Wairau & Waihopai Valleys, Wairau Valley

Explore more, worry less at Ryman

Explore more, worry less at Ryman

With Ryman’s lock-and-leave-style living, you’re free to explore without worrying about home maintenance or security.

1588 days ago

What are the best home features for people who aren't fully abled?

Mikaela Wilkes Reporter from Homed

Hi everyone, I'm Mikaela, a Stuff Homed reporter. A recent episode of Grand Designs UK, about a Paralympian whose marriage broke up during the build of his dream home, got us thinking. What are the best design features/products for a home if you are not fully abled? We'd like to hear from… View moreHi everyone, I'm Mikaela, a Stuff Homed reporter. A recent episode of Grand Designs UK, about a Paralympian whose marriage broke up during the build of his dream home, got us thinking. What are the best design features/products for a home if you are not fully abled? We'd like to hear from people who have adjusted their homes in some way to make life with a disability easier.
If you're happy to share your story and be featured in the article, please email mikaela.wilkes@stuff.co.nz or let us know in the comments below, your message may be used in our story.

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1588 days ago

Enter the Marlborough Environment Awards

Bev from North Blenheim

The 2020-21 Cawthron Marlborough Environment Awards are now open and looking for entries from community groups and businesses that are doing their bit to look after the environment.
It’s all about sharing experience on taking care of our natural resources. Previous entries include predator … View more
The 2020-21 Cawthron Marlborough Environment Awards are now open and looking for entries from community groups and businesses that are doing their bit to look after the environment.
It’s all about sharing experience on taking care of our natural resources. Previous entries include predator trapping and planting projects, community sewage schemes, power savings from solar and wind generation, and auditing to conserve water.
Each entrant receives an independent judges’ report that’s like a free assessment, highlighting positives and suggesting improvements. Winners receive prizes of $1000-$3000.
Award categories are:
o Community Innovation
o Wine Industry
o Business Innovation
o Farming
o Forestry
o Marine
o Landscape and Habitat Enhancement
So if you know anyone who’s doing good things for the environment, give them a nudge to enter.
Entries close on September 30, 2020. More info and enter online: www.cmea.org.nz...

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1589 days ago

Marlborough, who's your Local Hero?

The Team from New Zealander of the Year Award | Ngā Tohu Pou Kōhure o Aotearoa

Hey neighbours,

Know a local hero in Marlborough?

The countdown is on. You’ve got 12 days to nominate an everyday hero doing extraordinary things in your community! Don’t let their mahi go unnoticed – share them below and nominate now.

nzawards.org.nz...

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1589 days ago

COMPETITION: A Dad Like No Other

WIN a gift hamper valued at $250 or join 5 lucky runners-up to take home a prize valued at $100.

Armed with laughter and powered by wisdom, dads are worth celebrating! Show your dad, grandad, or that special person in your life that you love them to the moon and back this Father’s Day.

Best… View more
WIN a gift hamper valued at $250 or join 5 lucky runners-up to take home a prize valued at $100.

Armed with laughter and powered by wisdom, dads are worth celebrating! Show your dad, grandad, or that special person in your life that you love them to the moon and back this Father’s Day.

Best friend, hero, a voice of reason, rib-tickler. Share what you love most about your dad with New Zealand and be in to WIN! Get in quick – entries close on the 30th August. T&C's Apply.
Enter here!

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1591 days ago

The NZ election is delayed until October 17

The Team Reporter from Stuff

Hey neighbours,

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has delayed the 2020 election by a month, with the new polling day set for October 17.

Ardern has been under increasing pressure to delay the election, previously set for September 19, after Auckland was placed in a two-week lockdown due to an … View more
Hey neighbours,

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has delayed the 2020 election by a month, with the new polling day set for October 17.

Ardern has been under increasing pressure to delay the election, previously set for September 19, after Auckland was placed in a two-week lockdown due to an outbreak of Covid-19 in the community, leading to a halt in most political campaigning.

To read more about the new election date, click here.

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1591 days ago

Health Services and testing update: Alert Level 2

Nelson Marlborough Health

Where to get tested during Alert Level 3

Testing is free for people with COVID-19 symptoms in the Nelson Marlborough region. If you are unsure of whether you should get a test, call Healthline for advice: 0800 358 5453.

