365 days ago

Let's think big picture, infrastructure and the Long Term Plan

The Team from Whangarei District Council

Let's think big picture and the Long Term Plan. “This year’s severe weather events really exposed the lack of resilience in our transportation network,” says Infrastructure Committee Chairman Simon Reid. "At the same time, economic conditions are tough and the costs of developing infrastructure have increased dramatically. These factors are shaping our thinking as we prepare the infrastructure budgets for the next 10 years as part of our 2024-2034 Long Term Plan."

🚗 On roading
“Our immediate focus is to invest in renewals and get our infrastructure where it needs to be. We need to get some basics right, like roadside drainage, shaping unsealed roads and making sure our facilities are weather tight. “Tackling outstanding road repairs from the last year will remain a big focus. With plans to fix the most complex slips locked in for the next 2-3 years, work is ramping up already this summer. “We have made significant progress, but some repair work will take time and building more resilient infrastructure is a major focus on for this Long Term Plan,” he said.

📈 Planning for growth
“There’s an opportunity now to make sure we plan well for growth and support development led by others. This includes the Hospital redevelopment and the Whangārei to Ruakākā expressway/rail network, Kāinga Ora housing developments and other significant private developments. “We also need to think about our communities’ growing sport and recreation needs. We’ll be identifying the location and scope of our future Sports Hub to take pressure off existing facilities such as Kensington. “Bream Bay and Northern areas are under growth pressure and some key investments will be required to absorb the growth of these communities now and in future,” said Cr Reid.

🌧 Climate resilience
“We need more focus on our coastal and other communities affected by recent weather events. In this LTP we’ll look at how we protect our City Centre as well as working through resilience plans within different catchments. Our new Coastal Policy will be aimed at working with communities to find sustainable solutions."

🛴 City centre
“In addition to flood protection, a key challenge is to keep our City Centre accessible for everyone. As we see vacant sites developed, we need sufficient parking in the right areas and to implement some of the improvements signalled in our City Centre Plan. In parallel to this, we’ll continue to improve roads to support vehicles and buses that take more passengers. Completing cycle connections will help us achieve the full benefits of our shared path network. Finally, while we won’t be able to do everything, completing key city centre projects, will allow us to connect our Town Basin and city centre together vibrantly to promote economic growth of our City. Affordability is going to be a major consideration as we consult with our wider community in early 2024."

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More messages from your neighbours
4 days ago

Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

This Wednesday, we are having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with John Bracewell from Crewcut.

John Bracewell, former Black Caps coach turned Franchisee Development Manager and currently the face of Crewcut’s #Movember campaign, knows a thing or two about keeping the grass looking sharp—whether it’s on a cricket pitch or in your backyard!

As a seasoned Crewcut franchisee, John is excited to answer your lawn and gardening questions. After years of perfecting the greens on the field, he's ready to share tips on how to knock your garden out of the park. Let's just say he’s as passionate about lush lawns as he is about a good game of cricket!

John is happy to answer questions about lawn mowing, tree/hedge trimming, tidying your garden, ride on mowing, you name it! He'll be online on Wednesday, 27th of November to answer them all.

Share your question below now ⬇️

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2 hours ago

Tips on Choosing the Right Mattress Size for Quality Sleep Every Night

Jay from Beds4U Whangarei

When it comes to getting a good night's sleep, the right mattress size plays a crucial role.


You might have heard myths about beds and frames and which size suits you.



Today, we're here to demystify these myths and provide a size-by-size comparison to help you find the perfect fit for your needs.


Finding the Perfect Fit

Selecting the right mattress size is akin to finding the perfect fit in a world of options.


Much like trying on clothes or shoes, your mattress size should cater to your individual needs and preferences.


Let's explore some key factors to consider when finding the perfect fit for your mattress:


1. Personal Preferences.

Consider your sleeping habits and personal space preferences.


Do you like to sprawl out or curl up?

Are you a solo sleeper, or do you share the bed with a partner, kids, or pets?


Understanding your personal preferences is essential in determining the ideal mattress size.


2. Bedroom Size.

Take the dimensions of your bedroom into account when choosing a mattress size.


A spacious bedroom can accommodate larger mattress sizes, whereas smaller bedrooms may require more compact options to ensure ample space for movement and furniture placement.


3. Sleeping Partners.

If you share the bed with a partner, consider their sleeping habits and space requirements.


A larger mattress size, such as a queen or king, provides ample space for both individuals to move comfortably without disturbing each other's sleep.


What Size Should You Get?

Let's break it down size by size:


Single Mattress (91cm x 188cm). Ideal for kids' rooms, guest rooms, or small bedrooms. A single mattress is also a good option for individuals who prefer sleeping alone and value space conservation.

Double Mattress (137cm x 188cm). Also known as a full-size mattress, this option offers more room to stretch out than a single mattress. It's suitable for couples who like to snuggle or for individuals who appreciate extra space.

Queen Mattress (153cm x 203cm). The queen mattress is one of the most popular choices for couples. It provides ample space for two people to sleep comfortably without feeling cramped. It's also a great option for individuals who enjoy sprawling out.

King Mattress (167cm x 203cm). The king mattress offers the most space out of all the standard sizes. It's perfect for couples who want plenty of room to move around or for families who like to co-sleep with young children or pets.

Choosing the Perfect Mattress Size for Your Sleep Needs

Mattress sizes can vary around the world, which can sometimes lead to confusion. In New Zealand, we follow standard sizes such as single, double, queen, and king.


However, it's essential to consider your personal preferences and the dimensions of your bedroom and furniture when choosing a mattress size.


Selecting the right mattress size is crucial for a good night's sleep.


By understanding the differences between single, double, queen, and king mattresses, you can make an informed decision that meets your needs and preferences.


At Beds4U, we're committed to helping you find the perfect mattress size.

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5 days ago

Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.

When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?

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Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
  • 82.3% Yes
    82.3% Complete
  • 15.1% No
    15.1% Complete
  • 2.6% Other - I'll share below
    2.6% Complete
2194 votes