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By local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
A West Coast rural community has just gained a small piece of mobile charging technology that will be a game changer in a civil emergency.
Lions International has gifted the Grey Valley's Awahono Civil Defence Group a portable power station … View moreBy local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
A West Coast rural community has just gained a small piece of mobile charging technology that will be a game changer in a civil emergency.
Lions International has gifted the Grey Valley's Awahono Civil Defence Group a portable power station that can be charged by solar means or plugged into a portable generator.
The power station is a fast-charging portable unit for a range of purposes in emergency response including powering the Starlink and VHF radio links the Awahono group has to enable continuous connection in a power and communication outage.
Awohono Civil Defence Group controller Anton Becker, a member of Grey Valley Lions, said the need for the portable unit was mentioned in passing when the district governor of Lions International visited recently for the club's 40th investiture.
Word quickly came back the portable power pack for Awahono would be fully funded by Lions.
It would make the area "a lot more resilient" by enabling cell and radio communications without mains electricity.
"You can set up the solar panel and it charges the power like a little power station."
Becker said the longer benefit in being able to power up the alternative communication network's power source could not be underestimated given the known risk for the region to lose its National Grid connection in a major natural disaster.
"It could be out for a couple of weeks -- you just don't know."
Becker said he could see the immediate benefit of other small communities like Blackball and Nelson Creek - and more widely across the region - in getting a solar power unit.
West Coast Emergency Management group controller Claire Brown said the portable power unit for Awohono was worth somewhere between $1200 and $1500.
It would really "make a difference" for individual communities during an emergency event.
"To provide that extra power resource is huge in terms of building the resilience of that community… It might help spark another organisation or community group to think hey, we could do something as well."
Brown said the procurement of technology like Star Link communication units and alternative power sources for the region is building.
The Awahono example showed how particular communities could empower themselves.
"Across the region communities are building up their capability which includes resources."
In particular the Grey District Council had been proactive in its support of the scattered settlements in its area.
"That has enabled improved ultimate communication across the district and it has also raised the profile of community resilience to other partners," Brown said.
"The Lions example is how other community groups and business organisations are coming on board.
"It's not just about Government funding or district council funding - it's about how everybody works together."
Meanwhile, West Coast Emergency Management was now in year two of a project to ensure continuous accessible fuel supplies across the West Coast if it were cut off.
Brown said in the next year this would include practically ensuring strategic fuel stations' capability to continue to operate using appropriate portable generation when the mains power was down.
Find the new Chemist Warehouse in Ashburton, next to Noel Leeming.
With the biggest range of all your health and beauty essentials at the lowest prices and Free Prescriptions* - the team are ready to help 7 days a week!
Don't worry if you can't make it in-store, you can … View moreFind the new Chemist Warehouse in Ashburton, next to Noel Leeming.
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We look forward to seeing you soon!
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Get into the festive spirit with homemade gifts crafted by your little ones!
Our list of the top 5 DIY gifts for kids is here to spark their creativity and spread joy. Check it out now!
Struggling to find the perfect small Christmas present? For just $15 each, you can buy Heart Foundation Lottery tickets for family, friends or even good neighbours. Not only will they have the chance to win a stunning Jennian home in Clarks Beach, Auckland, but you are also supporting the … View moreStruggling to find the perfect small Christmas present? For just $15 each, you can buy Heart Foundation Lottery tickets for family, friends or even good neighbours. Not only will they have the chance to win a stunning Jennian home in Clarks Beach, Auckland, but you are also supporting the life-saving work of the Heart Foundation.
If you have a furry friend at home, be sure to submit your entry for this year's Santa Paws campaign - a celebration of the cutest Christmas pets in town!
There's ten great prizes of $100 Prezzy® cards up for grabs - but only a few days left to enter so move fast!
… View moreIf you have a furry friend at home, be sure to submit your entry for this year's Santa Paws campaign - a celebration of the cutest Christmas pets in town!
There's ten great prizes of $100 Prezzy® cards up for grabs - but only a few days left to enter so move fast!
Check out the fantastic entries received so far and don't forget to share your photo today!
