Buller District, Westport

The Neighbourly Winter Garage Sale...

The Neighbourly Winter Garage Sale...

It's this Saturday, so get your goods listed before then to make some money.

622 days ago

There's still time (just!) to send in your basil recipe

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Dear neighbours,

Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are still on the hunt for amazing and inventive basil recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by Oct 21, 2022. Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition … View more
Dear neighbours,

Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are still on the hunt for amazing and inventive basil recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by Oct 21, 2022. Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Vegetable Growing Made Easy.

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624 days ago

STOP TREATING SOIL LIKE DIRT

Yates

Nourish the soil and the soil will nourish you! Healthy soil is at the very foundation of gardening success - and life itself - and this National Gardening Week Yates wants to help you grow good soil.

We’ve pulled together a bunch of ways to measure your soil health – how about planting a … View more
Nourish the soil and the soil will nourish you! Healthy soil is at the very foundation of gardening success - and life itself - and this National Gardening Week Yates wants to help you grow good soil.

We’ve pulled together a bunch of ways to measure your soil health – how about planting a pair of undies to find out how healthy your soil is? Or try a quick “worm count” test, building a “compost jar” (great fun for kids) or do a food waste audit.

Plus we’ve easy to follow steps on how to turn your food scraps & garden waste into fabulous compost.
Find out more

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625 days ago

Plant seeds every month with a subscription from Kings Seeds.

The TV Guide

Sick of expensive veges from the supermarket? Purchase a subscription to the TV Guide for your chance to win 1 of 20 1-year seed subscriptions from Kings Seeds, worth $450. Delivered monthly to your home, what better way to go green and save money than growing your own food?

Purchase a 6 month, … View more
Sick of expensive veges from the supermarket? Purchase a subscription to the TV Guide for your chance to win 1 of 20 1-year seed subscriptions from Kings Seeds, worth $450. Delivered monthly to your home, what better way to go green and save money than growing your own food?

Purchase a 6 month, 1 year, or 2 year subscription to the TV Guide before 31 October and you’ll automatically be placed in the draw to win. There are three different subscriptions to choose from to suit your needs; Vegetable seeds, Microgreen seeds, and Sprouting seeds. To view the T&Cs click here.
Find out more

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628 days ago

Have you got a great recipe for nasturtium?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Dear neighbours,

Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are now on the hunt for nasturtium recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by Oct 16, 2022. Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Vegetable Growing Made… View more
Dear neighbours,

Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are now on the hunt for nasturtium recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by Oct 16, 2022. Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Vegetable Growing Made Easy.

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629 days ago

Ryman residents aren’t defined by dementia

Ryman Healthcare

Through Ryman’s bespoke model of dementia care, myRyman Life, our villages aim to challenge perspectives on dementia and to create inclusive communities where staff receive cutting-edge training, families can feel reassured, and residents can thrive.

At Ryman villages our focus is on … View more
Through Ryman’s bespoke model of dementia care, myRyman Life, our villages aim to challenge perspectives on dementia and to create inclusive communities where staff receive cutting-edge training, families can feel reassured, and residents can thrive.

At Ryman villages our focus is on experience-based care rather than processes, enabling residents to live in the moment and to feel kindness, love and security.

Most of all, Ryman residents living with dementia are supported to continue doing the things that bring them joy so they can live fulfilled lives.
Learn more

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632 days ago

Get decorating and $ave with Resene.

Resene

Now’s a great time to get your painting, staining and wallpapering jobs underway.

Get 25% off Resene premium paints, wood stains, primers and sealers, wallpaper, decorating accessories and cleaning products!

Discounts off the normal retail price at your local Resene owned ColorShop and … View more
Now’s a great time to get your painting, staining and wallpapering jobs underway.

Get 25% off Resene premium paints, wood stains, primers and sealers, wallpaper, decorating accessories and cleaning products!

Discounts off the normal retail price at your local Resene owned ColorShop and participating reseller until 31 October 2022. Paint offers are also available at Mitre 10 MEGA and selected Mitre 10 stores. Excludes WallPrint, decals, Crown, trade and industrial products, PaintWise levy and account sales.

