Ashburton District, Ashburton

Let's get familiar!

Let's get familiar!

Introduce yourself on the Know Thy Neighbour page.

374 days ago

Paint it blue with Resene!

Resene

Did you know over 4,000 New Zealand men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year? In fact one in eight will get it during their lifetime.

We're proud to be supporting Paint It Blue once again in 2023 - and we'd love our neighbours to be involved too.

Simply buy any blue … View more
Did you know over 4,000 New Zealand men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year? In fact one in eight will get it during their lifetime.

We're proud to be supporting Paint It Blue once again in 2023 - and we'd love our neighbours to be involved too.

Simply buy any blue Resene testpot 60mL between 8-21 September and Resene will donate $1 to The Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand! Visit your local Resene ColorShop to find your new favourite blues.
Find out more

Image
374 days ago

Poll: How long have you been loyal?

The Team from NZ Compare

Kia Ora wonderful neighbours!
Have you noticed your broadband costs going up lately?

If you're a customer of one of the big providers Spark or One NZ, we'd love to hear how long have you been a loyal customer to them?

Image
How long have you been loyal?
  • 6.6% Under 2 years
    6.6% Complete
  • 11.8% Between 2-5 years
    11.8% Complete
  • 16% Over 5 years
    16% Complete
  • 65.6% Over 10 years
    65.6% Complete
468 votes
374 days ago

Freight hub making good progress

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:

The $18m Fairfield Freight Hub is making steady progress towards being ready earlier than expected.

Wareing Group director Mark Wareing says that after five months of construction, things are tracking ahead of schedule thanks to a dry winter.

View more
From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:

The $18m Fairfield Freight Hub is making steady progress towards being ready earlier than expected.

Wareing Group director Mark Wareing says that after five months of construction, things are tracking ahead of schedule thanks to a dry winter.

The completion date was October next year when construction began, based on the timing of doing the surface sealing after winter, he said.

“At this stage, we are on track to get that done before winter — so maybe April.”

That could mean the shunting yards could shift out of the centre of town early next year and out to the freight hub.

That was a pleasing progress report for the Ashburton District councillors and Rangitata MP Jo Luxton who were visiting the site.

The new rail siding, replacing and extending the old siding of the former Fairton freezing works, is nearing completion.

The only delay could be the installation of the new signals by KiwiRail, Wareing said.

Then the focus goes on preparing the 35,000sqm site for pavement sealing, which includes 1058m of kerb and channel around the outside.

The pavement is in two halves, truck only and container storage.

Contractors Fulton Hogan and Tarbotton Civil are working towards getting the truck-only side completed by the end of December.

The other half will then follow in the new year, followed by the construction of a storage shed and reefer towers.

“A reefer tower has power in it that you can keep a chilled or frozen container going.”

The hub will have the capacity for 120 containers to be kept chilled once all four reefer towers are completed.

Once operational the hub will process about 20,000 containers per year and moving the containers on rail will see a reduction of about 40,000 truck movements per year, Wareing said.

The installation of the Waka Kotahi’s weigh stations north of Rakaia could also be a boost for the hub Wareing said, with more operators looking to utilise rail.

The project is a tri-party commercial development led by the Wareing Group (which wholly owns Fairfield Freight Hub Ltd) with KiwiRail and the Ashburton District Council.

The council is contributing $2.3m to help fund the relocation of the rail yard from the town centre to the purpose-built facility at Fairton, which will be covered by funding from the Three Waters Reform Better Off Funding support package.

The Government is also chipping in with $2.5m from Waka Kotahi’s NZ Upgrade Programme.

375 days ago

Brand new docu-series, West Coasters, now on Whakaata Māori!

Maori TV

Kia ora koutou, It’s Natalie here from Whakaata Māori (formerly Māori TV) and I’m excited to tell you about this fabulous new TV show called "West Coasters".

It's an intimate documentary series that gives us a peek into the lives of a Māori community here in the rugged Te… View more
Kia ora koutou, It’s Natalie here from Whakaata Māori (formerly Māori TV) and I’m excited to tell you about this fabulous new TV show called "West Coasters".

It's an intimate documentary series that gives us a peek into the lives of a Māori community here in the rugged Te Tai ō Poutini region of the South Island. What sets it apart is its authenticity, showcasing their deep connection to the land and their dreams for the future. The Arahura River, flowing through their ancestral lands with its revered pounamu, plays a central role. It's a show that'll truly move you – don't miss it !

West Coasters – Mane Monday 7.30pm on Whakaata Māori or streaming on Māori+
Find out more

375 days ago

And the winners are...

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

We've randomly drawn five members to win our $100 petrol vouchers. Congratulations to:

Lucy Ye of Fairview Heights
Juan Smith of Invercargill
Charlotte Hassmann-Watts of Napier
Bob Sanders of Tauranga
Crystal Williamson of Christchurch

Winners, you can claim your prize here before … View more
We've randomly drawn five members to win our $100 petrol vouchers. Congratulations to:

Lucy Ye of Fairview Heights
Juan Smith of Invercargill
Charlotte Hassmann-Watts of Napier
Bob Sanders of Tauranga
Crystal Williamson of Christchurch

Winners, you can claim your prize here before the 19th of September. Enjoy!

