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We're looking for delicious choko recipes to feature in NZ Gardener's June issue. Send your family's favourite ways to eat this versatile crop to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by April 30, 2024. Every published recipe wins a copy of the June issue of NZ Gardener.
With the many friends she has made and the special bond she shares with her caregivers, the village has become an extension of Dora’s family.
Click to learn more about Dora’s experience at a Ryman village.
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
North Canterbury could soon be lit up with solar farms.
The Waimakariri District Council has received resource consent applications from three companies looking to build solar farms in the district, while the Hurunui District Council has also received a… View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
North Canterbury could soon be lit up with solar farms.
The Waimakariri District Council has received resource consent applications from three companies looking to build solar farms in the district, while the Hurunui District Council has also received a solar farm application.
MainPower, North Canterbury’s energy network, has applied for resource consent to construct a solar farm on a 10-hectare site at Thongcaster Road at Eyrewell Forest, to the north of Waimakariri River.
The site is expected to produce enough energy to power 1250 local homes via MainPower’s distribution network, a Mainpower spokesperson said.
‘‘MainPower has been encouraged by the support of the neighbours surrounding the proposed solar farm.’’
There is no confirmed timeframe at this stage for the construction.
A Waimakariri District Council spokesperson said Mainpower ‘‘obtained affected party approval’’ from all 11 affected parties, so notification was not required.
Auckland-based Lightyears Solar Ltd has applied for a resource consent to build an eight hectare solar farm at Swannanoa, near Rangiora, with 9077 solar panels.
A council spokesperson said the application is on hold while more information is sought from the applicant.
No decision has been made on whether the application will be notified.
Lightyears Solar Ltd co-founder and development manager Matt Shanks said his company proposed building ‘‘a mid-sized, dual use solar farm’’.
Construction is expected to begin later this year, with commissioning early next year.
‘‘The solar panel rows will be spaced about 5m apart and the landowner will graze animals under the solar farm array.’’
He said the farm would generate six megawatts of renewable energy, which would mostly be consumed locally ‘‘providing for some of Rangiora’s daytime energy needs’’.
Shanks said Lightyears Solar had contacted the immediate neighbours to the farm, as part of the consent process.
‘‘We keep it low impact by keeping the panels fairly low to the ground, installing planting strips around the farm, and ensuring there is plenty of space between the rows for grazing and continued pasture growth.’’
A resource consent was received last month from Australian company Energy Bay Ltd to construct and operate a utility scale solar energy farm on 80ha on the corner of Upper Sefton Rd and Beatties Rd, Sefton, north of Rangiora. The Hurunui District Council also received an application last month from Far North Solar Farm Ltd for a 180.8ha solar farm at Waipara.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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 lived in and … 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 lived in and loved by its new owners.
Make this property your permanent residence, a holiday home, rent it or even sell it! Get your tickets today.
Plant-based paints are made just like normal paint but everything in the tin comes from plants and minerals.
Plus they’re Eco Choice approved with low odour and easy water clean-up, so you can paint or stain your place with ease.
Available from Resene ColorShops.
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!
"I’m known all over New Zealand as Sawdust."
"When we left the mill we were all covered in sawdust. We used to go to the pub - four guys and me, had our little corner. By the time we left there was about half a metre of sawdust on the floor. I was called Chuck for a start, and … View more"I’m known all over New Zealand as Sawdust."
"When we left the mill we were all covered in sawdust. We used to go to the pub - four guys and me, had our little corner. By the time we left there was about half a metre of sawdust on the floor. I was called Chuck for a start, and it evolved to Sawdust.
I was not a particularly bright child at school; I was good at woodwork, geography, and things like that. I came here to Akaroa High School. When I was 18, I went into my compulsory military training. That was very successful. I stayed a wee bit long which took us on big trips to Fiji and whatever areas needed peacekeeping overseas.
I did firewood from the age of 15. I built my own saw bench in those days. I bought an Austin Seven, I jacked this Austin Seven up in the air, put the belt on the back wheel and built a sawbench.
My father saw an opening after all the sawmills in Banks Peninsula closed down after 1890. They planted macrocarpa and pine trees to get shelter, and because the trees were big enough to mill he started milling over there in 1945 then we shifted from Okains Bay to Duvauchelle Bay.
I got pretty well involved with it, you know. Dealing with builders all the time and cutting timber for their houses or whatever they were doing. Timber was cut at the sawmill at Duvauchelle - some of it went to the Chatham Islands. The first chainsaws arrived in about 1950 - sometimes it took longer to get the chainsaw going and than if you cut it with a hand saw!
It took me four years to build my house, all made of macrocarpa. I had to keep my business going as well. That's a real thing of self-satisfaction. Going to the bays, cutting down the tree, carting it, sawing it up, bringing it here and building a house out of that - not many people get that opportunity."
- Don (Sawdust)
View more stories, or nominate someone: @humansofchch
www.humansofchch.org...
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.
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