Thank you for using Neighbourly
For a bit of fun, imagine we are making a time capsule to tell the future about life in New Zealand in 2023. What would you add to our time capsule?
Some ideas include:
A pair of Crocs
An air fryer
A poem written by ChatGPT
A PakNSave receipt
A teaspoon commemorating the Coronation of … View moreFor a bit of fun, imagine we are making a time capsule to tell the future about life in New Zealand in 2023. What would you add to our time capsule?
Some ideas include:
A pair of Crocs
An air fryer
A poem written by ChatGPT
A PakNSave receipt
A teaspoon commemorating the Coronation of King Charles III
A copy of Prince Harry’s book “Spare”
A banner that says “Up the Wahs”
What would you put in there to sum up life in NZ this year?
Pack the bikes, lace up your tramping boots, jet set to an international city, relax on an ocean cruise. Embracing adventure is made easy with our lock-and-leave-style living. We keep your home secure and well-maintained while you take off to explore what brings you joy.
“Moving to a Ryman … View morePack the bikes, lace up your tramping boots, jet set to an international city, relax on an ocean cruise. Embracing adventure is made easy with our lock-and-leave-style living. We keep your home secure and well-maintained while you take off to explore what brings you joy.
“Moving to a Ryman apartment meant that we could take off, lock up, and leave everything. So that’s what we did, and it has been wonderful, just amazing.” Eric and Glynn, William Sanders Village residents.
Discover more about the freedom of living in a Ryman village.
Enjoy your favourite photos every day with these three crafty framing projects finished in Resene paints.
Find out how to do this in your own home with these instructions.
Sale now on at Resene ColorShops! For a limited time only save the GST value on Resene premium paints, wood stains, wallpaper and decorating accessories at Resene ColorShops.
As the Holiday Season approaches, it's the perfect moment to review your broadband and power bills.
Ready to SAVE in 2023? Compare effortlessly at www.broadbandcompare.co.nz... and www.powercompare.co.nz... New year, new plan, new provider? Sounds good!
Santa has sent his elves out on a secondment to create The Nice List. We've heard some reports that these inquisitive elves are also wreaking havoc.
In homes across the country, children have woken to find elves hiding in the Christmas tree or snacking in the cookie jar. Share what your … View moreSanta has sent his elves out on a secondment to create The Nice List. We've heard some reports that these inquisitive elves are also wreaking havoc.
In homes across the country, children have woken to find elves hiding in the Christmas tree or snacking in the cookie jar. Share what your cheeky elf has been up to this Christmas...
Get ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime! You could be the lucky winner of a mesmerising 4-night getaway to the breathtaking Solomon Islands sponsored by the film Migration and thanks to our friends at Solomon Airlines – all exclusively for our subscribers! Terms and conditions apply.
… View moreGet ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime! You could be the lucky winner of a mesmerising 4-night getaway to the breathtaking Solomon Islands sponsored by the film Migration and thanks to our friends at Solomon Airlines – all exclusively for our subscribers! Terms and conditions apply.
What’s included?
Return flights for a family of 4 from Auckland to Munda, Solomon Islands via Solomon Airlines, a 4-night stay in a family bungalow at Zipolo Habu Resort, the use of kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkelling equipment, and return Munda Airport transfers are all provided by the accommodation.
Don't miss your chance to turn your dreams into reality. Your ticket to paradise is just a click away! Enter now.
The team at Stuff
Merry Christmas! The holiday rush is on, and we know it can be overwhelming. With gifts to buy, meals to plan, and stockings to stuff, preparation is key to making the most out of your budget.
Don't let the rising costs of living dampen your holiday spirit. While sales can be enticing, … View moreMerry Christmas! The holiday rush is on, and we know it can be overwhelming. With gifts to buy, meals to plan, and stockings to stuff, preparation is key to making the most out of your budget.
Don't let the rising costs of living dampen your holiday spirit. While sales can be enticing, not all that glitters is gold. Stay informed with our tips for a savvy and stress-free shopping experience!
Head to PriceMe to browse and find the best deals this holiday season and on Boxing Day.
The NZ Compare team wishes you a safe and joyful Holiday Season. Thank you for your support; we love helping Kiwis nationwide find better plans, prices, and providers.
Every bit counts in keeping households connected! Our team will be back on January 11, 2024, and until then, stay safe and have… View moreThe NZ Compare team wishes you a safe and joyful Holiday Season. Thank you for your support; we love helping Kiwis nationwide find better plans, prices, and providers.
Every bit counts in keeping households connected! Our team will be back on January 11, 2024, and until then, stay safe and have fun!
We hope you are with those you love and Santa has been good to you. Enjoy!
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Mid Canterbury residents are facing a possible 11.5% rate increase.
That is the figure the Ashburton District councillors landed at after two and half days of poring over the budgets for the draft long-term plan, having started with a figure of … View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Mid Canterbury residents are facing a possible 11.5% rate increase.
That is the figure the Ashburton District councillors landed at after two and half days of poring over the budgets for the draft long-term plan, having started with a figure of 13.75%.
“A big chunk of the increase is roading,” chief executive Hamish Riach said.
“Roading is the single biggest cost factor”
Over the next three years, the roading budget is proposed to increase by 29% ($10.7m).
The council won’t know until around May if NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi will match its proposed roading programme, and subsidise 51% of the $10.7m.
Debt servicing costs from capital works, including three waters, over the last few years is another large factor, Riach said.
