Kennedys Bush, Christchurch

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907 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.

912 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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908 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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908 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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908 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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908 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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912 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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913 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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915 days ago

Reading Tips

NumberWorks'nWords Cashmere

Reading helps your child’s wellbeing, develops imagination, and has educational benefits too. Just a few minutes a day can have a big impact on children of all ages ?

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915 days ago

Footcare in Halswell

Nancy from Halswell

Hi there,
I'm an experienced Registered Nurse operating from a home based business in Longhurst, Halswell.
I offer personal , professional foot care particularly for people unable to cut and file their own nails, removal of corns, callouses etc, treatment of fungal nails etc. I now have over … View more
Hi there,
I'm an experienced Registered Nurse operating from a home based business in Longhurst, Halswell.
I offer personal , professional foot care particularly for people unable to cut and file their own nails, removal of corns, callouses etc, treatment of fungal nails etc. I now have over 100 permanent clients.
Please contact me if you need assistance.
Nancy Yates
Footcare Nurse

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915 days ago

Addictive Eaters Anonymous

The Team from Addictive Eaters Anonymous - Christchurch

Is Addictive Eaters Anonymous for you?

Only you can decide whether or not Addictive Eaters Anonymous is for you. For many of us, accepting that we were addictive eaters is the best thing we have ever done; it was our first step on the road to recovery.

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919 days ago

Fried Chicken or War Goddesses?

Stuff

As partners of the Elemental festival, Stuff Travel is giving away 2 amazing packages! For each you'll win 2 nights of luxury stay at Fable Auckland with a welcome dinner and daily breakfasts. You'll also get tickets to either the Takurua - Nafanua, The War Goddess or the Auckland Fried … View moreAs partners of the Elemental festival, Stuff Travel is giving away 2 amazing packages! For each you'll win 2 nights of luxury stay at Fable Auckland with a welcome dinner and daily breakfasts. You'll also get tickets to either the Takurua - Nafanua, The War Goddess or the Auckland Fried Chicken Festival.

Flights included for those out of Auckland.
Enter now

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929 days ago

Councillors launch last-minute bid to defer Christchurch's planned excess water charges

The Team Reporter from The Press

From reporter Tina Law:
Charges for using excess water are expected to come into force from July 1, but some Christchurch city councillors have launched a last-minute bid to defer the policy.

The council decided last year, following public consultation, to charge from July this year those who use… View more
From reporter Tina Law:
Charges for using excess water are expected to come into force from July 1, but some Christchurch city councillors have launched a last-minute bid to defer the policy.

The council decided last year, following public consultation, to charge from July this year those who use more than an average of 700 litres of water a day over a three-month period.

Thousands of homeowners across Christchurch can expect to receive a bill, but only during the summer months for most.

About 30,000 homes across Christchurch and Banks Peninsula used an average of more than 700 litres a day during the 2020-21 summer.

But the council will not be sending out bills for $25 or less, so people will have to use more than 900 litres each day over 90 days to receive a bill. Once a bill goes above $25, the person will be charged for all usage above 700 litres.

Suburbs with the most households using more than 700 litres include Hornby (1392), Avonhead (1364), Burwood (1336), Halswell (1119) and Fendalton (1066).

Council three waters boss Helen Beaumont said 20,000 households were using more than 900 litres a day and could expect a bill if they did not reduce their use. Most of those bills would be less than $100.

The charge would be $1.35 for every 1000 extra litres used.

There will be exemptions for households with eight members or more who are using water responsibly.

However, five councillors – Sam MacDonald, James Gough, Phil Mauger, Aaron Keown and Catherine Chu – want the charges deferred.

Councillors will discuss and vote on this issue as part of next week’s annual plan sign off. Continue reading here.

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921 days ago

Do you have a great tamarillo 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 tamarillo recipes, so send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz before July 8, 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 tamarillo recipes, so send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz before July 8, 2022.

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

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921 days ago

New $125m overbridge plans released for Rolleston, Canterbury

The Team Reporter from The Press

From reporter Tina Law:

New plans have been released for a $125 million overbridge and safety improvements on State Highway 1 at Rolleston, south-west of Christchurch.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency announced in July last year it wanted to build a flyover across the highway linking the … View more
From reporter Tina Law:

New plans have been released for a $125 million overbridge and safety improvements on State Highway 1 at Rolleston, south-west of Christchurch.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency announced in July last year it wanted to build a flyover across the highway linking the residential and industrial sides of the growing town.

Following consultation Waka Kotahi has changed its plans and it is now proposing a more direct flyover between Rolleston Dr North and Jones Rd rather than the angled or skewed option it consulted on last year.

It is also looking at adding more highway access points to ease travel and improve efficiency at the Weedons interchange.

Vehicles heading to Christchurch can take a free turn left onto the highway from Hoskyns Rd, after the rail crossing. Drivers from Christchurch can take a new off ramp to Rolleston and loop back over the flyover to Jones Rd.

Waka Kotahi is seeking community feedback on the plans from now until July 22.

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