Back
2691 days ago

Matthew Salmons, our man in Sewlyn

Reporter Selwyn & Ashburton Outlook

Matthew Salmons is standing in for Helena O'Neill who is off to feather her nest with a new baby. You can contact Matt through email: matthew.salmons@fairfaxmedia.co.nz or on 027 204 9742.

Here's a little bit about our newest reporter:

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in North Canterbury, in Waikuku Beach. I've moved around a bit since then, living in Argentina, Christchurch, outback Australia and now back in central Christchurch. It's nice to be home again. My wife and I moved back to New Zealand from Australia at the start of last year.

How long have you been working in newspapers?

Before getting into journalism I was working in the mines. I was a blast furnace operator in a lead mine, so it's a bit of a change. I landed my first job writing for the Northern Outlook last year while I was still studying at Ara so I'm still pretty new. I'm looking forward to discovering the stories and people of a new area now.

What do you do outside of work?

​For the most part I'm a bit of a geek, video games, board games and such, but I took up dragon boating last year after doing a story on a crew in Waimakariri. That's become a bit of a passion and I'm training with a New Zealand men's team heading to China later this year to compete in the Worlds, which is really exciting.

Image
More messages from your neighbours
4 days ago

Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.

This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
.
Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.

Image
Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
  • 85.5% Yes
    85.5% Complete
  • 13.4% No
    13.4% Complete
  • 1.2% Other - I'll share below
    1.2% Complete
1980 votes
3 days ago

What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.

Image
1 day ago

Railing planters

The Team from Resene ColorShop Hornby

To gain extra growing space, make and hang these easy-to-build planters on almost any wooden fence or deck railing. Use Resene FX Blackboard Paint so you can easily identify what plants are in each. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.

Image