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Arthur will be at the CHURCH STREET MARKET on Saturday AND OXFORD FARMERS MARKET on Sunday with Tete Tete mini daffodils for sale in pots at only $12.00 per pot with 25% of sales being donated to the CANCER SOCIETY. I will have other larger daffodils ready soon for sale
We have been absolutely overwhelmed by the generosity of some of the businesses we have reached out to. We know times are tough at the moment, so the fact that some of you have been able to gift us some of your products and services to help others isn't going unnoticed.
If you want to donate… View moreWe have been absolutely overwhelmed by the generosity of some of the businesses we have reached out to. We know times are tough at the moment, so the fact that some of you have been able to gift us some of your products and services to help others isn't going unnoticed.
If you want to donate to help us, please reach out :).
A splash of Resene red transforms a rumpty old ladder into a handy stool or nifty shelves.
Find out how to repurpose your old ladder.
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.
By David Hill, Local Democracy
A Pegasus mum says her accommodation supplement would almost double if she lived in the neighbouring Canterbury town of Woodend, just a few minutes down the road.
The woman, who Local Democracy Reporting agreed not to name, rents a three-bedroom house in Pegasus… View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy
A Pegasus mum says her accommodation supplement would almost double if she lived in the neighbouring Canterbury town of Woodend, just a few minutes down the road.
The woman, who Local Democracy Reporting agreed not to name, rents a three-bedroom house in Pegasus for herself and one child at $560 a week and receives an $80 accommodation supplement on top of her ACC payments.
If she lived in Woodend or Rangiora - 3km or 8km away - she would receive $155 a week.
Every area is divided into one of four accommodation supplement zones, which can determine how much support they can access.
‘‘When I first came here seven years ago the rent was $400 a week.
‘‘It has gone up by $60 a week in the last 12 months and the accommodation supplement doesn’t keep up with that.’’
She has been looking to move Woodend or Rangiora, but there are few rental properties available.
Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon said the accommodation supplement classifications were ‘‘completely out of date’’.
‘‘It is my understanding that the maximum payment setting for the accommodation supplement has only been reviewed twice in more than 20 years.
‘‘It has never cost so much to run a household and having the extra money in the accommodation supplement will be life changing for some people.’’
Gordon said he planned to raise the issue at the Canterbury Mayoral Forum.
A quick search on Trade Me found just 28 properties for rent in Pegasus, Woodend, Ravenswood, Rangiora and Kaiapoi with three or more bedrooms, all ranging between $540 and $680 a week.
The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) has confirmed Pegasus is classified as ‘‘area 4’’, which is the lowest of four classifications.
‘‘Every town, city and rural area across New Zealand falls into one of four accommodation supplement areas,’’ general manager housing and employment Hayley Hamilton said.
The classifications were established in the Social Security Act 2018, when the Government updated accommodation supplement area boundaries and increased the payment rates, she said.
People living in ‘area 1’, including Auckland and Queenstown, may qualify for the highest maximum accommodation supplement weekly payments, while those living in ‘area 4’ qualify for the lowest rates.
Area 2 includes Christchurch, Rangiora, Woodend, Oxford and Amberley, while Kaikōura and Hanmer Springs are listed in area 3.
Hamilton said some people may quality for temporary additional support.
Any changes would be a decision for government ministers, she said.
In March, Social Development Minister Louise Upston announced she had commissioned advice on changes to the accommodation supplement.
It followed concerns the area classifications were not keeping up with urban growth in the Queenstown area.
‘‘The use of outdated geographic information and classifications by MSD has seen some households receive a lower accommodation supplement than they otherwise would,’’ Ms Upston said at the time.
‘‘The issue is particularly pronounced in Queenstown and exists in a small number of other areas where there has been rapid urban expansion.’’
There is no update on when this will be resolved, leaving people struggling to keep up with rising rents.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Police are aware of reports emerging overnight where people have received a phone call from someone claiming to be a Police officer.
The officer will claim to be from a particular department, tell you that you have been a victim of fraud or scam, and begin to try and obtain further financial … View morePolice are aware of reports emerging overnight where people have received a phone call from someone claiming to be a Police officer.
The officer will claim to be from a particular department, tell you that you have been a victim of fraud or scam, and begin to try and obtain further financial information from you.
People have been directed to go to the bank and withdraw money for evidence of the scam.
This is a scam – no legitimate Police officer will ever ask you to hand over money for any reason.
Overnight we have had five instances of this being reported, people need to be vigilant.
Enquiries into reports of scams of a similar nature received last week remain ongoing.
We appreciate these scammers are convincing, but New Zealand Police will never contact you and ask you to withdraw money. New Zealand Police will also never contact people seeking their banking details, card numbers, PIN or passwords.
Older members of our community are being targeted and Police urge anyone with elderly or vulnerable relatives to make them aware this activity is a scam.
There are instances where legitimate Police officers will contact you as part of their duties.
Remember:
• Police will never ask for details about your bank cards, PIN or passwords over the phone.
• Trust your instincts.
• If something doesn't feel right, or is too good to be true, it probably is.
• If you are uncertain, ask for the officer’s details.
• Hang up, contact 105 and request the officer to contact you.
• Police aren’t in the business of offering prize money.
If you are in the unfortunate position of being a victim of a scam, please report the matter to Police.
