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Takahē have returned to Ngāi Tahu land near Queenstown where it is hoped a third wild population will be established.
Ngāi Tahu and the Department of Conservation released 18 takahē on the Ngāi Tahu tribal property Greenstone Station on Wednesday.
It was overseen by Ngāi Tahu rangatira … View moreTakahē have returned to Ngāi Tahu land near Queenstown where it is hoped a third wild population will be established.
Ngāi Tahu and the Department of Conservation released 18 takahē on the Ngāi Tahu tribal property Greenstone Station on Wednesday.
It was overseen by Ngāi Tahu rangatira Tā Tipene O’Regan who first saw the birds during an expedition with Dr Geoffrey Orbell in 1949, one year after they were rediscovered, having previously thought to be extinct.
“I have been enraptured by takahē since I was a boy, so it is very satisfying to release our taonga on our own whenua as we move towards a shared goal of seeing takahē throughout the Ngāi Tahu Takiwā,” he said.
Read reporter Debbie Jamieson's full story here.
The biggest challenge for the country’s latest cycleway was there was simply no space to build it.
"It is a very complex project. Typically with cycleways you have somewhere to construct them, that is why we left this section to last," Jason Forbes, Waka Kotahi senior project … View moreThe biggest challenge for the country’s latest cycleway was there was simply no space to build it.
"It is a very complex project. Typically with cycleways you have somewhere to construct them, that is why we left this section to last," Jason Forbes, Waka Kotahi senior project manager, said.
The cycleway – the 10km long SH88 Dunedin to Port Chalmers Shared Path – will be officially opened by Transport Minister David Parker on Saturday afternoon.
The cost of the entire project is $43.8 million to date, and is expected to come just under its $50m budget.
Do you think this is money well spent? Read the full story from reporter Hamish McNeilly here and let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Final call for winter deals, neighbours!
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A proposed triple-person swing over the Kawarau River in Queenstown will appeal to thrill-seekers who don’t want to do a bungy jump, the proposers say.
AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand has applied for consent to develop the swing at its original Kawarau Bungy Bridge site.
It would launch from a… View moreA proposed triple-person swing over the Kawarau River in Queenstown will appeal to thrill-seekers who don’t want to do a bungy jump, the proposers say.
AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand has applied for consent to develop the swing at its original Kawarau Bungy Bridge site.
It would launch from a platform on the upper northern banks of the river, enabling guests to swing up to 35 metres above the river before being winched back to the platform.
Would you give it a go? Read the full story from reporter Debbie Jamieson here and let us know in the comments.
A heart healthy diet is one rich in fruit and vegetables. Not only are they better for your heart, but they allow you to feel fuller with less calories. This amazing Vegetarian Lasagne from the Heart Foundation is definitely delightful. It's a perfect winter dish to warm you up and help keep … View moreA heart healthy diet is one rich in fruit and vegetables. Not only are they better for your heart, but they allow you to feel fuller with less calories. This amazing Vegetarian Lasagne from the Heart Foundation is definitely delightful. It's a perfect winter dish to warm you up and help keep your heart healthy. Let's get cooking! #HeartHealthy #EatingWell
Dear neighbours, every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of reader recipes using a seasonal crop. This month, we're on the hunt for pea recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by August 27, 2023. Every published recipe wins a copy of the September issue of NZ Gardener.
Everyone deserves a warm, dry, healthy home – see if you’re eligible for financial support to insulate and heat yours.
Warmer Kiwi Homes is a government grant that offers 80% - 90% of the cost of ceiling and underfloor insulation, and up to 80% off an energy-efficient heater, like a heat … View moreEveryone deserves a warm, dry, healthy home – see if you’re eligible for financial support to insulate and heat yours.
Warmer Kiwi Homes is a government grant that offers 80% - 90% of the cost of ceiling and underfloor insulation, and up to 80% off an energy-efficient heater, like a heat pump. In August, the eligibility criteria were extended so over 50,000 more households are eligible for insulation grants.
And you may get it even cheaper than that - lots of community organisations offer extra funding to reduce the cost further.
Check your eligibility, or check for your whānau.
From reporter Debbie Jamieson:
Central Otago farmers say it could cost more than $100 million for the community to meet proposed minimum flows for the Manuherekia River.
The Otago Regional Council received a report this week that summarises recent hydrology and ecology work on the river and … View moreFrom reporter Debbie Jamieson:
Central Otago farmers say it could cost more than $100 million for the community to meet proposed minimum flows for the Manuherekia River.