Visit your local Resene ColorShop or reseller and enjoy these great savings.
Find out more

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635 days ago

Do you have great recipes for basil and nasturtium?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Dear neighbours,

Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are now on the hunt for nasturtium recipes and also basil recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by Oct 16, 2022. Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition… View more
Dear neighbours,

Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are now on the hunt for nasturtium recipes and also basil recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by Oct 16, 2022. Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Vegetable Growing Made Easy.

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636 days ago

Westport’s acute services still reduced — ongoing ‘staffing issues’

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

From local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:

Westport's acute care services at Buller Health are still on a reduced basis due to "ongoing staffing issues".

The round-the-clock service has been run on a reduced basis since early August after Health NZ West Coast announced a … View more
From local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:

Westport's acute care services at Buller Health are still on a reduced basis due to "ongoing staffing issues".

The round-the-clock service has been run on a reduced basis since early August after Health NZ West Coast announced a temporary reduction in hours due to staff leave and winter illness.

Early last month, in response to criticism and confusion about what Westport residents were supposed to do in an emergency, Health NZ West Coast said it planned to have its acute service back up and running again 24/7 from Monday.

However, in a statement this week it said urgent patient stabilisation and observation services provided by Buller Health's Foote Ward team "will continue to temporarily be provided at a reduced capacity".

"If you or a member of your whānau needs emergency or acute care these services are still available 24/7 - they are just being provided in a different way," director of nursing Holly Mason said.

" Unfortunately, we need to continue operating in a reduced capacity due to on-going staffing pressures," Mason said.

For the time being, the temporary services would continue to be provided between 7am and 11pm at Foote Ward. This included urgent patient stabilisation and observation services.

"Outside of these hours, all acute care will be managed in the same way as rural services provided by St John who will be supported by a PRIME trained clinician. Anyone needing admission will be transferred to Greymouth's Te Nīkau Hospital."

Mason said they appreciated that the ongoing reduction "is not ideal".

"We really value the Buller community's ongoing understanding and support of this situation."

The rationed service at Westport had been introduced "so that urgent acute care as well as routine primary care" could be maintained in the community.

Mason said the staffing pressures were not unique to the region and Health NZ West Coast was working hard to fill staff shortages across the West Coast.

This included a global campaign for nurses to work in New Zealand alongside local recruitment.

Meantime, it was "critical" those who had been injured or were experiencing severe symptoms should dial 111.

Last month Health NZ justified the level of cover at Buller Health in a rural generalist model, including doctors and nurse practitioners, as providing a higher level of service than had been seen previously at Westport.

The approach was to use a variety of practice skills across complimentary areas but by far, the majority of Westport service demand was at a GP level, Health NZ West Coast manager Philip Wheble said.

Buller Health has 4.73 FTE doctors overall, and 1.93 FTE nurse practitioners who also provide services to Karamea, Ngakawau and Reefton.

They also provide cover for midweek after hours, weekends and public holiday services.

"Our rural generalist model supports a robust primary care service in both Westport and Greymouth, allowing for flexible service provision," Wheble said.

*Public interest journalism funded through NZ On Air

636 days ago

Get the day’s top news with Two Minutes of Stuff

Stuff

Satiate your news hunger with Two Minutes of Stuff, a bite-sized snack of the top stories and key issues of the day.

Two minutes is all you'll need to get up to speed on today's talking point, the biggest news of the day and stories you don't want to miss. A fully-curated … View more
Satiate your news hunger with Two Minutes of Stuff, a bite-sized snack of the top stories and key issues of the day.

Two minutes is all you'll need to get up to speed on today's talking point, the biggest news of the day and stories you don't want to miss. A fully-curated experience, with items hand-picked by Stuff staff, sent each weekday evening. Sign up for free here.
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637 days ago

Pams Berries recalled - Check your freezer

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Foodstuffs Own Brands Ltd is recalling all batches and all dates of its six Pams brand berry products.
New Zealand has seen a surge of cases of Hepatitis A this year and 12 of those infected (including seven hospitalised) have been linked with the consumption of frozen berries.
The recall of … View more
Foodstuffs Own Brands Ltd is recalling all batches and all dates of its six Pams brand berry products.
New Zealand has seen a surge of cases of Hepatitis A this year and 12 of those infected (including seven hospitalised) have been linked with the consumption of frozen berries.
The recall of Pams products is a precaution due to this possible link of Hepatitis A associated with berries sourced from Serbia.

