Ashburton District, Ashburton

Let's get familiar!

Let's get familiar!

Introduce yourself on the Know Thy Neighbour page.

Got something to swap or sell?

Got something to swap or sell?

Head to Market if you need to buy or list uniforms, books or bikes.

956 days ago

Seniors Newsletter

Office for Seniors

Our February Seniors newsletter is out now. In this issue we announce our Age friendly fund successful recipients, shine a light on the those nominated for the New Years Honours for Services to Seniors and much more. Check it out here: mailchi.mp...

956 days ago

Poll: You be the (photographic) judge!

Ashleigh from Neighbourly.co.nz

Kia ora Aotearoa. Stuff has just finished their annual Summer Snaps competition and we’re thrilled to announce that you'll be the judge of the People and Communities photograph category.

The entries in this category have been shortlisted and we now have five brilliantly captured … View more
Kia ora Aotearoa. Stuff has just finished their annual Summer Snaps competition and we’re thrilled to announce that you'll be the judge of the People and Communities photograph category.

The entries in this category have been shortlisted and we now have five brilliantly captured photographs to battle it out. There's a camera up for grabs for our talented photographers, and it's up to you to choose who takes the crown...and the Canon EOS!

Cast your vote in the poll below before 12pm, 11 February.

You be the (photographic) judge!
  • 53.5% Finalist 1: Full Moon
    53.5% Complete
  • 14.8% Finalist 2: Girl's Camp
    14.8% Complete
  • 11.4% Finalist 3: First Ride in a Steam Train
    11.4% Complete
  • 16.2% Finalist 4: Grandparents at Sunset
    16.2% Complete
  • 1.9% Finalist 5: Brass Band
    1.9% Complete
  • 2.1% Finalist 6: Street Walk
    2.1% Complete
1268 votes
957 days ago

Hot dry summer raised wildfire risk awareness

Climate Insights

Peri-urban areas can be described as the landscape interface between town and country or the rural-urban transition zone where urban and rural areas mix.

The probability of wildfire is driven by the amount and dryness of fuel, ambient weather and ignitions. Dry weather exacerbates wildfire risk… View more
Peri-urban areas can be described as the landscape interface between town and country or the rural-urban transition zone where urban and rural areas mix.

The probability of wildfire is driven by the amount and dryness of fuel, ambient weather and ignitions. Dry weather exacerbates wildfire risk in this zone and could significantly impact your property! With one of New Zealand’s hottest and driest summers, discover your property’s fire risk and what you can do to reduce it.

We can produce personalised reports for any house on the planet!

Click here to get your property report: https://property-climate-risk-report.co.nz/
Know more

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958 days ago

Treat yourself or someone you care about this Valentines Day

Stuff

Purchase a six month subscription to the Sunday Star-Times for $102 and get a free $100 Interflora e-voucher. Terms and conditions apply. Subscribe Now

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960 days ago

Bat roosting box

The Team from Resene ColorShop Ashburton

This easy DIY project finished in Resene Waterborne Woodsman Pickled Bluewood provides a roosting and resting site for a rare and threatened native bat.

Find out how to create your own.

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962 days ago

Two major Mid-Canterbury tourism projects get funding boost

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
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Plans to keep an historic ice skating rink open at least three months a year and reopen a popular waterfall walking track have been given a financial boost.

Ashburton's Braided Rivers Community Trust has given out $457,919 worth of… View more
From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
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Plans to keep an historic ice skating rink open at least three months a year and reopen a popular waterfall walking track have been given a financial boost.

Ashburton's Braided Rivers Community Trust has given out $457,919 worth of grants to 14 organisations in Mid-Canterbury.

The trust, in conjunction with the Lions Foundation, gave $150,000 to the Staveley Hall Society’s $1.12 million refrigeration project to future-proof the rural town’s historic skating rink, and $75,000 to the Mt Somers Walkway Society towards its plans to reinstate walking access to Sharplin Falls.

Trust chief executive Rob Reid said the two tourism projects were great ones for the trust to get behind.

“The ice rink is going to be a huge project for the district,” Reid said.

The redevelopment project would provide the necessary infrastructure to keep the rink open for ice skating and curling at least three months a year.

Project spokeswoman Claire Harden said the grant brought the project’s fundraising total to $753,352.

“We are not far off now.”

Most of the work would begin after this year's ice skating season – if the weather allowed, Harden said.

The project is planned to be completed in time for the 2023 season.

Next to the rink is the currently inaccessible Sharplin Falls, but the local walkway group plans to change that.

Rockfalls on the track during and after the 2011 earthquakes forced the Department of Conservation (DOC) to close the track due to safety concerns.

