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862 days ago

First animal MRI clinic opens in Christchurch as more Kiwis willing to spend big on their pets' health

The Team Reporter from The Press

New Zealand’s first dedicated animal MRI clinic has opened in Christchurch as a growing number of Kiwis are willing to invest in their pets’ care, including one man who spent $75,000 flying his cat to Auckland to be operated on by a top animal surgeon.

Pacific Radiology has teamed up with … View more
New Zealand’s first dedicated animal MRI clinic has opened in Christchurch as a growing number of Kiwis are willing to invest in their pets’ care, including one man who spent $75,000 flying his cat to Auckland to be operated on by a top animal surgeon.

Pacific Radiology has teamed up with McMaster & Heap veterinary practice in Hoon Hay to offer the service using the same technology currently used to treat human patients.

Able to scan animals less than 180 centimetres in circumference, the wide bore MRI technology can be used on household pets, farm animals and some zoo animals, including tigers.

Costing upwards of $3500, MRI is considered the gold standard of veterinary diagnostic treatment according to McMaster & Heap veterinarian Michelle McMaster, but they have not been widely used on animals.

Used to look inside a body, Magnetic Resonance Imaging utilises magnetic fields and radio waves to create a three-dimensional image, providing accurate high resolution images of an animal’s brains, spine, limbs and joints.

For the past four years McMaster has been taking pets that needed an MRI to Forté Health, but the scans had to be fitted around human patients and were often undertaken at night.

With clients prepared to spend more money on their pets, McMasters, who has been working as a vet for over 30 years, has been helping scan up to nine animals a month alongside Pacific Radiology MRI Animal Imaging Lead Gareth Leeper using Forté Health.

Christchurch pet owner Justin, who did not want his last name used, knows all too well how important having an MRI facility close at hand is after Sashenka (pictured), his 14-year-old Norwegian Forest cat, became ill in 2019.

After many tests and with no diagnosis a CT scan eventually showed Sashenka had a meningioma tumour.

Considered to be his fur daughter, Justin, whose partner is expecting their first child, had no hesitation in making an appointment and flying her to Auckland to be operated on by a top animal surgeon.

There Sashenka could get an MRI scan that would enable the surgery to take place – without it she would not have survived.

“It was critical,” Justin says.

Sashenka made a miraculous recovery from the operation but required a further five scans, two CT scans and three rounds of chemotherapy before she died two years later.

Town and Country vet Roger Bay and his team euthanise a growing number of animals at home, where the pet’s last memory is of its happy place.

Although Justin estimates he spent around $75,000 on Sashenka’s care, he has no regrets and is part of a growing number of Kiwis willing to invest in their pet’s care.

“She was my everything…my fur daughter and my best friend.”

McMaster said most pet owners that come to her clinic will try and fix “everything”.

“We very rarely put anything down.”

PD Insurance NZ chief operating officer Michelle Le Long said year-on-year they have seen growth in the pet insurance market, although she thinks the market is still under-insured with less than 25% of the estimated 1.7 companion pets not insured.

Le Long said it wasn’t unusual to have pet owners in their early 20s signing on as the value of pets have increased.

A lot of insurers covered diagnostic MRI scans, she said.

868 days ago

The stadium: Should Christchurch put a lid on it?

The Team Reporter from The Press

A roof on Christchurch’s planned stadium is being described as key to making the venue competitive, despite its cost.

Following recently revealed cost blowouts, public feedback has been pouring in on whether Te Kaha stadium should be built as planned.

Rising construction costs have hiked the … View more
A roof on Christchurch’s planned stadium is being described as key to making the venue competitive, despite its cost.

Following recently revealed cost blowouts, public feedback has been pouring in on whether Te Kaha stadium should be built as planned.

Rising construction costs have hiked the forecast cost to build the 30,000-seat venue, described as a multi-use arena, from $533 million to $673m. Further escalations are possible.

City councillors will decide on July 14 whether to top up the budget, pause and redesign the project, or scrap it all together. Paying the extra would boost the average rates bill by $144 a year, or about $2.75 a week.

Read more here and tell us what you think of the stadium plan - and whether it should have a roof, or whether it should go ahead at all - in the comments below.

