Ashburton District, Ashburton

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578 days ago

Stop paying too much!

The team at NZ Compare

The affordability of everyday items just keeps increasing!

If it’s not the petrol prices, it’s the cost of food, insurance or rates and let’s not get started on mortgage interest costs!

Home loan interest rates don't stay the same for long these days and it’s causing many … View more
The affordability of everyday items just keeps increasing!

If it’s not the petrol prices, it’s the cost of food, insurance or rates and let’s not get started on mortgage interest costs!

Home loan interest rates don't stay the same for long these days and it’s causing many households to feel stressed out. Could you be saving thousands of dollars a year? If you don't check, you don't know.

Get a FREE mortgage health check through Money Compare and find out. If you could save money, why wouldn’t you right?!
Click Here

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578 days ago

Tree removal part of long-term upgrade work

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:

Trees being removed in the Ashburton Domain are part of a planned upgrade of the kiosk.

Members of the community were alarmed to see the trees being removed but it is part of some domain upgrade work the Ashburton District Council announced in … View more
From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:

Trees being removed in the Ashburton Domain are part of a planned upgrade of the kiosk.

Members of the community were alarmed to see the trees being removed but it is part of some domain upgrade work the Ashburton District Council announced in January.

Contractors are working to upgrade services to the kiosk in the picnic ground off Grigg St, which council infrastructure and open spaces group manager Neil McCann said was part of long-term planning for the domain.

“The kiosk is regularly booked by people or businesses hosting outdoor functions in the picnic ground area and this is a good opportunity to upgrade services to it.”

The available for hire kiosk has running water, electricity, a Zip water heater and facilities to wash dishes and prepare food.

The kiosk building will be improved or rebuilt over time as part of the long term Ashburton Domain Development Plan.

The council’s open spaces staff are overseeing the current upgrade work, which involves contractors digging a trench alongside the sealed path for a new services pipeline that runs east from the corner of Grigg and Elizabeth streets.

On the southern side of the sealed path some Ash trees, of varying size, shape and quality, have been removed but will be replaced as the area is refurbished over time.

Strawberry trees under the big cedars have also been removed because they were all intertwined and overgrown, and once the services have been dug in a new hedging shrubbery will be planted there.

*Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ on Air

578 days ago

Lifeguard shortage hits Ashburton

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:

A shortage of lifeguards is forcing reduced hours at the Tinwald Pool for the rest of summer.

The lifeguard shortage is impacting the operation of Ashburton District Council run pools, with the EA Networks Centre (EANC) based team also covering … View more
From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:

A shortage of lifeguards is forcing reduced hours at the Tinwald Pool for the rest of summer.

The lifeguard shortage is impacting the operation of Ashburton District Council run pools, with the EA Networks Centre (EANC) based team also covering the Tinwald Community pool, but also other centres across the country.

The shortage has hit harder in Ashburton in recent weeks due to a combination of staff returning to university and multiple fulltime lifeguards isolating due to Covid, people and facilities group manager Sarah Mosley, said.

“It has been disappointing to reduce Tinwald’s operational hours sporadically during this season, however, it was the only option given the staff we had available,” Mosley said.

“Like many other facilities around New Zealand, we’ve had lifeguard vacancies all summer, which has made it challenging to staff both pools.”

It meant at Waitangi weekend, in the middle of a run of 30C days, the pool hours were reduced and even closed on the Saturday.

The council lifeguard team consists of six full-time permanent staff and 14 part-time employees, Mosley said.

“We require 384 lifeguard hours per week to operate EANC in accordance with our Pool Safe Certification and when Tinwald Pool is open, we need an additional 119 lifeguarding hours per week.”

That’s a total of 503 lifeguard hours every week in the peak of summer to keep both facilities open but this summer they don’t have the cover.

“Given these challenges, and with the end of the season approaching, Tinwald Pool will now be open Friday to Sunday to align with higher usage.”

A Children’s Day event will be held in the Tinwald Domain on March 5, which is also the last day of the Tinwald Pool season, which will be free entry. Mosley said.

Following some recent recruitment, Mosley said they still have six shifts needing filled at EANC.

Other community pools are not run by council and Mosley said they follow a non-supervised season subscription (key holder) operation model.

“Some offer hours where supervision is provided, whereas others don’t, and most rely on parents or guardians supervising children.”

Mosley said the council supports and funds some health and safety related projects and operational costs for five pools - Hinds, Rakaia, Mt Somers, Ruapuna, and Mayfield - which are on council land but are managed by community groups.

There are seven other community pools in the district that are not on council land and managed by community groups - Willowby, Hampstead, Fairton, Dorrie, Wakanui, Lauriston, and Methven.

Methven Community Pool has been closed this summer as fundraising efforts continue to raise the $250,000 for major repairs.

Ōpuke Thermal Pools in Methven utilises lifeguards for its discovery (all ages) pools and director James McKenzie said they are always on the hunt for lifeguards.

“We are a lot better off this year than the same time last year but could always do with a couple more as many only work part-time on a casual basis,” McKenzie said.

*Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ on Air

580 days ago

apples

Mary from Ashburton District

hi has anyone got Peasgoods non such.APPLES I can buy please

579 days ago

Have you got the shed of your dreams?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Dear neighbours,

Last year, Jane Horne and partner Simon Bartholomew's Mondrian-inspired cube took the title of Resene Shed of the Year. Now, we're on the hunt for this years winner! Send us photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever storage spaces, cute chicken … View more
Dear neighbours,

Last year, Jane Horne and partner Simon Bartholomew's Mondrian-inspired cube took the title of Resene Shed of the Year. Now, we're on the hunt for this years winner! Send us photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever storage spaces, cute chicken coops and potty potting sheds to win amazing prizes worth more than $2000. The Resene Shed of the Year 2023 winners will be announced in the April issue of NZ Gardener.

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579 days ago

Want more heat ?

Airify Heat Pumps

If you're wanting more heat from your heat pump, then a professional clean & service can help.

Blocked heat pumps can reduce efficiency by up to 30%.

Call 0800 24 74 39 to book a $89 Premium Clean today or book online.

Winter is on it’s way !
Find out more

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581 days ago

Can you help support Cyclone Gabrielle affected communities?

Stuff

Cyclone Gabrielle has had a devastating impact on hundreds of thousands of Kiwis. As the long clean up begins and support becomes more and more needed, Stuff is calling for readers to support the Red Cross and Mayoral Relief Funds in areas where a local state of emergency has been declared. … View moreCyclone Gabrielle has had a devastating impact on hundreds of thousands of Kiwis. As the long clean up begins and support becomes more and more needed, Stuff is calling for readers to support the Red Cross and Mayoral Relief Funds in areas where a local state of emergency has been declared. We'd love your support. You can donate here. Donate now

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581 days ago

Have you got a great recipe for taro?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Dear neighbours,

Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are still on the hunt for amazing and inventive taro recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by Feb 26, 2023. Every published recipe wins a copy of the April issue of NZ … View more
Dear neighbours,

Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are still on the hunt for amazing and inventive taro recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by Feb 26, 2023. Every published recipe wins a copy of the April issue of NZ Gardener.

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582 days ago

Stained chair

The Team from Resene ColorShop Ashburton

It’s easy to transform a plain wicker chair into something special with Resene Colorwood natural wood stain.

Find out how to transform your furniture with our easy advice.

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582 days ago

Your home, your safe haven

Ngaio Marsh Retirement Village

Your home is your sanctuary where you can relax, rejuvenate, and entertain family and friends.

That’s why Ryman villages are designed to be safe havens. We’ve prepared for adverse events, so you don’t have to.

Your safety and your family’s peace of mind are our top priority, no… View more
Your home is your sanctuary where you can relax, rejuvenate, and entertain family and friends.

That’s why Ryman villages are designed to be safe havens. We’ve prepared for adverse events, so you don’t have to.

Your safety and your family’s peace of mind are our top priority, no matter what the weather. Every Ryman village has staff available 24/7 and backup generators for emergencies.

We all hope we never have to experience a natural disaster or other emergency. But if it happens, we’ll take care of everything and make sure that you have what you need.

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584 days ago

Small biz owner? We're right behind you!

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

It's been a tough few weeks for our communities, including our small businesses. To help small businesses keep connected with their neighbours, we’re offering Neighbourly Premium Business Listings FREE for three months. You’ll feature in the local business directory, plus be able to engage… View moreIt's been a tough few weeks for our communities, including our small businesses. To help small businesses keep connected with their neighbours, we’re offering Neighbourly Premium Business Listings FREE for three months. You’ll feature in the local business directory, plus be able to engage with neighbours to ask for help, share new operating hours, move damaged stock, or simply give thanks for recent support. T&Cs apply. Get Premium now

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584 days ago

Have you got New Zealand's best shed?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

If your answer is yes (or even a maybe), send us photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever storage spaces, cute chicken coops and potty potting sheds to win amazing prizes worth more than $2000. The Resene Shed of the Year 2023 winners will be announced in the April issue of … View moreIf your answer is yes (or even a maybe), send us photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever storage spaces, cute chicken coops and potty potting sheds to win amazing prizes worth more than $2000. The Resene Shed of the Year 2023 winners will be announced in the April issue of NZ Gardener.

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584 days ago

Independence and Security

The Team from

Enjoy all the upsides of living independently in a Ryman village. Easy living, security, plus a huge bonus – the support of a vibrant village community.

Your fixed base weekly fee includes rates, window cleaning, gardening and exterior maintenance, which leaves you more time and energy to … View more
Enjoy all the upsides of living independently in a Ryman village. Easy living, security, plus a huge bonus – the support of a vibrant village community.

Your fixed base weekly fee includes rates, window cleaning, gardening and exterior maintenance, which leaves you more time and energy to enjoy a fulfilled village lifestyle. Relax with a book, invite friends over for dinner, or simply put your feet up. You'll love coming home to such easy living.
Learn More

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587 days ago

Swan plants

Alan from Eyrewell Forest

Does anyone have any mature swan plants for sale please?
Thanks Alan

584 days ago

Happy Valentines Neighbours!

The Team from NZ Compare

The team at NZ Compare hope everyone is keeping safe and snuggled up with their loved ones n this terrible weather. 🥰

We've got the down-low on the best shows to stream on rainy days, take a look!

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