Green Island - Abbotsford, Dunedin

DIY right first time #resenetip

DIY right first time #resenetip

Need to brush up your DIY skills? Check out the free MasterStroke by Resene DIY Decorating Manual for everything you need to get started.

711 days ago

One of Arrowtown's oldest buildings reopens after $3.5m seismic upgrade

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Otago News

From reporter Debbie Jamieson:

It has been protecting Arrowtown’s treasures for nearly 150 years, now the former Bank of New Zealand building has been on the receiving end of community care.

The 1875 building that sits on a prominent corner site in the Central Otago town has been part of … View more
From reporter Debbie Jamieson:

It has been protecting Arrowtown’s treasures for nearly 150 years, now the former Bank of New Zealand building has been on the receiving end of community care.

The 1875 building that sits on a prominent corner site in the Central Otago town has been part of the Lakes District Museum since 1953.

It was identified as an earthquake risk in 2018 and with a seismic strengthening bill of about $3.5 million to complete the work before 2025, the future was looking bleak, long time director David Clarke said.

“We tried to the put the word about amongst the community and hoped some benefactors would come to the party, but had limited success.



Without the funding, the bank building and attached stables, which form up to half of the museum space, would have closed down.

It was only with the arrival of Covid-19 in the community and the implementation of the government’s Provincial Growth Fund that the museum was able to secure the funds it needed.

It received $2m from the fund, $1.04m from the Queenstown Lakes District Council and a grant of $456,000 from the Central Lakes Trust to upgrade internal displays.


It took three years to complete the work, which included reinstating a parapet and six chimneys, which were part of the original design in 1875 by architect Robert Lawson.

While it is the museum for the Queenstown Lakes District, which includes the larger centres of Queenstown and Wānaka, the building is also part of the distinctive Arrowtown heritage zone.

Opposite the building sit the historic Arrowtown Post Office, which still operates as a modern post shop, and another earthquake-strengthened historic building, the Fork and Tap pub.

Clarke said it was “amazing” to finish the project, which will officially open on Friday.

“It is the realisation of a lot of hard work from the staff and museum board. Of course, there’s been three years of noise and dust and all the anxiety of wondering what the future is.”


Unlike the many council-owned museums around New Zealand, the Lakes District Museum is owned and operated by a trust.

While it does receive regular council funding, it is constantly looking for the funds to survive and keep paying its staff of three fulltime and ten part-time workers.

“Covid made us realise we’re reliant on tourism dollars, but we are a museum for the community,” Clarke said.

There was also a shortfall of about $70,000 to be found from the project, he said.

712 days ago

Seniors Newsletter

The Team from Office for Seniors

Have you read our December Seniors Newsletter? Do you have a Community Services Card or know someone who does? From 1 February 2023 Community Services Card holders are eligible for a continued 50% discount on public transport. You can read more in this issue.

This newsletter also includes some … View more
Have you read our December Seniors Newsletter? Do you have a Community Services Card or know someone who does? From 1 February 2023 Community Services Card holders are eligible for a continued 50% discount on public transport. You can read more in this issue.

This newsletter also includes some good advice on how to keep up your hydration and stay safe and cool this summer.

Image
713 days ago

The Must-Give Christmas Gift!

Christmas Box

Meeting an ever-increasing need in our communities, Christmas Box provides more than just food in a time of need, it also brings a reminder that there is a community of people who care.

We believe by alleviating some of the pressure that families feel at Christmas time through our food parcels, … View more
Meeting an ever-increasing need in our communities, Christmas Box provides more than just food in a time of need, it also brings a reminder that there is a community of people who care.

We believe by alleviating some of the pressure that families feel at Christmas time through our food parcels, it will create a lasting impact that goes beyond a treat at Christmas.

For only $40 you can donate a Christmas Box to a family in need, providing not just practical help, but much deserved hope too.
Find out more

Image
720 days ago

Poll: Are you able to get help with your health when needed?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

A report has shown that clinics around New Zealand are understaffed, with GP's being overworked and underpaid. And for everyday kiwis, healthcare and emergency healthcare is simply not accessible.

The General Practice Owners Association of Aotearoa's report titled … View more
A report has shown that clinics around New Zealand are understaffed, with GP's being overworked and underpaid. And for everyday kiwis, healthcare and emergency healthcare is simply not accessible.

