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Win one of three $5,000 grants to support your community’s love of dance!
Whether it’s pre-schoolers or seniors, Scottish dancing or salsa, kapa haka or Kathak, breakdance or ballet – if you’re encouraging people of all ages and abilities to keep moving through dance, we want to hear … View moreWin one of three $5,000 grants to support your community’s love of dance!
Whether it’s pre-schoolers or seniors, Scottish dancing or salsa, kapa haka or Kathak, breakdance or ballet – if you’re encouraging people of all ages and abilities to keep moving through dance, we want to hear from you!
Know someone who could use our support? Click read more to apply!
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Farmer David Douglas says he is fed up with too many layers of governance.
He is leading a group campaigning for the southern councils, from Waitaki to Selwyn, to break away from regional council Environment Canterbury and amalgamate into some form … View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Farmer David Douglas says he is fed up with too many layers of governance.
He is leading a group campaigning for the southern councils, from Waitaki to Selwyn, to break away from regional council Environment Canterbury and amalgamate into some form of unitary council.
"We have lost control," he said.
"These areas we are talking about have so much in common and we think it would work well with the proper governance.”
Douglas’ Dome Hills farm in the Kakanui Mountains is split by the Otago and Canterbury regional council boundary. As part of the Waitaki District Council, he answers to three different authorities on the same property.
Douglas is visiting all the councils from Waitaki up to Selwyn to pitch the idea of a new breakaway organisation, which would be a combination of a territorial and regional council, fronting the Ashburton District Council last week.
Joining Douglas was Andrew Simpson (both pictured), a high country farmer at Balmoral Station and a property developer in the Mackenzie District.
He said three layers of Government control - local, regional and central - was one too many.
"We need to get rid of that extra tier of governance that is complicating good decision-making.”
Douglas and Simpson say amalgamation would push back against the growing urban influence on rural-based issues, consent costs and processes.
The pair also said regional councils were too political and overstaffed.
Ashburton mayor Neil Brown asked if they thought it was best for the six councils to become "one super council” or to create a South Canterbury regional council to cover those areas.
Despite using the term unitary council, there are several models to consider, and the councils needed to workshop what that could look like, Douglas said.
Whatever form it takes, the biggest question was how the representation would work, Douglas said.
"The mayors are telling me the present model is unsustainable.’’
He said there was a unique opportunity for the districts to come together "to control our destiny in our region”.
The sales pitch intrigued Ashburton’s council, but the members didn't indicate whether it supported the idea.
Brown said he would raise it at the next Canterbury Mayoral forum later this month by which time Douglas would have completed visits to all six councils.
The presentation in Ashburton came hot on the heels of Environment Canterbury’s Mid Canterbury councillor, Ian Mackenzie, suggesting the proposed shake-up of the representative borders could be the catalyst for such a breakaway.
An Environment Canterbury spokesman said the regional council is aware of the discussions, “but it would be a matter for Central Government to decide”.
It might not be making quite so many headlines these days, but unfortunately, Covid is still here. If you’re 65 or over, taking care of yourself is just as important as ever.
The good news is, the Covid vaccine can help protect you from serious illness. It’s free, and recommended for you and… View moreIt might not be making quite so many headlines these days, but unfortunately, Covid is still here. If you’re 65 or over, taking care of yourself is just as important as ever.
The good news is, the Covid vaccine can help protect you from serious illness. It’s free, and recommended for you and many others as long as you haven’t had the vaccine, or Covid, in the last 6 months.
To book your vaccination, go to BookMyVaccine.nz or talk to your healthcare provider.
For only $15 a ticket, you could win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home located in the picturesque Cooks Beach, Coromandel.
Valued at over $1.2 million, this home features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area. It is waiting to be loved by its… View moreFor only $15 a ticket, you could win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home located in the picturesque Cooks Beach, Coromandel.
Valued at over $1.2 million, this home features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area. It is waiting to be loved by its new owner.
Make this property your permanent residence, a holiday home, a rental, or simply sell it!
Get your tickets today at heartlottery.org.nz
Is your garden producing more fruit and veg than you know what to do with? Or are you simply wanting to add more to your cooking? NZ Gardener has teamed up with Upstart Press this August with a great subscription offer to help you out!
Subscribe to NZ Gardener for 1 or 2 years and you’ll … View moreIs your garden producing more fruit and veg than you know what to do with? Or are you simply wanting to add more to your cooking? NZ Gardener has teamed up with Upstart Press this August with a great subscription offer to help you out!
Subscribe to NZ Gardener for 1 or 2 years and you’ll receive the Abundance plant-based recipe book by Anna Valentine. Abundance offers over 100 recipes that are filling, healthy and packed with flavour, plus enjoy your monthly dose of NZ Gardener magazine - the perfect combo. T&Cs apply.
