Hanmer Forest Park, Hanmer Springs

207 days ago

Swap food for a FREE Resene testpot!

Resene

Hunger for Colour is back for 2024! Bring two cans of food into your local Resene ColorShop and swap them for one Resene testpot (60-80ml). Resene will donate all food to The Salvation Army foodbanks.

We accept all cans of food in good condition and suitable for humans to eat. If you prefer to … View more
Hunger for Colour is back for 2024! Bring two cans of food into your local Resene ColorShop and swap them for one Resene testpot (60-80ml). Resene will donate all food to The Salvation Army foodbanks.

We accept all cans of food in good condition and suitable for humans to eat. If you prefer to bring in canned pet food, we can accept that also and will donate it to the SPCA and local community animal shelters.

By adding a little more colour to your life you can also help those in need.
Find out more

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209 days ago

Ways to Lower your Power Bill

The Team from NZ Compare

Feeling the Summer heat? Don't let your power bill skyrocket along with the temperatures!

Check out these 10 simple tips to keep cool and save money on your power bills this season.

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208 days ago

The Christchurch Art Show is back!

The Christchurch Art Show

The Christchurch Art Show is back at Te Pae Convention Centre March 8 – 10!

Expect amazing artwork of all types, artist demonstrations, and award- winning artists at New Zealand’s largest art show. The Christchurch Art Show’s new VIP Preview event opens 8 March 5pm, the ever-popular … View more
The Christchurch Art Show is back at Te Pae Convention Centre March 8 – 10!

Expect amazing artwork of all types, artist demonstrations, and award- winning artists at New Zealand’s largest art show. The Christchurch Art Show’s new VIP Preview event opens 8 March 5pm, the ever-popular opening night follows this at 7:30pm. Both are pre- sale catered events and opening night will sell out!

Show Days are: Sat 9th March 10am-8pm and Sun 10th March 10am - 5pm.

Come and view thousands of original quality artworks, meet the artists and view live art demonstrations. Make it a day out and enjoy The Christchurch Art Show!

Buy Christchurch Tickets (New) – ART SHOW TICKETING
Book now

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209 days ago

Declutter and organise photos with Peter Walsh

Ernest Rutherford Retirement Village

Peter is helping us out with something that nearly everyone can relate to – dealing with the unsorted photos taking up space on your phone or languishing in boxes in your home.

“Without fail, when I give a talk about getting organised, I’m always asked how to deal with photos,” says … View more
Peter is helping us out with something that nearly everyone can relate to – dealing with the unsorted photos taking up space on your phone or languishing in boxes in your home.

“Without fail, when I give a talk about getting organised, I’m always asked how to deal with photos,” says Peter.

Boxes of unsorted photos can feel overwhelming to organise so they often get left for many years to clutter up our houses. In addition to this, most of us have smartphones that make it easy to take photos anywhere, so pretty soon our digital photo life becomes cluttered too.

Click read more for the full article.

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209 days ago

Win this brand-new home!

Heart Foundation Lotteries

For only $15 a ticket, you could be in to win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home in Pegasus, Christchurch worth almost $1 million.

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

Make this property … View more
For only $15 a ticket, you could be in to win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home in Pegasus, Christchurch worth almost $1 million.

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

Make this property your permanent residence, a holiday home, rent it or even sell it!

Don’t miss out! Get your tickets today at heartlottery.org.nz.
Find out more

209 days ago

Don't forget to nominate your favourite local...

Prospa

There have been hundreds of wonderful entries in this year's Prospa Local Business Hero from across the country! If you haven't nominated a special local business yet, do it today.

- Got a great mechanic? Nominate them today.
- A barista who makes you smile? Nominate them today.
- … View more
There have been hundreds of wonderful entries in this year's Prospa Local Business Hero from across the country! If you haven't nominated a special local business yet, do it today.

- Got a great mechanic? Nominate them today.
- A barista who makes you smile? Nominate them today.
- A reassuring pharmacy team? Nominate them today.

Make a small business' day today by nominating them as your Prospa Local Business Hero - and you could make their whole year (our national winner picks up an incredible $10,000 prize package!)
Nominate now

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211 days ago

Waikari Valley fire evacuees can return home

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

Residents evacuated after fire tore through vegetation in North Canterbury’s Waikari Valley have been given the all-clear to return home, fire bosses confirmed.

