Banks Peninsula, Akaroa

Voted for NZ's Merriest Home yet?

Voted for NZ's Merriest Home yet?

Check out the finalists and take your pick!

638 days ago

Education after the next election?

Gordon from Halswell

When oh when are politicians going to stop using the basics of life as a political bribe?
Education, Health, Law, and order should all be banned from being used, instead, they should be bilateral to ensure the confidence of the people in them.
In education, it would keep the costs down, as … View more
When oh when are politicians going to stop using the basics of life as a political bribe?
Education, Health, Law, and order should all be banned from being used, instead, they should be bilateral to ensure the confidence of the people in them.
In education, it would keep the costs down, as reinventing the wheel, chopping and changing does nothing for the teachers, pupils, and parents who often can not help to teach children as the rules have changed.
Health and Law and order should be tied to population/inflation and should increase as the population/inflation rises.

638 days ago

Want to win a chopper trip and Game Gear clothing?

Game Gear

Check out the never before seen deals on clothing in our massive winter sale. Genuine direct to you deals.

Every online purchase between now and 31st March is an entry to the comp. Buy once or go mad and make a number or purchases - every one of them is a chance to win. Get clicking and good … View more
Check out the never before seen deals on clothing in our massive winter sale. Genuine direct to you deals.

Every online purchase between now and 31st March is an entry to the comp. Buy once or go mad and make a number or purchases - every one of them is a chance to win. Get clicking and good luck!!
Show now

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638 days ago

Discover a career for life

Citycare Water

We deliver water to over 1.2 million Kiwis across the country, and we’re looking for great people to join our team and help provide safe water for your community. We provide meaningful work, and long-lasting careers. We hiring now for drainlayers, water servicepeople, operations roles, labourers … View moreWe deliver water to over 1.2 million Kiwis across the country, and we’re looking for great people to join our team and help provide safe water for your community. We provide meaningful work, and long-lasting careers. We hiring now for drainlayers, water servicepeople, operations roles, labourers and more!

- Get qualified at work
- Progress your career
- Join a friendly, diverse and supportive team
- Care for your local environment and waterways
Find out more

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645 days ago

'Definitely not': Residents refuse to pay 'stupid' excess water charge in Christchurch

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

From reporter Tina Law:

Hundreds of Christchurch residents have already paid their water bills, as the number of invoices sent out has more than doubled in two weeks.

Some 9765 households have now received a bill for using too much water – a 150% increase on two weeks ago when 3913 bills … View more
From reporter Tina Law:

Hundreds of Christchurch residents have already paid their water bills, as the number of invoices sent out has more than doubled in two weeks.

Some 9765 households have now received a bill for using too much water – a 150% increase on two weeks ago when 3913 bills had been sent.

The number will grow each week as more meters are read, city council resources general manager Leah Scales​ said.

People have eight weeks to pay their excess water bill, with the first invoices due in April, and 812 have already paid.

However, some are refusing to, including Huntsbury residents Heather and Randal Law​.

The couple received a bill for $45.09 after using an average of 1041 litres of water a day over 98 days.

Heather Law said she would “definitely not” pay the bill.

She said she would if it was averaged out across an entire year, rather than over a three-month period, and if the council refunded her when she used under the limit during the winter.

“I water the garden in the summer. I have a vegetable garden and a flower garden and I’m not going to stop watering it.”

The pair operate a small Airbnb at their property and guests always comment on their “beautiful garden”, Randal Law said.

He said he would be invoicing the council $45.09 for his promotion of the Garden City – the same amount as their bill to him.

“If they are going to charge me a stupid bill, I am going to be equally stupid.”

They did not think it was fair that almost a quarter (25,365) of Christchurch households could not be charged because they share a meter.

The pair are not alone in their opposition to the new charge.

Linwood man Phil Yarrall​ has not mown his grass verge since October in protest against the charge. He believes it is discriminatory, arbitrary in its application and nothing more than a creeping tax.

Yarrall said this week he had yet to receive a bill, but expected one to arrive soon.

Mayor Phil Mauger, who has publicly labelled the charge “unfair” and voted against its introduction, said if residents receive a bill they should pay it, but he hoped respite was on its way in the form of an increase to the daily limit.