The team at NZ Gardener
August 7 is Aged Care Employee Day. Today, we take the opportunity to honour our compassionate and dedicated carers. Introducing Helen Danielsen, who has worked in the Special Care Unit at Ernest Rutherford Village for 15 years.
When Senior Caregiver Helen Danielsen first joined the Ernest … View moreAugust 7 is Aged Care Employee Day. Today, we take the opportunity to honour our compassionate and dedicated carers. Introducing Helen Danielsen, who has worked in the Special Care Unit at Ernest Rutherford Village for 15 years.
When Senior Caregiver Helen Danielsen first joined the Ernest Rutherford Special Care team, it was working the night shift as it was the perfect job to manage while she raised her children as a single mum.
Click read more for the full story.
It may be fine now but in a few years trees can block out light or views for neighbours.
Do you think neighbours should ask before they go ahead and plant these?
Keen to avoid traffic and find a healthier, more fun way to get to work? Or fancy a weekend mission exploring your neighbourhood on two wheels? How about saving money on fuel, reducing your carbon and boosting your health all at the same time? On an eBike you can do all this without arriving a … View moreKeen to avoid traffic and find a healthier, more fun way to get to work? Or fancy a weekend mission exploring your neighbourhood on two wheels? How about saving money on fuel, reducing your carbon and boosting your health all at the same time? On an eBike you can do all this without arriving a sweaty mess, either!
Contact your local Bosch-powered eBike dealer to organise a test ride and find out more about living more sustainably with your eBike.
Feel the Flow!
The Team at Bosch eBike Systems
Is your dad superb with sandpaper, pristine with a palette knife and perfect with a paintbrush? Or maybe he's risky with a roller, mad with masking tape and comedic when cutting in? Either way we'd like to hear about your DIY dad and why he deserves to win this Father's Day.
Tell… View moreIs your dad superb with sandpaper, pristine with a palette knife and perfect with a paintbrush? Or maybe he's risky with a roller, mad with masking tape and comedic when cutting in? Either way we'd like to hear about your DIY dad and why he deserves to win this Father's Day.
Tell us about your DIY dad for a chance to win him $1000 worth of Resene paint products!
Plus all entries will be in with a chance to win their DIY Dad one of our colourful spot prizes.
The Vault is having an opening on Sunday 4th August from 3pm in downtown Oamaru! Should be an awesome preview!
Retirement in New Zealand is evolving as people live longer, healthier lives, and the number of Kiwis who choose to continue working later in life is rising.
Retirement is your time to do what you love. Maybe for you this doesn't mean stopping work altogether; instead, it can mean shifting… View moreRetirement in New Zealand is evolving as people live longer, healthier lives, and the number of Kiwis who choose to continue working later in life is rising.
Retirement is your time to do what you love. Maybe for you this doesn't mean stopping work altogether; instead, it can mean shifting gears to something more fulfilling or pursuing passions that you now have time for. This might mean volunteering, part-time work, or even starting your own business.
Here’s some helpful advice from Ryman residents in the workforce.
🚍 Why is boosting biodiversity spending in Ōtautahi/Christchurch and Te Pātaka o Rākaihautū/Banks Peninsula so important? And should pets be allowed to travel on buses?
Regional Councillor Joe Davies, who represents the North East Ōtautahi constituency, gives us his view.
With the invention of the internet and mobile phone communication, pen pals seem to be a thing of the past but it was a common practice at one point.
Did you have a pen pal? Where did you meet them? Share below!
Do you feel less steady on your feet than you used to be, or perhaps have already experienced a fall or seizure? If so, a medical alarm can help you regain your independence and confidence.
If you have a medical emergency or fall, just press the button on your personal medical alarm and speak to… View moreDo you feel less steady on your feet than you used to be, or perhaps have already experienced a fall or seizure? If so, a medical alarm can help you regain your independence and confidence.
If you have a medical emergency or fall, just press the button on your personal medical alarm and speak to an operator through the built-in speaker. If you can’t speak, an ambulance will be dispatched immediately.
There are a number of different medical alarm options available in New Zealand, so you will be able to find one that suits your needs.
Click read more for the full article.
It might not be making quite so many headlines these days, but unfortunately, Covid is still here. If you’re 65 or over, taking care of yourself is just as important as ever.
The good news is, keeping up to date with the Covid vaccine can help protect you from serious illness. It’s free and … View moreIt might not be making quite so many headlines these days, but unfortunately, Covid is still here. If you’re 65 or over, taking care of yourself is just as important as ever.
The good news is, keeping up to date with the Covid vaccine can help protect you from serious illness. It’s free and recommended for you and many others as long as you haven’t had the vaccine, or Covid, in the last 6 months.
To book your vaccination, go to BookMyVaccine.nz or talk to your healthcare provider.
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