Take the chance to upskill yourself on scam awareness, check for further information on the Netsafe website: netsafe.org.nz...
We're back with a Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with Dr Corey Regnerus-Kell who is a qualified veterinarian and SPCA’s General Manager Animal Services.
A little bit about Corey:
Corey has an interest in veterinary medicine, animal welfare, and biosecurity. He shares his home … View moreWe're back with a Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with Dr Corey Regnerus-Kell who is a qualified veterinarian and SPCA’s General Manager Animal Services.
A little bit about Corey:
Corey has an interest in veterinary medicine, animal welfare, and biosecurity. He shares his home with ostriches, guinea pigs, bees, a rescue tortoiseshell named Lynk, a ragdoll named Oscar, two mini foxies called Chester and Maya and a black Labrador named Bonnie.
Dr Corey Regnerus-Kell is excited to answer your questions on all things animal welfare, whether it's how to best look after your new pet, how to combat separation anxiety or how to report neglect.
↓ Share your questions now ↓
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.
Heavy rain, snow and severe gales are set to continue into today for parts of the South Island. MetService has issued a range of warnings and watches due to the snowy, windy and wet weather.
According to MetService, a "complex low" over the Tasman Sea is generating persistent, cold … View moreHeavy rain, snow and severe gales are set to continue into today for parts of the South Island. MetService has issued a range of warnings and watches due to the snowy, windy and wet weather.
According to MetService, a "complex low" over the Tasman Sea is generating persistent, cold easterlies over the South Island, bringing heavy rain, and heavy snow above 400 metres. Southeasterly gales are also to be expected in the west, MetService warned.
What you need to know:
- Orange heavy snow warnings in place until 2pm on Wednesday for the North Canterbury high country and the foothills north of the Rangitata River.
- An orange strong wind warning is in place until 1pm in Westland and Grey Districts. Severe gale easterlies could gust 120 to 130 km/h in isolated exposed places.
- Heavy rain watch for Canterbury Plains from Christchurch northwards and eastern Marlborough until 3pm.
- A treacherous Canterbury State Highway where dozens of people have been injured in icy crashes was still closed on Wednesday due to the snow and ice, as was SH73, SH79 and SH80.
- State Highway 73 Springfield to Castle Hill (Porters Pass) was also closed due to snow and ice, as was State Highway 79 Fairlie, between State Highway 8 and Gudex Rd.
- State Highway 80 Pukaki to Mt Cook (Aoraki Mt Cook Highway) was also closed due to snow and ice.
MetService has urged people to prepare for snow, cold temperatures, and possible power outages.
"If you must travel, drive cautiously, and ensure you have snow chains, sleeping bags, warm clothing, and emergency items."
Check NZTA road closures here before you travel, and weather warnings can be found here on the MetService website.
Did you know that Bioptron Hyperlight Therapy is more than just a solution for pain relief? This clinically proven light therapy device also offers a multitude of benefits for skin health, making it an even more valuable asset.
Bioptron harnesses the power of light to promote natural healing and… View moreDid you know that Bioptron Hyperlight Therapy is more than just a solution for pain relief? This clinically proven light therapy device also offers a multitude of benefits for skin health, making it an even more valuable asset.
Bioptron harnesses the power of light to promote natural healing and improve skin health. It's a gentle, non-invasive treatment that can make a significant difference for a variety of skin concerns, including:
Atopic dermatitis (Eczema)
Psoriasis
Herpes simplex (cold sores)
Acne vulgaris
Scars
Bioptron works by stimulating the body's own healing processes, helping skin regenerate faster, reduce inflammation, and fight bacteria. This leads to smoother, healthier skin and a reduced risk of infection.
Bioptron also helps improve overall skin health by increasing collagen production and enhancing microcirculation. This means your clients can experience a radiant complexion and a reduction in the visible signs of aging.
Bioptron Hyperlight Therapy System has been approved by Medsafe NZ as a safe medical device to treat over 60 different conditions.
Room to Heal in Rangiora
Reiki Practitioner
Therapeutic Massage Therapist
Bioptron Medical Hyperlight Light Therapist
Love and Light
Rae
🚍 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.
The Waimakariri Environmental Awards are open for entries. We’re looking for champions from all corners of the community. Individuals, community groups, schools, companies or landowners can all apply.
Get your entry in before 5pm, 16 August bit.ly...
Police can today advise that a year on from her disappearance, remains have been found in the search for missing Christchurch woman, Yanfei Bao.
While searching private farmland in the Greenpark area this morning, a shallow grave was discovered along the treeline.
The remains cannot immediately… View morePolice can today advise that a year on from her disappearance, remains have been found in the search for missing Christchurch woman, Yanfei Bao.
While searching private farmland in the Greenpark area this morning, a shallow grave was discovered along the treeline.
The remains cannot immediately be formally identified, and work is now underway to excavate and forensically examine them.
This news has been shared with Yanfei’s immediate family, and while long hoped for, still comes as a shock.
The area had previously been searched, and new information led us back here to search specific locations of interest.
For operational reasons, we are unable to share the information that led us to search this location.
A scene examination is now underway and Police will be visible in the area for some time.
Police investigation staff are working towards an October trial date for a now 53-year-old man charged with murder in relation to Yanfei’s death.
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