Greymouth region, Greymouth

67 days ago

Weather warnings for the South Island

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Heavy rain, snow and severe gales are set to continue into today for parts of the South Island. MetService has issued a range of warnings and watches due to the snowy, windy and wet weather.

According to MetService, a "complex low" over the Tasman Sea is generating persistent, cold … View more
Heavy rain, snow and severe gales are set to continue into today for parts of the South Island. MetService has issued a range of warnings and watches due to the snowy, windy and wet weather.

According to MetService, a "complex low" over the Tasman Sea is generating persistent, cold easterlies over the South Island, bringing heavy rain, and heavy snow above 400 metres. Southeasterly gales are also to be expected in the west, MetService warned.

What you need to know:
- Orange heavy snow warnings in place until 2pm on Wednesday for the North Canterbury high country and the foothills north of the Rangitata River.
- An orange strong wind warning is in place until 1pm in Westland and Grey Districts. Severe gale easterlies could gust 120 to 130 km/h in isolated exposed places.
- Heavy rain watch for Canterbury Plains from Christchurch northwards and eastern Marlborough until 3pm.
- A treacherous Canterbury State Highway where dozens of people have been injured in icy crashes was still closed on Wednesday due to the snow and ice, as was SH73, SH79 and SH80.
- State Highway 73 Springfield to Castle Hill (Porters Pass) was also closed due to snow and ice, as was State Highway 79 Fairlie, between State Highway 8 and Gudex Rd.
- State Highway 80 Pukaki to Mt Cook (Aoraki Mt Cook Highway) was also closed due to snow and ice.

MetService has urged people to prepare for snow, cold temperatures, and possible power outages.

"If you must travel, drive cautiously, and ensure you have snow chains, sleeping bags, warm clothing, and emergency items."

Check NZTA road closures here before you travel, and weather warnings can be found here on the MetService website.

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81 days ago

Poll: Have you had a pen pal?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

With the invention of the internet and mobile phone communication, pen pals seem to be a thing of the past but it was a common practice at one point.

Did you have a pen pal? Where did you meet them? Share below!

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Have you had a pen pal?
  • 66% Yes
    66% Complete
  • 33.6% No
    33.6% Complete
  • 0.4% Other - I'll share below!
    0.4% Complete
1191 votes
88 days ago

Latest scams to look out for 👀

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Neighbourly hopes to keep you safe by keeping you informed of the latest scams circulating. This week, we are sharing two common text message scams:

NZTA / Waka Kotahi scam:
- The scam is a text message saying it's from New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, and it encourages the … View more
Neighbourly hopes to keep you safe by keeping you informed of the latest scams circulating. This week, we are sharing two common text message scams:

NZTA / Waka Kotahi scam:
- The scam is a text message saying it's from New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, and it encourages the recipient to pay an overdue road toll by visiting a fake website, threatening to take the matter to court within 15 days if they don’t pay up.
- The aim is to trick people into giving away their personal details or pay them money.
- While it is not the first time toll payments have been utilised by scammers, the threat of court action could see more people fall victim.
- The sender will either be a unknown phone number or unknown email address.
Want to report one of these scams? Do so, on Netsafe

NZ Post scam:
- This scam arrives by test message and says it's from NZ Post.
- The premise is that delivery of your parcel was unsuccessful so in order to rearrange delivery. you must click on a link to give your correct address.
- The aim is to trick people into giving away their personal details or pay them money.
- NZ Post advises people not to click the link, but to report the message to the Department of Internal Affairs by forwarding it to 7726.
Think you may have fallen prey to a scam? Get in touch with Netsafe or contact your bank if it involved your bank details.

Remember, if you didn't expect the message and you are now asked to share personal details or money, then stop contact and seek advice elsewhere.

Feel free to share any below that you've encountered recently. This may help others across the country be aware.

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74 days ago

Best medical alarms

Ernest Rutherford Retirement Village

Do you feel less steady on your feet than you used to be, or perhaps have already experienced a fall or seizure? If so, a medical alarm can help you regain your independence and confidence.

If you have a medical emergency or fall, just press the button on your personal medical alarm and speak to… View more
Do you feel less steady on your feet than you used to be, or perhaps have already experienced a fall or seizure? If so, a medical alarm can help you regain your independence and confidence.

If you have a medical emergency or fall, just press the button on your personal medical alarm and speak to an operator through the built-in speaker. If you can’t speak, an ambulance will be dispatched immediately.

There are a number of different medical alarm options available in New Zealand, so you will be able to find one that suits your needs.

Click read more for the full article.

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76 days ago

Update your Covid protection

Health New Zealand

It might not be making quite so many headlines these days, but unfortunately, Covid is still here. If you’re 65 or over, taking care of yourself is just as important as ever.

The good news is, keeping up to date with the Covid vaccine can help protect you from serious illness. It’s free and … View more
It might not be making quite so many headlines these days, but unfortunately, Covid is still here. If you’re 65 or over, taking care of yourself is just as important as ever.

The good news is, keeping up to date with the Covid vaccine can help protect you from serious illness. It’s free and recommended for you and many others as long as you haven’t had the vaccine, or Covid, in the last 6 months.

