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148 days ago

Dye stains scrubbed from Ashburton cenotaph

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:

Ashburton’s war memorial needs a clean after wreaths stained the stonework base.

The wreaths were laid at the annual Anzac Day commemorations in Baring Square West on April 25.

Ashburton District Council business support group manager Leanne Macdonald said the stains were spotted when wreaths were removed about two weeks after Anzac Day as usual.

“This is the first time that we have encountered this and believe that paint from some of the wreaths is the cause.

“Most of the damage is on the bluestone at the base of the cenotaph.”

The council has engaged a specialist stonemason to clean the cenotaph, and that work started on Thursday and is anticipated to take until the end of next week.

“It will likely require multiple applications of stripping agent, poultice, and or mechanical removal, sympathetic to the stone type.

“This work is weather dependent, and dependent on the specialist’s availability.”

The cenotaph was unveiled in 1928 and bears the names of 432 Mid Canterbury people who lost their lives in defence of the country.
It underwent some restoration work in 2020.

Specialist workers gave the 14m sandstone monument a hand-wash, sprayed any lichen and moss, and replaced the mortar to clean and repair the monument.

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More messages from your neighbours
4 days ago

Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.

This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.

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Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
  • 85.5% Yes
    85.5% Complete
  • 13.3% No
    13.3% Complete
  • 1.1% Other - I'll share below
    1.1% Complete
2006 votes
4 days ago

What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.

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1 day ago

Railing planters

The Team from Resene ColorShop Ashburton

To gain extra growing space, make and hang these easy-to-build planters on almost any wooden fence or deck railing. Use Resene FX Blackboard Paint so you can easily identify what plants are in each. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.

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