Central Otago District, Alexandra

Time to tidy that garage

Time to tidy that garage

Use Neighbourly Market to make a few bucks while you're at it

417 days ago

Dementia Thought Leaders Take Centre Stage

Yvette Williams Retirement Village

September was a big month for two Ryman Healthcare dementia advocates, with presentations at two high profile conferences and an interview on TVNZ Breakfast which showcased their research and knowledge.

Dementia Project Specialist Caroline Bartle and Senior Architect Sara McCunnie, who describe … View more
September was a big month for two Ryman Healthcare dementia advocates, with presentations at two high profile conferences and an interview on TVNZ Breakfast which showcased their research and knowledge.

Dementia Project Specialist Caroline Bartle and Senior Architect Sara McCunnie, who describe themselves as ‘dementia nerds’, revealed their shared passion for their subject as part of Alzheimer’s Awareness month.

Caroline was interviewed by Matty McLean on TVNZ Breakfast last week to discuss the myRyman Life dementia care model and ways in which people can take steps to avoid or delay the onset of dementia.

Click to read more.

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417 days ago

Telephone dictation voting in the 2023 General Election

The Team from Electoral Commission

If you are blind, partially blind, or have a physical disability that means you cannot mark your voting paper without help, you can use the telephone dictation voting service.

You can use the telephone dictation voting service both from within New Zealand and if you’re overseas.

You do … View more
If you are blind, partially blind, or have a physical disability that means you cannot mark your voting paper without help, you can use the telephone dictation voting service.

You can use the telephone dictation voting service both from within New Zealand and if you’re overseas.

You do need to register to use this service though, before noon (NZ time) on Saturday 14 October.

You can find more information on our website here: vote.nz...

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417 days ago

An AI-generated future Queenstown has skyscrapers and cargo ships

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Otago News

By reporter Debbie Jamieson:

An AI-generated future for Queenstown including skyscrapers and a container ship is dividing opinion in the tourist town.

According to the vision, the golf course at Kelvin Heights will be covered in development and linked by a bridge to Queenstown Gardens, which … View more
By reporter Debbie Jamieson:

An AI-generated future for Queenstown including skyscrapers and a container ship is dividing opinion in the tourist town.

According to the vision, the golf course at Kelvin Heights will be covered in development and linked by a bridge to Queenstown Gardens, which hosts a line of glass-covered buildings.

Spread out skyscrapers sit in the central business district and on the popular lake front, while Shotover St has become an eight-lane highway.

Local André Chalmers took the photo of Queenstown and created the image with Photoshop Generative AI Fill to see what the town would look like with increased building heights.

The Queenstown Lakes District Council is consulting on plans to allow higher density development in the district, as directed under central Government’s National Policy Statement.

Queenstown, Frankton, Arrowtown, Wānaka and Lake Hāwea all face potential changes with buildings in the Queenstown town centre potentially reaching heights of 24m – or up to seven storeys.

They are currently restricted to 15.5m.

Of course, the skyscrapers in Chalmers’ image are much taller than 24m, but then the possibility of getting container ships and an oil tanker into Lake Wakatipu is also absurd – let alone considering where they might be going.

One commentator has suggested the ships could provide workers' accommodation.

Other social media followers have referred to the image as The Rio of the South, Queenscity, and Queenscoast.

Some have expressed concern that the image was an over-exaggeration and being used to spread misinformation and confusion.

Others are concerned there’s no snow on the Remarkables, no queue at Fergburger and no more car parking spots.

Plans to increase urban areas around the district have caused concern in communities such as Arrowtown, where a public meeting was held last month to understand the proposals.

High density residential areas could increase to 16.5m in Queenstown and 12m in Wānaka (from 10m) with medium density across much of the district to increase to 11m and low density increasing 1m to 8m.

The removal of setbacks in some zones will allow for more buildings and residential units to be constructed within a site than at present.

Minimum lot sizes in new developments are smaller and there is a reduction in car parking for developments close to public transport.

In its analysis of the proposal Todd and Walker Law said more development upwards and outwards would be permitted.

“We expect that new buildings constructed to the maximum height limits will disrupt existing views and amenity values for some landowners.

“The increase in townhouse and apartment complexes may also change the nature of existing suburbs.”

Submissions on the Proposed Urban Intensification Variation should be made by October 5.

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418 days ago

Voting is now open in the 2023 General Election!

The Team from Electoral Commission

You can find all the information you need about where, when and how to vote at vote.nz....

If you were enrolled at your current address by September 10, you will have been sent an EasyVote pack in the mail with an EasyVote card which will make voting easier.

However if yours hasn't … View more
You can find all the information you need about where, when and how to vote at vote.nz....

If you were enrolled at your current address by September 10, you will have been sent an EasyVote pack in the mail with an EasyVote card which will make voting easier.

However if yours hasn't arrived yet you can vote without it! Find your nearest voting place here:
map.vote.nz...

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419 days ago

Happy Grandparents Day!

The Team from NZ Compare

Happy Grandparents Day to our fantastic neighbours!

We wish you a day filled with celebration for your poppa, nan, koro, grandma or g'dad, while also remembering those who are no longer with us.
May your day be brimming with joy and treasured memories!

We extend our heartfelt … View more
Happy Grandparents Day to our fantastic neighbours!

We wish you a day filled with celebration for your poppa, nan, koro, grandma or g'dad, while also remembering those who are no longer with us.
May your day be brimming with joy and treasured memories!

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone for their amazing nominations! Your stories have touched our hearts deeply. And the winner is... Koko Grant, nominated by Khalei-Marley Taylor-Karaitiana! Congratulations!

