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From local democracy reporter Adam Burns:
A Canterbury community health service provider believes the Government is ignoring rural healthcare inequities despite problems continuing to be voiced “loud and clear”.
Concerns continue to mount around the omission of rural communities within the … View moreFrom local democracy reporter Adam Burns:
A Canterbury community health service provider believes the Government is ignoring rural healthcare inequities despite problems continuing to be voiced “loud and clear”.
Concerns continue to mount around the omission of rural communities within the Government's health reform roll-out, which has dismayed rural health leaders.
The Pae Ora Healthy Futures Bill was recently considered at a parliamentary select committee and did not list rural people as a priority population group.
Canterbury health service agency Waitaha Primary Health said rural health outcomes trail those of national urban populations and the outcomes are even worse for Māori.
Chief executive Bill Eschenbach called upon the Government to prioritise rural health in the planned legislation and to urgently address problems rural communities were facing.
“These inequities are not a surprise and as an organisation we have been proactive in working with our national partners to ensure the voice of rural people in terms of health outcomes is heard loud and clear,” he said.
Some 750,000 rural people generated 50% of New Zealand’s GDP, he said.
He added rural disparities were frequently highlighted in Heather Simpson’s Health and Disability Review, the same report which proposed centralisation of the health sector.
“We note that rural disparities or inequities were highlighted in the review 84 times,” he said.
“Waitaha’s concern is that if rural is not identified in the legislation, will Health NZ and the Maori Health Authority be accountable for rural health outcomes.”
There was further unease around the current health workforce, which has “retracted over recent years”, with access to health interventions not being as readily available to those in rural areas.
“These two issues need to be addressed now,” Eschenbach said.
Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey echoed concerns of rural voices being lost in the transition.
“As the Canterbury District Health Board gets disestablished there is a real threat that rural and regional voices will be lost in this new mega health entity run out of Wellington,” he said.
Four hospitals in Canterbury were temporarily closed in March as the Omicron outbreak bore down on the country, sparking community fears the move was permanent.
An after hours medical facility in Rangiora also remains entrenched in the planning stages after it was first confirmed in 2020.
“Waimakariri residents should be worried that commitments to open both after-hours and Oxford hospitals could be overlooked in the restructure,” Doocey said.
*Local Democracy Reporting is Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air
NZ Compare is the home of easy and free to use comparison sites. We’re passionate about helping Kiwis compare what’s out there, so we wanted to introduce you to a new member of our brand family – PriceMe!
PriceMe is NZ's largest comparison-shopping site, sounds fun right?! Whether … View moreNZ Compare is the home of easy and free to use comparison sites. We’re passionate about helping Kiwis compare what’s out there, so we wanted to introduce you to a new member of our brand family – PriceMe!
PriceMe is NZ's largest comparison-shopping site, sounds fun right?! Whether you're buying electronics, appliances, smartphones or watches, hair straighteners or any other everyday household or office product – find the best prices on PriceMe.
Make it your first stop, not an afterthought Neighbours!
Plus, you don’t need to leave the house! Shopping made simple, just how we like it.
Hi Neighbours! The NZMCA Motorhome, Caravan & Leisure Show is back at Christchurch Arena later this month, with everything you need for when you travel around our gorgeous country … to make it the best trip yet!
Over 2 days, you’ll find your favourite brands of motorhome & caravans, … View moreHi Neighbours! The NZMCA Motorhome, Caravan & Leisure Show is back at Christchurch Arena later this month, with everything you need for when you travel around our gorgeous country … to make it the best trip yet!
Over 2 days, you’ll find your favourite brands of motorhome & caravans, new products, innovative accessories and some unbeatable deals. Everything from fiberglass trailers to portable washing machines, inflatable boats to electric bikes to LED TVs!
Tickets are $15 online, or get them at the door. Come and see our friendly exhibitors over show weekend, they can’t wait to meet you!
Saturday 21 st May 9am – 5pm
Sunday 22 nd May 9am – 4pm
From reporter Steven Walton:
What will Greater Christchurch look like when one million people live here? Where will the big roads be, where will all the housing be built?