Here are your options for testing:

1. At your regular GP clinic (your … View more
Where to get tested during Alert Level 3

Testing is free for people with COVID-19 symptoms in the Nelson Marlborough region. If you are unsure of whether you should get a test, call Healthline for advice: 0800 358 5453.

Here are your options for testing:

1. At your regular GP clinic (your family doctor). Appointments are needed, but there is no charge for testing. Phone ahead first if you are planning to visit your doctor and request a test. Golden Bay and Motueka GP clinics have increased their capacity for testing from Thursday 13 August.

2. After-hours clinics: The Medical and Injury Centre in Nelson and the Urgent Care Centre in Blenheim. After-hours centre information for Golden Bay, Motueka and Murchison is available online here

3. During Alert Level 2, testing is available at two community-based assessment centres (CBAC):
In Nelson:
● At the Tahunanui CBAC in the former Suburban Club building on 168 Tahunanui Drive
● Operating hours: 8am to 5pm
In Blenheim:
● At the old netball courts, Horton Park, 29b Redwood St
● Operating hours: 8am to 5pm from Thursday 13 August

4. Testing is available when required for inpatients in hospitals and for people presenting to EDs in emergencies.

5. The public are advised to check the Nelson Marlborough Health website, or Facebook page, for the most up to date information about testing - visit our site.
Find out more

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1593 days ago

Bring out the best in your home with Resene!

Resene

Get 25% off Resene premium paints, wood stains, primer and sealers 10L. Plus buy 1 Resene testpot 60ml-80ml get 1 free!

Offer available for Resene DIY Cardholders at Resene owned ColorShops and participating resellers from 12 August – 7 September 2020. If you don’t have a card … View more
Get 25% off Resene premium paints, wood stains, primer and sealers 10L. Plus buy 1 Resene testpot 60ml-80ml get 1 free!

Offer available for Resene DIY Cardholders at Resene owned ColorShops and participating resellers from 12 August – 7 September 2020. If you don’t have a card sign up free online or while you’re in store.
Get your card

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1593 days ago

Did you know it's time to get eggplants started?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

In this week’s issue we say August is the ideal time to sow eggplants. Plus keep your guard up against cold weather, choose flowers to grow from seed, get a move on with chillies and capsicums, start sowing basil and trick coriander seedlings.

Follow our guide to spring soil preparation and … View more
In this week’s issue we say August is the ideal time to sow eggplants. Plus keep your guard up against cold weather, choose flowers to grow from seed, get a move on with chillies and capsicums, start sowing basil and trick coriander seedlings.

Follow our guide to spring soil preparation and nominate a gardening hero for Ryman Healthcare Gardener of the Year. Plus go in the draw for $35 vouchers from Awapuni Nurseries and sensational new peace lilies from Gellert’s.

Delivered every Friday to your email inbox, Get Growing digital magazine offers seasonal gardening advice from the NZ Gardener magazine's team of experts. Each week we answer all your burning questions on raising fruit and veges and tell you the top tasks to do in your backyard this weekend. Subscribe here:

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1593 days ago

A message from Marlborough Lines

Ian Allen Reporter from Marlborough Express

Marlborough Lines Limited (MLL) owns and operates the
electricity distribution network which connects over 26,000 homes and businesses across Marlborough.
Recognising that Marlborough businesses and consumers may be financially impacted from the COVID-19 pandemic, MLL will bring forward … View more
Marlborough Lines Limited (MLL) owns and operates the
electricity distribution network which connects over 26,000 homes and businesses across Marlborough.
Recognising that Marlborough businesses and consumers may be financially impacted from the COVID-19 pandemic, MLL will bring forward (partially) the March 2021 annual discount payment for
eligible consumers.
The amount of the discount payment for each eligible consumer
will vary depending on:
• the electricity consumer type; and
• the amount of electricity consumed and the days of connection between 1 February and 31 July 2020 (six months).
For an ‘average’ domestic consumer, a payment of approximately $117 (incl. GST) will be made.
The discount payment will be made to electricity retailers on 28 August 2020. A line item showing the MLL discount payment should be included on consumers monthly electricity invoices after that date.
The previously planned annual payment for March 2021 will be deferred to May 2021, and, will now be based on electricity consumed between 1 August 2020 and 31 March 2021 (eight months). Annual discount payments will then be made in May of each year thereafter.