Under the existing rules people are being charged a fixed rate of $1.35 for every 1000 litres they use over the 700-litre limit, which is the equivalent of 100 toilet flushes.

Bills have not been sent out for charges of $25 or less, so people have to use more than 900 litres each day over 90 days to receive a bill under the current rule.

However, the council is consulting the public as part of its draft annual plan on whether it should increase the daily allowance from 700 litres to 900 litres.

Any change would not be put in place until July, so would not affect households that receive bills before then.

The charge came into force in October, after being consulted on twice. It was introduced to help reduce the extreme demand on the council’s water supply network over summer.

If this could be achieved, the council would not have to spend as much money upgrading and building new infrastructure.

Water use has decreased by more than 10% since charges were brought in, saving millions of litres.

Cashmere resident Graeme Niles, who adopted a number of water-saving techniques this summer, said he had managed to keep under the 700 litre limit, clocking up an average of 645 litres, despite his expansive garden.

Scales said any inequity around shared meters was not accurate, because only 194 properties out of the 25,365 with shared water meters would have received a bill – less than 1% of the total.

Meters would be installed in those properties first.

If people do not pay the bill they face a 7% penalty and the council could use debt collection services.

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639 days ago

Last chance to nominate!

Prospa

Our 2023 Local Business Hero Awards nomination phase closes on Sunday. Neighbours - you only have a few more days to nominate a favourite local business to give them a chance to win an incredible $10,000 package.

Show your support for your local today by nominating them to be this year's … View more
Our 2023 Local Business Hero Awards nomination phase closes on Sunday. Neighbours - you only have a few more days to nominate a favourite local business to give them a chance to win an incredible $10,000 package.

Show your support for your local today by nominating them to be this year's Prospa Local Business Hero!
Nominate now

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639 days ago

Find Your Safe Haven

Anthony Wilding Retirement Village

Nothing is less predictable than the weather.

Ryman villages are designed to be safe havens, we prepare for adverse events, so you don’t have to. In an emergency, we’ll take care of everything, to ensure sure that you and those you treasure most have exactly what you need.

Rest assured, … View more
Nothing is less predictable than the weather.

Ryman villages are designed to be safe havens, we prepare for adverse events, so you don’t have to. In an emergency, we’ll take care of everything, to ensure sure that you and those you treasure most have exactly what you need.

Rest assured, you’re in safe hands.

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J
639 days ago

Hybrid E-Bike F18 Cruise Elite Special (Carbon Fibre frame)

Jill from Halswell

Carbon Fibre Step Through frame - bike with battery 22.8kg. Lighter than most ebikes so very comfortable to ride.
Low Ks (585km)
All terrain model for town and trails

Extras: Mud guards, bell and mirror, carrier, new gel seat and cable lock.
Recently serviced -Perfect condition - no scratches… View more
Carbon Fibre Step Through frame - bike with battery 22.8kg. Lighter than most ebikes so very comfortable to ride.
Low Ks (585km)
All terrain model for town and trails

Extras: Mud guards, bell and mirror, carrier, new gel seat and cable lock.
Recently serviced -Perfect condition - no scratches
Suitable for heights from approx 160cm and up.
One size fits all. Easily adjustable handlebars and seat.
As recommended by Consumer NZ



High spec components:
MAX MOTOR ASSISTED SPEED 40 KM/H
MAX RANGE PER CHARGE * 100KM
CHARGE TIME 0-100% 4.5 HOURS
FRAME SUPER STRONG CARBON FIBRE
MOTOR BAFANG 300 WATT CENTER DRIVE 80 N M
BATTERY SAMSUNG SDI LITHIUM (36V - 504WH 14AH)
CHARGER HYBRID BIKES CHARGER
CONTROLLER FIVE PEDAL SUPPORT SETTINGS WITH WALK ASSIST FUNCTION
DISPLAY LARGE FORMAT LCD WITH SPEED, ASSIST LEVEL, CHARGE LEVEL AND LIGHT INDICATOR
FORK SUNTOUR FORKS
WHEEL DOUBLE WALLED ALUMINIUM
TIRES 29" X 2.1"
BRAKES TEKTRO HYDRAULIC DISC BRAKES FRONT AND REAR
SHIFTERS SHIMANO DEORE M6000 SERIES -10 SPEED
SEAT SPRUNG MEMORY FOAM
PEDALS NECO CLIPLESS PEDALS
LIGHTS HYBRID LED FRONT AND REAR AUTO SENSOR SAFETY LIGHTS
$3800 (New price RRP $5990)

Buyer arrange shipping or pick up
Happy to answer any questions, viewings welcome

640 days ago

It's time to have your say on the Draft Annual Plan.

