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The hunt is officially on for New Zealand's best collection of houseplants
. Which means you could be 2022 Houseplant Hero. There’s some great prizes to be won! To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) what potted plants you have, the time you put into caring for them, and what … View moreThe hunt is officially on for New Zealand's best collection of houseplants
. Which means you could be 2022 Houseplant Hero. There’s some great prizes to be won! To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) what potted plants you have, the time you put into caring for them, and what you love about them. Send us up to five photos of your indoor plant displays. Email mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Meanwhile, here's last year's winner Alyce Read, from Nelson.
The new range of Line7 performance workwear has been designed, developed and tested by you – New Zealand farmers. We asked, listened, and collaborated directly with farmers in the making of this gear. We tested and re-tested in on-farm environments. We re-engineered what farming workwear can be … View moreThe new range of Line7 performance workwear has been designed, developed and tested by you – New Zealand farmers. We asked, listened, and collaborated directly with farmers in the making of this gear. We tested and re-tested in on-farm environments. We re-engineered what farming workwear can be with your needs front of mind.
We brought our decades of experience creating world-class performance gear. Add to that a legacy of Kiwi innovation, a challenger spirit and a practical attitude that’s been part of Line 7 since we started back in 1963.
Every detail has been reviewed and refined – without overlooking the obvious. Breathable, flexible, functional and comfortable, while still being supremely durable and waterproof. Made to fit farmers of all shapes and sizes, with a dedicated range for women. Built to last, and last a bit longer still, with an included repair kit that means you can fix it up quickly yourself.
Now take it out there, try it on and put it to the test. Wear it out and wear it again. We’re pretty damn confident you won’t be disappointed
From reporter Sinead Gill:
After two years of low influenza cases, Dunedin may be a growing hotspot.
The city had 44 of the 46 cases picked up by the national influenza monitor last week – double what the monitor picked up nationwide in 2020 and 2021 combined.
Parents are asking if they … View moreFrom reporter Sinead Gill:
After two years of low influenza cases, Dunedin may be a growing hotspot.
The city had 44 of the 46 cases picked up by the national influenza monitor last week – double what the monitor picked up nationwide in 2020 and 2021 combined.
Parents are asking if they should bring their university-aged children home to care for them, while others are claiming sick students who test negative for Covid-19 aren’t staying home.
Dr Samantha Murton, president of the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners, said two years of Covid-19 had changed the way people think about flus, and had caught them off guard.
“There is a certain level of thinking Covid is the monster we’re trying to avoid, and anything else must be milder than Covid.
“The flu can still be nasty for some people. In winter, our hospitals fill up with flu cases.
“They hit like a train. Someone with influenza will usually say something like, ‘I woke up at 3am and suddenly I was sick’. They could have a high fever and a bad cough.”
Despite flu typically having a quick onset, Murton said people were generally infectious when they were experiencing symptoms, between the first two to five days.
People with Covid-19 were more likely to feel fatigue, gastric symptoms and a sore throat, she said.
“Like any virus, it spreads very easily ... the key is to rest, you’ll recover quicker.”
Murton said it was possible people could experience worse flu symptoms than they had before the Covid-19 pandemic, but it was because the immune system had to compensate for not being exposed to illness for a number of years in a row.
Having a support network was important while recovering from a cold, Murton said, but she didn't recommend parents collecting their children from university, as it could spread the flu and young people were likely to recover within a few days.
A University of Otago spokesperson confirmed there were cases of flu among staff and students, but could not comment on the severity.
The Institute of Environmental Science and Research runs a multidisciplinary monitor of influenza and the reporting of influenza-like symptoms to agencies like Heathline.
In the week ending May 8, 46 Influenza A cases were reported, all in the South Island.
The Southern District Health Board was approached for comment.
The flu season typically runs from May to October, and in an ordinary year kills an average of 500 New Zealanders.
In New South Wales, spiralling cases of influenza credited to the post-Covid opening of borders were being described as a “significant flu epidemic”.
