Phillipstown, Christchurch

414 days ago

Election 2023: Is Christchurch Central safe for Labour or will it swing? (Christchurch Central electorate profile)

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

In the lead-up to the 2023 general election, The Press is profiling Canterbury’s electoral races. Here’s what you need to know about the candidates running to be Christchurch Central’s MP. (By reporter Sinead Gill)

Christchurch Central was once a safe Labour seat. But after devastating … View more
In the lead-up to the 2023 general election, The Press is profiling Canterbury’s electoral races. Here’s what you need to know about the candidates running to be Christchurch Central’s MP. (By reporter Sinead Gill)

Christchurch Central was once a safe Labour seat. But after devastating earthquakes, two terms of National, then two more of Labour, the results of the 2023 general election could reveal how stable the electorate is now.

The electorate — redrawn in 2014 due to the post-quake population shift — is an odd shape. It begins at the north end of the city along the Styx River Esplanade Reserve, flowing down Redwood, Mairehau and St Albans before meeting the CBD.

It jerks east to poach Phillipstown, swallows Sydenham, then forms leg-like shapes to take Beckenham and Ōpāwa, skipping over St Martins.

The electorate is young, with some of the highest proportions of 20 to 34-year-olds in the country (according to 2018 census data) but some of the lowest numbers of under 19s.

Its residents are both 2.6% more likely to have a bachelor degree and 1.9% more likely to have no qualifications compared to the rest of the country.

Overall they’re 3% more likely to be employed, with construction, healthcare and professional, scientific and technical services industries being the most common, as of the 2018 census. Those workers are also more likely to cycle to work than anywhere else in the country.

According to Electoral Commission data, the number of enrolled voters in the electorate has risen by 1060 since the 2020 election, for a total of 49,561 as of September 2023. However, the commission estimates about 12% of eligible voters have not yet enrolled.

Compared to other electorates, Christchurch’s ethnic make-up doesn’t stand out, but as of the 2018 census had 5.9% more people of European descent, and 6.8% fewer Māori, when compared to the New Zealand average.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, post-earthquakes, central residents were among the least likely in New Zealand to have lived in the same home for over five years. Nearly a third of residents lived alone, with only Auckland Central having more single-person households.

While it didn’t rank the worst for home ownership in the country, 59.2% of residents don’t own their own home, compared to the national average of 48.2% who don’t.

Christchurch Central was considered a safe Labour seat until 2011, when National Party’s Nicky Wagner won it by 47 votes. She won again in 2014, but in 2017 lost to Labour MP Duncan Webb by almost 3000 votes.

Webb, a former commercial lawyer, academic and post-quake insurance advocate, kept his seat in 2020, beating National candidate Dale Stephens by 14,000 votes.

Webb is currently the minister for state-owned enterprises and minister of commerce and consumer affairs and is ranked 20 on Labour’s party list.

Stephens, of Te Rarawa descent, has returned as National’s candidate this year. He is a former police officer and business leader, and is currently New Zealand Trade and Enterprise’s director of Māori Partnership.

At 29th on the list, he is National’s highest ranked candidate for a Christchurch electorate and may enter Parliament regardless of whether he secures Christchurch Central.

The Greens candidate is first timer Kahurangi Carter (Ngāti Maniapoto, Tainui), who currently works for the Ministry for the Environment and has a background in zero-waste advocacy.

Although a Greens candidate has only placed third in the electorate in the last two elections (winning 6.5% in 2020), with a list ranking of 14, Carter could land a spot in Parliament on the party’s list based on average polling results.

The remaining candidates are Matthew Fisken (ACT party), Mark Arneil (NZ First), Michael Britnell (Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party) and Sarah Jackson (Animal Justice Party).

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419 days ago

Tai chi for Beginners Monday Mornings

Roger from Roger Chance holistic group exercise community classes

Are you interested in improving your Stability, strength, coordination and balance.
Then this is your opportunity to become an active part of a new Yang Style Tai Chi Beginners class.
The Proposed class will be held in the Sydenham area.
The class will be taught in a private garden at 10.35am … View more
Are you interested in improving your Stability, strength, coordination and balance.
Then this is your opportunity to become an active part of a new Yang Style Tai Chi Beginners class.
The Proposed class will be held in the Sydenham area.
The class will be taught in a private garden at 10.35am Monday mornings weather permitting.
There needs to be at least Minimum of 5-6 persons for the class to commence.
The class will cost $8 for a 50-minute session.
Please contact me by the 7th of October to see if there is enough interest in Advertising this beneficial community class. 
Contact me using my email or cell number on the page!!!