These are the questions that fall to a committee of Canterbury mayors, Ngāi Tahu, and transport authorities. Now it is set to … View moreFrom reporter Steven Walton:
What will Greater Christchurch look like when one million people live here? Where will the big roads be, where will all the housing be built?
These are the questions that fall to a committee of Canterbury mayors, Ngāi Tahu, and transport authorities. Now it is set to be bolstered, with Housing Minister Megan Woods and Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta getting a seat at the table.
The Government is teaming up with local authorities to plan what Greater Christchurch, the area covering Waimakariri, Christchurch City, and Selwyn, will look like in 30 years time.
Called Whakawhanake Kāinga (Urban Growth Partnership) Committee, it will be tasked with determining how the region can grow sustainably – ensuring that as the population increases, carbon emissions and house prices head the other way.
The first meeting will be on May 13. Continue reading here.
Looking for something to do for fun? Stand up comedy at the Wigram Hotel an exciting night out. Open Mic night. Have you always wanted to try Stand up comedy? Do people laugh at your jokes already in real life ? Come on out have a drink and give it a real try in front of people who don't know … View moreLooking for something to do for fun? Stand up comedy at the Wigram Hotel an exciting night out. Open Mic night. Have you always wanted to try Stand up comedy? Do people laugh at your jokes already in real life ? Come on out have a drink and give it a real try in front of people who don't know you and score you could be the next big comic in New Zealand.
Business is tough and finding the right broadband plan or provider can be just as rough, so let's make it a little easier.
We want you to focus on achieving your strategy, not going from site to site, call to call to get a good deal! So we've launched Business Compare - a simple, free … View moreBusiness is tough and finding the right broadband plan or provider can be just as rough, so let's make it a little easier.
We want you to focus on achieving your strategy, not going from site to site, call to call to get a good deal! So we've launched Business Compare - a simple, free to use website that will help you compare NZ broadband retailers that supply businesses just like yours!
NZ Compare is here to help Kiwi businesses find the right plan, the right provider, the right fit. Go visit Business Compare now!
Bioptron Quantum Hyperlight (Hyperpolarized Light) is what you need. Accelerated Healing & Pain Relief.
Do you experience muscular back pain on the upper or lower back? Do you experience arthritic pain in several areas of your body (e.g. legs, shoulders, neck, back, arms)? Would you like to … View moreBioptron Quantum Hyperlight (Hyperpolarized Light) is what you need. Accelerated Healing & Pain Relief.
Do you experience muscular back pain on the upper or lower back? Do you experience arthritic pain in several areas of your body (e.g. legs, shoulders, neck, back, arms)? Would you like to have younger looking skin?
For a solution to relieving and managing musculoskeletal pain or stiffness of the joints look no further than BIOPTRON Light Therapy.
Clinically proven and certified for the medical treatment of pain, BIOPTRON polarized light therapy penetrates deep into the tissue accelerating healing, radically reducing inflammation and promoting blood circulation.
Pain does not need to be part of your everyday life.
BIOPTRON Light Therapy relieves pain effectively and safely from arthritis, low back pain, upper back and neck pain, sports injuries and other ailments. Feel better with just ten minutes of BIOPTRON Light Therapy treatment per day. 100% safe for all skin types, with no known side-effects,
Nobel Prize winning technology effectively treats and prevents a remarkable range of medical condition's, including: Chronic Pain, Neck & Back Pain, Wounds/Scars, Acne & Psoriasis, Sports Injuries, Ageing, Inflammation, Arthritis, Immune System.
The medically effective light source emits sunlight with a controlled intensity and light spectrum, but without harmful UV radiation. The light stimulates all the processes involved in skin regeneration in the dermis and subcutis: from accelerated wound healing and anti-inflammatory action, to increased collagen-elastin synthesis as part of anti-aging therapies Book a session with me now. I live in Rangiora and would love to meet you.
More information here: www.immersioncosmetics.co.nz...
Does your teen disengage at school?