Image
379 days ago

Show us your spring snaps

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Goodbye electric blanket, hello picnic blanket! That's right, spring is finally here.

Nowhere else does spring like your own backyard and we want to prove it...

So show us a snap of spring in your neighbourhood whether it's of your vibrant garden or a photo of some adorable baby … View more
Goodbye electric blanket, hello picnic blanket! That's right, spring is finally here.

Nowhere else does spring like your own backyard and we want to prove it...

So show us a snap of spring in your neighbourhood whether it's of your vibrant garden or a photo of some adorable baby lambs - anything that captures the magic of spring for you. Share your snaps below!

Image
375 days ago

Petition launched to ‘save Tinwald Pool’

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:

She saved the town’s water fountain and now has her sights set on saving the Tinwald pool.

Christina Cox was shocked to learn the council’s decision not to open the Tinwald Pool this summer and launched a campaign to gather community support to … View more
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:

She saved the town’s water fountain and now has her sights set on saving the Tinwald pool.

Christina Cox was shocked to learn the council’s decision not to open the Tinwald Pool this summer and launched a campaign to gather community support to ensure it’s only a temporary measure.

“I couldn’t believe they were even thinking about it.”

When the council had planned to relocate the town centre water fountain in 2019, Cox started a petition to help halt the plan.

Now she has started a similar campaign for the pool.

“I’d love it to be saved.”

Members of the community feel the same with her online petition already closing in on 500 signatures.

Cox used to be on a Tinwald pool committee when her children were younger, spending plenty of time poolside and has started taking her grandchildren to the pool.

The domain has had recent upgrades adding in a basketball court and now plans for a disc golf course, but is taking away the pool, she said.

“It doesn’t make sense.”

The pool has a series of problems that has caused the council the close it for the summer, but they are solvable problems, Cox said.

“I don’t know about the solution but considering it’s the only outdoor pool in town that’s open to the public, they should be coming up with solutions.”

It’s leaking 17,000 litres a day from unknown locations and the ageing treatment equipment that is close to failing requires a significant and costly rebuild.

The pool had a $66,000 loss in the 2021-22 season which had its highest patronage.

The pool had limited operating hours last summer due to a staffing shortage, with a lack of lifeguards also impacting the hours at EA Networks Centre pools.

The combination of issues caused the councillors to make the difficult decision to close the pool this summer and will consider the options for the pool, including an estimated $3m rebuild, in the long-term plan.

In the meantime, Cox hopes the pool gets enough community support to convince the council the pool needs to be retained.

The closure means that Ashburton will be without an outdoor pool this summer unless the council strikes up a deal with Hampstead School.

Otherwise, the option is the EA Networks Centre’s pools or a drive out of town to one of the other district pools at Hinds, Mayfield, Ruapuna, Mt Somers, Rakaia, or the non-council pools like in Methven.

Image
375 days ago

Prunning

Ruby from Oxford

Is there anyone near Oxford that can prune my apple trees and a small hazel nut hedge . Can pay at a reasonable hourly rate .
Cheers
Ruby

376 days ago

More Kiwis eligible for insulation grants

EECA

If you have family who have been feeling cold in their home through winter, help may be at hand to make their home warm, dry, and healthy.

They might be eligible for Warmer Kiwi Homes, a government grant offering 80% - 90% of the cost of ceiling and underfloor insulation, and up to 80% off an … View more
If you have family who have been feeling cold in their home through winter, help may be at hand to make their home warm, dry, and healthy.

They might be eligible for Warmer Kiwi Homes, a government grant offering 80% - 90% of the cost of ceiling and underfloor insulation, and up to 80% off an energy-efficient heater, like a heat pump.

In August, the eligibility criteria were extended so over 50,000 more homes are eligible for insulation grants. It gets better - there are lots of community organisations offering extra funding to reduce the cost further.

Go to our website to check their eligibility, today.
Find out more

Image
377 days ago

Be in to win a Heirloom Legacy Pan worth $399

NZ House and Garden

NZ House & Garden is giving your family the chance to win an iconic Heirloom Legacy Pan worth $399 thanks to Ironclad Pan Co. Each pan comes with your family name stamped on the base to make sure it’s cherished for generations to come.

To be in to WIN, … View more
NZ House & Garden is giving your family the chance to win an iconic Heirloom Legacy Pan worth $399 thanks to Ironclad Pan Co. Each pan comes with your family name stamped on the base to make sure it’s cherished for generations to come.

To be in to WIN, purchase a 1 or 2-year NZ House & Garden subscription before midnight on 17 September and you’ll automatically go in the draw. Returning subscribers can also enter by renewing at the advertised rate. T&Cs apply.

The team at NZ House & Garden.
Find out more

Image
Advertisement
377 days ago

Green bin organics

Christchurch City Council

Christchurch City Council needs a new way to manage green bin organics. Residents say odours from the Organics Processing Plant in Bromley are affecting their health and quality of life.