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863 days ago

Free Tai Chi / Qigong Introduction Workshop

Sandy from Aidanfield

Guided by experienced Chinese teacher, Sandy Jiang, an accredited provider of the Strength and Balance Programme (Sport Canterbury)

Qigong Workshop: 10 -11:45 am, Wed. 20 July
Tai Chi/Qigong Workshop: 7 - 8:45 pm, Wed. 20 July

Blue Sky Qigong Studio
Professional and partly mirrored studio
View more
Guided by experienced Chinese teacher, Sandy Jiang, an accredited provider of the Strength and Balance Programme (Sport Canterbury)

Qigong Workshop: 10 -11:45 am, Wed. 20 July
Tai Chi/Qigong Workshop: 7 - 8:45 pm, Wed. 20 July

Blue Sky Qigong Studio
Professional and partly mirrored studio
19 Templetons Road, Aidanfield, Christchurch

Welcome to Experience Gentle, Flowing Meditative Movements with Energy Healing

Discover a great natural “medicine” to heal the body, mind and spirit
Gather the universal energy for rejuvenation
Enhancing your health, immune system, spine, flexibility, serenity, relaxation, pelvic floor muscles, core strength, energy, wellbeing and inner joy

Space limited, booking essential
Register now with Sandy: sandyjsky@gmail.com

Qigong is an ancient Chinese holistic therapy. It is the foundation to Tai Chi, but relatively simpler than Tai Chi.
Qigong includes dynamic and static forms.
Zhineng Qigong emphasises moving meditation rather than static meditation.
It uses the consciousness, body, breath, sound vibration and universal Qi(energy) to bring about a positive transformation of the body, mind and spirit.

“Since beginning Qigong, my asthma gradually got better, and my breathing has improved. I no longer take any medication for asthma.
My food intolerances have gradually resolved and I can now eat most of the foods that used to cause problems for me.
My energy levels have improved and my right hip pain is hardly noticeable.
My body feels light and I can often feel the qi moving through.
I feel much calmer and any anxiety I had is gone.”
~ Vicki Parr

“The gentle movements stretch every muscle in my body although they look very simple. My muscles feel stronger, and I am mentally stronger too. While practicing, I feel the sense of “unity with the universe.”
~ Susan Sky

“Through regular qigong practice, my back pain is healed and my spine is more flexible. I had also been suffering severe shoulder pain for months. Just like a miracle, after one qigong class the pain had gone. The pain did come back a couple of days later, but much milder. After regular practice, I am pain free. This was a wow fact for me. I LOVE the feeling of connection to the Universal Qi, and would like to share qigong with others.”
~ Graham Good

Regular Classes:
Wed
10 ~ 11:45 am Qigong beginners class starts 27 July.
7 ~ 8:45 pm Qigong beginners class starts 27 July.

Thu
10 ~ 1:45 am Qigong beginners class starts 28 July.
7 ~ 8:45 pm Tai Chi/ Qigong class starts 28 July.

Class fee for one term: $170 (10 weeks), $20 casual rate, school term
Qigong CDs, Qigong books and Tai Chi DVDs are available for your better improvement.

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863 days ago

Magnetic Waterproof Car Sunshade Window Snow Ice Sun Shade Protective Cover

Dave from Hornby

More FREEZINGS mornings to come!

Feature:

It has six magnets to be adsorbed to the car shell (first make sure your car shell is iron, so it can be attached)

Specification:

View more
More FREEZINGS mornings to come!

Feature:

It has six magnets to be adsorbed to the car shell (first make sure your car shell is iron, so it can be attached)

Specification:

Front:
Gross weight: 146 g
Product size: 210x120cm/6.89x3.94ft
Colour: Black
Material: Oxford cloth
Function: anti-snow / anti-frost / anti-fog / anti-dust / anti-leaves/ anit-bird poop / sun shade

Applicable models: universal

Package Includes: 1 x Car Front Windscreen Snow Shield

Price: $30

863 days ago

Seniors Newsletter

The Team from Office for Seniors

Have you read our June Seniors newsletter? In this issue we discuss the Older Workers Employment Action Plan, Budget 2022 and hear from Equal Employment Commissioner Saunoamaali'i Karanina Sumeo. Read it here now: bit.ly...

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863 days ago

Reading Tips

NumberWorks'nWords - Rolleston

Try to read to your child every day. It’s a special time to snuggle up and enjoy a story. Stories matter and children love re-reading them and poring over the pictures. Try adding funny voices to bring characters to life ?

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863 days ago

Reading Tips

NumberWorks'nWords Cashmere

Try to read to your child every day. It’s a special time to snuggle up and enjoy a story. Stories matter and children love re-reading them and poring over the pictures. Try adding funny voices to bring characters to life ?

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864 days ago

Why aren’t Kiwis switching power providers?

NZ Compare

The chilly, gum boot wearing, kettle on, soup season has moved into town! Don’t get stung by your winter power bill neighbours, start shopping around now - even if you’re on a contract.

We asked neighbours why they’re not switching power providers and found out for many it feels a bit … View more
The chilly, gum boot wearing, kettle on, soup season has moved into town! Don’t get stung by your winter power bill neighbours, start shopping around now - even if you’re on a contract.