At Vision College we offer our free 'Ultimate' programme, designed for 16-19 year olds who haven’t enjoyed school and are looking to gain skills and insight towards a pathway for their future.
Students gain valuable life and employment skills … View moreDoes your teen disengage at school?
At Vision College we offer our free 'Ultimate' programme, designed for 16-19 year olds who haven’t enjoyed school and are looking to gain skills and insight towards a pathway for their future.
Students gain valuable life and employment skills that prepare them for life outside of study, all while achieving the NZ Certificate in Foundation Skills Level 1 and 2, both NZQA qualifications, in just one year.
This modern, stylish planter finished in Resene is a great option to show off a statement plant. Find out how to create your own.
Big Community Garage Sale - Saturday 7 May 8 am -2 pm Sefton and Ashley. The Ashley Community Church will have a fund-raising stall at 39 Canterbury St.
Addresses:
ASHLEY VILLAGE
25 Wellington Street
39 Canterbury Street
29 Canterbury Street
10 High Street
8 Lower Sefton Rd
… View moreBig Community Garage Sale - Saturday 7 May 8 am -2 pm Sefton and Ashley. The Ashley Community Church will have a fund-raising stall at 39 Canterbury St.
Addresses:
ASHLEY VILLAGE
25 Wellington Street
39 Canterbury Street
29 Canterbury Street
10 High Street
8 Lower Sefton Rd
SEFTON/BALCAIRN
40 Railway Street
273 Factory Road
246 Gartys Road
266 Toppings
30 Vaughn Street
Sefton Domain open to a lot of stalls
There will be a sausage sizzle on Wellington Street
Something for everyone
From local democracy reporter Adam Burns:
Community leaders in the Waimakariri are pumping the brakes on a parking restriction overhaul in Kaiapoi, because they suspect many affected residents are oblivious of the proposed changes.
This is despite claims of positive feedback from locals and … View moreFrom local democracy reporter Adam Burns:
Community leaders in the Waimakariri are pumping the brakes on a parking restriction overhaul in Kaiapoi, because they suspect many affected residents are oblivious of the proposed changes.
This is despite claims of positive feedback from locals and subsequent endorsements by the town’s community board.
Waimakariri District Council staff have been sent back out to talk to residents, following concerns around the level of awareness and engagement of the changes following a round of consultation last year.
Several changes to parking restrictions around Williams St, Hilton St and Raven Quay were recommended by council, including reductions from P120 to P60 in three areas and increases in two areas, from P15 to P60 and P120 respectively.
The Kaiapoi-Tuawhi Community Board formally backed the changes at a February meeting after three weeks of community engagement in 2021.
But concerns were raised at last week’s District and Planning Regulation Committee meeting around council’s communication with residents during consultation on the plans.
Councillor Kirstyn Barnett queried why residential property owners — facing tougher parking restrictions on Ravens Quay — had been left in the dark after council staff admitted it only canvassed views of businesses in the area.
"Why wouldn’t you notify the residents with a letter that there were proposed changes outside their houses."
Deputy mayor Neville Atkinson said there were business owners on Hilton St who also "had no idea".
Between 60 to 70 flyers around the parking proposal were delivered to businesses and retailers in the CBD, a council report said.
Council business and centres advisor Vanessa Thompson said approaches were made to retailers and property owners "directly affected" by the changes, but some may have been missed.
Atkinson suggested another round of engagement with the community to avoid a "possible uproar".
Mayor Dan Gordon also had reservations and recommended further discussions with Kaiapoi locals.
The report said an online survey was also conducted around the changes, recording a total of 30 responses.
"Community feedback indicates that the six proposed parking restriction changes are generally supported with the majority share in favour."
Further feedback outlined frustration about a lack of consistent parking enforcement, but the matter was not specifically addressed by its recommendations.
A “delightfully different character” with a great sense of humour and a friendly manner is how customers describe Kaiapoi’s local business hero.
Robert Fenwick, the owner of Fenwicks Pharmacy in Kaiapoi, Canterbury, is the national winner of the 2022 Prospa Local Business Hero award.
