1731 days ago

Storm caused havoc across region

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

Rivers across Canterbury surged after what was called a one-in- 100-year downpour, pushing stopbanks to the brink and triggering rescues, evacuations, power cuts and road closures.

All residents in low-lying areas of Pines Beach were told to evacuate about 9.30am on Monday after a flood gate became stuck open, putting parts of the village at risk of flooding.

The Civil Defence Centre at Rangiora Baptist Church was open for those needing somewhere to stay.

Pines Kairaki Beach Association committee president Mandy Cooke said the area had been through earthquakes, fires and floods over the last decade and was "certainly a very resilient community".

The 'red alert' MetService issued for Canterbury last week was lifted at 8pm on Monday, and several days of settled weather was forecast next.

Water levels were easing, but a regional state of emergency remained in place. Roads were still closed and several communities either evacuated or cut off. The total cost of the disaster was only just beginning to be tallied.

A truck driver died in North Canterbury after a tree fell onto the vehicle's cab on Monday afternoon. Police could not confirm if weather played a factor.

About 20 locals in the Lees Valley were cut off after the Whistler Bridge was swept away and a huge chunk of the only access road was washed out.

A helicopter delivered groceries, people and dogs into the area on Tuesday.

See press.co.nz for full Canterbury floods coverage.

More messages from your neighbours
2 days ago

🧩😏 Riddle me this, Neighbours…

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

I am an odd number. Take away a letter and I become even. What number am I?

Do you think you know the answer?

Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed? No worries! Simply head here and click once on the Following button.

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2 hours ago

Scam Alert: Bank cold calls

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

ASB is warning customers about reports of cold calls from scammers claiming to be from ASB. These scammers are trying to obtain personal information, including usernames, dates of birth, and verification codes sent to your mobile phone.

🛡️ The "Caller Check" Test
If you get a call from someone claiming to be from ASB and you’re unsure, just ask them for a Caller Check. You will then be able to verify the call through the app.

Remember, banks will:​​
❌ Never ask for your banking passwords, PINs, or verification codes​​
❌ Never need to know your full credit card number – especially the CVC
❌ Never ask you to download software or remotely access your device​​
❌ Never ask you to purchase gift cards or transfer funds.

If you have received a phone call and think your account has been compromised, call ASB on 0800 ASB FRAUD (0800 272 372), or visit your local branch.

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3 days ago

Some Choice News!

Kia pai from Sharing the Good Stuff

DOC is rolling out a new tool to help figure out what to tackle first when it comes to protecting our threatened species and the things putting them at risk.

Why does this matter? As Nikki Macdonald from The Post points out, we’re a country with around 4,400 threatened species. With limited time and funding, conservation has always meant making tough calls about what gets attention first.

For the first time, DOC has put real numbers around what it would take to do everything needed to properly safeguard our unique natural environment. The new BioInvest tool shows the scale of the challenge: 310,177 actions across 28,007 sites.

Now that we can see the full picture, it brings the big question into focus: how much do we, as Kiwis, truly value protecting nature — and what are we prepared to invest to make it happen?

We hope this brings a smile!

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