Hunter Valley, Wanaka

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556 days ago

What can you do about that bill?

Telecommunications Dispute Resolution

If you experience a billing issue, you should talk to your provider first. For extra help, you can talk to TDR – your free and independent complaint service.

Almost 40% of complaints received by TDR in 2022 were about bills. Whether it’s a broadband, mobile or home phone billing issue, … View more
If you experience a billing issue, you should talk to your provider first. For extra help, you can talk to TDR – your free and independent complaint service.

Almost 40% of complaints received by TDR in 2022 were about bills. Whether it’s a broadband, mobile or home phone billing issue, it’s free to resolve your complaint with TDR. It’s easy too – you can contact TDR online or by phoning 0508 98 98 98 – and we’ll start working with you and your provider.
Find out more

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557 days ago

Floating, motorised spa pools: Queenstown's newest tourism proposal

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Otago News

From reporter Debbie Jamieson:

Two men behind a plan to bring floating spa pools to Queenstown’s Lake Wakatipu are yet to sample the soak themselves.

Civil engineer Jake Allen and aero commercial manager Michael Hawley learnt about the spas from a friend in Europe and thought it was a … View more
From reporter Debbie Jamieson:

Two men behind a plan to bring floating spa pools to Queenstown’s Lake Wakatipu are yet to sample the soak themselves.

Civil engineer Jake Allen and aero commercial manager Michael Hawley learnt about the spas from a friend in Europe and thought it was a great idea for Queenstown.

“I think it will be pretty amazing sitting in one of the most beautiful locations in the world under the Remarkables,” Allen said.

They have formed Soak Industries Ltd and applied to the Queenstown Lakes District Council for resource consent to operate five of the motorised spa pools from Frankton Marina.

The application is being vetted and Allen said they were working closely with the Queenstown Coastguard and harbour master to ensure the spas would be as safe as possible.

That might yet require passengers wearing a life jacket belt, he said.

“We’re getting more comfortable with the idea. We don’t think it will affect the experience much.”

They were intending for passengers to be allowed two standard drinks while on board, excluding the designated skipper who would be required to be sober.

They would purchase the “high spec” pools from the United States, each costing a “large portion of a house deposit”, especially once GST, duties and shipping costs were included, Allen said.

The pools were recently approved by the US Coastguard and were considered “unsinkable”, weighing about 640kg without being filled with water, he said.

About 850mm of the spa sat underwater and 300mm above the surface.

Between two and six people would be permitted in each spa at any one time for up to 90 minutes.

They were 4m long, electrically powered and could travel up to 5 knots within an area about 1.8km long and 600m wide.

They would operate between 8am and 8pm and guests would not be allowed to access the foreshore at Frankton Beach.

A safety boat would be based at the marina and be available by radio and/or phone at all times, being only minutes away.

The water would be heated by propane or wood with a built-in saltwater cleaning and UV filtration system, meaning no water would be discharged into the lake.

The application was still be vetted by the council, but the men hoped to be operating by the end of 2023, Allen said.

“It’s a bit of an adventure.”

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558 days ago

Enjoy life on your terms

The Team from

Ryman gives you peace of mind with certainty around your living costs, so you can focus on enjoying the things that matter.

From the day you move into a village you’ll know how much you’re paying and what’s guaranteed to be paid back when you move out.

With several Peace of Mind … View more
Ryman gives you peace of mind with certainty around your living costs, so you can focus on enjoying the things that matter.

From the day you move into a village you’ll know how much you’re paying and what’s guaranteed to be paid back when you move out.

With several Peace of Mind Guarantees you can you feel confident and secure in your decision to move to a Ryman village.

Enjoy the everyday and have financial certainty with Ryman.
Learn more

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560 days ago

Happy Mother's Day Neighbours!

The Team from NZ Compare

To all the strong, inspiring, devoted mums, the mums who are no longer with us, the mums who work hard everyday to make the house warm and put food on the table, the mums to be and who could forget the family members who take on the mums role too!

We hope you have a wonderful day, filled with … View more
To all the strong, inspiring, devoted mums, the mums who are no longer with us, the mums who work hard everyday to make the house warm and put food on the table, the mums to be and who could forget the family members who take on the mums role too!

We hope you have a wonderful day, filled with smiles, appreciation and love. Happy Mother's Day.

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562 days ago

Unpleasant surprise in your bill?

Telecommunications Dispute Resolution

Talk to your provider and give them a chance to sort it. If it remains unresolved, you can talk to TDR – your free and independent complaint service.

TDR helps over 3,000 Kiwis every year with their telco troubles. Whether it’s a broadband, mobile or home phone billing issue, it’s free … View more
Talk to your provider and give them a chance to sort it. If it remains unresolved, you can talk to TDR – your free and independent complaint service.

