Buller District, Westport

2214 days ago

'A place for everyone' at family catering business set up to help deaf and autistic sons

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

Denise and Richard Kilpatrick started a company so their sons could work, proving success doesn't always require being cut-throat.

It may sound like any normal family business, but Jake is profoundly deaf and Liam is autistic.

Now the West Coast couple's firm, Dragonfly Catering, … View more
Denise and Richard Kilpatrick started a company so their sons could work, proving success doesn't always require being cut-throat.

It may sound like any normal family business, but Jake is profoundly deaf and Liam is autistic.

Now the West Coast couple's firm, Dragonfly Catering, employs eight people who, like their sons, might not "tick all the boxes" for other employers.

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2214 days ago

Feed a family for $30

LIFE Community

Over 135, 000 kiwi kids are living in households without basic food in the house. And 4 in 10 families that live in poverty are the working poor. This means many New Zealanders struggle to put food on the table at Christmas.

Since 2001, we have delivered almost 100,000 Christmas Boxes to … View more
Over 135, 000 kiwi kids are living in households without basic food in the house. And 4 in 10 families that live in poverty are the working poor. This means many New Zealanders struggle to put food on the table at Christmas.

Since 2001, we have delivered almost 100,000 Christmas Boxes to families in need throughout New Zealand. By giving $30, you can help us to bring over 15,000 boxes of food to kiwi families this Christmas. 100% of your donation goes directly to feed a family.
Donate here

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2214 days ago

The Warehouse and Variety provide Twice the Joy

The Warehouse New Zealand

This year, The Warehouse and Variety – the Children's Charity, have teamed up to bring the joy of Christmas to families who would otherwise go without. Every child deserves to be happy on Christmas day, but for many New Zealand families, stretching the budget to buy gifts and share a special… View moreThis year, The Warehouse and Variety – the Children's Charity, have teamed up to bring the joy of Christmas to families who would otherwise go without. Every child deserves to be happy on Christmas day, but for many New Zealand families, stretching the budget to buy gifts and share a special family meal is out of reach.

Instore you can purchase a $10 voucher, which will gift a toy from sponsors Hasbro or Mattel to the value of $25, or you can purchase a gift and leave in the donation boxes provided.

Head in-store to share the Christmas joy.
Shop now

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2214 days ago

West Coast businesses thrilled NZ has legalised sale of hemp seeds as food

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

Hemp growers and food producers are celebrating news hemp seed can be sold for food.

The Government announced on Tuesday that hemp seed will be treated as just another edible seed.

West Coast farmers Sarah Gibson and Aaron Silcock, who grow hemp on their Reefton dairy farm, say they're … View more
Hemp growers and food producers are celebrating news hemp seed can be sold for food.

The Government announced on Tuesday that hemp seed will be treated as just another edible seed.

West Coast farmers Sarah Gibson and Aaron Silcock, who grow hemp on their Reefton dairy farm, say they're pleased with the announcement, but the changes don't go far enough.

Westport's Emily Miazga, of Em's Power Cookies, is delighted by the announcement, saying not only is hemp a super food, it's also a "hugely environmentally sustainable plant".

"It is drought and weed resistant which means you can grow it with minimal water and chemicals and it pulls toxins out of the soil."

2214 days ago

What are your thoughts on midwives striking?

Georgia Reporter from Stuff

Hi neighbours,

Are you a striking midwife? More than 1100 District Health Board-employed (DHB) midwives have voted to strike, becoming the latest group to take industrial action since the Labour administration came into power. To read more, click here.

Midwives would give notice from Wednesday of… View more
Hi neighbours,

Are you a striking midwife? More than 1100 District Health Board-employed (DHB) midwives have voted to strike, becoming the latest group to take industrial action since the Labour administration came into power. To read more, click here.

Midwives would give notice from Wednesday of two-hour work stoppages every day on every shift over a two-week period, starting Thursday, November 22.

So what are your thoughts on the strike? Do you think our midwives should be paid more? How will you be affected by the strike action? Let us know your thoughts in the replies below!
(Please add "NFP/not for print" if you do not want your images/ comments used on Stuff)

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2215 days ago

Neighbours of NZ Road Trip

The Team from Neighbours Aotearoa

Hello again! Sam and Cissy here, your Neighbours Day Aotearoa coordinators. It's been an amazing couple of weeks, as we gear up for our Neighbours of New Zealand Road Trip. Thank you so much to everyone who dropped us a line, sent a message, or commented on facebook - we so appreciate it! We … View moreHello again! Sam and Cissy here, your Neighbours Day Aotearoa coordinators. It's been an amazing couple of weeks, as we gear up for our Neighbours of New Zealand Road Trip. Thank you so much to everyone who dropped us a line, sent a message, or commented on facebook - we so appreciate it! We were absolutely inundated with offers - and we're SO SORRY if we've missed anyone, or haven't gotten back to you - please get in touch again - email me - sam@neighboursday.org.nz.

