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What to do for a warm home when the frost of winter and the cost of living are both on the rise? Click on over or come see us at The Warehouse.
You don’t need to spend big to create a healthy home, and you can start with good curtains. Open them during the day to let the warmth in, then close … View moreWhat to do for a warm home when the frost of winter and the cost of living are both on the rise? Click on over or come see us at The Warehouse.
You don’t need to spend big to create a healthy home, and you can start with good curtains. Open them during the day to let the warmth in, then close them at night to keep cold air out. A low-cost heater will keep your air warm at night while you snuggle under blankets and flannelette sheets.
Keep your whānau cosy this winter with us.
From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Some things have been changed around but rates are still set to rise by an average of 9.4%.
The Ashburton District Council ran through the final draft of its annual plan on Wednesday before it goes before the council next week for adoption.
… View moreFrom local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Some things have been changed around but rates are still set to rise by an average of 9.4%.
The Ashburton District Council ran through the final draft of its annual plan on Wednesday before it goes before the council next week for adoption.
Councillors have left no stone unturned for savings or deferrals but haven’t been able to budge on the 9.4% average rates rise.
The council had asked in its consultation if it should reduce services to reduce costs, and therefore rates, but the majority of the 131 submissions received were against any reduction.
Mayor Neil Brown said the council had consulted the community and through the submissions process made changes.
“We listened and made changes around the projects such as new footpaths, [public] toilets, and assessments of disability inclusive playgrounds.
“Small things, moving things around but the community felt it was important. We listened and we changed.
“Some people thought some things were more important than we did and we listened and took that on board, and changed things around.
“It didn’t affect the overall rates as well we just moved things around a bit.”
The council shuffled some funding around to reintroduce new footpaths to the annual plan, sass well as including public toilet facilities and rectifying the safety hazards at the EA Networks entrance - none of which affects the rates.
What is affecting the 9.4% average rise is inflation, flood recovery, new drinking water regulation compliance.
“We are spending a reasonable amount of money on [water regulation compliance] in this coming year and at the end of that year all our water supplies will be compliant.”
The council had been advised in October to factor in an inflation rate of 2.9% but Brown said the council were able to forecast that the figure was too low and went with a rate of 5%.
The councillors reviewed the 173-page document and made several corrections and clarifications for the final draft that will be ready to go for adoption next week.
Wanted Wanted Wanted:
Gold • Coins • Watches • Banknotes • Antiques • Paintings • Collectables
We are at multiple venues each day throughout Christchurch Region.
Monday 20 June to Sunday 25 June. Please check the dates and times carefully on our website … View moreWanted Wanted Wanted:
Gold • Coins • Watches • Banknotes • Antiques • Paintings • Collectables
We are at multiple venues each day throughout Christchurch Region.
Monday 20 June to Sunday 25 June. Please check the dates and times carefully on our website https://www.goldco.co.nz/.
The market for antiques, collectables, scrap gold, vintage watches, rare coins and art has been buoyant over the past 2 years. Prices have never been higher and demand never stronger. Have you considered selling your collection? or simply wish to cash in unwanted items? Whether a single item of broken jewellery or a large collection of Art or Antiques.
See us at a venue near you or call Hamish on 0800 105 228 or 021 461 727.
Most elder abuse is hidden in plain sight. Abusers are often someone close – a family member, a caregiver, someone trusted. If you’re concerned about how someone is being treated, it’s OK to get help. #ItsOKtoHelp #WEAAD
This June help the New Zealand Trees That Count programme! Simply visit your local Resene ColorShop, choose your favourite green testpots and for each one you buy Resene will donate $1 to the New Zealand Trees That Count programme.
Offer applies to all Resene green 60mL testpots (excludes … View moreThis June help the New Zealand Trees That Count programme! Simply visit your local Resene ColorShop, choose your favourite green testpots and for each one you buy Resene will donate $1 to the New Zealand Trees That Count programme.
Offer applies to all Resene green 60mL testpots (excludes metallic and wood stains) purchased by retail customers between 1-30 June 2022 at Resene owned ColorShops.