Here's what you need to know:
- All batches and all dates of Pams Mixed Berries, Two Berry Mix, Smoothie Berry Mix, and Raspberries have been recalled and removed from supermarkets.
- The Pams products are sold at New World, PAK’nSAVE and Four Square stores nationwide.
- Hepatitis A is a contagious virus which spreads easily. Learn more here.
- Due to the possibility that other brands of berries may be infected, New Zealand Food Safety continues to advise those eating frozen berries to wash hands before and after preparing the berries, briefly boil them before eating and ensure cooking temperatures exceed 85 degree Celsius for 1 minute.

If you have consumed any of these products and have any concerns about your health, seek medical advice.

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641 days ago

Attention all pet owners! Win your spot on the 2023 Cutest Pet Calendar.

Sunday Star Times

The Cutest Pet Competition is back by popular demand! Show off your furry friend this October to see if you’ve got the cutest pet in the country. This year’s competition is sponsored by Wishbone, giving you the chance to win your share of $10,000 worth of pet food.

From 26 September, … View more
The Cutest Pet Competition is back by popular demand! Show off your furry friend this October to see if you’ve got the cutest pet in the country. This year’s competition is sponsored by Wishbone, giving you the chance to win your share of $10,000 worth of pet food.

From 26 September, purchase a copy of your local Stuff newspaper, find our promo ad, and follow the link to submit a photo of your pet online. If your pet is selected, they’ll feature in our promotional adverts across all Stuff newspapers for a day, plus you will receive $50 worth of Wishbone pet food so you can spoil them rotten. For more information on the prizes and to view the T&Cs, click here!

The team at Stunday Star-Times
Know more

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642 days ago

Heaphy Track recovery on agenda

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

From local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:

The middle section of the Heaphy Track, which traverses both board areas and is one of the ‘great walks’ of New Zealand, remains closed following the February storm.

Eight months after the storm took out or severely damaged three bridges, … View more
From local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:

The middle section of the Heaphy Track, which traverses both board areas and is one of the ‘great walks’ of New Zealand, remains closed following the February storm.

Eight months after the storm took out or severely damaged three bridges, the DOC website says people cannot currently use the track as a through walk. It is closed between the Heaphy Hut and James Mackay Hut.

“This section of the track will be closed until these bridges can be replaced or repaired. There is currently no bridge over the Heaphy River,” DOC advises.

In an update a few days ago DOC also warned that the track between Scott’s Beach and Heaphy Hut has been damaged from recent storms.

“There are multiple slips, narrow sections of track and slumps on the track. Work is under way to repair the damage.”

* Public interest journalism funded through NZ On Air

642 days ago

Who is your favourite gardening superhero?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Dear neighbours, in the October issue of NZ Gardener, you'll see the five finalists for our 2022 Ryman Healthcare Gardener of the Year competition. They've all done amazing things for their communities. You can read about their wonderful work here, and then vote for your favourite.

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642 days ago

Busy summer road fix ahead on West Coast

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

From local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:

The West Coast can expect a busy State highway maintenance programme this year.

In a presentation last week by the NZ Transport Agency to the West Coast Regional Transport Committee, regional relationships director James Caygill said the summer … View more
From local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:

The West Coast can expect a busy State highway maintenance programme this year.

In a presentation last week by the NZ Transport Agency to the West Coast Regional Transport Committee, regional relationships director James Caygill said the summer maintenance programme for the region would be significant.

It followed a question from committee member Peter Haddock about the previously promised State Highway 7 Stoney Creek bridge replacement in the Grey Valley.

Caygill said he could give some progress reports on what was set out in the three year Regional Land Transport Plan for the Coast, including the maintenance programme, but could not give a detailed answer on Stoney Creek.

"I know we've got a large national maintenance programme, I know we have a significant maintenance programme for the West Coast this coming summer," he said.

