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621 days ago

City leaders 'gravely concerned' for Christchurch library rebuild

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

From reporter Tina Law:

One of Christchurch's most popular libraries is at risk of being rebuilt as a “substandard facility” that will fail to meet the needs of its community, some city leaders fear.

There is a $2.5 million shortfall to rebuild South Library in Beckenham and with no extra money currently in the Christchurch City Council’s budget, councillors and community board members are worried the project will be scaled back.

They are urging the public to make a submission to the council’s draft annual plan, before submissions close at 11.59pm on Monday, to ensure more money is put in the budget.

Waihoro Spreydon-Cashmere-Heathcote Community Board chairperson Callum Ward​ told the council at its meeting last week that the board was “gravely concerned” about the project.

“Unless we adjust the budget now to meet the actual needs of the facility, the scope of this project will be eroded to the point where we will deliver a substandard facility that will fail to meet the needs of the community.”

Ward said the library, which was also a service centre, was one of the most well-used in the city and had a higher book turnover than Tūranga, the central library.

Read the full story here.

More messages from your neighbours
1 day ago

Poll: Would you rather: Christmas in summer forever or winter forever?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Just a bit of a fun poll to get you thinking.

If you had to live out your Christmas days, would you prefer it was a summer Christmas or a winter Christmas?

Image
Would you rather: Christmas in summer forever or winter forever?
  • 60.8% Summer
    60.8% Complete
  • 36.9% Winter
    36.9% Complete
  • 2.3% Other - I'll share below
    2.3% Complete
688 votes
2 hours ago

Panda Mart products recalled

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Several products sold at Panda Mart have been deemed unsafe for use.

Panda Mart products recalled are below (please click on the name to open the details):
Usha's Sunscreen
Mini Police Car
Panda Mart Kids electronic keyboard
Piano fitness walker
Baby Game blanket and baby gym
Panda Mart hot water bottles
Panda Mart bikes
Panda Mart baby walkers
Panda Mart baby rattles
Toy Excavator
Funny children walker
Children music walker
Baby rattle set

What you need to know:
- Consumers should cease to use these products immediately and return to Panda Mart Auckland or Christchurch store for a refund.

Please note, a Kmart product was also recalled:
Kmart Anko soft activity ball

And in case you missed it earlier in the month, ensure you're not using the Kmart Christmas duvets as this has led to hospitalisations just from exposure.

4 days ago

Poll: Cast your vote for NZ's Merriest Home 2024

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Neighbourly members across the country have been sharing their festive decor to be in to win the title of NZ's Merriest Home. We've narrowed the entries down to six finalists (our toughest feat yet!).

Now it's up to you!

Click on the name of the finalist to see all of their photos before you cast your merry vote!

Nishan Wijesinghe from Te Atatu South - See all photos here
Mark Williams from Tamatea - See all photos here
Linda Clack from Cockle Bay - See all photos here
Luke Murphy from Hornby - See all photos here
Joanne Isles from Hokowhitu - See all photos here
Kirstyn Tait from Wigram - See all photos here

The finalist with the most votes will win the title of NZ's Merriest Home and $200 to go toward more Christmas goodies!

You can also enlarge the images below by clicking on them. Happy voting, neighbours!

Cast your vote for NZ's Merriest Home 2024
  • 17.3% Nishan Wijesinghe from Te Atatu South
    17.3% Complete
  • 27.9% Mark Williams from Tamatea
    27.9% Complete
  • 6.1% Linda Clack from Cockle Bay
    6.1% Complete
  • 25.9% Luke Murphy from Hornby
    25.9% Complete
  • 6.9% Joanne Isles from Hokowhitu
    6.9% Complete
  • 16% Kirstyn Tait from Wigram
    16% Complete
757 votes