Trees That Count runs the country’s only marketplace which provides a place for anyone to fund or gift native trees. For more information on Trees That Count, visit www.treesthatcount.co.nz...
Do you ever walk past a business affected by Covid and wonder what you could do to help? We created Short Notice to link community members with spare time on their hands to surrounding businesses in need.
Whether you have a week, a day or an hour to volunteer, head to the … View moreDo you ever walk past a business affected by Covid and wonder what you could do to help? We created Short Notice to link community members with spare time on their hands to surrounding businesses in need.
Whether you have a week, a day or an hour to volunteer, head to the Short Notice community hub to introduce yourself and share how you can lend a hand.
If you're a business owner sign up for a FREE Premium Business listing to get access to Short Notice and let your community know what help you need.
Together, let's help keep our small businesses thriving!
From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
There’s disappointment at a councillor’s suggestion that Ashburton’s public consultation process is a waste of time because decisions have already been made.
Councillor John Fallon is understood to have said, while suffering from a medical … View moreFrom local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
There’s disappointment at a councillor’s suggestion that Ashburton’s public consultation process is a waste of time because decisions have already been made.
Councillor John Fallon is understood to have said, while suffering from a medical condition at a public meeting in April, that there was no point in public submissions because the council had already decided on the budget .
When approached about his comments, Falloon said the incident was a personal matter and he didn’t want to comment further.
His comments, which resurfaced during the recent annual plan hearings, have not impressed two former Ashburton councillors – who were not present at the meeting where the comments were made.
Selwyn Price, a councillor from 2016 to 2019, referenced Falloon’s comments while speaking to an annual plan submission on behalf of the Hakatere Multi Cultural Council, but said as he was not present he was unaware of the context of the comments.
Price said most people in the district did not believe there was any point taking part in public consultation with the council.
“When you have that kind of comment made in public, it does beg the question whether the annual plan has actually been set and whether this [consultation process] is just a PR exercise,” Price said.
Public consultation is a standard regulatory process where the community’s input on matters affecting them is sought. Its main goals are in improving the efficiency, transparency, and public involvement in large-scale projects or council policies.
Former mayor Donna Favel said Falloon’s comments suggested the council was already set in its plans and consultation wouldn’t change that.
Favel voiced her concern to the council on behalf of the Ashburton Citizen's Association (ACA) submission.
ACA chairwoman Greer Rickett who was also not at the meeting where Falloon made the controversial comments, wrote in the submission it was disappointing to hear Falloon was alleged to have stated that "budgets are a waste of time and I don’t know why we do them" and "there is no point submitting as we’ve already decided on the budget".
Favel said she believed Falloon was reprimanded at the time by fellow former councillor John Leadley, before mayor Neil Brown addressed the comments as not being accurate.
Brown then doubled down on that position during the hearings, which he said were demonstrating the robust process.
Earlier this month, Falloon earned praise for his innovative approach, asking the council to consider dipping into cash reserves to slash a huge rates rise by 2%. His idea was technically not able to be implemented.
Ever wondered where the sweetest places to live in Aotearoa are?
Stuff’s Homed team has done some serious data crunching to crown the seven best spots for 2022.
Congratulations to Berhampore, Wellington which took out the overall sweetest spot! You can check out the full list of winning … View moreEver wondered where the sweetest places to live in Aotearoa are?
Stuff’s Homed team has done some serious data crunching to crown the seven best spots for 2022.
Congratulations to Berhampore, Wellington which took out the overall sweetest spot! You can check out the full list of winning suburbs in the Sweet Spots section on Stuff.
There’s also an interactive tool that you can tinker with to find your perfect place, based on the criteria that matter to you. Who knows, you might be inspired to make a change.
Canterbury's regional leaders remain guarded and non-committal about whether they will help pay the rising costs of a central Christchurch stadium, with many saying such a decision would require public consultation.
Building the 30,000-seat covered stadium will now cost up to $683 million –… View moreCanterbury's regional leaders remain guarded and non-committal about whether they will help pay the rising costs of a central Christchurch stadium, with many saying such a decision would require public consultation.
Building the 30,000-seat covered stadium will now cost up to $683 million – $150m more than the $533m budget.