Following extensive consultation with DOC and geologists, the Mt Somers Walkways Society has undertaken to build a new track itself.

Society fundraising co-ordinator Jack Allan said the $75,000 grant from the trust kept them on target and was a great boost to start the new year.

The project was estimated to cost about $470,000, but Allan said that may increase due to the rising cost of steel, with the major cost of the project being two new 30-metre-long bridges.

The other complicating factor was that several events planned to benefit the project had to be postponed or cancelled, he said.

List of recipients:
Mid-Canterbury Children’s Trust Board – Children’s Day entertainment costs 2022: $12,000
Mt Somers Walkways Soc Inc – bridges for the reinstated Sharplin falls track: $75,000
Rotary Club of Ashburton Plains Inc – two berths on Spirit of Adventure: $5000
Ashburton Toy Library – running costs: $7000
Rakaia Community Assn Inc – Fencing for new dog park: $21,037
Ashburton Railway & Preservation Soc Inc – Maintenance costs: $33,000
Zonta Club of Ashburton Charitable Trust – International Women's Day costs: $3882
Dorie Preschool Trust – running costs: $15,000
Ashburton Netherby School – Numicon resources and library costs: $18,000
Family Help trust – vehicle and IT Equipment: $20,000
Caninspire Charitable Trust – running costs: $10,000
Ashburton Swim Team Inc – competition and travel costs: $30,000
Mid-Canterbury Netball Inc – running costs: $60,000
Staveley Hall Society – costs for new ice Sskating rink: $150,000
Total: $457,919

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963 days ago

Is Hokitika the friendliest town in NZ?

Lorna Thornber Reporter from Stuff Travel

Hi everyone,
Hokitika has been named the most welcoming town in NZ in Booking.com's 10th annual Traveller Review Awards.
Would be keen to hear from those who live there or who have visited whether they think the town really is exceptionally friendly. What makes it a welcoming place, or … View more
Hi everyone,
Hokitika has been named the most welcoming town in NZ in Booking.com's 10th annual Traveller Review Awards.
Would be keen to hear from those who live there or who have visited whether they think the town really is exceptionally friendly. What makes it a welcoming place, or otherwise? Were there any cafes, restaurants, shops or other places you received a particularly warm welcome?
Lake Tekapo and Oamaru came in second and third place respectively, followed by Cambridge, Picton, Invercargill, Martinborough, Kerikeri and Palmerston North. Would also love to hear from you if you have thoughts on these places. Please include 'NFP' (not for publication) in your comment if you don't want it to appear in a travel article.
Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts?

962 days ago

Labour shortage hitting Mid-Canterbury harvest season

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
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It’s known as the breadbasket of New Zealand, but Mid-Canterbury workers could become burnt out trying to complete this year’s harvest.

The issue is a worker shortage due to delays in skilled overseas workers getting into the country, … View more
From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
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It’s known as the breadbasket of New Zealand, but Mid-Canterbury workers could become burnt out trying to complete this year’s harvest.

The issue is a worker shortage due to delays in skilled overseas workers getting into the country, locals say.

The Government announced changes in December to the class exemption scheme and securing more visas for overseas workers, but the amendment was only actioned last Friday.

Ashburton mayor and farmer Neil Brown said workers would likely burn out trying to get this year’s harvest completed.

“I’m reasonably certain the harvest will be done but what it’s doing is the farm staff and contractors that are available are working harder and longer, and they will burn out.

“[The harvest] is a farmer’s income, so they will do everything they can to get it on time and beat the weather.”

Consumers will be hoping they do, or they will face further price spikes.

The disappointing factor for Brown is that the visa issue has been an ongoing discussion with the Government for two years. “And it hasn’t been remedied.”

Federated Farmers Mid-Canterbury president David Clark said there was not much farmers and contractors could do other than get on with the job.

“We are all working long hours and if the weather turns against us in the harvest it’s going to be a massive problem.”

Methven-based May Brothers Contracting managing director and harvesting manager Phil May said delays in getting overseas workers would have a massive impact.

“We are having to train and upskill people, but you can only do so much and that takes time.”

Pre-Covid, they usually got about 25 workers in for the harvest season, he said.

They were about 10 staff short this season, meaning the staff they did have were working some long hours.

“It’s not ideal and frustrating as you feel for the staff you do have, but harvest doesn’t stop for anyone.”

Clark said with the Government being aware of the issue, its continued mishandling was another slap in the face for primary industry.

“The agriculture minister needs to be the minister of primary industry and actually go into bat for us.

“If it wasn’t for the primary sector in New Zealand this country would be hanging up the in receivership sign.”

The continued delays meant the much-needed workers would probably not arrive until it was too late, if they came at all, he said.

