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The Christchurch Art Show is back at Te Pae Convention Centre March 8 – 10!
Expect amazing artwork of all types, artist demonstrations, and award- winning artists at New Zealand’s largest art show. The Christchurch Art Show’s new VIP Preview event opens 8 March 5pm, the ever-popular … View moreThe Christchurch Art Show is back at Te Pae Convention Centre March 8 – 10!
Expect amazing artwork of all types, artist demonstrations, and award- winning artists at New Zealand’s largest art show. The Christchurch Art Show’s new VIP Preview event opens 8 March 5pm, the ever-popular opening night follows this at 7:30pm. Both are pre- sale catered events and opening night will sell out!
Show Days are: Sat 9th March 10am-8pm and Sun 10th March 10am - 5pm.
Come and view thousands of original quality artworks, meet the artists and view live art demonstrations. Make it a day out and enjoy The Christchurch Art Show!
Buy Christchurch Tickets (New) – ART SHOW TICKETING
Peter is helping us out with something that nearly everyone can relate to – dealing with the unsorted photos taking up space on your phone or languishing in boxes in your home.
“Without fail, when I give a talk about getting organised, I’m always asked how to deal with photos,” says … View morePeter is helping us out with something that nearly everyone can relate to – dealing with the unsorted photos taking up space on your phone or languishing in boxes in your home.
“Without fail, when I give a talk about getting organised, I’m always asked how to deal with photos,” says Peter.
Boxes of unsorted photos can feel overwhelming to organise so they often get left for many years to clutter up our houses. In addition to this, most of us have smartphones that make it easy to take photos anywhere, so pretty soon our digital photo life becomes cluttered too.
Click read more for the full article.
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There have been hundreds of wonderful entries in this year's Prospa Local Business Hero from across the country! If you haven't nominated a special local business yet, do it today.
- Got a great mechanic? Nominate them today.
- A barista who makes you smile? Nominate them today.
- … View moreThere have been hundreds of wonderful entries in this year's Prospa Local Business Hero from across the country! If you haven't nominated a special local business yet, do it today.
- Got a great mechanic? Nominate them today.
- A barista who makes you smile? Nominate them today.
- A reassuring pharmacy team? Nominate them today.
Make a small business' day today by nominating them as your Prospa Local Business Hero - and you could make their whole year (our national winner picks up an incredible $10,000 prize package!)
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
A programme aimed at getting young people into jobs is proving successful in Mid Canterbury, despite youth unemployment rising in the wider Canterbury region.
The Mayors Taskforce for Jobs programme has helped place 47 young people employment in the… View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
A programme aimed at getting young people into jobs is proving successful in Mid Canterbury, despite youth unemployment rising in the wider Canterbury region.
The Mayors Taskforce for Jobs programme has helped place 47 young people employment in the Ashburton District since July - one of the highest rates in the South Island.
The success in Mid Canterbury comes as youth unemployment rose to its highest December quarter in Canterbury since 2018, according to figures from Stats NZ.
The Ashburton District Council ran a pilot of the Government-funded scheme to get youth into employment in February 2022, with a target of 12 youth employed by the end of June 2023.
It easily surpassed that figure and extended the programme for two years.
Compliance and development group manager Jane Donaldson said the contract aimed to deliver 38 people into jobs in the 2023-24 year.
With 47 already achieved, “it is likely that we will achieve far more than this”, Donaldson said.
An employment positive outcome is someone in permanent employment for more than 30 hours per week, she said.
There are 34 people in sustainable employment (longer than 90 days) and 13 haven’t reached the 90 days yet.
“We are currently working with 67 clients not in work and providing pastoral care for a further 60 in employment or education."
Employment coach Sharon Watson is leading the programme, which has 116 employers registered.
Of the 47 employed youths, 10 have gone into the primary industries, nine into retail, seven into hospitality, five into trades, and four into construction.
The programme is helping youth along the pathway to future employment, Donaldson said.
It assists with first aid certificates, health and safety training, forklift certificates, passenger, wheels, track and roller license endorsements, class 2, 4 and 5 licenses, traffic management training, and supports employers by providing professional development around communication techniques with staff, Donaldson said.