Three waters, drinking, waste and storm water, work will continue to impact the budgets over the next 10 years as the council works to reach mandatory compliance standards.
The final details will be prepared, including how the 11.5% average will impact on various areas, for the next budget workshop on January 17.
There is plenty of water to go under the bridge before the LTP – which includes a new bridge and a water main under it – is locked in at the end of June.
Councillor Carolyn Cameron said she felt the signalled rise is too high.
“I think 11.5% is too much.”
Deputy Mayor Liz McMillan said councillors probably all agreed it was too high, but would struggle to find ways of cutting it back.
Mayor Neil Brown said it will be up to the ratepayers to decide if the 11.5% increase is too high.
“Let the community tell us when we consult what they don’t want.
“Where do they want us to cut.”
The councillors had been working on a rough formula that 1% equated to $470,000.
Utilising dividends and interest earned from investments, along with reserves, to the tune of $6,447,987 for 2024/25 is effectively subsiding rates by 13.7%.
Of the 11.5% increase signalled, roading, with an additional $1.8m from the council, is around 3% and the compliance works on drinking water (an extra $1.67m) and wastewater ($950,000) combine for around 5%.
Once the draft LTP is produced early next year, it will go out for public consultation in March.
Plenty for community to consider long long-term
Plenty of focus will be on the proposed 11.5% increase in the first year of the long-term plan (LTP), and there is a lot to consider further down the road.
The LTP sets the council’s work programme for the next 10 years and there are lot of big decisions to be made on the future of the district, and the cost implications.
In terms of roading, the second bridge and council’s potential $8m contribution will likely be determined by the new government's revision of transport funding policy.
The council is also planning to install a new water main across the new bridge for an estimated $4.62M.
Like the second bridge will provide resilience for transport, Riach said the second water main will do the same for the water supply. The current main goes across the existing SH1 Ashburton/Hakatere River bridge which will one day need to be replaced.
The introduction of green bins, kerbside food and green organic waste collection is planned for year three (2026/27).
One area that will garner plenty of discussion, as it did in the budget workshops, is where $3m should be spent on aquatic facilities – if at all.
A repair of the Tinwald Pool, a new outdoor pool at EA Networks Centre, a waterplay and paddling pool at the Ashburton Domain, and hydroslides at EANC were all presented as options – as was the option to do nothing.
Councillor Richard Wilson labelled the Tinwald Pool a dead duck due to the unknown extent of repairs needed matched with lifeguard resourcing issues.
Building a new outdoor pool at the centre, which would alleviates the lifeguard issue, was the preferred option by a slim majority - just ahead of doing nothing.
There was little appetite for hydroslides, while the domain water play option remains part of the Ashburton Domain 30-year plan and could still go ahead in the future.
All five options will be up for debate through the consultation process.
An extension to the aquatic side of the centre, estimated at $22m, was ruled out of the LTP.
A $21m extension to the centre's stadium, which would add three courts and additional car parking, has been included from year five (2028/29).
The Art Gallery and Heritage Centre is almost 10 years old and requires ‘significant renewals’ in the LTP, which include new lighting, a reconfiguration of the shop and reception, and a $2.5m refresh of the museum display around 2028/29.
The community will also be asked to consider the future of Balmoral Hall.
There was $480,000 budgeted for repairs, but Riach said it is “woefully inadequate”.
The actual cost is estimated to be around $1.4m, which the councillors felt was too much and will instead look to divest the building.
New Zealand Food Safety is supporting Woolworths in its recall of its Summer Berry Mince Pies due to the possible presence of fine metal.
What you need to know:
- Due to a manufacturing issue, fine wire may have got into the pies.
- Two consumer complaints have been received but no injuries … View moreNew Zealand Food Safety is supporting Woolworths in its recall of its Summer Berry Mince Pies due to the possible presence of fine metal.
What you need to know:
- Due to a manufacturing issue, fine wire may have got into the pies.
- Two consumer complaints have been received but no injuries have occurred.
- This recall affects 2 batches of mince pies sold at Woolworths, Countdown, SuperValue and FreshChoice stores nationwide:
Summer Berry Mince Pies 360g with a 12/06/2024 best-before date
Summer Berry Mince Pies 360g with a 13/06/2024 best-before date.
- If you have bought any of these mince pies, they should not be eaten, and can be returned to the place of purchase for a refund.
- The batches under recall have already been removed from store shelves and have not been exported.
If you have consumed any of this product and are concerned for your health, contact your health professional, or call Healthline on 0800 611 116 for free advice.
Transform your hen house into a colourful garden feature with Resene paints.
Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
Ready for a festive movie night? Check out our top picks for the Best Christmas Movies for 2023!
Whether you're into laughs, rom-coms, or family fun, we've got your holiday vibes covered. Grab your popcorn and let the Christmas magic begin!
It’s that time of the year when we eat a little too much Pav, watch Love Actually for the umpteenth time then head off on holiday in search of some summer fun with friends and family. As we sign off for the year, we’d like to wish everyone a joyous holiday season filled with warmth, love and … View moreIt’s that time of the year when we eat a little too much Pav, watch Love Actually for the umpteenth time then head off on holiday in search of some summer fun with friends and family. As we sign off for the year, we’d like to wish everyone a joyous holiday season filled with warmth, love and laughter. So, from all our staff and residents, have a very happy holiday and a safe and prosperous New Year.
© Neighbourly 2024
Loading…