TDR helps over 3,000 Kiwis every year with their telco troubles. Whether it’s a broadband, mobile or home phone billing issue, it’s free to resolve your complaint with TDR. It’s easy too – you can contact us online or by phoning 0508 98 98 98 – and we’ll start working with you and your provider.
Find out more

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564 days ago

The cost of living is going up...

The Team from NZ Compare

But your Broadband and Power bills don't need to Neighbours!

It can be stressful to find more ways to save money. Comparing your bills using NZ Compare is one simple way you can cut costs!

It only takes a couple of minutes to check if you're on the right plan, for the right price. … View more
But your Broadband and Power bills don't need to Neighbours!

It can be stressful to find more ways to save money. Comparing your bills using NZ Compare is one simple way you can cut costs!

It only takes a couple of minutes to check if you're on the right plan, for the right price. Remember the longer you leave it, the more money you could be choosing to spend instead of SAVE.

Read our guide on how to save on your Broadband and Power bills OR ring our NZ-based Customer Support Team on 0508 226 672 Monday-Friday 10am-6pm. They're here to help!
Check ways to save

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566 days ago

Live Stronger for Longer

The Team from ACC New Zealand

Download the free Nymbl app, and with just 10 minutes a day you can stay active and improve your balance. Find out more

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567 days ago

Pure South Grass Fed Beef, Lamb and Venison

Puresouthshop.com

Real flavour begins on our family farms, where we take a wholesome approach to farming and allow the goodness of the land to do its work.

With a mild climate and ample space our farms are ideally suited to natural farming methods, the highest standards of animal welfare and sustainable … View more
Real flavour begins on our family farms, where we take a wholesome approach to farming and allow the goodness of the land to do its work.

With a mild climate and ample space our farms are ideally suited to natural farming methods, the highest standards of animal welfare and sustainable environmental care. We produce world class grass fed red meat with a flavourful taste and tender eating quality.

Produce of Alliance, New Zealand’s only 100% farmer-owned red meat co-operative.
Shop now

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570 days ago

Subscribe to The Press

The Press

We’ve always been there to tell your story, Mainland. Now we’re online too. Get fierce independent journalism with uncompromising South Island commentary, sports, business, environment, games and more. Subscribe to The Press online for less than a dollar a day. subscribe now. Find out more

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573 days ago

TV Guide Has You Sorted This Mother’s Day

The TV Guide

Treat that special person in your life this Mother’s Day with a TV Guide subscription. We’ve slashed the price of our 1-year subscription. You’ll save $57 off retail and receive a new issue every week delivered right to your home. Discounted price valid until 14 May.

The TV Guide is New … View more
Treat that special person in your life this Mother’s Day with a TV Guide subscription. We’ve slashed the price of our 1-year subscription. You’ll save $57 off retail and receive a new issue every week delivered right to your home. Discounted price valid until 14 May.

The TV Guide is New Zealand's most comprehensive and interactive entertainment magazine, providing TV listings, entertainment, gossip, competitions, puzzles and much much more! The perfect coffee table staple for all households.

Happy Mother’s Day,
TV Guide
Find out more

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576 days ago

'The party of landlords': National's housing policy falls flat with Queenstown renters

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Otago News

From reporter Olivia Caldwell:

National’s proposed fix to New Zealand’s housing crisis has fallen flat with renters, some saying it solidifies it as “the party of landlords”.

National said it would re-introduce no-cause terminations if elected later this year, as well as provisions … View more
From reporter Olivia Caldwell:

National’s proposed fix to New Zealand’s housing crisis has fallen flat with renters, some saying it solidifies it as “the party of landlords”.

National said it would re-introduce no-cause terminations if elected later this year, as well as provisions which see fixed-term tenancies roll into periodic tenancies in most cases.

Rents have risen by an average of $175 a week since 2017, the social housing waiting list has increased to more than 23,000 and more than 3000 families live in motels.

“Labour has waged a war on landlords – with the collateral damage borne by tenants,” said National’s housing spokesperson Chris Bishop during the announcement in Queenstown on Thursday.

However, the proposed changes won’t help renters find a home or avoid extortionate rental prices in the short-term, said Queenstown Workers Collective spokesperson Simon Edmonds.

“The fact they are trying to spin this into something that will help tenants when it is policy to make landlord’s richer is just sickening.

“Landlords are charging an incredible amount of money, they are not the ones that need protected.

“And I know that they (National) are the party of landlords, but they are not the group you need to step in and protect in this town, it is the tenants.”

Edmonds suggested the biggest issue was short holiday accomodation such as Airbnb owners, which many Queenstown landlords are turning to instead of long-term rentals for workers.

