Waltham, Christchurch

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1694 days ago

CHARGING FOR ESSENTIAL SERVICES DURING LOCKDOWN

John from Woolston

I had to contact a plumbing/gasfitting co. as my gas cooktop stopped functioning, it seemed that the gas was not getting through to the burners to enable them to ignite.
I contacted a company that stated that a $250.00 "DEPOSIT" had to be in their bank account prior to them sending out a … View more
I had to contact a plumbing/gasfitting co. as my gas cooktop stopped functioning, it seemed that the gas was not getting through to the burners to enable them to ignite.
I contacted a company that stated that a $250.00 "DEPOSIT" had to be in their bank account prior to them sending out a technician. This I complied with and the technician duly arrived and sorted the problem in minutes, he didn't use any tools and no parts were needed.
It seemed fair to me that a "DEPOSIT" which I prefer to call a "BOND" was asked for as security, as it is obvious that until the technician arrives on the job and diagnosis the problem it is unknown as to what the actual problem is, therefore what is involved in rectifying the situation. It could be a large, time-consuming job needing a lot of parts, etc which obviously would incur extra cost above the $250.00 "DEPOSIT", but in other cases such as mine to charge $250.00 "DEPOSIT" is in my mind excessive. The online invoice had no details just a sum plus GST to arrive at the $250.00 total.
It was not explained to me on the phone or subsequent emails what the $250.00 "DEPOSIT" covered or what it actually was. There was no mention of this on any of their correspondence. If this was a minimum charge regardless, during this lockdown it should have been clearly spelled out and if not I see it as a breach of The Fair Trading Act or the Consumer Act or some other consumer protection act.
I will be interested to know other opinions or in fact anyone who has actual legal knowledge of this situation.
Thank you.

1691 days ago

Waimakariri District Council COVID19 Info

Waimakariri District Council

While Council buildings may be closed we are still here to help.
We encourage people to conduct business with us online or over the phone and will be posting regular updates on our website and social media channels regarding how we intend to maintain service levels within these new restrictions.
Find out more

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1692 days ago

Meet the Christchurch food entrepreneur at the top of his game

The Team Reporter from The Press

Get to know more about some of Canterbury's leading figures and how they're spending the four-week lockdown in the 15 Minutes With series. Today, hear from Troy Bilbrough, who started Christchurch's Bacon Bros food empire.

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1692 days ago

Thanks so much to all NZ Gardener readers!

Jo McCarroll - NZ Gardener editor Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

I just wanted to update everyone as to what is happening with the next copy of your favourite magazine. With the current restrictions we aren’t able to print or distribute at the moment, but we are working hard on a fantastic May issue for you and it will be on sale as soon as the restrictions … View moreI just wanted to update everyone as to what is happening with the next copy of your favourite magazine. With the current restrictions we aren’t able to print or distribute at the moment, but we are working hard on a fantastic May issue for you and it will be on sale as soon as the restrictions ease! I am hearing from so many readers right now about how their gardens have never been more important to them than they are now, so I want to ensure you get your NZ Gardener, packed with beautiful pictures, expert advice, inspiration and information as quickly as possible, so you can enjoy your own garden even more. Meanwhile, when you do your next shop, we’d love it if you could pick up a copy of the April issue which is on sale now (you can add a copy to your online shop too). As you’ve probably heard on the news it is a tough time for magazines right now, and we are incredibly grateful for the support of our regular readers and (especially!) our subscribers. If you are in a position to subscribe, or share your own love of plants and gardening by buying a subscription as a gift for someone else, then we’d be incredibly grateful: mags4gifts.co.nz.... Stay safe and enjoy the extra time in your garden everyone! Jo

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1692 days ago

Colouring-in for kids during NZ's lockdown

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

Christchurch's Lynette Hartley has created a colouring-in drawing for Kiwi kids to enjoy during the coronavirus lockdown.

"I thought an activity for children with a positive message about the current situation would be a good idea. This followed my (and everyone else's) … View more
Christchurch's Lynette Hartley has created a colouring-in drawing for Kiwi kids to enjoy during the coronavirus lockdown.