416 days ago

Improv class

Derek & Michi from Opawa - Saint Martins

Interested in trying out improv, but are afraid of the commitment?
We have a warm, safe 4 hour (one day) class to dip your toes into. Taught by 2 international touring teachers with a combined 50+ years of experience. For more information check out the FB event or reach out on info@meegwai.com
View more
Interested in trying out improv, but are afraid of the commitment?
We have a warm, safe 4 hour (one day) class to dip your toes into. Taught by 2 international touring teachers with a combined 50+ years of experience. For more information check out the FB event or reach out on info@meegwai.com
www.facebook.com...

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416 days ago

Whareora Opportunity Shop

Jane Hill from Whareora Community House - Barrington

Would you like some help with minor clothing repairs? (eg hems, buttons, seams). Whareora Opportunity Shop has a NEW Mending Service on the first Saturday morning of the month (10am-12 noon). Pop down and see them tomorrow! The cost is a Koha (donation). Look for the Blue House at 8 Athelstan … View moreWould you like some help with minor clothing repairs? (eg hems, buttons, seams). Whareora Opportunity Shop has a NEW Mending Service on the first Saturday morning of the month (10am-12 noon). Pop down and see them tomorrow! The cost is a Koha (donation). Look for the Blue House at 8 Athelstan Street, opposite Barrington Mall and close to the Medical Centre.

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416 days ago

Master The Gentle Art Of Sleep

Essie Summers Retirement Village

A good night's sleep is essential for your physical and mental well-being. If you find yourself tossing and turning, try these tips to help you achieve the sleep of your dreams.

Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, such as walking, swimming, or yoga on most days of the week. … View more
A good night's sleep is essential for your physical and mental well-being. If you find yourself tossing and turning, try these tips to help you achieve the sleep of your dreams.

Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, such as walking, swimming, or yoga on most days of the week. Just avoid exercising too close to bedtime, as it may increase alertness.

Setting up a regular sleep schedule can work wonders for achieving restful sleep. Try to go to bed and wake up around the same time every day, even on weekends. This will help regulate your body's internal clock, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up naturally.

Electronic devices emit blue light that suppresses the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. Not to mention that texting, watching television or scrolling are all stimulating, which can keep your brain on alert. Avoid using electronic devices for at least an hour before bed and turn off the TV.

Click read more for more tips on achieving a good night's sleep.

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418 days ago

Election 2023: The Press debate is back on, with double the leaders

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

The Press debate is back, and it will go ahead with double the leaders.

The original debate was scheduled to take place this week, with Labour’s Chris Hipkins and National’s Christopher Luxon. But Hipkins fell ill with Covid-19 on Tuesday, and Luxon said his schedule for the following week … View more
The Press debate is back, and it will go ahead with double the leaders.

The original debate was scheduled to take place this week, with Labour’s Chris Hipkins and National’s Christopher Luxon. But Hipkins fell ill with Covid-19 on Tuesday, and Luxon said his schedule for the following week was too full to reschedule.

After postponing, The Press invited the leaders of every party tracking to return to Parliament to a debate next week.

Leaders of NZ First, the Greens, ACT and Te Pāti Māori have accepted.

They will face The Press and a crowd of more than 2000 people at the Christchurch Town Hall, on Tuesday, October 10. This will be the final power brokers debate before polling day.

Press editor Kamala Hayman said she was “thrilled” to be hosting the coalition parties in Christchurch next week, ahead of an election which was expected to give these minor parties far more power in Parliament.

Hayman, as well as Stuff political editor Luke Malpass and Stuff chief political correspondent Tova O’Brien would host the debate.

It would be streamed live on Stuff as well, from 7pm on Tuesday.

Read the full story by reporter Glenn McConnell www.stuff.co.nz... |here|.

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416 days ago

Bird & bee sanctuary

The Team from Resene ColorShop Lichfield Street

Create a birdbath with a natural sandstone paint effect with Resene Sandtex.
Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.

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416 days ago

Akaroa French Festival - this weekend 6-8 October

The Team from Citizens Advice Christchurch Area

Akaroa French Festival is a 3-day weekend event celebrating the unique culture and heritage of Banks Peninsula.

The festival hub will be in the Akaroa Recreational Ground, where guests can enjoy some live music, taste local food and wine as well as lots of French cuisine, or take in the local … View more
Akaroa French Festival is a 3-day weekend event celebrating the unique culture and heritage of Banks Peninsula.

The festival hub will be in the Akaroa Recreational Ground, where guests can enjoy some live music, taste local food and wine as well as lots of French cuisine, or take in the local fashion show and a French cooking demonstration.

Check under 'Read More' for a link to all the activities

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417 days ago

#RWCfans

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

We've loving our Rugby World Cup fans sharing their photos on Neighbourly and bringing the spirit!