Sale now on at Resene ColorShops! For a limited time only save the GST value on Resene premium paints, wood stains, wallpaper and decorating accessories at Resene ColorShops.
Many of us love to transform our home in December to bring in the Christmas spirit. But perhaps you feel you've gone the extra festive mile? We are looking high and low for NZ’s Merriest Home. Is it yours? Let us decide!
Share just one photo below of your house (inside or out) to … View moreMany of us love to transform our home in December to bring in the Christmas spirit. But perhaps you feel you've gone the extra festive mile? We are looking high and low for NZ’s Merriest Home. Is it yours? Let us decide!
Share just one photo below of your house (inside or out) to go into the draw to win the title of NZ's Merriest Home.
The Neighbourly team will choose the finalists but you, our Neighbourly members will vote on the ultimate winner who'll receive the prize of a $600 Prezzy® Card and the title of NZ's Merriest Home. So, go ahead! In the comments below, share your one festive photo to enter.
It's been a cool summer, but hopefully, warmth will soon embrace us! We're overjoyed to announce a whopping 1100 responses from all you wonderful folks, spreading those delightful summer vibes!
Thanks for sharing your awesome summer holiday plans for a chance to WIN 1 of 2 $100 Prezzy … View moreIt's been a cool summer, but hopefully, warmth will soon embrace us! We're overjoyed to announce a whopping 1100 responses from all you wonderful folks, spreading those delightful summer vibes!
Thanks for sharing your awesome summer holiday plans for a chance to WIN 1 of 2 $100 Prezzy Cards! And now, the moment you've been waiting for – did you hit the jackpot as the lucky winner? Find out now!
If this round didn't bring you the big win, no worries! Keep up with NZ Compare for all the scoop on future contests and cool deals! We're here to brighten up your budget and make things fun.
Repurpose an old pallet and decorate in Resene paints to make a luxurious garden swing.
Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
Not sure what to buy for your loved one this holiday season? Let's exchange ideas and create a gift guide together!
Share your ideal Christmas gift or offer suggestions for others in need of inspiration.
For more inspiration, check out PriceMe.co.nz for gift ideas and compare the … View moreNot sure what to buy for your loved one this holiday season? Let's exchange ideas and create a gift guide together!
Share your ideal Christmas gift or offer suggestions for others in need of inspiration.
For more inspiration, check out PriceMe.co.nz for gift ideas and compare the goodies from your favourite brands.
Good evening.
'All of the above’ In-home Senior Care Services Ltd will be available for Greymouth residents from February 2024.
See contact details. Also you can follow my Facebook page for updates.
If you’ve seen the current Ryman TV commercial, then you’ve probably seen Judy rowing past the camera on a beautiful still Auckland morning.
Rowing is one of Judy’s passions, and she’s had great success with it, competing up and down the country since picking up the sport in her 50s. A … View moreIf you’ve seen the current Ryman TV commercial, then you’ve probably seen Judy rowing past the camera on a beautiful still Auckland morning.
Rowing is one of Judy’s passions, and she’s had great success with it, competing up and down the country since picking up the sport in her 50s. A highlight in her rowing career was in 2017 when Judy, along with her rowing partner Alison, competed in The World Masters Games, winning a silver medal in the 1000m Women’s Pairs.
She currently holds the title of top women's single sculler in the 70-75 year age group in New Zealand and is second in the North Island for the 65-75 year age group.
Adventure is in Judy’s DNA. She’s always up for hitting the open road and exploring the fantastic wilderness that Aotearoa has to offer. When she’s not rowing, Judy loves to hike. And she’s no stranger to several hard South Island trails.
Having a lifestyle this active and busy means that Judy doesn’t want to be worrying about her home while she is away. She chose Ryman’s Murray Halberg Village because it suits all her needs, right down to the location near the water as well as all the safety and security benefits.
“It’s a lock up and leave it situation,” she says.
Click to read the full story.
By local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
Warnings are being sounded over possible cuts to the Department of Conservation's (DOC) resources on the West Coast.
