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Downsizing can open the door to a new stage of your life that is rich in opportunity. However, it can be a daunting prospect. If you are embarking on a new chapter of life, the thought of shedding familiar possessions can feel even more stressful. This can be true even if the life changes are a … View moreDownsizing can open the door to a new stage of your life that is rich in opportunity. However, it can be a daunting prospect. If you are embarking on a new chapter of life, the thought of shedding familiar possessions can feel even more stressful. This can be true even if the life changes are a good thing, such as a move to somewhere you will love to live.
Once you understand why you have this feeling, you can reframe it as creating a new environment that will support your present life while reminding you of your best experiences.
Click read more for the full article.
Ryman’s Charles Upham Retirement Village resident Di is a former fashion designer, artist and self-confessed shoe hoarder who travels, still paints and has stamped her eclectic minimalist style on her apartment.
She gives us her top 3 design tips on how she’s turned her space into a … View moreRyman’s Charles Upham Retirement Village resident Di is a former fashion designer, artist and self-confessed shoe hoarder who travels, still paints and has stamped her eclectic minimalist style on her apartment.
She gives us her top 3 design tips on how she’s turned her space into a beautiful home.
Ready to make a difference? Join the Commerce Commission’s Measuring Broadband NZ Programme and help improve rural broadband. Volunteer now!
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Lessons learned from devastating floods in May 2021 are helping shape planning for Canterbury’s rivers.
Environment Canterbury (ECan) is proposing to invest $25 million a year, over the next 10 years, to boost flood protection as part of its draft … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Lessons learned from devastating floods in May 2021 are helping shape planning for Canterbury’s rivers.
Environment Canterbury (ECan) is proposing to invest $25 million a year, over the next 10 years, to boost flood protection as part of its draft 2024-34 long-term plan (LTP).
While flooding caused by Cyclone Gabrielle in Hawke's Bay last year attracted headlines, Canterbury has had its own damaging floods in recent years.
In 2019, the Rangitata River bridge was closed for several days following a flood, while the May 2021 flood caused widespread disruption, prompting a rethink of how ECan manages its river systems.
"A Cyclone Gabrielle event hasn’t happened, as far as we know, in Canterbury’s history, but one-in-200 year events seem to be happening more and more,’’ said councillor Ian Mackenzie, who chairs the council’s catchment resilience committee.
"Nobody is immune to being impacted by flood events."
The 2021 flood event showed the old river and drainage rating model was no longer fit for purpose, as rivers need to be looked at as a whole river system, he said.
To ensure the financial burden is spread across the region, the council is seeking to introduce a mix of district-wide and region-wide rating.
Without the council’s flood protection, land drainage and erosion control schemes, staff estimated there would be about "$9 billion per year of combined damages and lost earning potential would be felt".
Canterbury has about half of New Zealand’s river assets, with the regional council having oversight of 58 river schemes.
Flood protection work is urgently needed in the Waimakariri district, the council’s operations general manager, Leigh Griffiths, said.
Changes to the landscape caused by the growing urban environment and the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes meant "the level of flood protection is lower than would be expected", she said.
About $700,000 a year is spent on maintenance in the Ashley-Rakahuri River, with the council proposing to increase that to $800,000 per year and to initiate an eight-year, $15m upgrade programme as part of the LTP.
The work, for which the council will seek central Government funding, is likely to be similar to work planned in the Selwyn district.
Christchurch, Kaiapoi and part of the Selwyn district are protected by two levels of flood protection on the Waimakariri River, which has capacity for a one-in-500 year event.
It costs about $5m a year, with $1m coming from a targeted rate of $12 per ratepayer, per year.
The balance is funded by income from grazing and forestry on council-owned land between the stopbanks.
The capacity in some South Canterbury rivers means they "are expected to overtop their stopbanks" in a one-in-50 year flood event, while Ashburton is protected for a one-in-200 year event.
The proposed Selwyn district flood prevention work will be funded by a district-wide targeted rate and will include clearing out channels and flow paths, weed control and planting, and building resilience.
Exotic weeds, including poplars and willows, and loose shingle poses the biggest challenges, Mackenzie said.