“[The Government] seem to think we will just magic up some locals to do this work.”

The issue was that it was seasonal work, providing jobs for three to five months, he said.

“You can’t offer someone a full time permanent position. You need a big peak workforce.”

Before Covid-19 restricted travel, northern hemisphere workers readily arrived here for harvest, and New Zealand workers reciprocated by heading north in winter, he said.

This summer, farmers and contractors were having to make do with the local staff at their disposal.

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963 days ago

Welcome to the year of the Tiger!

The Team from NZ Compare

The Tiger represents bravery and strength, so this Lunar New Year, we’d like to offer you the chance to WIN 1 of 3 $50 Prezzy Cards, to spend at your local café, takeaway or restaurant!

Our locals have been doing it tough but remaining resilient, brave and strong through the last year. … View more
The Tiger represents bravery and strength, so this Lunar New Year, we’d like to offer you the chance to WIN 1 of 3 $50 Prezzy Cards, to spend at your local café, takeaway or restaurant!

Our locals have been doing it tough but remaining resilient, brave and strong through the last year. Let's go show them some love Neighbours!

Click 'read more' below to head over to the NZ Compare Facebook page and leave a comment on our Lunar Post telling us what awesome local you'd support if you won.

We hope this Chinese New Year will be filled with happiness, prosperity, and many precious moments with your loved ones.

Entries close midnight 8th February 2022.

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965 days ago

WM Scouts Garage Sale - CANCELLED

Helen from West Melton

Unfortunately, due to restrictions & uncertainty, we have decided to cancel the garage sale.
Thanks to everyone for their support & donations. We will gradually be putting these on Trade Me to try & raise funds this way. There will also be a few "mini" garage sales in a few … View more
Unfortunately, due to restrictions & uncertainty, we have decided to cancel the garage sale.
Thanks to everyone for their support & donations. We will gradually be putting these on Trade Me to try & raise funds this way. There will also be a few "mini" garage sales in a few months time.

We will also be holding future fundraisers & raffles to use the wonderful gifts the community has donated.

Fingers crossed for next year's garage sale.....

967 days ago

Garden bed frame

The Team from Resene ColorShop Ashburton

Perch this frame over a garden bed, and drape it with shade cloth, frost cloth or mesh, depending on the season. Paint to suit with Resene.

Find out how to create your own.

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967 days ago

Calling all small businesses!

Neighbourly

Want to grow your business this year? Well now you can!
For a limited time only we're offering you the chance to grab a Neighbourly Premium Business Listing for HALF PRICE!

Neighbourly Premium enables you to grow a strong presence in your community, connecting you with thousands of … View more
Want to grow your business this year? Well now you can!
For a limited time only we're offering you the chance to grab a Neighbourly Premium Business Listing for HALF PRICE!

Neighbourly Premium enables you to grow a strong presence in your community, connecting you with thousands of locals.. Instantly!
Find friendly neighbours who need your services, showcase what makes you stand out from the rest and connect with people who want to ‘shop local’.

So what are you waiting for? Set your business up for a successful year ahead with Neighbourly Premium.

ts and cs apply.
Grab your Premium Listing today!

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968 days ago

Have you got New Zealand's best shed?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for the country's best shed! Send in the photos and stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever storage spaces, cute chicken coops and potty potting sheds. The Resene Shed of the Year 2022 winners will receive prizes worth more than … View moreOnce again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for the country's best shed! Send in the photos and stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever storage spaces, cute chicken coops and potty potting sheds. The Resene Shed of the Year 2022 winners will receive prizes worth more than $2200. Just tell us in writing why your garden shed is New Zealand's best, and send up to five high-quality photos. Email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close Feb 27, 2022.

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973 days ago

Exclusive Neighbourly offering!

Climate Insights

Hi Neighbours,

Download your Property Climate Risk Report today and receive a 20% discount! Simply insert this code SUMMER22 at checkout and find out how climate resilient your property is today.

The peak property buying and selling season is here and after the record-breaking warmth of … View more
Hi Neighbours,

Download your Property Climate Risk Report today and receive a 20% discount! Simply insert this code SUMMER22 at checkout and find out how climate resilient your property is today.

The peak property buying and selling season is here and after the record-breaking warmth of 2021, it is time to consider how our climate could impact your home.

Let's plan together to keep your home cooler, drier and more liveable.
Find out more

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974 days ago

Do you have a great eggplant recipe?

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 now on the hunt for eggplant recipes, so send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz before January 30, 2022.

Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Homegrown … View more
Dear neighbours,

Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are now on the hunt for eggplant recipes, so send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz before January 30, 2022.

Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Homegrown Recipes.

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