Road Trip Itinerary - neighboursday.org.nz...

We're hitting the road in the lead up to our 10th celebration of Neighbours Day Aotearoa. As we drive across the country we’ll be running workshops and reaching out to meet people who are working to create great neighbourhoods across New Zealand. These interactive workshops are for anyone planning a Neighbours Day Event, or supporting other people.

Come along, share ideas, and get the support you need to put on a great Neighbours Day Aotearoa event!
Check out our Road Trip page for a list of our confirmed destinations and scheduled workshops, be sure to check back soon as we confirm further workshops. Also! Don't forget to follow us on Facebook to follow our facebook live updates as we hit the road!

Start your engines! www.youtube.com...

2215 days ago

Got an opinion on fireworks? Share it with us

Georgia Reporter from Stuff

Hi neighbours,

Is it time to ban the private sale of fireworks in favour of public displays only? Or is Guy Fawkes just a bit of flammable fun?

Would you like to see tighter restrictions on fireworks or are you a sparkler fiend who sees no problem with celebrating safely at home?

We want to know… View more
Hi neighbours,

Is it time to ban the private sale of fireworks in favour of public displays only? Or is Guy Fawkes just a bit of flammable fun?

Would you like to see tighter restrictions on fireworks or are you a sparkler fiend who sees no problem with celebrating safely at home?

We want to know your opinion on the debate. To share your views in Stuff Nation, click here.

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2216 days ago

Poll: Do you clean your reusable bags?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

New Zealanders are embracing the reusable bag ahead of a plastic bag ban, but they could be carrying something else around – bacteria.

ACT leader David Seymour says 20 people could die each year using reusable bags.

"It's coming up to summer and people will be in a hot car with … View more
New Zealanders are embracing the reusable bag ahead of a plastic bag ban, but they could be carrying something else around – bacteria.

ACT leader David Seymour says 20 people could die each year using reusable bags.

"It's coming up to summer and people will be in a hot car with their chicken in a canvas bag ... and suddenly, you've got a real serious case for poor food hygiene."

Food safety expert Steve Flint said it was a valid concern. Read more here

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Do you clean your reusable bags?
  • 37.7% Yes
    37.7% Complete
  • 56.3% No
    56.3% Complete
  • 6% I don't own reusable bags
    6% Complete
1662 votes
2219 days ago

Pike River re-entry call to be made within two weeks

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

A decision on whether the Pike River mine drift can be safely re-entered is likely to be made within two weeks.

"[Minister Andrew Little] will go through everything with his caucus and then they will give us an answer on whether to go in or not. All indications at this stage lead me to … View more
A decision on whether the Pike River mine drift can be safely re-entered is likely to be made within two weeks.

"[Minister Andrew Little] will go through everything with his caucus and then they will give us an answer on whether to go in or not. All indications at this stage lead me to believe it can be done and can be done safely," says Anna Osborne, whose husband Milton died in the 2010 disaster.

2219 days ago

Severe weather warning - heavy rain

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

A strong moist northwesterly flow is expected to spread over the South Island and lower North Island from Friday night through Saturday. The northwesterly precedes a front which is forecast to move east over the South Island during Saturday afternoon and evening. Rain is expected about western … View moreA strong moist northwesterly flow is expected to spread over the South Island and lower North Island from Friday night through Saturday. The northwesterly precedes a front which is forecast to move east over the South Island during Saturday afternoon and evening. Rain is expected about western parts of the South Island and the lower North Island, with the heaviest falls about Fiordland, Westland, the Buller Ranges.

Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous.

Area: Buller and Westland north of Otira
Valid: 17 hours from 6:00am to 11:00pm Saturday
Forecast: Expect 80 to 100mm of rain to accumulate about the ranges, with 40 to 60mm closer to the coast. Peak intensities 10 to 15mm per hour Saturday afternoon and evening.

Area: Westland south of Otira
Valid: 18 hours from 3:00am to 9:00pm Saturday
Forecast: Expect 200 to 250mm of rain to accumulate about the ranges, with 80 to 120mm closer to the coast. Peak intensities 20 to 30mm per hour from Saturday morning, with thunderstorms possible. Note, after the heavy rain, showers continue until Sunday afternoon.