Anna Engelbrecht said “it’s been a relief” to find their house unscathed after an intense evacuation late Sunday, complicated … View more
Residents evacuated after fire tore through vegetation in North Canterbury’s Waikari Valley have been given the all-clear to return home, fire bosses confirmed.

Anna Engelbrecht said “it’s been a relief” to find their house unscathed after an intense evacuation late Sunday, complicated by her husband’s rare neuromuscular disease.

In the span of 30 minutes, he could be unable to move or breath, Anna said, and stressful situations made things worse.

“For me it was: I need to get him out, I need to get him out.”

The pair fled their house with flames on the horizon after a change in wind direction put them in danger.

Many in the community got little sleep overnight Sunday, and some were forced from their properties by the the blaze, which broke out about 8pm and spread over 300 hectares.

Five helicopters and 80 ground crews of firefighters battled the fire on Monday, when it was fanned by high winds, and fire authorities warned it will not likely be fully extinguished for several days.

On Monday afternoon, Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fenz) assistant commander Des Irving said residents could now return home but implored them to “be vigilant” and encouraged them to use common sense in the dry and hot conditions.

He praised the way local residents had reacted to the blaze.

“They’ve been amazing, we’re really appreciative of the residents and their support.

“It is never easy to leave your home at short notice like these people had to do last night, but safety is always the priority.”

The cause of the fire is not yet known, but the source has been pinpointed, he said.

No livestock has been reported as lost, nor any structures lost or damaged.

211 days ago

Have you got a family-favourite recipe for carrots?

Jo McCarroll Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

We're looking for delicious carrot recipes to feature in NZ Gardener's April issue. Send your family's favourite ways to eat this easy-to-grow vege crop to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by February 25, 2024. Every published recipe wins a copy of the April issue of NZ Gardener.

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211 days ago

$15,000 to welcome you home...

The Team from Ryman Healthcare

It could be our wonderful staff. Our vibrant communities. Our amazing amenities. Or just the peace of mind that our guaranteed fixed base weekly fee* brings. There are so many reasons to choose the Ryman lifestyle. We’d love to add one more reason to your list - $15,000 back for a limited time*.
View more
It could be our wonderful staff. Our vibrant communities. Our amazing amenities. Or just the peace of mind that our guaranteed fixed base weekly fee* brings. There are so many reasons to choose the Ryman lifestyle. We’d love to add one more reason to your list - $15,000 back for a limited time*.

If you sign up to one of our new home offers, you’ll get a $15,000 credit on settlement*.

There’s truly never been a better time to choose Ryman.

*Terms and conditions apply.
Explore our villages now

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213 days ago

Poll: What power issues have you faced?

The Team from NZ Compare

Hey neighbours! How has your power been treating you lately? Any sparks or stumbles in the past year?
Share the woes and let's brighten each other's day!

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What power issues have you faced?
  • 13.1% Power Outages
    13.1% Complete
  • 73% High Bills
    73% Complete
  • 2.9% Billing Errors
    2.9% Complete
  • 4.2% Voltage Fluctuations
    4.2% Complete
  • 6.8% Poor Customer Service
    6.8% Complete
382 votes
215 days ago

Wedding dresses old and new on show

Ernest Rutherford Retirement Village

This week, we're celebrating love in all its forms, with some of our residents celebrating by sharing cherished memories, including their wedding dresses and the beautiful stories behind them.

An array of wedding dresses, ranging from the modern to the traditional, were on display along … View more
This week, we're celebrating love in all its forms, with some of our residents celebrating by sharing cherished memories, including their wedding dresses and the beautiful stories behind them.

An array of wedding dresses, ranging from the modern to the traditional, were on display along with dozens of amazing wedding photos dating back to the 1800s in a nod to Valentine’s Day.

“With it being Valentine’s Day this week, we wanted something that would be inclusive of all the residents, those who are still lucky enough to have their partners but also those sharing happy memories of those that they have lost.”

Click read more for the full story.

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215 days ago

Is your furry friend protected?

Southern Cross from Neighbourly Nz

The Pet Life.

It’s the life you share with your pet, and the life they share with you. We believe the pet life’s a life worth protecting.

Which is why we are dedicated to helping pets live longer, healthier and happier lives every day.

We’re proudly born and bred in New Zealand, and … View more
The Pet Life.