"I thought an activity for children with a positive message about the current situation would be a good idea. This followed my (and everyone else's) experiences during the earthquakes," she said.

"I learnt that it is important to give children a way of feeling empowered that there is a solution to the situation (in this case the bears catching the Covid virus and giving it a damn good soapy wash)."

Lynette normally works as a tour guide for Nature Quest, taking people on tours around the North and South islands with nature-related themes such as birding, general nature, plants, or walking.

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1694 days ago

Can you help us help our frontline this Easter?

ShieldsUp

ShieldsUp is a volunteer driven initiative of over 500 Kiwis, 3D printing, manufacturing and distributing face shields to our medical and emergency heroes across the country facing Covid-19 head on.

Within two weeks, we have delivered over 5,000 face shields, but we are still hearing the calls … View more
ShieldsUp is a volunteer driven initiative of over 500 Kiwis, 3D printing, manufacturing and distributing face shields to our medical and emergency heroes across the country facing Covid-19 head on.

Within two weeks, we have delivered over 5,000 face shields, but we are still hearing the calls of many. As the government and DHB’s publicly assure us that all necessary equipment is readily accessible, the demand for our face shields continues to grow daily, with requests for 30,000 shields.

If you would like to help us help them, sign up to volunteer at shieldsup.org.nz, or make a donation to ensure we can continue to produce and distribute our shields to protect our frontline heroes.

ShieldsUp, offering protection to Kiwi’s against COVID-19.
Find out more

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1694 days ago

Addictive Eaters Anonymous

The Team from Addictive Eaters Anonymous - Christchurch

Monthly AEA Worldwide Web events are held on the third Saturday (Greenwich Mean Time) of each month.
For April it is 8am on Sunday 19th (NZ time).
For newcomers interested in receiving a Zoom invitation for the event, please email aeawebevent@gmail.com.

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1694 days ago

Beating hearts ❤️ and wishing stars ⭐️ for Phillipstown

Viviana Zanetti from Phillipstown Community Hub

Kia ora Phillipstown whānau!
We hope you are all safe and fine in your bubble! 💪💪💪

Please find below the survey: Beating hearts ❤️ and wishing stars ⭐️ for Phillipstown.

Tell us what you think, wish and dream for Phillipstown. Let us know your ideas for making this neughbourhood… View more
Kia ora Phillipstown whānau!
We hope you are all safe and fine in your bubble! 💪💪💪

Please find below the survey: Beating hearts ❤️ and wishing stars ⭐️ for Phillipstown.

Tell us what you think, wish and dream for Phillipstown. Let us know your ideas for making this neughbourhood an amazing place!

Please contribute with your opinion! It would be much appreciated and...

... by filling the survey, you can enter (if you want) a Lucky Draw to get a $50 Countdown voucher!
Just leave your email address and telephone number. The winner will be announced on the 11 May 2020 on our facebook page and by email and/or direct contact.

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1695 days ago

Survey on pet sitters

Sarah from Waltham

I am currently studying small business studies. I have developed this wee survey looking into pet sitting.
Please if you have a couple of minutes I would appreciate you taking part.
Feel free to share with friends who may or may not currently use pet sitters. Should only take a few minutes.
View more
I am currently studying small business studies. I have developed this wee survey looking into pet sitting.
Please if you have a couple of minutes I would appreciate you taking part.
Feel free to share with friends who may or may not currently use pet sitters. Should only take a few minutes.
Thanks

www.surveymonkey.com...

1696 days ago

Dallington Public Noticeboard

David from Avonside - Dallington

Hi Neighbourly neighbours. While we are great at helping one another here we need to be mindful of those people who are not members of Neighbourly - or have not got internet. As a way of helping them the Dallington Community Trust have converted the front door and shop window of their Craft Shop on… View moreHi Neighbourly neighbours. While we are great at helping one another here we need to be mindful of those people who are not members of Neighbourly - or have not got internet. As a way of helping them the Dallington Community Trust have converted the front door and shop window of their Craft Shop on McBratneys Road into a Public Noticeboard. People can pin notices on the door with offers of help or requests for assistance or even simply messages of encouragement. The board will be checked regularly by one of the Trustees in case any follow-up action is required.
If you want a notice pinning up on it but it is outside your immediate neighbourhood to walk to then feel free to send it to me.

