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590 days ago

Safety complaint could sound death knell for children's campground paradise

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

From reporter Nadine Roberts:

It’s a slice of Kiwi childhood, with a helping of rough and tumble adventure where cotton wool is banished.

But Little River Campground on Banks Peninsula may be about to have its last marshmallow toast on the unfenced campfire, after a complaint to WorkSafe left owners Marcus Puentener​ and Megan Gainsford​ afraid of the liability they face in order to be safety compliant.

An unknown complainant reported safety concerns after a woman dislocated her leg on the slippery slide in February.

The complainant also said the boardwalks through the native forest were rotten, a trampoline was dangerous and an outdoor power cord to a glitter globe above a campfire was not safe when it rained.

Puentener said the accident in February was unfortunate and was created because the polythene sheet was in two sections. One sheet blew up, causing the woman to get caught, he said. He immediately closed the slide down and was working on how to make it safer.

It was just the second serious accident since the couple took over the campground – the other was after a woman jumped off a trampoline and injured her leg on slippery grass.

Although WorkSafe had been supportive and helpful so far, Puentener said the complaint had forced the couple to re-evaluate the future of the campground.

A WorkSafe spokesperson confirmed they had been contacted about a “number of concerns” relating to the campground but said it could continue operating while addressing health and safety concerns.

“The concerns raised are easily resolvable with attention, which will both keep children safe and provide that reassurance to parents and caregivers,” the spokesperson said.

However, Puentener said if they had to upgrade the boardwalk through five hectares of native bush they would have to find hundreds of thousands of dollars or more. With Puentener as the only employee, large scale changes were not financially viable.

Now the couple are weighing up what they can do in order to reopen in October, but Puentener admits to feeling disheartened and unsure of the way forward after a difficult year when numbers through the gate have not been what he hoped.

Options include closing off the native area or putting it under the guidance of a trust. Both would see the demise of the slippery slide, giant swing and boardwalk.

The couple are also considering upping the price for campers or offering a membership scheme. Their least favourite option is closing, but it’s something they will seriously consider when the campground closes for the season on April 24.

In the meantime a social media campaign has heated up, with members of the public considering setting up a Givealitte page to help save the campground.

Others are offering to do a working bee.

The outpouring of support has been welcomed by Puentener.

“It’s humbling to know that people do have a connection with the place.”

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Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

This Wednesday, we're having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with John Bracewell from Crewcut.

John Bracewell, former Black Caps coach turned Franchisee Development Manager and currently the face of Crewcut’s #Movember campaign, knows a thing or two about keeping the grass looking sharp—whether it’s on a cricket pitch or in your backyard!

As a seasoned Crewcut franchisee, John is excited to answer your lawn and gardening questions. After years of perfecting the greens on the field, he's ready to share tips on how to knock your garden out of the park. Let's just say he’s as passionate about lush lawns as he is about a good game of cricket!

John is happy to answer questions about lawn mowing, tree/hedge trimming, tidying your garden, ride on mowing, you name it! He'll be online on Wednesday, 27th of November to answer them all.

Share your question below now ⬇️

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5 days ago

What's your favourite tomato recipe?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.

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Addictive Eaters Anonymous

The Team from Addictive Eaters Anonymous - Christchurch

What is Addictive Eaters Anonymous?

Addictive Eaters Anonymous (AEA) is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from addictive eating.

AEA has members who have suffered from anorexia, bulimia and binge eating. Many have been underweight, overweight or obese; others were people of average weight yet suffered with an obsession with food. Members may have used exercise and other substances to try and control their weight. Before coming to AEA, members found that they were powerless over food, and unable to stop the food obsession.

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