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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 moreResidents 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.
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.
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 moreIt 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.
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!
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 moreThis 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.
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 moreThe 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.
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 moreBy 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.
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 moreExperiencing 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!
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 moreClassical 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.
This Valentine’s Day, why not snuggle up with your loved one for a movie night in?
We've curated the ultimate list of the latest romantic flicks and binge-worthy shows to make your evening extra special.
Plus, don't forget to compare broadband options on Broadband Compare for the… View moreThis Valentine’s Day, why not snuggle up with your loved one for a movie night in?
We've curated the ultimate list of the latest romantic flicks and binge-worthy shows to make your evening extra special.
Plus, don't forget to compare broadband options on Broadband Compare for the best streaming deals!
It's back for a fifth year! Recognise the best local businesses in your neighbourhood by nominating them in the 2024 Prospa Local Business Hero Awards.
Whether it's a bakery team who occasionally sneak you an extra sweet treat, a supermarket employee that's helped carry your bags… View moreIt's back for a fifth year! Recognise the best local businesses in your neighbourhood by nominating them in the 2024 Prospa Local Business Hero Awards.
Whether it's a bakery team who occasionally sneak you an extra sweet treat, a supermarket employee that's helped carry your bags to the car or a bookshop that goes out of its way to find the best read just for you. Prospa Local Business Hero helps you show some love to the small businesses with the biggest hearts.
Plus your nomination could help a small business win over $10,000 worth of prizes!
Be a local hero yourself; give your favourite local business owner the recognition they deserve by nominating them in the 2024 Prospa Local Business Hero awards.
Happy Chinese Lunar New Year from the team at NZ Compare!
May your year be as powerful and fortunate as the mighty dragon!
Don't forget to enter our Year of the Dragon contest to WIN 1 of 3 X $50 gift cards.
Discover the Best of the Best! The 2024 PriceMe Award Winners have been revealed, voted by thousands of Kiwi consumers!
From household favourites to tech essentials and more. Explore now for top-rated brands and unbeatable deals!
Do you often shop at one of the winning stores or brands?
Unlock the potential of your unused space, whether it's a shed, garage or paddock and start making it work for you.
Kiwis from all over New Zealand are looking to rent affordable space for storage, a workshop or an event.
Visit - let us help you find the perfect renter for your space.
Get ready for a refreshing summer with our 6 rejuvenating wellness tips!
Whether you're hitting the trails, diving into the waves, or simply chilling at home, these tips are perfect for making the most of your break!
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