Rangitata MP James Meager said the success of the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs in Ashburton showed the importance of local solutions for local problems.
“With unemployment starting to trend up as the economic lag starts to bite, it’s important we look to take a social investment approach to support programmes that actually deliver outcomes.”
The number of NEET (youth not in employment, education or training) increased from 9.6% to 12.2% in Canterbury compared to the previous year, and just under the 12.5% recorded in 2018.
Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston was concerned by the statistics showing the increase in youth unemployment.
“Young people are disproportionately impacted by tightening economic conditions,” she said.
“It is also worrying that 40,000 people under the age of 25 are currently on a Jobseeker benefit, an increase of 66% compared to six years ago.”
PHOTO: Seth Hosken on a building site with Ashburton Mayor Neil Brown after getting a building apprenticeship with JKF Homes through the Mayor's Taskforce for Jobs in 2023.
*LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air
We're looking for delicious carrot recipes to feature in NZ Gardener's April issue. Send your family's favourite ways to eat this easy-to-grow vege crop to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by February 25, 2024. Every published recipe wins a copy of the April issue of NZ Gardener.
It could be our wonderful staff. Our vibrant communities. Our amazing amenities. Or just the peace of mind that our guaranteed fixed base weekly fee* brings. There are so many reasons to choose the Ryman lifestyle. We’d love to add one more reason to your list - $15,000 back for a limited time*.
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By Jonathan Leask, local democracy reporter
A popular camping spot with “million dollar views” in Mid Canterbury has been closed and blocked by bollards - infuriating locals.
Hakatere Huts is a coastal settlement at the Ashburton/Hakatere River mouth, which splits into two parts, upper … View moreBy Jonathan Leask, local democracy reporter
A popular camping spot with “million dollar views” in Mid Canterbury has been closed and blocked by bollards - infuriating locals.
Hakatere Huts is a coastal settlement at the Ashburton/Hakatere River mouth, which splits into two parts, upper and lower, based on the landscape's geographical divide.
Upper Hakatere had a camping area for about 60 years until the council closed it last year.
Wooden bollards were installed in February 2023 to block vehicle access and signpost it as a picnic area, while new picnic tables were installed. Camping is now restricted to Lower Hakatere.
Hakatere Hut representatives said it caught the residents by surprise as there had been no consultation.
Residents Gary Clancy, TJ Jonker, and Fritha Tagg are leading a campaign to bring back the campground, or at least get rid of the bollards.
“It was so easy to put them in, it would be so easy to take them out.”
The bollards don’t fit with the aesthetic of the site and are more suitable “in a farmyard or a prison”, Yonker said.
The council explained it was an operational decision in response to complaints, safety concerns, and wanting camping at the settlement to be self-funding.
Council business support group manager Leanne Macdonald said it had been discussed with hut residents last year.
The campground caretaker left and they were unable to fill the role so they needed "to limit where campers camp to keep maintenance and cleaning work down”, she said.
“When we met with the residents, we clarified that the minimal income received from people camping in this area did not cover the cost of a caretaker, and any cleaning or maintenance is primarily funded by the general ratepayer.”
However, Clancy said he didn't believe the suggestion it needed to be self-funding was a credible argument, based on other reserves, camping and picnic areas he looked at in the district.
Coastal erosion was also cited as a factor in the decision, but a setback fence was installed in 2017 to stop heavy vehicles from parking near the cliffs, Clancy said.
“There are plenty of examples of places where there is no overnight camping but you can picnic and people can park their vehicles on the grass without bollards, so why not here?” Clancy said.
“[Visitors] came here for the million dollar view. You never see anybody here now.”
Tagg said the bollards, parking, and undulating terrain also made it hard for the elderly and those with mobility issues to use the picnic tables.
“There were lots of people that would come for a picnic, cup of tea or sit for a while and soak in the view but they can’t do it now.
“The bollards prevent anyone from parking close."
Jonker said there was no signage to let visitors know of the change.
In response, McDonald said each area in the district was treated uniquely with its own appropriate solution.