Christchurch City Council

This outlines what Christchurch City Council plans to spend on projects and day-to-day services in the next year and how we'll pay for it.

Find out more and have your say by Monday 10 April.
Find out more

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641 days ago

Citizens Advice Bureau awareness week

The Team from Citizens Advice Christchurch Area

It is Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) awareness week from 20th to 26th March.

We are a nationwide, but locally based, community organisation. Our volunteers are here to help people to know and understand their rights and obligations, and how to use this information to get the best outcomes. We … View more
It is Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) awareness week from 20th to 26th March.

We are a nationwide, but locally based, community organisation. Our volunteers are here to help people to know and understand their rights and obligations, and how to use this information to get the best outcomes. We provide people with the confidence and support they need to take action.

You don’t have to be a Citizen to use us and this week we are celebrating the diversity and multiculturalism within our service. If you would like help in your language, call our freephone number 0800 367 222, or visit your local CAB, and let us know what language speaker you require. Language should not be a barrier to getting the information and advice you need.

Find out more about CAB, what we do and what it's like volunteering. Click on the link to go to the podcast

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641 days ago

Addictive Eaters Anonymous

The Team from Addictive Eaters Anonymous - Christchurch

AEA holds regular online meetings and welcomes newcomers from all over the world. Attendance at meetings helps members feel a part of the fellowship. Members share how AEA has worked for them and the difference it is making in their lives.

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642 days ago
644 days ago

Alternative system for charging for water usage

Gordon from Halswell

I complained about the excess usage charge as it was never 'fair' and in the back of my mind, I thought that it has been the council's responsibility to supply it to us free of charge, which has now turned into the 1st 700lpd, as it is paid for in with our rates.
The fact that some … View more
I complained about the excess usage charge as it was never 'fair' and in the back of my mind, I thought that it has been the council's responsibility to supply it to us free of charge, which has now turned into the 1st 700lpd, as it is paid for in with our rates.
The fact that some use small amounts and others a huge amount, brings the 'fairness' issue to the forefront.
This topic has made me rethink and come up with another system.:
The council drops part of the rates pertaining to water supply and treatment and instead, we all pay for what we use via the meter - 'User pays'- no arguments.
The people who do not have meters are charged an average, +25% to encourage them to get a meter installed
The boot is now on the other foot but with fewer problems and whatever you use, you pay for, just like electricity.
Having written this, I am wondering if this was not the plan all along. However it does not matter if it was or was not, I can not think of a fairer system.
Remember for the "Water is free" brigade, we are not paying for the water, only pumping up from the Aquifer, treatment, and supply to the properties
I am sure some will disagree.

644 days ago

Buy more tickets today!

Heart Foundation

Increase your chances 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 … View more
Increase your chances 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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644 days ago

Free bike lessons for former refugee and migrant women

The Team from Citizens Advice Christchurch Area

Addington School
5-7pm Thursdays 2nd February - 30th March
Bike Bridge Christchurch - Taught by women, for women.

All abilities welcome - from those who have never sat on a bike to those that want to build confidence on the road.

Bikes and helmets provided.
Come when you can between 5-7pm;… View more
Addington School
5-7pm Thursdays 2nd February - 30th March
Bike Bridge Christchurch - Taught by women, for women.

All abilities welcome - from those who have never sat on a bike to those that want to build confidence on the road.

Bikes and helmets provided.
Come when you can between 5-7pm; no worries if you arrive late or need to leave early. No need to book.

Please wear closed footwear.

Bike Bridge at Addington School poster Feb 2023.pdf Download View

J
644 days ago

Kenwood K-Mix

Joanne from Halswell

Heavy duty blender. Glass jug. Excellent condition runs really well. Pick up in Halswell

Price: $80

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