The … View moreA “delightfully different character” with a great sense of humour and a friendly manner is how customers describe Kaiapoi’s local business hero.
Robert Fenwick, the owner of Fenwicks Pharmacy in Kaiapoi, Canterbury, is the national winner of the 2022 Prospa Local Business Hero award.
The award recognises community heroes who own small businesses throughout New Zealand.
Fenwicks Pharmacy was passed down to Fenwick from his father when he retired in 1985.
He has seen many changes in technology and treatments over his 37 years of running a pharmacy.
Fenwick said the toughest times were during the Canterbury earthquakes and the Covid-19 pandemic.
To ensure customer safety after the earthquakes, the pharmacy operated out of a caravan parked at the front of the premises.
Like for most businesses, the start of the pandemic was a “scary” time for Fenwick, though he acknowledged pharmacies, as essential busineses, had been “lucky economically”.
“I feel for all those workers that are struggling.”
Fenwick was “very surprised” to hear he had been nominated for the local hero award.
“There are plenty of other heroes out there. I’m thankful. I appreciate the community.”
He did not want to take all the credit, saying the pharmacy worked as a team.
Kaiapoi resident Michael Mckay said he had never left Fenwicks Pharmacy without a smile on his face.
“Rob’s a delightfully different character with a great sense of humour. The staff are all wonderful, professional and happy. They always pick you up,” Mckay said.
Fenwick was recognised by his community for his ongoing service and support through some of country’s toughest times. Fenwicks Pharmacy remained open throughout the lockdowns and, despite the challenge that brought, the community appreciated the team’s friendly greetings, conversations and smiles.
Regular customer Nadia Bell said Fenwick went out of his way to help his customers.
“He’ll provide you not only with a good belly laugh but extra valuable knowledge. He’s not a regular pharmacist, he will go out of his way to acknowledge you even when he’s under the pump,” Bell said.
The Prospa Local Business Hero awards is in partnership with Neighbourly. A small business owner is nominated each year for the award and wins a package worth $10,000 including $2500 worth of Neighbourly advertising, $5000 worth of Stuff advertising and $2500 cash.
Head of Neighbourly Sarah Moore, said a pharmacy winning the award demonstrated “the value Kiwis place on their connection with their local pharmacist”.
“They're often the first port of call for minor ailments and hold a position of real trust in our communities”.
Adrienne Begbie, managing director of Prospa NZ, said it is great to celebrate hard-working small business owners for their service and support of the community
“We hope this award displays the appreciation felt by the local residents for [Robert Fenwick’s] dedication to the community with service that goes above and beyond, especially witnessed during lockdowns.
“We would also like to acknowledge all those nominated, and hope many business owners felt the gratitude expressed by those took the time to vote.”
Here in New Zealand our Ministry of Social Development, through their Work and Income offices, are able to provide a range of support services, including financial assistance, to support a wide range of needs.
The types of things they can help with are:
• If you’re not working, have lost … View moreHere in New Zealand our Ministry of Social Development, through their Work and Income offices, are able to provide a range of support services, including financial assistance, to support a wide range of needs.
The types of things they can help with are:
• If you’re not working, have lost your job and/or need help to get a job.
• If you have urgent or unexpected bills, or maybe a family emergency.
• You need help with your living expenses.
• A range of services for Seniors.
• A range of services for Youth (16 to 19 year olds).
• Support with health and disability issues.
• Help for those caring for others.
• Help and support for those raising children.
• Help for those who’ve had a change in relationship status and need extra support.
• Other benefits and entitlements.
The Work and Income website offers a lot of information on how to access help, including what support you can receive, as well as all the forms you might need to fill-in.
workandincome.govt.nz...
However, you might be finding the website difficult to navigate, or you’re not sure if you are able to access support at all. You can talk to the great people at Work and Income, and they are only too happy to help.
However, if you want to talk to a Financial Mentor first (it’s free and confidential), we can discuss your particular situation and support you with your conversations with Work and Income.