We asked neighbours why they’re not switching power providers and found out for many it feels a bit baffling with so many options and not enough help. Read why Kiwis aren’t switching and the easy steps to get your power sorted before bill shock hits.

Need to keep it stress free? Call our NZ based team on 0508 226 672, it’s free!

We’re here to help you compare, save and smile!
Help me switch

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864 days ago

Give a little kindness this winter

Trade Me

Help Kiwis in need this winter by giving through the Trade Me Kindness Store. Trade Me has teamed up with three awesome Kiwi charities - KidsCan, RainbowYOUTH and Women’s Refuge. The Kindness Store’s virtual shelves are stocked with small things that make a big difference to the Kiwis these … View moreHelp Kiwis in need this winter by giving through the Trade Me Kindness Store. Trade Me has teamed up with three awesome Kiwi charities - KidsCan, RainbowYOUTH and Women’s Refuge. The Kindness Store’s virtual shelves are stocked with small things that make a big difference to the Kiwis these charities help.

Giving is easy – just pick, click and ‘Give Now’. Trade Me takes care of the rest. 100% of the donations go to the charities – Trade Me doesn’t take a cut.
Know more

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866 days ago

Re generator

Richard from Hornby

Wanting to buy a petrol powered generator also a inverter generator not running

869 days ago

Radio, Talkback

Avryll Dawn from Hornby

I think I may have to give up listening to talk back radio, because I am so concerned at the influence that most presenters have in expressing their personal opinions. With some listeners there seems to be an acceptance that because a certain presenter, such as John McDonald on Morning talkback, … View moreI think I may have to give up listening to talk back radio, because I am so concerned at the influence that most presenters have in expressing their personal opinions. With some listeners there seems to be an acceptance that because a certain presenter, such as John McDonald on Morning talkback, gives out a PERSONAL opinion of a particular issue that the opinion expressed is Gospel. The presenters then proceed to barely acknowledge the views of callers who oppose that opinion and give time to those callers who do agree and approve of the presenter's opinion.

It was rumoured that at the start of the Covid epidemic, that the Government paid an enormous sum to media outlets to actively promote anti Covid vaccinations and very circumspectly promote official dogma. I am not influenced by these talk back presenters, but some might be. Most presenters are extremely biased over many important issues and pass on this bias to listeners. The format of afternoon talk back with Simon and James is better because they discuss an issue and their opinions often differ, so undecided listeners can perhaps hear both sides of an issue, and also the afternoon programme is more relaxed and the presenters more personable.

Some presenters are notorious for cutting off callers who disagree with them thus only the braver callers ring in to offer a differing opinion to that of the show host. ALSO please please bring back Tony Amos for Saturday's 'In My Day" programme which I listen to whilst toiling in Gym and later on in bed before nodding off. Miles Davis would be excellent as well. And no I don't spend hours listening solely to radio talk back, but it is background whilst doing other things. Often gets switched in annoyance. Radio is good if only used to inform of a situation or particular issue, and invite callers to ring with talkback, but it is just too easy for some listeners to be swayed by personal opinions of the presenters. I do however really enjoy the catchy advert for The Tyre General, must be the same agency which does the Brakes advert.
Take care folks and keep warm.......

868 days ago

Time to escape your neighbourhood?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Are you overdue a getaway? You could win a 13-day Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer South Island Rail & Coach tour by participating in Neighbourly’s 8th birthday celebration.

To enter the competition, just tell us what you love about your neighbourhood. It could be your favourite spot, a … View more
Are you overdue a getaway? You could win a 13-day Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer South Island Rail & Coach tour by participating in Neighbourly’s 8th birthday celebration.

To enter the competition, just tell us what you love about your neighbourhood. It could be your favourite spot, a beautiful view, or something that makes you smile. You could be in for a once-in-a-lifetime getaway!
Share now

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868 days ago

Cattery - secure, trusted with 20 Years experience

Alison Tewnion from Ali Cats Cattery

Ali Cats Cattery - where Cats go for a vacation....
Purpose built, safe, warm (under floor heating) and secure, located in a country environment within the city limits
Charges start from only $15 per day.
www.cattery.co.nz......
Ph 03 3421424 or 0272183034
facebook - Ali Cats Cattery

868 days ago

Springtime craft

The Team from Resene ColorShop Hornby

Brighten up your life and home with these fun party cup dolls, beads of joy and blooming plant pots with your favourite Resene testpot colours.

Find out how to create your own.

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869 days ago

Get Upcycling to win in 2022!

Resene

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 more
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 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!
Find out more

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