It’s the life you share with your pet, and the life they share with you. We believe the pet life’s a life worth protecting.

Which is why we are dedicated to helping pets live longer, healthier and happier lives every day.

We’re proudly born and bred in New Zealand, and are equally proud to partner with the NZ Veterinary Association and Pet Refuge. Just two ways we’re there to support the Pet Life community.

Protect the Pet Life.
Learn more now

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217 days ago

Large rate rises proposed for Hurunui

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Hurunui ratepayers can expect hefty rate rises over the next two years.

Average rate rises of 12.41% for this year and 14.14% for next year (2025-26) have been signalled in the Hurunui District Council’s draft long-term plan (LTP).

Speaking at an … View more
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Hurunui ratepayers can expect hefty rate rises over the next two years.

Average rate rises of 12.41% for this year and 14.14% for next year (2025-26) have been signalled in the Hurunui District Council’s draft long-term plan (LTP).

Speaking at an extraordinary council meeting on Tuesday, chief financial officer Jason Beck said he expected the rates rise to drop below 5% in 2026-27.

He said the proposed rate rises are in line with other councils and reflected the significant cost increases and impacts of regulatory changes the council faced.

The council was also continuing to upgrade its three waters infrastructure over the next two years.

Deputy mayor Vince Daly questioned whether ‘‘rates smoothing’’ could be introduced to spread the impact of rate increases over the next three years.

‘‘A lot of people are on fixed incomes, so I think we need to look at balancing it out instead of having two big rate increases and then going under 5%.’’

Beck said some form of ‘‘rates smoothing’’ was possible by spreading out debt repayments.

‘‘It can be done. It doesn’t move the cost, but it moves the funding of the cost from the rates in year one out to years two and three.’’

Chief executive Hamish Dobbie said he was not in favour of ‘‘rates smoothing’’.

‘‘We’ve done it before and something else always happens and we end up having to push the rates up to cover extra debt.’’

An expenditure of $368.6 million was proposed over the next 10 years, with roading ($160.8m) the biggest expense, followed by three waters ($142.6m) and other capital expenditure including the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa ($65.2m).

Beck said funding social housing was also proving to be a headache.

The initial budget allowed for a 10% yearly rent increase, but this was found to be unsustainable and has been reduced to 5%.

Social housing ownership will be reviewed as part of the LLT consultation document.

‘‘We have a social conscience, so we want to have the provision of social housing, but we need to look at what our long term commitment is,’’ mayor Marie Black said.

The council’s debt level was expected to peak at $142m in 2030-31, before dropping back to $116m in 2033-34.

This equates to a debt to revenue ratio of as high as 161.29%, so is dependant on a change in the Treasury policy which limits it to 125%, Beck said.

The council will meet again on March 26 to adopt the draft LTP for consultation.

■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

217 days ago

Troubleshoot Your Broadband: Tips & Savings!

The Team from NZ Compare

Experiencing broadband troubles? Our recent neighbourly poll reveals the top two issues: unstable connections and pricey bills!

Don't worry! Check out our latest article for expert tips to solve these issues.

PLUS, use Broadband Compare to compare NZ's best broadband deals & … View more
Experiencing broadband troubles? Our recent neighbourly poll reveals the top two issues: unstable connections and pricey bills!

Don't worry! Check out our latest article for expert tips to solve these issues.

PLUS, use Broadband Compare to compare NZ's best broadband deals & save up to $300/year. Enjoy smoother internet while keeping cash for treats!
Troubleshoot Now

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218 days ago

Rebecca renews her Cambridge connections

Ernest Rutherford Retirement Village

Classical crossover singer Rebecca Nelson told a captivated Cambridge audience how the town holds a special place in her heart for several reasons.

Rebecca’s performance was one of three shows lined up to entertain residents and soon-to-be residents of Ryman Healthcare’s Patrick Hogan … View more
Classical crossover singer Rebecca Nelson told a captivated Cambridge audience how the town holds a special place in her heart for several reasons.

Rebecca’s performance was one of three shows lined up to entertain residents and soon-to-be residents of Ryman Healthcare’s Patrick Hogan Village in Cambridge, Hilda Ross Village down the road in Hamilton and James Wattie Village in Havelock North.

Describing her connection to Ryman, she says: “It feels like coming home and performing for friends and family.”

Click read for the full story.

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