If Christchurch city councillors push on with the current design, they will have to underwrite an extra $150m, taking their total contribution to $453m.
Some city councillors say it is time for neighbouring councils to offer a helping hand.
The stadium would be a regional facility and its economic benefits would go beyond Christchurch, a council spokesperson said.
Other Canterbury councils have been contacted about the latest cost blowout and the city council intends to hold further discussions before making a formal proposal, the spokesperson said.
One mooted method is a regional targeted rate, which could be administered by Environment Canterbury.
Read more here and tell us what you think in the comments below.
Unleash the artist within you, showcase your DIY creative skills and spruce up an old item or completely repurpose it! Resene and Neighbourly are challenging everyday Kiwis like YOU to take part in the Resene Upcycling Awards.
We want to see your amazing creations so don't be afraid to go … View moreUnleash the artist within you, showcase your DIY creative skills and spruce up an old item or completely repurpose it! Resene and Neighbourly are challenging everyday Kiwis like YOU to take part in the Resene Upcycling Awards.
We want to see your amazing creations so don't be afraid to go all out! Check out some of the previous entires here.
Take part in the 2022 Resene Upcycling Awards. There are four great prizes worth $500 up for grabs: a $200 Resene voucher and a $300 Prezzy® card!
Retirement is an exciting time, filled with possibilities. Our fixed fee guarantee is one of the ways we provide financial certainty. Ryman residents love it as it helps them reduce rising living costs and surprise expenses.
Enjoy the quality amenities at every Ryman village and splurge a little… View moreRetirement is an exciting time, filled with possibilities. Our fixed fee guarantee is one of the ways we provide financial certainty. Ryman residents love it as it helps them reduce rising living costs and surprise expenses.
Enjoy the quality amenities at every Ryman village and splurge a little on yourself if you feel like it! Take up that hobby you’ve dreamed of or plan a holiday somewhere warm.
It’s easy to live life your way when you have freedom to do the things you enjoy. It’s another example of how we’re pioneering retirement living.
Popular cookie brand Mrs Higgins has recalled a specific batch of their product due to the possible presence of white plastic.
The cookies affected are the Mrs Higgins Shortbread Cookies in the 350g bag with a Best Before date of 4/10/22.
These cookies are found at all Countdown stores across… View morePopular cookie brand Mrs Higgins has recalled a specific batch of their product due to the possible presence of white plastic.
The cookies affected are the Mrs Higgins Shortbread Cookies in the 350g bag with a Best Before date of 4/10/22.
These cookies are found at all Countdown stores across New Zealand and customers can return these affected goods for a full refund.
This recall does not affect any other of the Mrs Higgins products.
Decorate small sunny nooks or bare walls with cute decorative hanging plant plaques and soothing Resene colours.
Find out how to create your own.
Every dollar counts towards that first home or retirement. Are you confident your KiwiSaver is performing or maybe like a lot of us you tend not to think about it!
Get a FREE KiwiSaver health check and go in the draw to win up to $10,000* from our partners National Capital. It’s easy as!
… View moreEvery dollar counts towards that first home or retirement. Are you confident your KiwiSaver is performing or maybe like a lot of us you tend not to think about it!
Get a FREE KiwiSaver health check and go in the draw to win up to $10,000* from our partners National Capital. It’s easy as!
Hate feeling obligated? You're not! The health check will let you know if there is a better KiwiSaver provider for you - it's up to you if you do anything about it. Why wait till you're 65, make sure your KiwiSaver is working for you now!
For delicious grass-raised beef New Zealand is the perfect combo. An ideal climate, lush pastures and innovative farming produces enough beef for Macca’s in New Zealand and around the world.
Our patties are 100% quality beef, and all that’s added is a dash of salt and pepper when cooked. We… View moreFor delicious grass-raised beef New Zealand is the perfect combo. An ideal climate, lush pastures and innovative farming produces enough beef for Macca’s in New Zealand and around the world.
Our patties are 100% quality beef, and all that’s added is a dash of salt and pepper when cooked. We partner with many Kiwi farmers who produce our beef, including those at the world-class Whangara Farms.
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