This has led to a huge shortage of rentals in Queenstown. The 2018 census showed 27% of Queenstown homes were left empty for the majority of the year.

Bishop argued the proposed changes from National would encourage landlords to go back to long-term contracts for renters.

“Labour’s removal in 2021 of no-cause terminations and the near-automatic rollover of fixed-term tenancies into periodic tenancies may have been well-intentioned, but they have backfired badly, discouraging landlords from offering their properties up for rent.”

Queenstown has seen an increasing number of residents living in tents, cars and with friends.

Pete Heaney, who is on a disabilities benefit for his dyspraxia, has been living out of his van for three months at Queenstown’s 12-Mile Camping Ground, bathing in Lake Wakatipu and cooking his meals outside using a small gas stove.

Heaney hasn’t found a room to rent, but is in competition with thousands of other long-term tenants.

“I don’t know how I’m going to live here this winter.”

Alex Mennie, who works at the front office of Queenstown’s Sofitel and earns $25.50 an hour, said between his rent, bills and food he has about $100 a week to spend.

”It is worth living here, there are a lot of other renters out there suffering more than me. And there are people living out of their cars just to be here.”

Mennie said National’s plans weren’t focused on those who need help.

”It didn’t seem like they were interested in the workers at all.”

Kim Knight, who is in her 60s, has been house-sitting in Queenstown since September because she can’t find a rental. She said the market was almost impossible for a single person.

She opposed the re-introduction of the no cause termination.

“You don’t have the same energy and moveability in your 60s. It is hard for renters when we have no protection and can get booted out at any time.”

National said it would also restore interest deductibility for rental properties and restoring the bright line test to two years, down from 10 years under Labour.


“Some landlords have simply decided that the risks are too great and have exited the rental market altogether, decreasing supply and putting upward pressure on rents,” said Bishop.

“Do we need more landlords? Yes, we do. All of these changes are about balance. It is about getting the balance right, this is a pro tenancy policy.”

Edmonds was buying none of it.

“To blame the housing crisis on landlords somehow not being rich enough, that’s pretty sick.”

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579 days ago

Lest we forget...

The Team from NZ Compare

"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them."

From the poem 'For the fallen' by Laurence Binyon

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580 days ago

Get cosy with your whānau

EECA

Don't go old-school this winter and just throw on another jersey to beat the cold. You deserve to be truly comfortable in a warm, dry home without stressing about power bills.

Warmer Kiwi Homes is a government grant that offers 80% of the cost of ceiling and underfloor insulation, and up to… View more
Don't go old-school this winter and just throw on another jersey to beat the cold. You deserve to be truly comfortable in a warm, dry home without stressing about power bills.

Warmer Kiwi Homes is a government grant that offers 80% of the cost of ceiling and underfloor insulation, and up to 80% off an energy-efficient heater, like a heat pump.

And you may get it even cheaper than that - lots of community organisations offer extra funding to reduce the cost further.

Check your eligibility, or check for your whānau, at www.warmerkiwihomes.govt.nz
Find out more

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582 days ago

NZ House & Garden Special Mother’s Day Offer

Mags4Gifts

Celebrate Mother’s Day with a subscription to New Zealand’s favourite lifestyle magazine, NZ House & Garden. Either gift or purchase a 1-year subscription to
NZ House & Garden for only $89, save $38!

NZ House & Garden is the authority on interiors, homes and gardens. We cross … View more
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a subscription to New Zealand’s favourite lifestyle magazine, NZ House & Garden. Either gift or purchase a 1-year subscription to
NZ House & Garden for only $89, save $38!

NZ House & Garden is the authority on interiors, homes and gardens. We cross the style boundaries — from the smallest, most beautifully crafted spaces to designer showstoppers. Then there’s the sumptuous food with recipes you’ll really want to try, carefully curated travel and all the latest homeware and shopping trends.

Happy Mother’s Day,
NZ House & Garden
Find out more

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584 days ago

Last chance to win this home!

Heart Foundation

It’s your last chance to win this brand-new,, fully-furnished home located just north of Auckland in the stunning beachside town of Mangawhai.

Valued at over $1.4 million and built to perfection by Jennian homes, this brand-new home features three-bedrooms, two-bathrooms and boasts an … View more
It’s your last chance to win this brand-new,, fully-furnished home located just north of Auckland in the stunning beachside town of Mangawhai.

Valued at over $1.4 million and built to perfection by Jennian homes, this brand-new home features three-bedrooms, two-bathrooms and boasts an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area.

Make this property your permanent residence, a holiday home, a rental or even sell it. Tickets only $15 – get in quick and purchase more tickets today.
Find out more

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