board walks through native planted areas, opportunities for mahinga kai, natural play areas, educational zones and interpretive signage to tell the local stories and history.’’

Representatives from the council, trust and runanga have formed a joint working group to work on the project design and construction.

Construction is under way, with work on the pathways tendered and awarded to Citycare Property in May and due to be completed this month.

The first round of planting was completed on June 30, with 4000 native plants and shrubs planted.

‘‘This included five totara trees that will greet visitors to the entrance of the reserve area and lead them through the paths,’’ Gordon said.

Landscape design and master planning for the second stage of works is under way.

The reserve area design takes into account the interim licence to occupy held by the WHoW Charitable Trust for the Kaikanui Aqualand NZ aqua play park facility on Courtenay Lake.

The name Huria recognises the Huria whanau, which fished the local Cam and Waimakariri rivers and has a long history in the area.

It also recognised the loss of land, which was taken from the whanau to allow the motorway to be built.

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823 days ago

Open Mic at Wigram Hotel

Tina from Swannanoa - Ohoka

We are back at the Wigram hotel with fresh new comedy faces. Get out of the cold and warm up and have a laugh. God knows we need a laugh. Show starts at 7:00 Door sales available. Come one come all.

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824 days ago

Support our Yuri Bear Project

Charles Upham Retirement Village

Knitting needles are clicking across our villages and the wider community for the Yuri Bear project🐻❤️.

We’re aiming to knit 20,000 teddy bears for children displaced as a result of turmoil in their country.

We’ve been overwhelmed by the response so far, but 20,000 bears is no … View more
Knitting needles are clicking across our villages and the wider community for the Yuri Bear project🐻❤️.

We’re aiming to knit 20,000 teddy bears for children displaced as a result of turmoil in their country.

We’ve been overwhelmed by the response so far, but 20,000 bears is no small ask!

If you can knit, know someone who can or would like to find out how you can help, please click on the link below.

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