The General Practice Owners Association of Aotearoa's report titled ‘‘On The Brink’’ outlines the urgent need to address pay parity for GP nurses and doctors, beef up workforce numbers and improve funding allocations for practices with the hopes that this makes heatlhcare more accessible in the community.

Are you noticing delays in getting GP appointments or long waits at after-hours care?

Any comments below may be shared in your local paper's We Say You Say column.

Image
Are you able to get help with your health when needed?
  • 46.2% Wait times are too long - It's unacceptable.
    46.2% Complete
  • 30.8% I can get the help I need, it just takes longer.
    30.8% Complete
  • 7.7% I haven't noticed an issue.
    7.7% Complete
  • 15.3% I'm happy; I have no complaints.
    15.3% Complete
3445 votes
717 days ago

How to make your own Christmas terrarium

Resene

How to make your own Christmas terrarium painted in Resene.

Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
Find out more

Image
719 days ago

Be in to win with Southern Cross Pet

Southern Cross Pet Insurance

Share a festive photo of your furry friend and you could be in to win a $100 Prezzy® card. Because the smell of the Christmas tree and the ripping open of presents isn’t only exciting for us. But for them too.

All pets are welcome - Santa paws, claws, beaks, and squeaks. And if you don’t … View more
Share a festive photo of your furry friend and you could be in to win a $100 Prezzy® card. Because the smell of the Christmas tree and the ripping open of presents isn’t only exciting for us. But for them too.

All pets are welcome - Santa paws, claws, beaks, and squeaks. And if you don’t have a pet, that’s fine; we’d love to see your festive snaps too.

Ends 21 December 2022
Enter Now

Image
719 days ago

Recall of Pak'n Save meat

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Pak’n Save Dunedin is recalling a specific batch of its Pak’n Save Dunedin brand Pork Mince as the product may contain foreign matter (pink plastic).

The affected pork is of varying weights, customers are asked to check the packed on and best before date on the front of the packaging.

View more
Pak’n Save Dunedin is recalling a specific batch of its Pak’n Save Dunedin brand Pork Mince as the product may contain foreign matter (pink plastic).

The affected pork is of varying weights, customers are asked to check the packed on and best before date on the front of the packaging.

What you need to know:
- The affected meat is packed on 23/11/2022 and the best before date reads 26/11/2022.
- Do not consume this meat. Customers should return the product to their retailer for a full refund.

If you have questions, contact Pak’n Save Dunedin at 86 Hillside Road, South Dunedin or phone (03) 455 5129.

Image
720 days ago

Home and property inspiration delivered to your inbox

Homed

What better way to while away a Friday afternoon and get your weekend DIY inspiration than drooling over the most beautiful house and garden content of the week?

Homed newsletter keeps you on top of the real estate market, takes you inside gorgeous New Zealand homes, give you a taste of how … View more
What better way to while away a Friday afternoon and get your weekend DIY inspiration than drooling over the most beautiful house and garden content of the week?

Homed newsletter keeps you on top of the real estate market, takes you inside gorgeous New Zealand homes, give you a taste of how celebrities live, keep you up to date with interior trends, provide project ideas, and more. Be inspired to dream big about your own space - and get on the path to making those dreams come true. Sign up for free here.
Find out more

Image
723 days ago

Win your share of $10,000 this Christmas with Mags4Gifts.

Mags4gifts

We are giving 10 lucky winners $1,000 cash each this Christmas, to enter all you have to do is make a purchase on Mags4Gifts. Spoil your loved ones by gifting them a subscription or treat yourself to your favourite magazine or newspaper subscription.

Mags4Gifts is your one-stop shop for all of … View more
We are giving 10 lucky winners $1,000 cash each this Christmas, to enter all you have to do is make a purchase on Mags4Gifts. Spoil your loved ones by gifting them a subscription or treat yourself to your favourite magazine or newspaper subscription.

Mags4Gifts is your one-stop shop for all of your Christmas gifts with a range of over 50 products to choose from, including our popular NZ House & Garden, NZ Gardener, and TV Guide magazines.

Each product purchased on Mags4Gifts will automatically place you in the draw to win a cash prize - and the best part, there’s no limit on how many times you can enter! Promotion ends 8 Jan 2023, for T&Cs click here.

