Ashburton District, Ashburton

Wondering about something in your neighbourhood?

Wondering about something in your neighbourhood?

Whether it's a new building going up or a strange noise you keep hearing, ask your neighbours here.

422 days ago

Have you got a favourite family recipe for strawberries?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Dear neighbours, we're looking forward to spring and summer, and strawberries! Well, right now particularly we are looking for strawberry recipes for the magazine. Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by September 17, 2023. Every published recipe wins a copy of the November issue of… View moreDear neighbours, we're looking forward to spring and summer, and strawberries! Well, right now particularly we are looking for strawberry recipes for the magazine. Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by September 17, 2023. Every published recipe wins a copy of the November issue of NZ Gardener.

Image
B
423 days ago

Health and Wellbeing Event held by Tasman Young Farmers Region

Bella from Oxford

Morning Everyone!

Our regional Young Farmers is hosting a free Health and Wellbeing Event next Thursday!

We have got some awesome speakers coming along to share their stories and give us some tips on how to best manage our health and wellbeing!

Our number one aim is to get farmers off the … View more
Morning Everyone!

Our regional Young Farmers is hosting a free Health and Wellbeing Event next Thursday!

We have got some awesome speakers coming along to share their stories and give us some tips on how to best manage our health and wellbeing!

Our number one aim is to get farmers off the farm and out of the tractors to come down and have a chat, meet someone new and learn some skills as we know the huge impact being in the agriculture industry has on your wellbeing and health!

There will be a free BBQ!

So if this sounds like something you or your friends could benefit from, head along to the link below and RSVP! (this is just for catering purposes) We encourage everyone to bring a friend along!

And would love everyone to share this out amongst their friends/family and community!



Any questions feel free to message me or the Tasman Young Farmers Region facebook and we will reply as soon as possible



Link to RSVP: events.humanitix.com...

Location: Southbrook Rugby Club Rooms, Rangiora

Time: 7pm Start (come earlier to socialise and meet someone new)

Doors will open 6:30pm

Image
425 days ago

Poll: When's too early for DIY?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

We can all generally agree that noise from loud music or parties in the early hours of Sunday is a no-no. But when is it okay to fire up the power tools, leaf blower or lawn mower on a Sunday morning?

Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the We Say You Say… View more
We can all generally agree that noise from loud music or parties in the early hours of Sunday is a no-no. But when is it okay to fire up the power tools, leaf blower or lawn mower on a Sunday morning?

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

Image
When's too early for DIY?
  • 5.7% Afternoons are for DIY. Never mornings.
    5.7% Complete
  • 30.8% Anytime before 10am is too early.
    30.8% Complete
  • 25.7% 8am is early, but acceptable.
    25.7% Complete
  • 37.8% I'd let them away with 9am.
    37.8% Complete
1835 votes
423 days ago

Safer Speed Plan

Christchurch City Council

Lower speeds can saves lives and prevent serious injury. Reducing the speed vehicles travel makes a major difference in a crash. People make mistakes on our roads, and those mistakes shouldn’t cost our neighbours, whānau or pets their lives.

We're asking for … View more
Lower speeds can saves lives and prevent serious injury. Reducing the speed vehicles travel makes a major difference in a crash. People make mistakes on our roads, and those mistakes shouldn’t cost our neighbours, whānau or pets their lives.

We're asking for feedback on a Draft Safer Speed Plan which sets out a three-year implementation plan and 10-year vision for safe speed areas in Christchurch and Banks Peninsula.

To read the plan and give feedback by 25 October visit our website.
Find out more

Image
424 days ago

Ashburton mayor fuming over ‘unacceptable’ delay in SH1 bridge debris cleanup

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:

A two-month delay in clearing flood debris from a SH1 bridge is “not acceptable”, Ashburton’s mayor says.

The debris from the July 23 floods remained next to the State Highway 1 Ashburton/Hakatere River Bridge, despite Waka Kotahi NZ … View more
From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:

A two-month delay in clearing flood debris from a SH1 bridge is “not acceptable”, Ashburton’s mayor says.