"Bridges are more likely to survive if they’re not being treated as a battering ram [in a flood].
"Exotic weeds are one of the biggest problems.
"If we stopped doing what we do these exotic weeds would choke rivers and push them out to the berms."
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Lessons learned from devastating floods in May 2021 are helping shape planning for Canterbury’s rivers.
Environment Canterbury (ECan) is proposing to invest $25 million a year, over the next 10 years, to boost flood protection as part of its draft … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Lessons learned from devastating floods in May 2021 are helping shape planning for Canterbury’s rivers.
Environment Canterbury (ECan) is proposing to invest $25 million a year, over the next 10 years, to boost flood protection as part of its draft 2024-34 long-term plan (LTP).
While flooding caused by Cyclone Gabrielle in Hawke's Bay last year attracted headlines, Canterbury has had its own damaging floods in recent years.
In 2019, the Rangitata River bridge was closed for several days following a flood, while the May 2021 flood caused widespread disruption, prompting a rethink of how ECan manages its river systems.
"A Cyclone Gabrielle event hasn’t happened, as far as we know, in Canterbury’s history, but one-in-200 year events seem to be happening more and more,’’ said councillor Ian Mackenzie, who chairs the council’s catchment resilience committee.
"Nobody is immune to being impacted by flood events."
The 2021 flood event showed the old river and drainage rating model was no longer fit for purpose, as rivers need to be looked at as a whole river system, he said.
To ensure the financial burden is spread across the region, the council is seeking to introduce a mix of district-wide and region-wide rating.
Without the council’s flood protection, land drainage and erosion control schemes, staff estimated there would be about "$9 billion per year of combined damages and lost earning potential would be felt".
Canterbury has about half of New Zealand’s river assets, with the regional council having oversight of 58 river schemes.
Flood protection work is urgently needed in the Waimakariri district, the council’s operations general manager, Leigh Griffiths, said.
Changes to the landscape caused by the growing urban environment and the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes meant "the level of flood protection is lower than would be expected", she said.
About $700,000 a year is spent on maintenance in the Ashley-Rakahuri River, with the council proposing to increase that to $800,000 per year and to initiate an eight-year, $15m upgrade programme as part of the LTP.
The work, for which the council will seek central Government funding, is likely to be similar to work planned in the Selwyn district.
Christchurch, Kaiapoi and part of the Selwyn district are protected by two levels of flood protection on the Waimakariri River, which has capacity for a one-in-500 year event.
It costs about $5m a year, with $1m coming from a targeted rate of $12 per ratepayer, per year.
The balance is funded by income from grazing and forestry on council-owned land between the stopbanks.
The capacity in some South Canterbury rivers means they "are expected to overtop their stopbanks" in a one-in-50 year flood event, while Ashburton is protected for a one-in-200 year event.
The proposed Selwyn district flood prevention work will be funded by a district-wide targeted rate and will include clearing out channels and flow paths, weed control and planting, and building resilience.
Exotic weeds, including poplars and willows, and loose shingle poses the biggest challenges, Mackenzie said.
"Bridges are more likely to survive if they’re not being treated as a battering ram [in a flood].
"Exotic weeds are one of the biggest problems.
"If we stopped doing what we do these exotic weeds would choke rivers and push them out to the berms."
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Discover how Kiwis are ditching the 'lazy loyalty tax' and saving money with this tool! Learn more in Stuff's article about finding better deals and paying less.
The Press and The Post (Stuff) are collecting data on the cost of early childhood education in New Zealand. The data will be anonymised (unless you have opted-in to being contacted for a potential interview, via the last question).
If you have children in early childhood education, please help … View moreThe Press and The Post (Stuff) are collecting data on the cost of early childhood education in New Zealand. The data will be anonymised (unless you have opted-in to being contacted for a potential interview, via the last question).
If you have children in early childhood education, please help us out by completing a brief survey. Click here to find the survey. The results will be reported on thepress.co.nz and thepost.co.nz at a later date.
Attention NZ Streamers! As inflation takes its toll, major streaming services in NZ are increasing their prices.