These fans below have won some spot prizes, keep sharing your photos to be in to win!

417 days ago

Get decorating and save with Resene!

Resene

Now’s the perfect time to get decorating with 25% off Resene premium paints, wood stains, primers, sealers, wallpaper, decorating accessories and cleaning products at Resene ColorShops. Choose from thousands of colours and get your favourites tinted in Eco Choice approved Resene paints.

Ask … View more
Now’s the perfect time to get decorating with 25% off Resene premium paints, wood stains, primers, sealers, wallpaper, decorating accessories and cleaning products at Resene ColorShops. Choose from thousands of colours and get your favourites tinted in Eco Choice approved Resene paints.

Ask our staff for expert advice on everything from choosing the right colour and paint to how to apply it for the best finish.
Find out more

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420 days ago

What's it like living with a loud voice

Sanda Reporter from Stuff

Hi there,

I'm writing a story on what's it like to live with a loud voice. Are you someone who gets high-pitched whenever you are excited? Does your family constantly nag you to dial down your voice? Or are you someone who's annoyed by your loved ones' loud talking?

If you… View more
Hi there,

I'm writing a story on what's it like to live with a loud voice. Are you someone who gets high-pitched whenever you are excited? Does your family constantly nag you to dial down your voice? Or are you someone who's annoyed by your loved ones' loud talking?

If you can relate to any such scenario, I would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment or you can email me at sanda.arambepola@stuff.co.nz
Please put 'NFP' (not for publication) in your comment if you don't want it or your name to appear in the article.

Thank you for taking the time to share your stories.

418 days ago

Kiwi Rugby Fever: WIN SKY Sport!

The Team from NZ Compare

We're a Rugby MAD nation!
Which team are you supporting? How do they compare against the rest in this Rugby World Cup?

Share why you rate your team and you could WIN Sky Sport Now for 3 months (valued at $135)!
CLICK below to enter! Act fast, the entry deadline is October 12, 2023.

View more
We're a Rugby MAD nation!
Which team are you supporting? How do they compare against the rest in this Rugby World Cup?

Share why you rate your team and you could WIN Sky Sport Now for 3 months (valued at $135)!
CLICK below to enter! Act fast, the entry deadline is October 12, 2023.

But that's not all! Many broadband plans currently offer FREE subscriptions to top streaming services. It's the perfect time to switch!
Compare your broadband and power bills to save big this Spring!
COMPARE NOW: www.broadbandcompare.co.nz...

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420 days ago

Poll: Top sheet or duvet?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

It's a controversial topic that can cause arguments for bed companions as well as staunch bedding enthusiasts.
Some people sleep beneath a top sheet, while others have said goodbye to 'hospital corners' and just use a duvet. Let's see how kiwis are sleeping these days, share … View more
It's a controversial topic that can cause arguments for bed companions as well as staunch bedding enthusiasts.
Some people sleep beneath a top sheet, while others have said goodbye to 'hospital corners' and just use a duvet. Let's see how kiwis are sleeping these days, share your vote and your reasons below!

Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.

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Top sheet or duvet?
  • 78.8% Top sheet
    78.8% Complete
  • 20.6% Duvet
    20.6% Complete
  • 0.6% Neither - I'll share below!
    0.6% Complete
2205 votes
418 days ago

Safer Speed Plan

Christchurch City Council

Lower speeds can saves lives and prevent serious injury. Reducing the speed vehicles travel makes a major difference in a crash. People make mistakes on our roads, and those mistakes shouldn’t cost our neighbours, whānau or pets their lives.

We're asking for … View more
Lower speeds can saves lives and prevent serious injury. Reducing the speed vehicles travel makes a major difference in a crash. People make mistakes on our roads, and those mistakes shouldn’t cost our neighbours, whānau or pets their lives.

We're asking for feedback on a Draft Safer Speed Plan which sets out a three-year implementation plan and 10-year vision for safe speed areas in Christchurch and Banks Peninsula.

To read the plan and give feedback by 25 October visit our website.
Find out more

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419 days ago

Life-saving heart research ❤️

The Team from Heart Foundation NZ

Our research funding is all about saving lives in New Zealand ❤️ This year, we were thrilled to announce $3.7m of funding for heart research and specialist overseas training for New Zealand cardiologists. Huge thanks to our donors and supporters for their generosity and for making this … View moreOur research funding is all about saving lives in New Zealand ❤️ This year, we were thrilled to announce $3.7m of funding for heart research and specialist overseas training for New Zealand cardiologists. Huge thanks to our donors and supporters for their generosity and for making this investment in heart health possible.

Click the link to find out more about the transformative research projects.

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