The Government ordered 600,000 more flu jabs than usual in preparation for the 2022 flu season. Health Minister Andrew Little expected an increase in flu cases, particularly with the borders opening.
A flu jab has been available in New Zealand since April 1.
People 65 years and over, Māori and Pacific peoples aged 55 years and over, all pregnant people, and other vulnerable groups were eligible for a free one.
Others who aren't covered by an employer-funded programme could expect to pay between $25 and $45.
From reporter Debbie Jamieson:
Queenstown median house prices have dipped below $1 million for the first time in 18 months.
Real Estate Institute figures for April show a 22.1% decrease from the same month last year, from $1.22m to $950,000 for the tourist town.
The last time it dipped below $1m… View moreFrom reporter Debbie Jamieson:
Queenstown median house prices have dipped below $1 million for the first time in 18 months.
Real Estate Institute figures for April show a 22.1% decrease from the same month last year, from $1.22m to $950,000 for the tourist town.
The last time it dipped below $1m was in August 2020, and the median price has regularly been in seven figures since 2018.
There was an even larger drop in Wānaka, where the median price dropped 43.3% to $635,000, largely due to sales of townhouses at the Riverside Residence development.
Of the 58 sales in Wānaka this April, 24 were townhouse purchases from Riverside Residence between $400,000 and $700,000, according to a report from the institute.
The median price excluding these sales would have been $1.115m.
There are 62 units within Riverside Residence, many of which are sold for short-term accommodation only.
Real Estate Institute Otago/Southland spokesperson Liz Nidd said the market across the country had been affected by Covid-19 and recent school holidays.
“There is a rationalisation of the market happening, but it’s too early to panic,” she said.
The report says owner-occupiers were the most active buyers in the Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes regions, although finance was challenging for many purchasers.
First home buyers in the region were scarce due to tightened lending conditions, loan to value ratios and rising interest rates.
“Anecdotally, unless first home buyers have support from the bank of mum and dad, they tend to be priced out of all but the outer suburbs,” Nidd said.
The 25 apartments are among the first of up to 4000 Housing Minister Megan Woods hopes will go through the $400m Progressive Home Ownership scheme.
Queenstown Community Housing Trust executive officer Julie Scott said even with the drop in sales prices, homes in the region remained far out of reach for low and middle income households.
“This makes absolutely no difference,” she said.
The trust has almost 800 households on its waiting list.
The institute’s report says investors had also stepped back from the market due to new tax legislation, despite rents increasing.
A lack of rental properties was making it difficult for prospective tenants.
Nationally, house sales nationwide tumbled by 29.3% between March and April, highlighting the ongoing slowdown of the market, the institute said.
Its latest figures showed there were just 4860 sales around the country in April. That was down 35.2% from the 7497 sales at the same time last year.
In Queenstown, sales decreased by 10.9%.
Agents said “fear of missing out” was replaced with a “fear of overpaying”.
“With fewer buyers in the market, there is less competition, not as much urgency and vendors have become more realistic in their expectations.”
Agents were hopeful that the Central Otago/Lakes region might see some more overseas buyers now that borders are open but are also aware that some Kiwis will leave New Zealand after two years of Covid-19.
NZ Compare is the home of easy and free to use comparison sites. We’re passionate about helping Kiwis compare what’s out there, so we wanted to introduce you to a new member of our brand family – PriceMe!
PriceMe is NZ's largest comparison-shopping site, sounds fun right?! Whether … View moreNZ Compare is the home of easy and free to use comparison sites. We’re passionate about helping Kiwis compare what’s out there, so we wanted to introduce you to a new member of our brand family – PriceMe!
PriceMe is NZ's largest comparison-shopping site, sounds fun right?! Whether you're buying electronics, appliances, smartphones or watches, hair straighteners or any other everyday household or office product – find the best prices on PriceMe.
Make it your first stop, not an afterthought Neighbours!