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1594 days ago

Use toy figures to make candy jars and bookends

The Team from Resene ColorShop Blenheim

Use plastic animal figurines to make fun and easy projects for your home painted with Resene testpots. Colourful bookends and fun jar lids.

Make the most of this weekend with this easy step by step project idea from Resene.

Find out how to create your own

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1595 days ago

Are granny flats a good retirement option?

Mikaela Wilkes Reporter from Homed

Hi everyone, I'm Mikaela, a Stuff Homed reporter. We're doing a story on what granny flats are like as a housing option in retirement. For those of you that are either living in a granny flat, or are the family who built/bought a granny flat to add to your property for an elder family … View moreHi everyone, I'm Mikaela, a Stuff Homed reporter. We're doing a story on what granny flats are like as a housing option in retirement. For those of you that are either living in a granny flat, or are the family who built/bought a granny flat to add to your property for an elder family member, we'd like to hear about why a granny flat was right for you. What was the process of getting one and learning to live together like? If you're happy to share your story and be featured in the article, please email mikaela.wilkes@stuff.co.nz or let us know in the comments below, your message may be used in our story.

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1595 days ago

What moving to level 2 means for the rest of NZ

The Team Reporter from Stuff

Hi neighbours,

On Tuesday night, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced there were four new Covid-19 cases in the community.

Auckland moved into level 3 at midday on Wednesday, and the rest of the country into level 2.

Kiwis outside of Auckland can still continue to go to work and school, with… View more
Hi neighbours,

On Tuesday night, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced there were four new Covid-19 cases in the community.

Auckland moved into level 3 at midday on Wednesday, and the rest of the country into level 2.

Kiwis outside of Auckland can still continue to go to work and school, with physical distancing, and are advised to wear masks in public.

Businesses can open to the public if they are following public health guidance, which includes physical distancing and record keeping.

In terms of gatherings, New Zealanders must not travel to events with more than 100 people. This includes weddings, birthdays, funerals and tangihanga.

The Government advises all Kiwis to practise good hygiene and stay home if sick.

For more information on what the different alert levels mean for you, click here.

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1595 days ago

Level 2 update from Stadium 2000

Reporter Marlborough Express

Stadium 200 remains open under alert level 2.

Under the alert level however, the steam room and sauna will be closed. Water fountains are unavailable until further notice. The upstairs spectators seating will be cordoned off and closed until further notice.

Numbers in the spa are limited to 7 … View more
Stadium 200 remains open under alert level 2.

Under the alert level however, the steam room and sauna will be closed. Water fountains are unavailable until further notice. The upstairs spectators seating will be cordoned off and closed until further notice.

Numbers in the spa are limited to 7 people.

Sanitizing and washing hands:
We have continued to sanitise since throughout but we ask more than ever now that you are vigilant with sanitising or washing your hands before, during and leaving the Stadium. Keeping safe is about sharing the load so that means where self-cleaning is possible we ask that you chip in.

Social Distancing:
Our guidelines tell us that we must remain 1m apart if not further where possible. You will notice that at reception we have barriers to avoid getting too close to each other.
Our numbers in each of our zones is limited to 100 persons and staff will be on hand to answer any questions. We will keep people moving around the facility so we ask that you come, you enjoy and then you leave without hanging around longer than necessary.

Contact Tracing:
You will be required to swipe your access card for every entry into the Pool or Gym. At other zones within the Stadium (Subway, CPR, some Group Fitness classes, and when visiting other tenants within the building) registers must be completed and we recommend using the official COVID-19 Mobile App as well. For all casual visits to the stadium we will require a few more details than normal so please be patient and kind as staff work through what is required.

Group Fitness
Classes will continue but with more distancing between each other and on completion you will be asked to sanitise your equipment.

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1596 days ago

Council services at alert level 2

Reporter Marlborough Express

The Marlborough District Council is asking residents to keep a 2m physical distancing at all council facilities while under alert level 2.

This includes: libraries, customer services centres, parks, reserves, Marlborough Airport and waste facilities.

Please download the COVID-19 tracer app and … View more
The Marlborough District Council is asking residents to keep a 2m physical distancing at all council facilities while under alert level 2.