The debris from the July 23 floods remained next to the State Highway 1 Ashburton/Hakatere River Bridge, despite Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency stating on August 3 that the debris would be cleared “in the next fortnight”.

It’s now mid-September and Ashburton Mayor Neil Brown said it’s not good enough.

“The delay is not acceptable.

“I was also told two weeks ago it would be removed within two weeks and it’s still there, so there will be a call to Waka Kotahi to please explain.”

So far the only action has been locals accessing the site to cut some of the debris into firewood.

Waka Kotahi maintenance contract manager for South Canterbury John Keenan said the work has been delayed while they wait for funding approval.

“While our highway contracting team waited for river levels to drop enough for them to gain safe access to the underside of the bridge and riverbed, an emergency works funding application was progressed, which has been approved in the last week and funded.

“The contractors should be starting the debris removal on the SH1 Ashburton River/Hakatere Bridge the in coming weeks, in conjunction with clearing the debris off the nearby rail bridges - at Hinds and Ashburton.”

The excuse didn't stand with Brown, who said the work needed to be done whether the funding was approved or not.

Debris forced the bridge to close on July 23.

“If it’s serious enough to close the bridge because of the debris building up, once the river level drops it should be serious enough to remove as fast as possible when it’s safe to do so," Brown said.

“That debris up against the piles causes risk for the stability of the bridge if another major flood comes down, so removing it as fast as they can would be beneficial to the life of the bridge.”

424 days ago

Election candidates locked for hotly contested Rangitata seat

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:

Eight candidates are standing in what is set to be a hotly contested Rangiata electorate in the upcoming general election.

Incumbent Rangitata MP, Labour’s Jo Luxton, will go head-to-head with National’s James Meager, who is out to reclaim the … View more
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:

Eight candidates are standing in what is set to be a hotly contested Rangiata electorate in the upcoming general election.

Incumbent Rangitata MP, Labour’s Jo Luxton, will go head-to-head with National’s James Meager, who is out to reclaim the traditionally National seat in Canterbury.

The Rangitata electorate was among those that swung left as the red wave swept the country in the 2020 election.

It meant Luxton achieved a first for Labour in the region, turning the National stronghold of Rangitata from blue to red as part of Labour's landslide victory.

Former Rangitata MP and National candidate Andrew Falloon quit in the lead-up to the last election amid allegations of him sending indecent images to women.

In 2017, he easily won with 56% of the vote, compared to Luxton's 36.6%.

That flipped in 2020, when Luxton beat Falloon's last-minute replacement Megan Hands, with 49.2% of the vote, while Hands received 40%.

Meager is the newcomer for National, hoping to turn the electorate back to blue.

Even if Meager does win, Luxton sits at 19 on the Labour list so she would likely retain her place in Parliament.

It is tipped to be a traditional two-horse race in Rangitata between the Labour and National candidates, but the minor parties are well represented, except for ACT.

ACT had a huge boost in 2019 claiming 9.7% of the electorate’s party vote, but will be without a candidate in 2023. Elaine Naidu Franz resigned as the ACT candidate after historic social media posts came to light and the party has not put forward a replacement.

The other candidates standing in Rangitata are Robert Ballantyne (NZ First), Barbara Gilchrist (Green), Karl Thomas (New Conservative), Wayne Shearer (New Zealand Loyal), Karl Thomas (New Conservatives), and Dolf Van Amersfoort (New Nation Party).

For those on the Māori roll in the district, they will vote in the Te Tai Tonga electorate.

Labour’s Rino Tirikatene has held the seat for four terms and is standing for a fifth.

He is running against Tākuta Ferris (Te Pāti Māori), Geoffrey Karena Fuimaono Puhi (Independent), and Rebecca Robin (Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party).