Sitting back and watching your favourite movies will likely cost more money. So check them out! But don't worry, we've got tips to help you save without missing out on your… View moreAttention NZ Streamers! As inflation takes its toll, major streaming services in NZ are increasing their prices.
Sitting back and watching your favourite movies will likely cost more money. So check them out! But don't worry, we've got tips to help you save without missing out on your favourite shows! Stay tuned!
On this Sunday 14 April between 10am and 3pm. Presenting a muster of Garage Sale stalls run by local residents, selling a wide variety of items including clothing, household items, tools, books, bits and bobs, DVD's, appliances, toys etc., and lots of quirky items. No word of a kitchen sink… View moreOn this Sunday 14 April between 10am and 3pm. Presenting a muster of Garage Sale stalls run by local residents, selling a wide variety of items including clothing, household items, tools, books, bits and bobs, DVD's, appliances, toys etc., and lots of quirky items. No word of a kitchen sink yet but could well be one!! Venue : Cheviot Knox Community Centre, corner of Main Road and Reeves Street, Cheviot, opposite No. 8 Cafe. Bring plenty of cash or a cellphone with internet banking access.
Canadian clinical neuroscientist and researcher Professor Vladimir Hachinski has been announced the winner of the 2024 Ryman Prize - an annual $250,000 grant for the world’s best discovery, development, advancement or achievement that enhances the quality of life for older people.
The prize … View moreCanadian clinical neuroscientist and researcher Professor Vladimir Hachinski has been announced the winner of the 2024 Ryman Prize - an annual $250,000 grant for the world’s best discovery, development, advancement or achievement that enhances the quality of life for older people.
The prize was presented by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at a ceremony at Logan Campbell Village in Auckland today, celebrating the major contribution Professor Hachinski has made to the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and the links between ‘the terrible three’ - stroke, dementia and coronary heart disease.
Click read more for the full article.
Get the best protection you can before winter. The flu vaccine is free if you’re over 65. It’s also free for pregnant people and for many others with certain underlying health conditions, including diabetes, heart and lung diseases, and mental health conditions.
To book your flu vaccine … View moreGet the best protection you can before winter. The flu vaccine is free if you’re over 65. It’s also free for pregnant people and for many others with certain underlying health conditions, including diabetes, heart and lung diseases, and mental health conditions.
To book your flu vaccine contact your doctor, pharmacy or healthcare provider, or visit
Don’t miss out! For only $15 a ticket, you could be in to win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home located in stunning Taupō, worth just over $1 million.
Featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms and an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area, this home is waiting to be loved by its … View moreDon’t miss out! For only $15 a ticket, you could be in to win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home located in stunning Taupō, worth just over $1 million.
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.
We are continuing our Q&A sessions on Neighbourly with the wonderful, Sam McDonald - a second-term Christchurch city councillor representing the Waimairi Ward. We invite you to share a question for him!
A little bit about Sam:
A chartered accountant by profession, Sam has experience in both… View moreWe are continuing our Q&A sessions on Neighbourly with the wonderful, Sam McDonald - a second-term Christchurch city councillor representing the Waimairi Ward. We invite you to share a question for him!
A little bit about Sam:
A chartered accountant by profession, Sam has experience in both the public and private sectors. He currently serves as a director of Civic Building Limited (a Ngai Tahu property Joint Venture) and is an Independent Trustee of Development West Coast. Sam is a Chartered Director of the Institute of Directors and has experience in Audit and Risk, Health and Safety and Infrastructure projects.
Sam shares that within Council he is focused on 'financial oversight, particularly of the capital programme and the day-to-day operational expenditure, and how this provides impact investment into Christchurch communities.'
Leave a comment below and Councillor Sam McDonald will answer your questions on all things council, whether it's the budget, rate rises or even about the new stadium.
↓ Share your question now! ↓
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
The alpine resort of Hanmer Springs is looking to add a museum and sporting development to its growing list of attractions.
The proposal could see the development of a sports field and pavilion on the former Queen Mary Hospital site.
Plans to turn … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
The alpine resort of Hanmer Springs is looking to add a museum and sporting development to its growing list of attractions.
The proposal could see the development of a sports field and pavilion on the former Queen Mary Hospital site.