"We got through quite a lot last year; we've got much more this year, not least of which because we kind of had to de-programme the first year of the three-year (plan) because of the way the funding announcements came through."

The West Coast was in "the same boat" as the rest of the country, with regional roads increasingly displaying potholes and patching, Caygill said,.

"I'll come back on Stoney Creek."

The wooden one-lane bridge accident blackspot is currently subject to a 30kph speed restriction. A replacement was promised by the former National government at the time the new Taramakau Bridge was announced about 2016.

In a follow-up, NZTA said it was progressing the Stoney Creek project but gave no clarity about the timeframe.

"The single stage business case report is now completed so staff are seeking approval for the business case which will be lined up nationally against other projects," staff said.

However, deteriorating road pavement - including in Kumara, Greymouth and at Paroa - are scheduled for resurfacing this summer.

NZTA West Coast maintenance contract manager Moira Whinham said the summer programme would include resurfacing 138km of chip seal over 75 sites across the region at a cost of $3.3 million.

In addition, 17,000 square metres of asphalt renewal was planned over five sites, including the Otira Gorge and High St, Greymouth, at a cost of $2.3m.

"We will also be undertaking significant pavement repair works on State Highway 6 in Paroa and State Highway 73 in Kumara.

"We will have teams undertaking pavement repairs including pre-reseal repairs throughout the network as required on an ongoing basis as the weather improves."

Whinham said road users may have short delays doing the work.

Maintaining a safe following distance and slowing down would minimise the chance of loose stone chip damaging vehicles and windscreens.

"Sticking to speed limits through work sites will help keep our teams safe while they're out there working in pretty hot conditions," she said.

*Public interest journalism funded through NZ On Air

643 days ago

Call to fix busy Greymouth intersection

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

From local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:

Calls to revise the road layout at either end of the Cobden Bridge at Greymouth could cost $2 million, the West Coast Regional Transport Committee (RTC) has been warned.

The State Highway 6 road bridge, linking the main part of Greymouth with the… View more
From local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:

Calls to revise the road layout at either end of the Cobden Bridge at Greymouth could cost $2 million, the West Coast Regional Transport Committee (RTC) has been warned.

The State Highway 6 road bridge, linking the main part of Greymouth with the suburb of Cobden, Runanga and the Coast Road through to Westport, has become increasingly congested, with regular crashes on the intersections at either end of the bridge.

NZ Transport Agency regional relationships director James Caygill said a fix was likely to be costly and would need to be assessed against other priorities.

"I don't think it will be less than $2m," Caygill said.

However, he told the committee he was happy to put the Cobden Bridge "on the list" but it was likely to be considered within minor works.

The discussion came after Atarau resident Ray Beckford called for NZTA to install a roundabout at the Cobden end of the bridge due to traffic backing up over the bridge as motorists tried to exit either end.

Beckford said believed it might be "a simple solution to the constant congestion and frequent accidents" at either end of the bridge.

He gave a pre-Covid example of when the West Coast was still busy with extra visitor traffic.

"I can remember an instance in which I suffered road rage, in disbelief, as I was waiting for a chance to turn on to the bridge coming from Coal Creek. But the cars were backed up all the way across the bridge."

He also flagged the 100kph open road zone "dangerous" intersection at Barrytown, where State highway 6 intersects with Cargill Rd beside the All Nations Hotel.

There was "a constant renewal" of skid marks in front of the pub, he said.

In Greymouth, the speed zone on State highway 6 past Karoro School, and the Tasman St link to the main road opposite that school had resulted in "too many close calls".

West Coast RTC member Peter Haddock said the issues raised were wider "local concerns".

Traffic had increased locally, with "large queues" on the bridge and a notable crash rate, Haddock said.

It would be good to investigate as the existing road layout dating from when it was built, in 1975.

"We've got a lot more traffic on our roads, even without the tourist vehicles," Haddock said.

"I think you are aware that the approaches to both ends of the bridge need upgrading ... the bridge has been there quite a number of years now."

Haddock noted himself the difficulty at Barrytown of trying to exit Cargill Road on to the main road and being caught out by speeding traffic on the state highway.

*Public interest journalism funded by NZ On Air

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