Avonside - Dallington, Christchurch

Last chance for tickets!

Last chance for tickets!

For just $15, you could win a fully furnished home in Blenheim worth over $1 million. Buy your tickets today!

153 days ago

Is your garden looking a bit wild?

Melissa Thompson from The Tree People

We can rejuvenate it by
- pruning to encourage new healthy growth, and increase flower and fruit production
- removing dead, diseased, damaged, crossing or hazardous branches to promote stronger growth
- shaping to maintain the desired shape and size
- thinning to allow more sunlight and air … View more
We can rejuvenate it by
- pruning to encourage new healthy growth, and increase flower and fruit production
- removing dead, diseased, damaged, crossing or hazardous branches to promote stronger growth
- shaping to maintain the desired shape and size
- thinning to allow more sunlight and air through
- selecting specimens to keep and removing other plants that cause overcrowding

NZ Registered Master Arborists - The Tree People are qualified, experienced and fully insured to take care of all your tree needs.

For a healthier and more vibrant garden, and a FREE, no obligation quote - Contact Us Now!

P: 03 384 9630
E: hello@thetreepeople.nz
W: www.thetreepeople.nz...

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153 days ago

Community Morning tea

The Team from Citizens Advice Christchurch Area

We recently held a Community Morning Tea at Aranui library.

The event was attended by the CABNZ CEO, hosted by the Citizens Advice Bureau Christchurch area board and our New Brighton volunteers. Community workers from ACTIS, The Loft, Enliven, Elder Care, Police and He Waka Tapu attended.

153 days ago

Do you have a Bright Spot in your neighbourhood?

Resene

The skies might be grey but there's colour in our communities - and we want to see it!

Resene and Neighbourly have teamed up this winter to bring you Bright Spots - a celebration of the brightest and most colourful spaces in our neighbourhoods. We want you to snap and share all those spots… View more
The skies might be grey but there's colour in our communities - and we want to see it!

Resene and Neighbourly have teamed up this winter to bring you Bright Spots - a celebration of the brightest and most colourful spaces in our neighbourhoods. We want you to snap and share all those spots in your neighbourhood that bring a smile to your face and add a little colour to your day.

There are 10 prizes of $250 Resene ColorShop vouchers and $250 Prezzy® cards up for grabs so you can create your own Bright Spot!

Enter your local bright spots pics today and be in to *WIN*.
Share a Bright Spot!

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156 days ago

Dark sky nation: Tourism minister backs move to attract stargazing travellers

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Transforming Aotearoa into a dark sky nation could attract stargazing international tourists, creating huge economic benefits, Tourism Minister Matt Doocey says.

The Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand believes New Zealand could become a dark sky … View more
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Transforming Aotearoa into a dark sky nation could attract stargazing international tourists, creating huge economic benefits, Tourism Minister Matt Doocey says.

The Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand believes New Zealand could become a dark sky nation, an idea Doocey says he supports.

To become a dark sky nation the country would need to cut light pollution, such as outdoor lighting, to allow for greater stargazing and astronomy.

Tourism New Zealand research indicated more than 70% of people thinking about visiting New Zealand were interested in stargazing, he said.

The best times for stargazing were during the off-peak and shoulder seasons for tourism, which meant protecting New Zealand’s night skies could provide an economic boost when tourist towns were otherwise quiet.

"It is something I am keen to encourage," Doocey said.

‘‘We want to grow tourism because we know it brings jobs to rural New Zealand.

‘‘Tourism is very seasonal, so we need to be looking at how we can market and promote New Zealand during those shoulder and off-peak periods.’’

The Waimakariri MP said an economic impact report commissioned by Enterprise North Canterbury last year showed a dark sky trail would provide an economic boost in the region.

The report said a dark sky reserve could generate $4.6 million of visitor spending in Waimakariri and create up to 24 jobs.

The Oxford Dark Sky Group obtained dark sky park status in January for the Oxford Forest Conservation Area from the Dark Sky International.

Oxford Dark Sky president Raul Elias-Drago said there was no cost to the group, thanks to support from the community, the Waimakariri District Council, Oxford-Ohoka Community Board and Government agencies such as the Department of Conservation.

The group was now planning to apply for dark sky reserve status, which would incorporate the town of Oxford.

Doocey said the Oxford example showed how communities coming together could achieve economic benefits at little cost.

Enterprise North Canterbury has been working with other regional tourism organisations (RTOs) to develop a Canterbury dark sky trail.

The Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve was established in 2012, while the Kaikōura Dark Sky Trust is about to apply for dark sky sanctuary status and interest is growing in other Canterbury communities.

‘‘I would encourage RTOs to think about whether dark skies should be part of their destination management plans,’’ Doocey said.