“The bollards were primarily installed to discourage camping and direct campers to the lower level.
“We also hoped to create a picnic area that encouraged day visitors to enjoy the picnic area and the views on the upper level.
“People can, and still do park at the site."
The bollards make the picnic area a safe space for families with children, she said.
Additional signage to direct campers to Lower Hakatere would be considered, McDonald said.
The residents plan to present a petition to the council and submit to the long-term plan, calling for the campground's reinstatement, or at least the removal of the bollards.
The long-term plan is proposing to replace the old toilets at Lower Hakatere with a $240,000 new toilet block.
“Since we are encouraging campers to use lower Hakatere campsite, we are proposing to replace the existing septic tank toilets with new dry vault facilities nearer to the camping area, and away from the eroding coastline,” McDonald said.
The old changing shed was slated for demolition, but after discussion with the residents, it is set to be repurposed as a shelter, she said.
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The Pet Life.
It’s the life you share with your pet, and the life they share with you. We believe the pet life’s a life worth protecting.
Which is why we are dedicated to helping pets live longer, healthier and happier lives every day.
We’re proudly born and bred in New Zealand, and … View moreThe Pet Life.
It’s the life you share with your pet, and the life they share with you. We believe the pet life’s a life worth protecting.
Which is why we are dedicated to helping pets live longer, healthier and happier lives every day.
We’re proudly born and bred in New Zealand, and are equally proud to partner with the NZ Veterinary Association and Pet Refuge. Just two ways we’re there to support the Pet Life community.
Protect the Pet Life.
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
A decision is expected soon on a second Ashburton bridge as the Government rolls out its 100-day plan.
Transport Minister Simeon Brown last week announced the axing of the Auckland Regional Fuel Tax at the end of June, and said the … View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
A decision is expected soon on a second Ashburton bridge as the Government rolls out its 100-day plan.
Transport Minister Simeon Brown last week announced the axing of the Auckland Regional Fuel Tax at the end of June, and said the Government's Policy Statement on Land Transport “which will be released in the coming weeks".
In Mid Canterbury, there is hope it will confirm plans, funding and a timeline for the second bridge across the Ashburton/Hakatere River.
Infrastructure and open spaces group manager Neil McCann said the council is eagerly waiting and expecting an announcement soon.
The second bridge is a resilience project, providing a secondary crossing of the river with the existing bridge having closed twice in recent years due to flooding, cutting off the South Island.
It will also alleviate the congestion issues on State Highway 1.
The whole project, including connecting the bridge to existing roads, is expected to cost at least $113 million.
The council has budgeted $7.5m for the project, carried over from previous long-term plans.
“But obviously if the bridge gets fully funded we won’t need it," McCann said.
Ashburton’s mayor hoped the council wouldn't have to fund the bridge via ratepayers.
At a recent council workshop, mayor Neil Brown said when he meets with the Transport Minister he won’t be committing $7.5m to the project.
“The last Government committed 100% funding.”
The Labour Government included the second bridge as one of 14 key strategic projects in its land transport policy, which Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency uses to develop its 10-year National Land Transport Plan.
The coalition Government is preparing its own version of the policy.
“I know it’s being reviewed at the moment but it is in there at 100% funding,” Brown said.
The mayor said he hoped it remained that way, but some contribution may be required depending on the nature of the project.
During the election campaign, National pledged to build the bridge in its first term.
As the bridge will be built off Chalmers Avenue, and not along State Highway 1, it will be considered a local road once completed.
The council may be called on to fund any necessary upgrades on Chalmers Ave and the new connecting roads on the south side of the river, with the Government funding the bridge construction.
The council’s long-term plan has the construction slated to start in 2025-26 on the Chalmers Ave route, which will be determined by the Government's redrafted policy.
******
Not just transport resilience
Ashburton’s second bridge has been described as a resilience project that will benefit the whole South Island roading network.
That’s because the second bridge provides a backup for the 93-year-old SH1 Ashburton/Hakatere River Bridge.
Money is also set aside in the long term plan to lay a water main across the new bridge to provide resilience to the water supply.
The council is budgeting $4.62m for a new water main to be installed across the new bridge.