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1701 days ago

Council replaced my front lawn - whose responsibility?

Jimmy from Woolston

Hi all, some of you may have had your front lawns replaced with gardens as part of a council initiative along with the bike lanes. I dont usually have time to manage this but given the current circumstances i could look at this now. doing my front and back garden is already a lot normally. I … View moreHi all, some of you may have had your front lawns replaced with gardens as part of a council initiative along with the bike lanes. I dont usually have time to manage this but given the current circumstances i could look at this now. doing my front and back garden is already a lot normally. I understand it was my responsibility to mow my front patch of lawn, but will the council send people out to manage these gardens? A passerby (standing 2 metres away of course) advised that the council manages this, although i have never seen them.

Thoughts?

Cheers.

Jim

1696 days ago

Let the games begin

The Team from Resene ColorShop Lichfield Street

Recreate a classic game in an unconventional format using Resene testpots to paint your own dominoes. Smooth rocks, like those found on the beach or in a river bed, work best for this project.

Take the kids out to search for ones that lay flat and are generally round or oblong in shape. If you … View more
Recreate a classic game in an unconventional format using Resene testpots to paint your own dominoes. Smooth rocks, like those found on the beach or in a river bed, work best for this project.

Take the kids out to search for ones that lay flat and are generally round or oblong in shape. If you don’t live near water, you should be able to get some from your local garden supply store.

Make the most of this weekend with this easy step by step project idea from Resene.

Find out how to create your own rock domino set.

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1696 days ago

Small businesses in your community need a hand!

SOS Business

Hi neighbours! SOS Business was set up to help local businesses in your community. It means you can buy gift cards from your favourite cafés, restaurants and service providers and then redeem them when they re-open after lockdown.

You can play a special part helping small businesses stay … View more
Hi neighbours! SOS Business was set up to help local businesses in your community. It means you can buy gift cards from your favourite cafés, restaurants and service providers and then redeem them when they re-open after lockdown.

You can play a special part helping small businesses stay afloat during this time. Spread the word to your friends and family so that we can help as many local businesses as we can.

Thanks for being a great neighbour by being a lifeline for businesses in your community.

PS - in case you were wondering, due to the success of SOS Café, and the number of other service businesses now on the Platform, the team have rebranded to SOS Business – Save Our Small Business!
Support a local business

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1696 days ago

Look our for others

The Team from Canterbury Police

We know some of you are facing threatening and potentially harmful times at home right now. Police will be there for you if you call us.

If you are in immediate danger and can’t call 111, leave your house and get out of harm’s way. Get to a safe distance and then ask a neighbour over a fence, … View more
We know some of you are facing threatening and potentially harmful times at home right now. Police will be there for you if you call us.

If you are in immediate danger and can’t call 111, leave your house and get out of harm’s way. Get to a safe distance and then ask a neighbour over a fence, or a passer-by, to call 111 for you. Your safety comes first.

It’s everybody’s responsibility to speak out and keep each other safe right now. If you think something is not ok with a friend, neighbour, or colleague, it’s okay to call Police on their behalf. The person you’re worried about may not be able to speak up for themselves. You could be saving a life.

For more information or support: www.police.govt.nz...

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1697 days ago

Appreciation post

The Team from Canterbury Police

Thank you to all our essential service workers working tirelessly to ensure our communities are kept safe.

Issac is 81years old and was observed by a member of the public struggling to walk to the supermarket. A quick interaction with Isaac revealed he was in need of some intervention.

Community … View more
Thank you to all our essential service workers working tirelessly to ensure our communities are kept safe.

Issac is 81years old and was observed by a member of the public struggling to walk to the supermarket. A quick interaction with Isaac revealed he was in need of some intervention.

Community Constable Reuben Boniface ?‍♂️ was able to connect Issac with Age Concern Southland and with their assistance provide a care package of cooked meals and loaves of bread to help him through this time ? #kindnessgoesalongway

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