North Canterbury Scouting venue Blue Skies sold to developers
Kaiapoi's Blue Skies, a 6.8 hectare property with buildings, was sold in March for $2.8m, above its valuation of $2.55m in August this year.
It was sold to Williams Waimak Ltd, a company owned by interests of Christchurch businessmen Garry, Andrew and Jason Donnithorne.
Garry Donnithorne declined to say why the venue had been bought or what the plans were for the site, but said that at the moment it would continue to be run as a venue for hire.
"Our original intention is probably not what we are going to do now, but in the meantime we'll run it as the Scouts run it, honouring all the bookings they've taken and all forward bookings, and they have usages over it."
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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59.6% Yes, supporting people is important!
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26% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.4% ... It is complicated
A Neighbourly Riddle! Don’t Overthink It… Or Do?😜
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!
If you multiply this number by any other number, the answer will always be the same. What number is this?
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
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