Plus, you don’t need to leave the house! Shopping made simple, just how we like it.
First time house hunting can be a bit depressing. Homes in your price range are often run down, miles from a main centre, or cramped and featureless.
But what if your first home didn’t have to be a characterless box miles from the centre of town? What if it could be filled with history and … View moreFirst time house hunting can be a bit depressing. Homes in your price range are often run down, miles from a main centre, or cramped and featureless.
But what if your first home didn’t have to be a characterless box miles from the centre of town? What if it could be filled with history and quirky architectural detail, and just seconds from the CBD?
Three apartments at 81 Moray Place, Dunedin, tick a few key first time buyer boxes: They’re a five-minute walk from the Octagon, and have more character than ten villas combined - all for less than $540,000.
Continue reading here.
Business is tough and finding the right broadband plan or provider can be just as rough, so let's make it a little easier.
We want you to focus on achieving your strategy, not going from site to site, call to call to get a good deal! So we've launched Business Compare - a simple, free … View moreBusiness is tough and finding the right broadband plan or provider can be just as rough, so let's make it a little easier.
We want you to focus on achieving your strategy, not going from site to site, call to call to get a good deal! So we've launched Business Compare - a simple, free to use website that will help you compare NZ broadband retailers that supply businesses just like yours!
NZ Compare is here to help Kiwi businesses find the right plan, the right provider, the right fit. Go visit Business Compare now!
We are incredibly proud to launch Short Notice is a new initiative designed to connect neighbours with a little spare time on their hands with local businesses that need a bit of extra help!
It's very simple; using the new Short Notice community hub, share a little about yourself, your … View moreWe are incredibly proud to launch Short Notice is a new initiative designed to connect neighbours with a little spare time on their hands with local businesses that need a bit of extra help!
It's very simple; using the new Short Notice community hub, share a little about yourself, your availability and how you'd like to help.
If you're a business owner sign up for a FREE Premium Business listing to get access to Short Notice and let your community know what help you need.
Together, let's help keep small businesses busy!
Grab yourself a delicious Barista Made Coffee for only $4 at McCafé.
McCafé, simply good coffee.
Available for a limited time.
Congratulations to Robert Fenwick, owner of Fenwicks Pharmacy in Canterbury, the 2022 Prospa Local Business Hero.
Robert has been recognised for his ongoing service and support for the community through tough times. Fenwicks pharmacy remained open throughout the lockdown with friendly greetings,… View moreCongratulations to Robert Fenwick, owner of Fenwicks Pharmacy in Canterbury, the 2022 Prospa Local Business Hero.
Robert has been recognised for his ongoing service and support for the community through tough times. Fenwicks pharmacy remained open throughout the lockdown with friendly greetings, conversations and smiles!
Congratulations to all the finalists and thank you for nominating your favourite local business. We'd like to acknowledge the official winner of the public voting poll, Josh Coe, owner of Page 42 cafe. Unfortunately, Josh has decided to close his business after 3.5 years and we wish him all the best.
A world-leading health and education precinct in central Dunedin has been unveiled by the Southern District Health Board.
The health board worked with local rūnaka, tertiary institutions and other stakeholders to develop a plan that would enhance Dunedin’s city centre, SDHB chief executive … View moreA world-leading health and education precinct in central Dunedin has been unveiled by the Southern District Health Board.
The health board worked with local rūnaka, tertiary institutions and other stakeholders to develop a plan that would enhance Dunedin’s city centre, SDHB chief executive Chris Fleming said.
Along with the city’s new $1.4 billion hospital, which will include the site of the former Cadbury factory, the plan, Te Whakaari – The Promise, includes green spaces, additional healthcare services, and retail areas.
The precinct will be between the current hospital site and Lower Stuart St, and will support the revitalisation of the central city.
“Te Whakaari focuses on wellbeing, equity, sustainability, adapting to the effects of climate change, and contributing to a sense of local identity,” Fleming said.