The Otago Regional Council received a report this week that summarises recent hydrology and ecology work on the river and suggests setting a minimum flow of 2000 and 2500 litres per second.
The 85km river, which runs from the Maniototo to Alexandra, has a long history of water use for gold mining and irrigation with about 75% of its water currently taken – compared to about 25% in other regions of New Zealand.
In an effort to meet the Government’s National Policy Statement on Freshwater Management the council considered a plan to set a low flow of between 1200 and 3000 litres per second, in August 2021.
A bitter discussion followed, resulting in one councillor resigning, calls for the Environment Minister to replace councillors with commissioners, and a vote for more “science” to be undertaken.
Two years later, that work is complete, and the new report is on the table.
However, Matakanui Station owner and Manuherekia Catchment Group interim chairperson Andrew Paterson said the farming community was not happy with the recommended flow, which was double the 1100 litres per second suggested by farmers.
“We don’t disagree that there should be an increase in minimum flow. We just disagree on how high it should be.
“We all love the river. It’s the lifeblood of the valley. It keeps the valley and the communities pumping, and we don’t want to cut that off,” he said.
Reaching the proposed flow in summer would require use of water stored in the Falls Dam or community reservoirs, which could cost more than $100 million to build, he said.
That was a cost that should be met by the wider community as it extended beyond the interests of farmers, he said.
Farmers were suspicious that the council was attempting to make the science fit a figure and felt that the arguments were stacked against farmers, he said.
Between 400 and 500 farms, orchards and vineyards were reliant on the river and would continue to be involved in the process.
It had the potential to go to the Environment Court, Paterson said.
“The views of the farming community compared to the views of the community are poles apart. We could never come to an agreement.”
Councillor Alexa Forbes said receiving the report during a briefing on Tuesday felt like reaching a milestone after a long and bitter journey.
“The feeling around the table was so much more positive and workable than that dreadful day in August 2021 when we really found no common ground at all,” she said.
Draft recommendations would be developed and put before the council for noting in September, ahead of a public consultation period.
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins announced the end of the final pandemic-related public health orders which is the mandatory seven-day isolation for people infected and mask requirement in health facilities. For some, it's a welcome change but for others this is a concerning move. How are you … View morePrime Minister Chris Hipkins announced the end of the final pandemic-related public health orders which is the mandatory seven-day isolation for people infected and mask requirement in health facilities. For some, it's a welcome change but for others this is a concerning move. How are you feeling about the changes?
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the We Say You Say column of your local paper.
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For only $15 a ticket, you could win this brand-new, fully furnished home in Glenbrook, Auckland in the Heart Foundation Lottery. Worth over $1 million and built to perfection by Jennian Homes, this home features four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen… View moreDreaming of calling the City of Sails home?
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Did you know that socially well-connected people are happier and healthier according to the latest research? Reach out to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while or catch up with your loved ones to benefit your mental health and wellbeing.
Read our blog on social connection to find out more!
Get 20% off Kiwi-made Resene quality paints, primers, sealers and wood stains.
Plus buy one testpot get one free on 60-80ml testpots 60-80. Visit your local Resene ColorShop or reseller and get started on your decorating project.
Choose from the widest range of Eco Choice approved paints … View moreGet 20% off Kiwi-made Resene quality paints, primers, sealers and wood stains.
Plus buy one testpot get one free on 60-80ml testpots 60-80. Visit your local Resene ColorShop or reseller and get started on your decorating project.
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Hey Neighbours!
Is your Mobile plan one of the many Winter bills piling up? It might be time to review it so you can relax..even just a smidge?! Compare all the mobile plans and providers on Mobile Compare and find a plan that lets you stay connected without overpaying.
The leader of the National Party has announced a plan to ban cellphones from all classrooms to minimize distractions for students. The Labour party has commented that this is commonplace already and is a decision best left for individual schools. Do you think a ban should be enforced?
Tell us about gardeners doing something worth celebrating in your community, and they could be in the running for the Ryman Healthcare Gardener of the Year! The winner will receive Vegepod product worth $1000. And the most colourful character receives $1000 worth of Resene paint.
Send up to five… View moreTell us about gardeners doing something worth celebrating in your community, and they could be in the running for the Ryman Healthcare Gardener of the Year! The winner will receive Vegepod product worth $1000. And the most colourful character receives $1000 worth of Resene paint.
Send up to five high-resolution photos and explain why you wish to nominate a person or group to be the Ryman Healthcare 2023 Gardener of the Year. Email your entry to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Or post your nomination to 2023 Gardener of the Year, NZ Gardener, PO Box 6341, Victoria St West, Auckland 1142.
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