‘‘There is real potential for a ground up approach and I would be really supportive of that.’’

Elias-Drago, who is also the Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand (RASNZ) secretary, said a national approach was needed, perhaps led by the Department of Conservation.

‘‘The Department of Conservation has been very supportive regionally,’’ he said.

‘‘The Rangiora office supported our application and other regional offices have supported other applications, but every time each regional office is doing the same thing.

‘‘If the work was done nationally, we wouldn’t have to replicate the work in every region.’’

Doocey has accepted an invitation to speak at the New Zealand Starlight Conference in Tekapo in October, which is organised by RASNZ and the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve board.

‘‘We are hoping to use the conference as a springboard to advance the discussion around becoming a dark sky nation,’’ Elias-Drago said.

Niue became the world’s first whole country to become an International dark sky nation in 2020.

■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

155 days ago

Coffee table with style

Bruce from Edgeware

This coffee tables measurements are 600 diameter and 450 high in good condition has two pull out cup holders going for $60 a cheap but very nice table

158 days ago

Shamla

The Team from Humans of Christchurch Ōtautahi

“I am a reader. I didn’t grow up with siblings, I had a lot of free time. From my childhood, I read lots of books. One of my favourite authors, she’s Enid Blyton. I grew up reading Famous Five, Secret Seven, Malory Towers – they constituted a big part of my world. The first thing I did when… View more“I am a reader. I didn’t grow up with siblings, I had a lot of free time. From my childhood, I read lots of books. One of my favourite authors, she’s Enid Blyton. I grew up reading Famous Five, Secret Seven, Malory Towers – they constituted a big part of my world. The first thing I did when I came to New Zealand was to hunt down libraries nearby.

I usually visit Tūranga. Lot of events happen there. Being inside four walls doesn’t light up your mood, so I come out to Tūranga and spend my time there surrounded by people. It makes me calm. I borrow books and go for a walk around the city. That’s my way of getting to know Christchurch. I just close my Google Maps and explore. So far, I haven’t got lost! It’s very easy to find my way around. In Christchurch city, everything connects.

I earned my Bachelor’s in Environmental Science. I am also passionate about conservation, which made me join Conservation Volunteers. One of the first things that I did when I came to Christchurch was to call them and ask how I could participate.

Moving to a new city could be intimidating. But these volunteering events have helped me a lot to put myself out there and talk to people. People are usually nice and warm. When I say I’m new to Christchurch, they ask about, like, how are you doing? Settling down? How do you find Christchurch? I found a lot of people who are like-minded as well, a lot of people who do conservation work like working outdoors. I also get to go to new places, like Amelia Rogers Reserve and McCormack’s Bay.
And I’m enjoying it very much, that’s the most important thing. When you’re volunteering you should enjoy and really kind of get into what you’re doing. So, I’m happy. I’m learning a lot. I’m getting to know a lot of new people, new environments.

I’m grateful that we moved to Christchurch; it’s one of the best decisions that we have made. I feel welcome in New Zealand, in Christchurch, particularly.”

- Shamla

View more stories, or nominate someone: @humansofchch
www.humansofchch.org...

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155 days ago

Gumboots- FREE

Rebecca from Mairehau

As is. FREE. Boys size 5 and Girls size 9

Free

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155 days ago

Four 65” Panasonic 4K TVs up for grabs worth $3,999 each

TV Guide

This winter, we are celebrating the 2024 Olympics with our TV Guide readers with a chance to win 1 of 4 65” Panasonic 4K TVs worth $3,999 each.

Pick up a copy of the TV Guide each week starting from the June 1 - 7 issue, find the codeword, and follow the directions to be in to win! We’ve put… View more
This winter, we are celebrating the 2024 Olympics with our TV Guide readers with a chance to win 1 of 4 65” Panasonic 4K TVs worth $3,999 each.

Pick up a copy of the TV Guide each week starting from the June 1 - 7 issue, find the codeword, and follow the directions to be in to win! We’ve put a codeword in each of the following three issues, so find them all for more chances to win. You’ll have until July 3 to enter online or mail in your codeword. T&Cs apply.
Learn more

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156 days ago

Wanted: mini exercise trampoline / rebounder

Beth from Burwood

Warmest greetings dear neighbours ~ just wondering if anyone has a mini tramp/rebounder that they no longer need/want. An overweight teen is super keen to start getting fit within their home and I thought this would help, especially on days that are too cold to go for a walk. Thanks in advance for … View moreWarmest greetings dear neighbours ~ just wondering if anyone has a mini tramp/rebounder that they no longer need/want. An overweight teen is super keen to start getting fit within their home and I thought this would help, especially on days that are too cold to go for a walk. Thanks in advance for all your help. Have an awesome day!

156 days ago

Last chance for tickets!