The plan would complement the council’s central city plan, and provide a link between the tertiary precinct to the north of the city and the cultural and entertainment quarter to the south.
The precinct design features three phases of development: short-term (until 2030), medium-term (until 2040) and long-term (until 2080).
That short-term plan includes the completion of the new Dunedin Hospital and a 500-space car parking facility that would be suitable for electric vehicles and cycles.
It will also have an interprofessional learning centre for student learning, and a “translational research centre”.
It is hoped developers will provide retail activity in the precinct during the short-term phase of development.
The medium-term plan would result in Southern Blood and Cancer Services moving south of the new Dunedin Hospital, while the long-term plan allows room for the development of future services.
Meanwhile, spaces between buildings are being set aside for a “green spine” to encourage pedestrian and social activity at the heart of the precinct.
The green spine forms part of a larger greenway loop, and works in tandem with planned upgrades to Dunedin’s retail quarter.
Te Whakaari would help inform future infrastructure decisions for Dunedin, as the health board transitions to Health New Zealand.
From reporter Hamish McNeilly:
The Dunedin Midwinter Carnival is one of the city’s most popular events, but organisers have changed the location and introduced ticketing to make it sustainable.
The annual event, traditionally held around the longest night of the year in the city's Octagon, … View moreFrom reporter Hamish McNeilly:
The Dunedin Midwinter Carnival is one of the city’s most popular events, but organisers have changed the location and introduced ticketing to make it sustainable.
The annual event, traditionally held around the longest night of the year in the city's Octagon, will now take place over two nights – July 8 and 9 – at First Church on Moray Place.
“It is a little different to what we have done before,” Midwinter Trust chairperson Paul Smith said.
The event, which features giant lantern installations and large projections, is now in its 25th year, but Covid restrictions coupled with a rugby test between the All Blacks and Ireland prompted a new plan.
“We ended up adjusting the event, so it could go ahead, and that meant being able to control entry if we needed to.”
Being able to control entry meant it was now a ticketed event, likely to be limited to about 5000 people per night, and costing $5 a ticket.
A decision on what the event would look like in 2023 was yet to be made, Smith said.
“It would depend on the success of this year.”
Covering costs was essential as “these sorts of projects aren’t cheap”.
The $5 ticket price was similar to the ‘koha’ requested as a donation in previous events, which returned less than $10,000 last year.
“It has always been a tricky thing for us. Not everyone understands we are a small non-profit, and it is not the city council putting on the event, and so many volunteer hours go into it.”
The trust also had to store “these beautiful artworks ... and that is another thing that weighs on our minds”.
“We are constantly trying to find ways to make this event more sustainable ... and that is one of our responsibilities as trustees.”
Organisers planned to promote the event to audiences throughout Otago and Southland. Funding from Enterprise Dunedin’s Regional Events Fund had been secured as part of an effort to increase visitors from outside the city.
The weather is getting chilly, ya power is going to rise! So why are you sticking with the same plan and provider if it might be costing you MORE money?!
53.9% of Neighbours said they switched over 6 months ago and 33.6% said you have no idea when you last switched! We want to know why … View moreThe weather is getting chilly, ya power is going to rise! So why are you sticking with the same plan and provider if it might be costing you MORE money?!
53.9% of Neighbours said they switched over 6 months ago and 33.6% said you have no idea when you last switched! We want to know why you're not switching power providers?
Our winning Nice Neighbours have been featured across NZ in the local papers, maybe you've spotted these smiling faces...
If you have a nice neighbour who needs recognised for the little (or big!) things they do, nominate them on our Nice Neighbour page and you could each get a $25 Prezzy® … View moreOur winning Nice Neighbours have been featured across NZ in the local papers, maybe you've spotted these smiling faces...
If you have a nice neighbour who needs recognised for the little (or big!) things they do, nominate them on our Nice Neighbour page and you could each get a $25 Prezzy® card - that sounds like morning tea to me!
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