Advance voting opens on October 2, with the polls closing at the physical voting booths at 7pm on October 14. Provisional results are expected to start coming through from 7pm that night.

+++FACT BOX+++

Rangitata candidates:

Robert Ballantyne, New Zealand First Party

Michael Clarkson, Rock the Vote NZ

Barbara Gilchrist, Green Party

Jo Luxton, Labour Party

James Meager, National Party

Wayne Shearer, New Zealand Loyal

Karl Thomas, New Conservatives

Dolf Van Amersfoort, New Nation Party

424 days ago

Fancy $100 to spend?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

We've randomly drawn five lucky members to win our $100 Prezzy® cards - you can use these anywhere. Congratulations to:

Margaret Ewers of Richmond
Barbara Meurk of Feilding
Mustafa Arshad of Mount Roskill
Jared Welsh of Greymouth
Teresa Newman of Northwood

Winners, you can … View more
We've randomly drawn five lucky members to win our $100 Prezzy® cards - you can use these anywhere. Congratulations to:

Margaret Ewers of Richmond
Barbara Meurk of Feilding
Mustafa Arshad of Mount Roskill
Jared Welsh of Greymouth
Teresa Newman of Northwood

Winners, you can claim your prize here before the 26th of September. Enjoy!

Image
424 days ago

Spring Clean Your Bills!

The Team from NZ Compare

Tidying up the house? Don't forget to tidy up your bills too!

Is your broadband contract or power contract expiring soon? Now's the perfect time to COMPARE and SWITCH your broadband and power plans for a fresh start. Save money this Spring!

As Daylight Savings starts this Sunday, … View more
Tidying up the house? Don't forget to tidy up your bills too!

Is your broadband contract or power contract expiring soon? Now's the perfect time to COMPARE and SWITCH your broadband and power plans for a fresh start. Save money this Spring!

As Daylight Savings starts this Sunday, remember to set your clocks before bedtime.
Compare now

Image
424 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

453 days ago

Tickets on sale now!

The Team from NZ House & Garden Tours

We’re so excited to let you know that the NZ House & Garden Tours are back for another sell-out summer. ☀️

In 2024, we're visiting Queenstown (16 & 17 February), Christchurch (23 & 24 February), Whanganui (15 & 16 March) and Tauranga (22 & 23 March).

Whether … View more
We’re so excited to let you know that the NZ House & Garden Tours are back for another sell-out summer. ☀️

In 2024, we're visiting Queenstown (16 & 17 February), Christchurch (23 & 24 February), Whanganui (15 & 16 March) and Tauranga (22 & 23 March).

Whether you’re a design enthusiast or just want to take a peek inside some of New Zealand's most beautiful homes, join us for a day of inspiration and fun. It’s the perfect excuse for you to gather a group of friends and make a day ... or weekend of it. These tours proudly support Breast Cancer Foundation NZ.

🚨 Tickets are on sale now! Purchase your tickets here.

Image
433 days ago

Show us what you've got, e hoa!

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

We're not saying 'Ka kite' to 'Kia ora' but let's challenge ourselves a little more for Te Wiki o te Reo Māori...

Held from the 11th-17th September, Māori Language week gives us a chance to celebrate our beautiful national language. Maybe you'll be … View more
We're not saying 'Ka kite' to 'Kia ora' but let's challenge ourselves a little more for Te Wiki o te Reo Māori...

Held from the 11th-17th September, Māori Language week gives us a chance to celebrate our beautiful national language. Maybe you'll be celebrating by watching the Toku Reo videos and using Te Aka (Maōri Dictionary) to improve your knowledge, or maybe you've found a buddy for the week that will only kōrero in te reo with you. Ka pai!

If you're a fan of chocolate, we have five blocks of Whittakers Miraka Kirīmi tiakarete to give away. Whether long or short, simply share your show-off phrase below to be in to win. (Winners randomly drawn and notified on Mon, 18th Sept).

Image
425 days ago

Can you solve The Hard Word?