Almost 15% of the region's land area is administered and staffed in some way by DOC.
The West Coast region has key … View moreBy local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
Warnings are being sounded over possible cuts to the Department of Conservation's (DOC) resources on the West Coast.
Almost 15% of the region's land area is administered and staffed in some way by DOC.
The West Coast region has key national visitor sites like Franz Josef Glacier and Punakaiki, dozens of other recreational and heritage visitor sites, and five National Parks either within the region or reaching across its boundaries.
Baseline operating expenditure funding for the Western South Island region for the current financial year is $11.675 million.
West Coast Poutini Conservation Board member Dr Barry Wards, a former Forest and Bird president, said the board should be advocating the department's cause to an incoming government that is looking for savings.
"I get the sense there is a lot of things that are going to come up that are going to cost."
He feared a compromise in the department's capacity for "holding the line" when the new Government was signalling a 6.5% cut to the Public Service.
"It's only going to get worse," Wards said.
Questions of "what might have to go" and whether the department was discussing "cutting back" needed to be aired. Therefore, the board might have a role to play advocate over funding, Wards said.
"From my position, I think this board has the responsibility to advocate for funds not to be cut," he added.
DOC Western South Island director Mark Davies said he could not comment if cost reductions in the department's budgets were even being considered at this early point.
"That is the work of the Government," he said.
He noted there would be a natural transition for the department with the new Government set up.
"We are in the process of adapting to a new Government and a new minister's direction."
That included the department now having three ministers to report to: Conservation, Hunting and Fishing, and Oceans and Fisheries.
The department would also be hosting the sectariate for the new Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, Davies told the November 30 meeting.
He noted the transition in the change would be "a learning experience".
However the director-general of Conservation would be briefing the Government at a 'high level'.
"This is work that will go on between now and Christmas," Davies said.
Chairperson Mike Legge said a general discussion was already underway between conservation board chairs nationally about approaching the new minister, Tama Potaka.
"It hasn't gone very far yet. I think we need to get the measure of the minister," he said.
Davies said the board should "be patient" given the new administration was still being briefed to "get a clearer picture".
He expected the implications to become much clearer from February.
By local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
Historic access to the Denniston Incline in Northern Buller has reopened after being closed since Cyclone Dovi in February 2022.
The access, administrated by the Department of Conservation, became unstable as slips came down during the cyclone.
… View moreBy local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
Historic access to the Denniston Incline in Northern Buller has reopened after being closed since Cyclone Dovi in February 2022.
The access, administrated by the Department of Conservation, became unstable as slips came down during the cyclone.
Conns Creek Rd provides access to the foot of the historic Denniston Incline, just inland from Waimangaroa.
The road was once the track bed for a 2.7km branch railway from Waimangaroa to take coal coming down the Denniston Incline for transport the Westport wharves.
The incline, once described as "the eighth wonder of the world", worked from 1880 until its closure in 1967.
It is administered within the DoC Denniston heritage area.
Conns Creek Rd is also the route for the Buller District Council water supply pipeline to the settlement of Waimangaroa.
The road closed while repairs were carried out on significant slips caused by Cyclone Dovi.
DOC Buller area manager Suvi van Smit said the road had about 10 slips along its length, or one slip about every 100m.
"It also affected the water line to Waimangaroa. The track is now open to the public."
However, while pedestrians could now get in, it was not yet suitable for ordinary vehicle access, van Smit told the West Coast Conservation Board.
DOC was working with Heritage New Zealand on historic stone culverts along the road.
The Buller District Council started a $2.3m project in September 2022 to replace its water line, which was completed in winter 2023.
Meanwhile the nearby historic Britannia Track, also administered by DOC, has been closed since early 2021 following a major slip on a rock overhang about 1.2km from the car park.
The historic 12km long pack track leads to the historic Britannia stamper battery towards the Denniston Escarpment.
Board member John Taylor asked if the department had now "written off" the track.
Van Smit said the main erosion problem was at the bottom end of the track due to stream incursion but there were also "large slips" along the track.
"It's very unsafe but due to be reassessed in February."
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