In some cases we can even accompany you to Work and Income appointments.
Or we can work with you on-line using your own MyMSD Log-in to help you navigate the large amount of information available, and help with filling-in forms.
Our Financial Mentors are friendly, knowledgeable and more than happy to help.
They understand the Work and Income system – and what they don’t know they will certainly find out for you.
So, if you’d like some support to find out what benefits or extra support you can access, contact us to talk to a Financial Mentor today.
From reporter Tina Law:
Parts of Christchurch will feel the impacts of sea-level rise earlier than expected because the land is sinking, according to new data.
Large areas from Woodend to Lake Ellesmere, including Banks Peninsula, are subsiding up to three millimetres per year, which means an … View moreFrom reporter Tina Law:
Parts of Christchurch will feel the impacts of sea-level rise earlier than expected because the land is sinking, according to new data.
Large areas from Woodend to Lake Ellesmere, including Banks Peninsula, are subsiding up to three millimetres per year, which means an extra 30 centimetres of sea-level rise over the next 100 years.
The data has come from NZ SeaRise, a five-year research programme funded by the Government involving 30 local and international experts.
It has taken into account the natural rises and falls of the country’s coastline, as well as climate change and warming temperatures to project sea level rises.
Using a www.searise.nz... |new online tool|, New Zealanders will for the first time be able to see how much and how fast sea levels will rise along their own stretch of coast and in their neighbourhood.
Programme co-leader Professor Tim Naish, of Victoria University of Wellington, said 20 years ago it was thought sea-level rise was like pouring water into a bathtub – if you put more water in, it rises uniformly around the world, but Naish said it is actually much more complicated.
Sea levels are expected to rise at different rates across New Zealand and even at different levels across Canterbury’s coastline.
The largest increases in sea levels are expected to occur along the southeast of the North Island along the Wairarapa Coast.
Programme co-leader Dr Richard Levy, of GNS Science and Victoria University of Wellington, said subsidence rates along that coast were high, and sea levels could rise by well over 1.5 metres by 2100 if the least optimistic climate change scenario was followed.
Based on current international emissions reduction policies, global sea levels are expected to rise by about 60cm by 2100, but for large parts of New Zealand this could double to about 1.2m due to ongoing land subsidence, Naish said.
“We have less time to act than we thought.”
According to the data, Akaroa on Banks Peninsula would see 30cm of sea-level rise by 2040, instead of 2060. The coastline in the area is sinking by 3mm a year.
“Thirty centimetres of sea-level rise means the one in 50-year coastal storm flood will occur annually,” Naish said.
However, some areas at the top of Lyttelton Harbour have shown a rise in the land.
Land movement data was based on median numbers taken between 2003 and 2011, and does not include the impact of the Christchurch earthquakes.
The data showed New Brighton’s coastline was sinking at 0.8mm a year, but Naish said since the earthquakes it has actually been sinking at 8mm a year, twice as fast as the global sea-level rise.
“We don’t know how long this will go on for.”
Levy said he expected councils and planners to be the primary users of the new projection information, and that the finance and insurance sectors had already been asking for the data.
Naish said the new science would give time to put in place equitable and effective adaptation measures that would limit the impact of unavoidable sea-level rise.
The Christchurch City Council has already embarked on a long process to adapt the city and Banks Peninsula to climate change.
Changes to managing new developments are being made to the district plan and the council has agreed on guidelines for adapting existing areas.
Whakaraupō Lyttelton Harbour will be the first area in Christchurch to go through climate change planning, expected to start in the spring and take 18 months.
Simon Watts, observatory director at Brighton Observatory of Environment and Economics who built his home in Southshore, said it was always better to know about things rather than be ambushed, but said the devil was always in the detail.
He said there were areas in Christchurch that rose after the earthquakes and others that sunk.
“For some areas it could be good news and others it could be bad news.
“Yes, people should be concerned because if parts of New Zealand sink by 3mm a year, that is effectively doubling the rate of sea level rise for those places."
© Neighbourly 2024
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