This includes: libraries, customer services centres, parks, reserves, Marlborough Airport and waste facilities.

Please download the COVID-19 tracer app and use it at council facilities.

The latest Ministry of Health advice is to wear a mask if you're in a situation where you can't maintain social distancing. Stay at home if you're unwell and get a COVID test if you have flu-like symptoms.

The latest Government advice and information can be found at www.covid19.govt.nz....

Parks, reserves, playgrounds and cemeteries
All Council’s parks and reserves including playgrounds and cemeteries are open under Alert Level 2. Please maintain physical distancing when enjoying our open spaces. Hand sanitising is also encouraged before and after you and/or your children use playground equipment, picnic tables or park benches.

Kerbside collection
Kerbside collections in Blenheim and Picton will continue as normal. Rolls of ten Council refuse bags are available for purchase from supermarkets. Your annual refuse bag voucher can continue to be exchanged at the supermarkets and Council offices.

Transfer stations
Transfer stations will be open as normal. During Alert Level 2 onsite staff will record vehicle registration details as part of the contact tracing protocol.

Greenwaste and Resource Recovery Centre
Both will be open but access will be controlled to ensure physical distancing.
Rural community recycling
The rural recycling service and coin skips will continue to operate as normal at Alert Level 2.

Reuse Centre
The reuse centre in Blenheim is open under Alert Level 2.

Bluegums landfill
The Bluegums landfill is open for its usual hours for current commercial customers only.

Marlborough Civil Defence and Emergency Management
Marlborough Civil Defence and Emergency Management is monitoring the situation but is not currently activated.

Bus services
All bus services will continue to operate. If you are taking the bus you can help keep yourself and others safe by following this advice:
Sit next to people you know, otherwise keep the seat next to you free.
Follow the on-board guidance and maintain physical distancing from those you don’t know whilst on board, and keep 2 metres distance while waiting for services.
Wear a mask on public transport and if you're in situations where you can't maintain that social distancing.
Comply with any temporary barriers and seat signage indicating where you are allowed to sit.
Keep track of your journey and a record of what service you were on and where you sat, for the purpose of contact tracing.
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after taking public transport.

Council offices
Council receptions in Blenheim and Picton are open and practicing physical distancing and hand sanitising. Please use Council’s online services - many enquiries, applications, payments, submissions and other business can be carried out on the Council’s website at www.marlborough.govt.nz...

Libraries
Marlborough District Library (Blenheim) and Picton Library and Service Centre are open under Alert Level 2. You can request items online via the catalogue or by email and phone. Return items can be deposited in the after hours’ returns facility.
You can call the Marlborough District Library (Blenheim) on Ph: 03 520 7491 or email library@marlborough.govt.nz
You can call the Picton Library and Service Centre on Ph: 03 520 7493 or email pictonlibrary@marlborough.govt.nz
Online services including access to ebooks, audiobooks, magazines and newspapers are available.

Harbours
All recreational boating and water-based activities are permitted but physical distancing should be maintained as much as practicable, and good hygiene and cleaning practices should be applied. Boaties should keep a record of their travel.

Public toilets
All public toilets in Marlborough are open under Alert Level 2.

Dogs
Dogs should stay on a lead including in dog exercise areas where leads aren’t normally required as this helps to maintain physical distancing. The Renwick Dog Park is open under Alert Level 2.

Building inspections
At Alert Level 2, building and construction site inspections will continue, but with appropriate safety measures such as physical distancing. The Building Control Group is taking bookings for inspections which can be made by calling Ph: 03 520 7405.

Noise control
If you are disturbed by noise, please phone the Council on Ph: 03 520 7400 at the time the nuisance is occurring and one of our Noise Control Officers will attend.

Resource consent hearings
Resource consent hearings will continue in person and also via Zoom videoconferencing. The Hearings Facilitator will contact all interested parties to make sure they can attend the hearing either in person or online.

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1596 days ago

COVID-19 Update

Ernest Rutherford Retirement Village

We will be closing our New Zealand care centres to all visitors from 10am on Wednesday August 12 following the re-emergence of COVID-19 in the community in Auckland, and Level 2 Alert level in the remainder of New Zealand.

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