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2220 days ago

Has West Coast waste-to-energy plan pipped Blenheim pyrolysis plant to the post?

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

A waste-to-energy plant planned for the West Coast could mean there is no point opening a pyrolysis plant in Blenheim, hopeful neighbours say.

They have rallied against the Blenheim plant plan, intended to recycle hundreds of tonnes of waste wood into charcoal, over fears emissions from chemically… View more
A waste-to-energy plant planned for the West Coast could mean there is no point opening a pyrolysis plant in Blenheim, hopeful neighbours say.

They have rallied against the Blenheim plant plan, intended to recycle hundreds of tonnes of waste wood into charcoal, over fears emissions from chemically treated wood would affect their health.

They say a Blenheim plant isn't needed if Renew Energy Ltd goes ahead with plans to build a waste-to-energy plant in Westport, which would turn plastics and other non-recyclable materials into energy, creating enough to power 30,000 households.

2220 days ago

Subway® is celebrating World Sandwich Day!

Subway New Zealand

Hey West Coast!
Subway® is celebrating World Sandwich Day today and we're helping feed the hungry in our community! Last year, we donated over 90,000 meals to KiwiHarvest. With your help, we can feed even more this year. So, join the Subway® Live Feed and head to your local participating … View more
Hey West Coast!
Subway® is celebrating World Sandwich Day today and we're helping feed the hungry in our community! Last year, we donated over 90,000 meals to KiwiHarvest. With your help, we can feed even more this year. So, join the Subway® Live Feed and head to your local participating Subway® in West Coast. Buy a Sub. Get one FREE. AND Subway® will donate a meal to charity. Because everyone deserves a good feed.
Find out more!

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2220 days ago

Get your white ribbons ready - this month is all about Violence Prevention + Awareness 🏳️

The Team from Neighbourhood Support New Zealand

Creating safer communities means ensuring that no one lives in fear of harm on the streets or in their own home.

For the month of November, we want to raise awareness for all forms including family harm, elder and child abuse, sexual assault, gang violence, and more.

Perhaps sign-up to … View more
Creating safer communities means ensuring that no one lives in fear of harm on the streets or in their own home.

For the month of November, we want to raise awareness for all forms including family harm, elder and child abuse, sexual assault, gang violence, and more.

Perhaps sign-up to volunteer at a women’s refuge this month or work with the Police in your area to host an info night on how to identify elder abuse in your community.

Share your photos and experiences with us on social media or send us an email so we can see what you got up to!

#NSNZviolenceawareness

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2221 days ago

Love gardening? You'll love this...

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Hey West Coast neighbours - check out our new Gardening Groups - for all West Coast gardeners! This is just the ‘plot’ to connect you with other green-thumbed Neighbourly members across your whole beautiful region.

Share seeds, plants or excess crops, find out what you need to plant and sow … View more
Hey West Coast neighbours - check out our new Gardening Groups - for all West Coast gardeners! This is just the ‘plot’ to connect you with other green-thumbed Neighbourly members across your whole beautiful region.

Share seeds, plants or excess crops, find out what you need to plant and sow in Spring, and pass on gardening tips that have worked for you. You can seek expert advice from experienced gardeners in your area or share your own gardening expertise.
Join now

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2222 days ago

Poll: Should fireworks be banned?

The Team from ACC New Zealand

Setting off fireworks has become an annual Kiwi backyard tradition, and it’s almost time to break out the sparklers again. However, critics say they’re dangerous and people are injured by them every year. Fans, on the other hand, argue that all fun involves some level of risk, it just needs to … View moreSetting off fireworks has become an annual Kiwi backyard tradition, and it’s almost time to break out the sparklers again. However, critics say they’re dangerous and people are injured by them every year. Fans, on the other hand, argue that all fun involves some level of risk, it just needs to be managed safely.

Last year, we saw a 23% drop in the number of fireworks-related injury claims (171 claims across 2017 versus 223 across 2016). What do you think? Should personal fireworks be banned? Click here for advice on how to use fireworks responsibly.

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Should fireworks be banned?
  • 18.4% Yes - get rid of them altogether
    18.4% Complete
  • 59.5% No - let's keep professional public displays only
    59.5% Complete
  • 18.2% No - I think they're great
    18.2% Complete
  • 3.8% I don't mind either way
    3.8% Complete
5408 votes
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