Plans to turn the Soldiers' Block on the site into a museum are also progressing.
"It will be absolutely brilliant," Hanmer Springs-based councillor Tom Davies said.
"It will be a real point of interest that shows Hanmer means business, and it will attract huge numbers."
The southern part of the former hospital site, and the existing Hanmer Springs Sports Reserve are earmarked for residential and commercial development.
Aimed at putting the town on the map, the Hurunui District Council will consult on the proposal as part of its 2024-34 long-term plan.
It has signed an agreement with Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura (Ngāti Kurī) and Ngāi Tahu Property, after buying the southern 9 hectare site in October last year.
The council already owned the northern area where the Soldiers Block is sited.
The block was opened in 1916 to rehabilitate soldiers returning from World War 1, and was later used as a drug and alcohol treatment facility.
The council has already announced a $3.1 million project to upgrade the Soldiers’ Block, which is being funded by a Lotteries grant, $1.5m from the Government’s Better Off funding, and council funding.
Plans are being developed to turn it into a museum in partnership with Wētā Workshop, which will require a further $5m to raised.
The council has budgeted $400,000 to build the new sports pavilion, and is likely to seek external funding.
The site development will be debt funded and offset through property sales.
Davies said the trees in the former hospital grounds would create an "absolutely beautiful" backdrop for the new sports facility.
"It won’t be a first class sports venue, but if we can develop a tier two sports centre we could attract some of the bigger rugby and netball teams to come and have training camps and exhibition games."
Pre-season rugby matches between Canterbury and Tasman are already played in Hanmer Springs.
Davies said the grounds were also ideal for a concert venue.
"We generally only have one big concert a year, but if we have the facilities, there is no reason why we couldn’t have one a month."
Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura is also planning to build a wharenui on the site.
"It is really exciting Ngāti Kurī is involved in the project and intends to put a wharenui on the site," Davies said.
"It is quite incredible that there is no marae in Hurunui."
The southern part of the site contains a spiritual garden of significance to Ngāti Kuri and will be retained.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Hanmer Springs is booming as Kiwis spend their holidays closer to home.
Hurunui Tourism product development manager Graeme Abbot said the domestic market had grown and he expected the town to be back to pre-Covid levels by Christmas.
"We thought… View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Hanmer Springs is booming as Kiwis spend their holidays closer to home.
Hurunui Tourism product development manager Graeme Abbot said the domestic market had grown and he expected the town to be back to pre-Covid levels by Christmas.
"We thought it would take a good three years to get the international market back, so we are doing pretty well.
"Talking to the accommodation and hospitality businesses, they all seem to be doing pretty well and forward bookings seem pretty positive."
Businesses have been affected by power outages, but the Hanmer basin has come through the fire season largely unscathed.
The town has a permanent population of about 1000 people, but it can swell to more than 5000 in the weekend.
Events like the recent Hanmer MotorFest, the new Bandquet music festival, and running and multisport events, consistently draw visitors to the town.
Abbot said there was a growing number of attractions in the village, with Manuka Skies now offering a dark sky experience.
Manuka Skies started up last year offering a stargazing experience, with the goal of setting up an observatory on Mt Rodney for private and community use.
The hot pools, winter skiing, mountain bike and walking trails continue to be the biggest drawcards.
A new Hanmer Forest sculpture walk was challenging the Conical Hill loop track as "the busiest walk", while disc golf was also proving to be popular, Abbot said.
Hanmer Holiday Homes owner Jason Fletcher said Hanmer tended to do well in a recession, as New Zealanders opted to visit the tourist town in preference to heading overseas.
But people were "a bit more cautious", leading to a change in the nature of bookings.
"Forward bookings used to be six months in advance and then it became six weeks, but now it is six days in advance, so there are a lot more last minute bookings."
Fletcher said about 80% of his business was from Canterbury visitors, which remained strong.
Guest surveys indicated the thermal pools and forest walks were the most popular activities for Hanmer Holiday Homes guests.
Dining, retail therapy, mountain biking and relaxation were also popular.
Hurunui Tourism is a partnership between the Hurunui District Council and tourism operators.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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