The team at Mags4Gifts
Know more

Image
727 days ago

Christmas Gift Ideas & BLACK FRIDAY 25% OFF

The Team from Red Cross Shop Dunedin

Come and check out our gift ideas table, set up today! We are also having a huge Black Friday sale, 25% off all secondhand goods storewide! Sale runs from the 25th - 28th ✨✨

726 days ago

Ongoing staffing challenges temporarily reduce transfer station opening hours

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Otago News

The Frankton and Wānaka transfer station facilities will close every Sunday from November 27 until January 8 due to staffing shortages.

Queenstown Lakes District Council infrastructure operations manager Simon Mason said work was ongoing to recruit more staff.

The Materials Recovery … View more
The Frankton and Wānaka transfer station facilities will close every Sunday from November 27 until January 8 due to staffing shortages.

Queenstown Lakes District Council infrastructure operations manager Simon Mason said work was ongoing to recruit more staff.

The Materials Recovery Facility and kerbside rubbish and recycling collection service would continue to operate as normal.

“We’re working hard to maintain normal levels of service for the community while grappling with the same resourcing challenges as many other local businesses. As we’ve said before, this will not be resolved overnight and our key focus is on balancing the need to maintain staff wellbeing and operational safety whilst continuing our kerbside collection service and fulfilling our waste minimisation commitments,” he said.

The Frankton and Wānaka transfer stations will remain open from 8am to 5pm six days a week from Monday to Saturday in the interim.

Roles currently available include: Drivers (Class 5 and Class 2), Recycling Operators and Transfer Station Operators. Anyone interested in applying can visit wastemanagement.careercentre.net.nz... for more details.

728 days ago

Poll: Should our voting age be lowered to 16?

Ashleigh Ogden from Neighbourly.co.nz

On Monday, 21 November, the Supreme Court ruled that preventing 16 and 17-year-olds from voting is 'unjustified age discrimination'.

The current age of voting is 18 in New Zealand and lobby group Make It 16 have been running a youth-led campaign advocating for the vote to be extended … View more
On Monday, 21 November, the Supreme Court ruled that preventing 16 and 17-year-olds from voting is 'unjustified age discrimination'.

The current age of voting is 18 in New Zealand and lobby group Make It 16 have been running a youth-led campaign advocating for the vote to be extended to our 16 and 17-year-olds.

“This is history,” said Make It 16 co-director Caeden Tipler. “Today New Zealand’s highest court has confirmed that stopping young people from voting is a breach of our human rights...The government and Parliament cannot ignore such a clear legal and moral message. They must let us vote.”

Share your thoughts below - these may be published in the We Say You Say column of the local papers.

Image
Should our voting age be lowered to 16?
  • 13.9% Yes - they should be allowed to vote
    13.9% Complete
  • 3.7% Maybe - I need more information
    3.7% Complete
  • 3.2% It doesn't bother me either way
    3.2% Complete
  • 79.2% No - I don't agree with this
    79.2% Complete
3337 votes
727 days ago

Queenstown's $1 billion Lakeview development faces fast-track rejection

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Otago News

Commissioners will reject a fast-tracked billion-dollar central Queenstown development plan unless building heights are significantly reduced.

The proposed Lakeview/Taumata development proposal includes three hotels, 500 apartments and commercial spaces on a former camping ground site.

Plans … View more
Commissioners will reject a fast-tracked billion-dollar central Queenstown development plan unless building heights are significantly reduced.

The proposed Lakeview/Taumata development proposal includes three hotels, 500 apartments and commercial spaces on a former camping ground site.

Plans for the first five buildings show some buildings will be 13 storeys high and about twice the allowable height limit.

An expert consenting panel is considering granting permission for the project under the Government’s fast-tracking legislation but is concerned the buildings are too high.

Continue reading here.

Image
A
728 days ago

Bushy Kowhai trees

Allie from South Dunedin

For sale, 7 baby kowhai, As per photo

Price: $100

728 days ago

We need you!

The Team from Red Cross Shop Dunedin

Hello,
We are needing more volunteers to join our wonderful team we have at Red Cross Shop Dunedin. Please pop into the shop or apply online. Many thanks

Image
Top