Heart Foundation Lotteries

Don’t miss out! For only $15 a ticket, you could be in to win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home located in gorgeous Papamoa, worth just over $1.1 million.

Featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms and an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area, this home is waiting to be loved by … View more
Don’t miss out! For only $15 a ticket, you could be in to win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home located in gorgeous Papamoa, worth just over $1.1 million.

Featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms and an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area, this home is waiting to be loved by its new owner.

Make this property your permanent residence, a holiday home, rent it or even sell it! Get your tickets today at heartlottery.org.nz.
Find out more

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162 days ago

Could the jury service process be improved?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Every year, thousands of New Zealanders are called up to serve as jurors in the High and District Courts, and it's an important way to contribute to your country.

But for some, jury service can be a huge disruption and a financial burden. Do you think changes could be made to our jury … View more
Every year, thousands of New Zealanders are called up to serve as jurors in the High and District Courts, and it's an important way to contribute to your country.

But for some, jury service can be a huge disruption and a financial burden. Do you think changes could be made to our jury service system to address these challenges?

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160 days ago

Canterbury ratepayers face 17.9% rates hike

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Canterbury households are facing a lower than expected rates rise after the regional council found savings, including delaying some transport projects.

After two days of deliberations last week, Environment Canterbury pulled back its proposed average … View more
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Canterbury households are facing a lower than expected rates rise after the regional council found savings, including delaying some transport projects.

After two days of deliberations last week, Environment Canterbury pulled back its proposed average rates rise from 24.2% to 17.9%.

Acting chairperson Craig Pauling said there were some tense negotiations, but he was pleased with the outcome.

The councillors voted on 15 main resolutions, with several resulting in close division among the 16 councillors, he said.

‘‘Even though it was tense throughout, there was good support at the end and people felt there was some good give and take in the room,’’ Pauling said.

‘‘The feeling in the room was, ‘we have done all we could have’.’’

More than 1300 submissions were received on the draft long-term plan, with 153 making oral presentations during the hearings, which were held over four days.

‘‘We tested the water with some bold options in our consultation and the response demonstrated there were mixed views, with some saying we needed to deliver more, while others identified we could make savings or prioritise work,’’ Pauling said.

Savings were made by delaying some of the proposed public transport projects, including delaying work on a mass transit business case until year 2 and postponing bus route improvement work until year three.

‘‘It makes sense to delay this work so we have a better idea of where the Government and Waka Kotahi (NZ Transport Agency) are heading,’’ Pauling said.

‘‘Some councillors thought we should be more cautious, but if we don’t put it in the plan, we don’t get anything from Waka Kotahi.’’

About three-quarters of submissions supported the council increasing its spending on ‘‘river resilience’’, including flood protection, and pest and weed control.

The council is proposing to invest $25 million a year, over the next 10 years, to boost flood protection.

There was strong support for a district-wide rate for river resilience in Selwyn, and the council was considering similar options from the Ashley Rakahuri River and other rivers in South Canterbury.

Pauling said it would need support from the community, local councils and ultimately central Government.

‘‘Over the last five years we have been getting more and more requests for how we might move forward in addressing our rivers.

‘‘It is recognition that rivers are important to everybody.’’

He said river resilience was a national issue, as disruption to bridges on major routes could affect the whole country.

‘‘Room for rivers’’ was an important conversation and could be achieved by buying land, such as Environment Canterbury buying land beside the Ashburton River.

Another example was the Waimakariri District Council’s land purchase on Lineside Rd, beside the Cam Ruataniwha River.

‘‘By acquiring the land we can do something great for the community,’’ Pauling said.

Council staff will now finalise the long-term plan before it is audited by Audit New Zealand and adopted by councillors on June 26.

■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

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158 days ago

Home projects

The Team from Resene ColorShop Shirley

Creating an office out of a small room by utilising built-in furniture, floating shelves, a tidy charging station and Resene Atlas makes space-saving sense.

Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.

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159 days ago

Corner table.

Eric from Woolston

Real wood finished with linseed oil and grey paint trim.
0272 41 66 85

Price: $15

159 days ago

Addictive Eaters Anonymous

The Team from Addictive Eaters Anonymous - Christchurch

Do you obsess about your weight, food, or exercise?

Is food just one of your many obsessions? Don’t know how to stop emotional eating? Are you also struggling with alcohol or other mind-altering substances?

Do you use mind-altering substances to change the way you feel?

Find out how … View more
Do you obsess about your weight, food, or exercise?

Is food just one of your many obsessions? Don’t know how to stop emotional eating? Are you also struggling with alcohol or other mind-altering substances?

Do you use mind-altering substances to change the way you feel?

Find out how AEA members have put down the food and other mind-altering substances and found freedom from obsession.

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