The bridge will also be built to allow for “all sorts of cabling and ducting in mind for the future”, McCann said.
That will provide an opportunity to lay alternative communications cables, as a fibre optic cable to the rest of the South Island runs across the SH1 bridge.
Photo caption: In the lead up to last year's election, National's local government spokesperson Simon Watts, council chief executive Hamish Riach, National’s Rangitata candidate James Meager, deputy mayor Liz McMillan, and National transport spokesperson Simeon Brown were on site at the SH1 bridge to discuss the plans for a second Ashburton/Hakatere River bridge. Photo credit: Jonathan Leask/LDR
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By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
A fact-finding exercise is taking a look at what appetite there is for public transport in Ashburton.
Safer Mid Canterbury and the Ashburton District Council have launched a survey to gather information about the future need for public transport in … View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
A fact-finding exercise is taking a look at what appetite there is for public transport in Ashburton.
Safer Mid Canterbury and the Ashburton District Council have launched a survey to gather information about the future need for public transport in Ashburton, including what people are willing to pay.
Ashburton mayor Neil Brown has previously stated that whatever option the district came up with there would need to be “some innovative ways of how it would work and how it would be funded”.
Currently, the only form of public transport in the district is the Mid Canterbury Connector service, a vehicle that travels from rural towns to Ashburton.
The new survey considers bus options as well as escooters and ebikes.
The council has asked Environment Canterbury (ECan), which runs public transport in the region, to consider public transport options for Ashburton as part of its regional land transport plan.
As per the council’s request, ECan is looking into innovative transport solutions in Ashburton in the plans.
The Ashburton survey and research will be valuable in preparing a submission on the plan, council infrastructure and open spaces group manager Neil McCann said.
The survey responses will be analysed alongside feedback from community groups, businesses, and transport operators, to help the council gauge if a public transport pilot is feasible.
The process is aimed at finding out the likely level of demand for a public service in Ashburton, McCann said.
“We want to know how often people would use public transport, what sort of schedule they want and if they would be willing to pay.
“This is a great chance to see if we should trial something like a MyWay or if we need any sort of public transport at all.”
The annual operating cost of the MyWay on-demand bus service in Timaru is $2.7m, consisting of $1.1m from rates, $1.3m from NZTA grants, and $0.25m from fare revenue.
Passengers book directly for the MyWay service using an app, website or the call centre.
They then catch the bus from a nearby ‘virtual bus stop’ or an existing stop, allowing for quick and efficient shared trips.
ECan and the Canterbury Regional Transport Committee are working on the 10-year plan for the region’s transport system.
It proposes a $10.8 billion investment in Canterbury over the next decade, with Ashburton’s second bridge the top project on the list.
The draft document points to public transport development in Ashburton.
The draft suggests “potential private innovations” be investigated to support the community transition to a public transport service being rolled out.
Classical crossover singer Rebecca Nelson told a captivated Cambridge audience how the town holds a special place in her heart for several reasons.
Rebecca’s performance was one of three shows lined up to entertain residents and soon-to-be residents of Ryman Healthcare’s Patrick Hogan … View moreClassical crossover singer Rebecca Nelson told a captivated Cambridge audience how the town holds a special place in her heart for several reasons.
Rebecca’s performance was one of three shows lined up to entertain residents and soon-to-be residents of Ryman Healthcare’s Patrick Hogan Village in Cambridge, Hilda Ross Village down the road in Hamilton and James Wattie Village in Havelock North.
Describing her connection to Ryman, she says: “It feels like coming home and performing for friends and family.”
Click read for the full story.
This Valentine’s Day, why not snuggle up with your loved one for a movie night in?
We've curated the ultimate list of the latest romantic flicks and binge-worthy shows to make your evening extra special.
Plus, don't forget to compare broadband options on Broadband Compare for the… View moreThis Valentine’s Day, why not snuggle up with your loved one for a movie night in?
We've curated the ultimate list of the latest romantic flicks and binge-worthy shows to make your evening extra special.
Plus, don't forget to compare broadband options on Broadband Compare for the best streaming deals!
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