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420 days ago

ANNOUNCING THE WINNER OF THE HOUSEHOLD HERO COMPETITION

The Team from NZ Compare

What an incredible turnout! Over 1360 Household Heroes were nominated by all of you for a chance to win a fabulous $350!
We know our nation is full of amazing Kiwis who keep things running at home, and you're all heroes!

But the real question is, did you win? Find out who's walking … View more
What an incredible turnout! Over 1360 Household Heroes were nominated by all of you for a chance to win a fabulous $350!
We know our nation is full of amazing Kiwis who keep things running at home, and you're all heroes!

But the real question is, did you win? Find out who's walking away with $350 towards their Broadband and Power bill!

Stay connected with NZ Compare for the latest broadband and power deals and exciting competitions. We're all about making it easy for you to compare and save money! CLICK HERE to learn more: www.nzcompare.com...

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421 days ago

Try this heart smart chicken stir-fry!

The Team from Heart Foundation NZ

Whip up this heart smart spring chicken stir-fry for World Heart Day. Packed with fresh veggies, tender chicken, and a zesty stir-fry sauce, this dish is both flavourful and nutritious.

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422 days ago

Show us your game-day photos!

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

We want to see your game-day photos and we have prizes to give away!

Whether you're getting dressed up in your All Blacks finest, have an impressive rugby-themed snack collection or have made a Rugby World Cup shrine in your living room, we want to see it all on Neighbourly!

To be in to… View more
We want to see your game-day photos and we have prizes to give away!

Whether you're getting dressed up in your All Blacks finest, have an impressive rugby-themed snack collection or have made a Rugby World Cup shrine in your living room, we want to see it all on Neighbourly!

To be in to win, simply post your photo on Neighbourly along with the word: RWCfan

Go, Team!

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425 days ago

Should cats follow some rules?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

We can all appreciate a good family cat but cats aren't known for toeing the line. New Zealand currently has no national cat management plan, allowing domestic and stray cats to roam and breed as they please. This can lead to the death of native species, not to mention … View moreWe can all appreciate a good family cat but cats aren't known for toeing the line. New Zealand currently has no national cat management plan, allowing domestic and stray cats to roam and breed as they please. This can lead to the death of native species, not to mention creating nuisance for neighbours. Do you think some laws should be in place for our feline friends?

Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the We Say You Say column of your local paper.

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423 days ago

Are you a keen gardener?

NZ Gardener

Subscribe to NZ Gardener this month and receive a Free Earths Botanics Gardeners Hand Cream worth $24 thanks to Matakana Botanicals. It’s hand cream made by gardeners, for gardeners. This offer is only available until October 1, so get in quick. T&Cs apply.

Every issue of NZ Gardener is … View more
Subscribe to NZ Gardener this month and receive a Free Earths Botanics Gardeners Hand Cream worth $24 thanks to Matakana Botanicals. It’s hand cream made by gardeners, for gardeners. This offer is only available until October 1, so get in quick. T&Cs apply.

Every issue of NZ Gardener is packed with amazing New Zealand stories, plus subscribers save money every month!

Happy Gardening,
The team at NZ Gardener
Subscribe now

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423 days ago

Nominate Your Tech-Savvy Grandparent to WIN!

The Team from NZ Compare

Have a poppa, nan, koro, grandma or g'dad who rocks the digital world?

Nominate them to WIN a $150 Prezzy® card! Nominate them now and tell us why they deserve to WIN.

Compare broadband and power bills with NZ Compare to save big and stay connected in the digital world.

*Entries … View more
Have a poppa, nan, koro, grandma or g'dad who rocks the digital world?

Nominate them to WIN a $150 Prezzy® card! Nominate them now and tell us why they deserve to WIN.

Compare broadband and power bills with NZ Compare to save big and stay connected in the digital world.

*Entries close 2 Oct 2023.
Compare now

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450 days ago

Try this heart-healthy dessert today!

The Team from Heart Foundation NZ

A heart-healthy diet doesn't have to mean you give up dessert entirely. Our chocolate brownie is deliciously rich, easy to make and sure to be a hit for the entire whānau. Try it for yourself today!

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438 days ago

NZ's best honesty boxes and roadside stalls

Lorna Thornber Reporter from Stuff Travel

Hi there,
We're compiling a travel piece on great honesty boxes and roadside stalls around NZ, and would love to hear your favourites. Is there somewhere you enjoy stopping off at for fresh fruit and vegetables, free-range eggs, flowers, or something else? It would be great if you could … View more
Hi there,
We're compiling a travel piece on great honesty boxes and roadside stalls around NZ, and would love to hear your favourites. Is there somewhere you enjoy stopping off at for fresh fruit and vegetables, free-range eggs, flowers, or something else? It would be great if you could share it's location and what makes it a standout. Please put 'NFP' (not for publication) in your comment if you don't want it or your name to appear in the article. You're also very welcome to email me at lorna.thornber@stuff.co.nz
Thank you for taking the time to share.

426 days ago

Last chance for tickets!

Heart Foundation

Final days to get your tickets for a chance to win this brand-new, fully furnished home in Glenbrook, Auckland. Worth over $1 million and built to perfection by Jennian Homes, this home features four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen plus walk-in pantry, two beautiful living rooms and is only a … View moreFinal days to get your tickets for a chance to win this brand-new, fully furnished home in Glenbrook, Auckland. Worth over $1 million and built to perfection by Jennian Homes, this home features four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen plus walk-in pantry, two beautiful living rooms and is only a short walk away from Glenbrook Beach with stunning views out to Āwhitu Peninsula.

Make this property your permanent residence, a holiday home, rent it or even sell it – it could be all yours! Be in to win by purchasing your tickets today – only $15 each.
Buy tickets now

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