To book your vaccination, go to BookMyVaccine.nz or talk to your healthcare provider.
Book now

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76 days ago

Recent product recalls

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

These items have been recalled this month. If you have one of these items at home, click on the title to see the details to ensure it is not a risk to your household.

Food Recalls
Kiki seed crackers
My Food Bag Ltg white sesame seeds
Couplands mince & vege pie
Ghiotti mozarella cheese
View more
These items have been recalled this month. If you have one of these items at home, click on the title to see the details to ensure it is not a risk to your household.

Food Recalls
Kiki seed crackers
My Food Bag Ltg white sesame seeds
Couplands mince & vege pie
Ghiotti mozarella cheese
Papamoa Spice King sesame seeds
Mahadeo Spices and Produce Warehouse sesame seeds and Qandahari Bazaar sesame seeds
Sesame seeds from these following brands / stores: Bin Inn, Scrumptious, Bare Refill, Grand Market, Classic Taste, Food 4 Less and Apna.
Doughboys bread products
New World Wanaka spaghetti & meatballs
Essente mixed nuts
Hubbards brand BeMighty granola blueberry & seeds

Product Recalls
Zodiac swimming pool heat pump
Rubber duckie toy
H&M children/baby pyjamas
CFMOTO Youth All Terrain vehicle
Magnetic Ball set
Vehicle recalls can be found here.

We hope this message was helpful in keeping you and your family safe.

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77 days ago

2024 ARTS CANTERBURY ART SHOW

Arts Canterbury

9th - 11th of August more than 80 LOCAL artists will be exhibiting at the 2024 Arts Canterbury Art Show at The Cashmere Club, 50 Colombo Street,Christchurch.

OPENING NIGHT:7pm Friday 9th of August with tickets available from Eventbrite.

At the opening receive a complimentary drink and … View more
9th - 11th of August more than 80 LOCAL artists will be exhibiting at the 2024 Arts Canterbury Art Show at The Cashmere Club, 50 Colombo Street,Christchurch.

OPENING NIGHT:7pm Friday 9th of August with tickets available from Eventbrite.

At the opening receive a complimentary drink and nibbles, enjoy the first opportunity to purchase the art and meet the artists.

SATURDAY/SUNDAY: 10am-4pm - gold coin donation on the door.

“Low sensory hour” Sunday 11th of August 9 - 10am with reduced noise, lighting and distractions during this time.
Find out more

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78 days ago

Have you got your tickets yet?

Heart Foundation Lottery

For only $15 a ticket, you could be in to win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home located in beautiful Mangawhai, worth almost $1.4 million dollars.

Featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms and an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area, this home is waiting to be loved by its new … View more
For only $15 a ticket, you could be in to win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home located in beautiful Mangawhai, worth almost $1.4 million dollars.

Featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms and an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area, this home is waiting to be loved by its new owner.

Make this property your permanent residence, a holiday home, a rental, or you can simply sell it!

Get your tickets today at heartlottery.org.nz.
Find out more

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79 days ago

Cosy up with a fresh cup of coffee and a magazine

mags4gifts

Winter is well and truly here, and we’re helping you keep your cup full and your mind entertained. Simply purchase or gift a subscription via mags4gifts.co.nz before 31 July and you’ll automatically be placed in the draw to win 1 of 3 Delonghi Espresso Coffee Makers worth $229* each!

View more
Winter is well and truly here, and we’re helping you keep your cup full and your mind entertained. Simply purchase or gift a subscription via mags4gifts.co.nz before 31 July and you’ll automatically be placed in the draw to win 1 of 3 Delonghi Espresso Coffee Makers worth $229* each!

With over 50 titles to choose from, there’s something for everyone. *T&Cs apply
Find out more

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80 days ago

West Coast council takes aim at NZTA over flood fix

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

By local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:

A West Coast river engineer claims the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) "kicked up a bit of a ruckus" when the council requested a joint visit to critical flood protection work on State Highway 6.

The NZTA has been managing key South Westland … View more
By local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:

A West Coast river engineer claims the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) "kicked up a bit of a ruckus" when the council requested a joint visit to critical flood protection work on State Highway 6.

The NZTA has been managing key South Westland river crossings, at the Wanganui and Whataroa bridges, for the past 18 months.

The willingness of NZTA to work with the West Coast Regional Council on the route security of the state highway has been described as "very precious".

The regional council's Infrastructure Governance Committee has been keeping an eye on how NZTA is managing the flood risk.

This week, council's chief river engineer Peter Blackwood said he had asked the agency for a joint visit to the sites to give their perspective and insight, "but NZTA kicked up a bit of a ruckus on that".

"NZTA are very precious about their works … they don't like it when we talk to them about it," Blackwood said.

He said they were concerned the clock was ticking towards August - the start of the Spring flood season - when it might be "too late".

NZTA has been approached for comment.

Earlier in the year, the council said it would write to the agency outlining its concerns.

This included the need to ensure the bridges were not left compromised by a delay to flood protection work, and to ensure it fitted with council's own approach to managing the flood risk at both rivers.