The Team from Stuff

Put down the coffee, feed your brain every weekday and hopefully have a bit of fun in the process.

There’s a new word puzzle that’s a little “anagram-istic”, a tad “Boggle-ing” and a bit harder than both. It’s aptly named, The Hard Word.

You get one scramble of letters, one … View more
Put down the coffee, feed your brain every weekday and hopefully have a bit of fun in the process.

There’s a new word puzzle that’s a little “anagram-istic”, a tad “Boggle-ing” and a bit harder than both. It’s aptly named, The Hard Word.

You get one scramble of letters, one cryptic clue and one tense minute to unscramble the letters and guess the answer.

Proudly brought to you by Neighbourly, The Hard Word can be found 9am weekdays on Stuff. Give it a go today - if you dare…
Play Now

Image
426 days ago

ELECTRIC BLOWER VAC/MULCHER **** price reduced ****

Bill from Oxford

Ozito 2400 watt power garden vac 14,000 no load speed, 270 km/h air speed , 10:1 mulching ratio,40 L collection bag 5.14kg weight in almost unused condition .Runs and mulches even green wet leaves well. has patio extension as well
garage tool clean out
phone or text Bill on 027 5204264 or … View more
Ozito 2400 watt power garden vac 14,000 no load speed, 270 km/h air speed , 10:1 mulching ratio,40 L collection bag 5.14kg weight in almost unused condition .Runs and mulches even green wet leaves well. has patio extension as well
garage tool clean out
phone or text Bill on 027 5204264 or message me

Price: $10

428 days ago

Find out your heart age!

The Team from Heart Foundation NZ

Try our online heart-health tool 'My Heart Check' to find out your estimated heart age compared to your actual age. The result may surprise you!

Click the link to find out more.

Image
430 days ago

Council explains why it ruled out a quick-fix on leaky Ashburton pool

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:

Any temporary repair of Tinwald Pool's leaks would not have solved the staffing shortages, the Ashburton Council says.

“Council’s decision was based on multiple factors, including that we wouldn’t be able to have sufficient … View more
From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:

Any temporary repair of Tinwald Pool's leaks would not have solved the staffing shortages, the Ashburton Council says.

“Council’s decision was based on multiple factors, including that we wouldn’t be able to have sufficient lifeguards," people and facilities group manager Sarah Mosley said.

“Due to the community frustration of ad-hoc closures last summer, council decided to provide certainty around the pools closure well ahead of the summer season.”

The pool leaks 17,000 litres a day, the plant is failing, and along with staffing shortages, the council saw it as untenable to open this summer.

The Ashburton District Council is set to consider options for the 50-year-old outdoor pool’s future.

“As renewal of the pool and plant would come at a significant cost, a business case will be presented to council for the long-term plan 2024/34.”

A further patch job was discounted due to the unknown location of the leaks coupled with the likelihood that there would be insufficient staffing to open the pool, Mosley said.

The pool has had multiple repairs over the last 10 years to address the leaking pool shell, Mosley said.

“These repairs have a limited lifespan and they do not resolve leaks from the underground pipework.

“Due to the underground location of many of the services, it would be a significant job to inspect all pipework to identify the leaks, and given the age of the pipes, the recommendation to replace existing pipe and pumping equipment is part of the rebuild business case.”

The council allocated $200,000 of its Three Waters Better Off government funding towards several community pool projects, including the early design work for a rebuild of Tinwald Pool.

That work will produce a preliminary design of the pool rebuild, which will help set a budget for the long-term plan, Mosley said. An initial $3m cost estimate is based on similar pool rebuilds, but

The business case is likely to garner plenty of community support, with a petition to ‘save our pool’ already having over 650 signatures.

In the meantime, EA Networks Centre will be the only public pool in Ashburton this summer.

The annual maintenance shutdown will be moved to accommodate that fact, while the recruitment of lifeguards is also an ongoing focus, Mosley said.

Top