A permanent solution won’t be up and running for another three to five years. Something is needed sooner, … View more
Christchurch City Council needs a new way to manage green bin organics. Residents say odours from the Organics Processing Plant in Bromley are affecting their health and quality of life.

A permanent solution won’t be up and running for another three to five years. Something is needed sooner, so five short-term options are being considered.

This change affects everyone, to learn more and give your feedback.
Find out more

Image
377 days ago

RYOBI 175cc petrol mower for sale **** PRICE REDUCED FOR QUICK SALE ****

Bill from Oxford

Ryobi mower with dependable factory fitted Subaru 175 cc powerful motor 460 cm cutting width , 10 to 755 cutting Hight, 50 lt all plastic catcher. Model RLM4617ME .Starts first time and cuts very well ,fuel container supplied if required brought new from bunning about 5 odd years ago ,have … View moreRyobi mower with dependable factory fitted Subaru 175 cc powerful motor 460 cm cutting width , 10 to 755 cutting Hight, 50 lt all plastic catcher. Model RLM4617ME .Starts first time and cuts very well ,fuel container supplied if required brought new from bunning about 5 odd years ago ,have handbooks etc
phone or text me on 027 5204264 or message me ****** PRICE REDUCTION ******

Free

378 days ago

Leaky Tinwald Pool closed for summer

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:

It leaks 17,000 litres a day, has a failing plant and staffing issues so the Tinwald Pool will not open this summer to avoid being a drain on the ratepayers.

The future of the pool will be decided in the upcoming long-term plan (LTP) process.

View more
From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:

It leaks 17,000 litres a day, has a failing plant and staffing issues so the Tinwald Pool will not open this summer to avoid being a drain on the ratepayers.

The future of the pool will be decided in the upcoming long-term plan (LTP) process.

Graham Ackroyd, a Tinwald resident all his life and on the Tinwald Reserve Board for 20 years, understands the motives behind the closure of the pool but said it will still come as a shock to the community.

“If you can’t staff something and it needs a lot of maintenance, it’s pretty hard.

“It’s a great asset and it would be a shame to see it close completely.

The pool's issues weren’t insurmountable but would need community support to get the funding it needs, he said.

The outdoor pool has been leaking about 17,000 litres a day each season, its plant is failing, and a rebuild of the 50-year-old pool is estimated to cost at least $3m.

The pool has also been a drain on ratepayers.

The pool’s highest patronage in any one season of 3050 in the 2020-/21 season resulted in a financial loss of $66,000.

On top of the leaks, failing plant, and financial constraints, the pool has been hampered by staffing issues with a lifeguard shortage.

All of the factors combined for the Ashburton District Council to decide not to open the pool this summer and to consider its future LTP.

Councillor Tony Todd said the closure was “a sound business decision over the emotional side of it".

“We have a pool that’s losing 17,000 litres a day which probably isn’t a good look.”

Staff issues, low patronage and the “true cost is $22 per head” means a replacement facility needs consideration in the LTP, he said.

“And if a new pool is actually needed.”

Deputy mayor Liz McMillan suggested changing to a pool key system that doesn’t require lifeguards like at rural community pools.

As Tinwald has the potential to have up to 300 swimmers, and the key system model is more suited to lower usage, people and capability general manager Sarah Mosely said.

It also wouldn’t solve the leaking issues or financial constraints, she said.

Reduced opening hours were an option but as that retained fixed costs and is at the whim of the weather it was overlooked.

Hampstead School’s pool is a possible option as a temporary alternative but the issue of staffing “doesn’t stop by going to another pool”, Mosely said.

The pool closure was disappointing but with the EA Networks pools residents are not missing out, mayor Neil Brown said.

“Maybe slightly disadvantaged if you live in Tinwald, but you still have an option to still keep swimming”.

A
378 days ago

The Vintage Fair - North Canterbury

Amanda from Eyrewell Forest

Step into a world of nostalgia and charm at our enchanting Vintage Fair Join us for a delightful journey back in time, where treasures from yesteryears come alive. Immerse yourself in a tapestry of vintage fashion, antique collectibles, and timeless home decor, curated with love and care. Lose … View moreStep into a world of nostalgia and charm at our enchanting Vintage Fair Join us for a delightful journey back in time, where treasures from yesteryears come alive. Immerse yourself in a tapestry of vintage fashion, antique collectibles, and timeless home decor, curated with love and care. Lose yourself in a maze of stalls, each offering a unique blend of forgotten stories and enduring beauty. Whether you're an avid collector, a lover of all things retro, or simply seeking inspiration, our Vintage Market promises an unforgettable experience. So mark your calendar, gather your friends, and get ready to embark on a captivating adventure into the past, where every find has a tale to tell.

All stall holder fees are to be donated to Riding for the Disabled - North Canterbury for October’s Vintage Fair

Image
378 days ago

Clear the decks

The Team from Resene ColorShop Ashburton

Refresh your outdoor spaces with Resene Lumbersider and Resene Walk-on with these easy ideas.

Image
Top