In particular, the council was concerned about how work by the agency might undermine or compromise flood protection work downstream, given it manages assets on behalf of the Whataroa and Wanganui special rating districts.


River diversion spurs had been installed by NZTA at the southern Whataroa Bridge approach, with a retrospective consent application to come, an action point before the July 9 meeting said.

Design work for similar work at the Wanganui south bank was under way and council expected a consent application in due course.

Council chief executive Darryl Lew said he was concerned "no-one would get the opportunity to submit" if NZTA undertook an emergency consent application process, taking a non-notification approach.

This would leave out locals living in the area adjoining both bridges.
"What we are hearing here is that the rating scheme members would want to have a view on that," Lew said.

Infrastructure chairperson Frank Dooley said it was not too late for their input on the Wanganui consent.

But councillor Brett Cummings said he could not fathom NZTA justifying using emergency consent provisions under the Resource Management Act, due to the time since the bridge issues arose.

"I find it a bit hard to believe the NZTA are using emergency ones on the Whataroa Bridge when everyone has known about it for so long."

Cummings said council had to put its special rating district concerns to the forefront given the potential serious impact of their work causing the river to 'kick' to the other side and causing havoc downstream.

"If they (NZTA) are going to do work that sends the river to the other side, who is going to pay?

"We should have full control what goes in the river I feel."

Councillor Peter Haddock said the council had "worked hard on NZTA" for route security in recent times, particularly to get work done at the Wanganui and it had been raised again in a South Island regional transport meeting last week.

80 days ago

Have you got a family recipe for oranges?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

We're looking for delicious orange recipes to feature in NZ Gardener's October issue. Send your family's favourite ways to enjoy this fruit to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by August 20, 2024. Every published recipe wins a copy of the October issue of NZ Gardener.

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81 days ago

Only 5 days left to adopt one of our gorgeous SPCA long-stay animals for free

The Team from SPCA Hokitika - Op Shop

Are you the Special Someone our animals have been looking for?

Until Sun 21 July only, we are waiving adoption fees for our long-stay residents for the right home.*

They might be older, shy, have only three legs or just need that extra bit of attention and care – but they all deserve a … View more
Are you the Special Someone our animals have been looking for?

Until Sun 21 July only, we are waiving adoption fees for our long-stay residents for the right home.*

They might be older, shy, have only three legs or just need that extra bit of attention and care – but they all deserve a loving home. And they have been waiting for a long time for that Special Love!

Look for the ‘Special Love Needed’ tag on our adoption profiles, check you can provide what they need to flourish & apply online at www.spca.nz...

*The offer applies to animals looking for homes for more than 40 days; our usual adoption criteria and processes apply.

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81 days ago

Only 5 days left to adopt one of our gorgeous SPCA long-stay animals for free

The Team from SPCA Westport - Centre & Op Shop

Are you the Special Someone our animals have been looking for?

Until Sun 21 July only, we are waiving adoption fees for our long-stay residents for the right home.*

They might be older, shy, have only three legs or just need that extra bit of attention and care – but they all deserve a … View more
Are you the Special Someone our animals have been looking for?

Until Sun 21 July only, we are waiving adoption fees for our long-stay residents for the right home.*

They might be older, shy, have only three legs or just need that extra bit of attention and care – but they all deserve a loving home. And they have been waiting for a long time for that Special Love!

Look for the ‘Special Love Needed’ tag on our adoption profiles, check you can provide what they need to flourish & apply online at www.spca.nz...

*The offer applies to animals looking for homes for more than 40 days; our usual adoption criteria and processes apply.

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81 days ago

Only 5 days left to adopt one of our gorgeous SPCA long-stay animals for free

SPCA - Greymouth Centre

Are you the Special Someone our animals have been looking for?

Until Sun 21 July only, we are waiving adoption fees for our long-stay residents for the right home.*

They might be older, shy, have only three legs or just need that extra bit of attention and care – but they all deserve a … View more
Are you the Special Someone our animals have been looking for?

Until Sun 21 July only, we are waiving adoption fees for our long-stay residents for the right home.*

They might be older, shy, have only three legs or just need that extra bit of attention and care – but they all deserve a loving home. And they have been waiting for a long time for that Special Love!

Look for the ‘Special Love Needed’ tag on our adoption profiles, check you can provide what they need to flourish & apply online at www.spca.nz...

*The offer applies to animals looking for homes for more than 40 days; our usual adoption criteria and processes apply.

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81 days ago

Winter Gardening

Ernest Rutherford Retirement Village

Winter isn’t usually associated with pottering about in the garden. However, it’s possible to grow, harvest, and share a bustling winter crop.

As we have celebrated Matariki and the beginning of the Māori New Year, for winter gardeners it’s the right time to cultivate crops that thrive in… View more
Winter isn’t usually associated with pottering about in the garden. However, it’s possible to grow, harvest, and share a bustling winter crop.

As we have celebrated Matariki and the beginning of the Māori New Year, for winter gardeners it’s the right time to cultivate crops that thrive in cooler temperatures and to prepare the soil for future planting.

Click read more for the full story.

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