Waikuku & Waikuku Beach, Waikuku

697 days ago

Lack of regulations hamper councils

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

A lack of regulation makes it difficult for councils to manage their weed spraying programmes, Environment Canterbury (ECan) science director Dr Tim Davie says.

Responding to concerns raised by Kaiapoi resident Michael Bate, Davie said the Parliamentary… View more
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

A lack of regulation makes it difficult for councils to manage their weed spraying programmes, Environment Canterbury (ECan) science director Dr Tim Davie says.

Responding to concerns raised by Kaiapoi resident Michael Bate, Davie said the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment and the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) lacked the necessary clout to offer guidance to councils.

Bate tabled two Radio New Zealand articles from last year, at a Waimakariri Zone Committee meeting last week about the lack of mechanisms to govern chemical use.

‘‘The EPA, as it stands, is meant to have oversight around chemical use, but there’s very little legislative requirements and there’s no requirement to report it,’’ Davie said.

‘‘If the EPA had a mandate and was properly funded we would have standards to respond to.’’

Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment Simon Upton presented a report to Parliament last year raising concerns about the regulations around chemical use.

The report identified consequences such as lakes overloaded with zinc, too much antibiotics in wastewater and harm to bees from insecticide-dipped seeds.

It recommended expanding the EPA’s powers to require more data to be collected from chemical importers, manufacturers and sellers.
But more funding was needed.

Davie said it was important for the PCE to highlight those issues.
‘‘But he can’t enforce it and the government hasn’t responded.’’

ECan managed 59 river rating and drainage districts.

Weed management was essential to keep communities safe from flood risks and to protect biodiversity.

Waterways were vulnerable to infestations of exotic pest plant species which choked braided rivers and restricted natural functions.

Davie said spraying was ‘‘the nasty compromise’’ to manage weeds and the spread of gorse around riverbeds.

Glyphosate was widely used in New Zealand and other countries as a general-purpose herbicide and was considered safe by the EPA.

‘‘In an ideal world we would rather not spray,’’ Davie said.

‘‘Glyphosate is a spray which is reasonably short lived. It is a compromise and it is a really difficult thing to manage.’’

The Waimakariri District Council is preparing a report on spraying practices and chemicals used in the district.

■ Waimakariri Zone Committee chairperson Michael Blackwell and deputy chairperson Arapata Reuben both stepped down at last week’s meeting.

Carolyne Latham was elected chairperson, with Erin Harvie elected deputy chairperson.

Former Rangiora High School student Ruby Gill-Clifford was appointed as a youth rep to the zone committee.

Ruby served three years on ECan’s Youth Rōpū and was deputy chairperson last year.

She is studying for a science degree at Canterbury University.

*Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air

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696 days ago

Reiki Energy Healing & Clairvoyant Medium Psychic

Rae from Rangiora

Hi Neighbours
I am taking appointments for Reiki with Rae in Rangiora

I also work in with Hayley a Clairvoyant Medium Psychic. She connects with past loved ones to get messages for you, gives guidance and answers questions. She also offer House Investigation and Cleansing

Text 0273 621 601

Price: $65

696 days ago

Unisex - Triple Power - Red, Blue & Golden Tiger Eye Crystal Bracelet

Rae from Rangiora

This Triple Power bracelet was created for high energy, abundance and protection. This captivating mix of Blue, Red and Yellow Tigers Eye will ignite the fire within and dissipate anything that is holding you back.

Harnessing the power of the Sun and Earth, Tiger Eye is a stone for protection, … View more
This Triple Power bracelet was created for high energy, abundance and protection. This captivating mix of Blue, Red and Yellow Tigers Eye will ignite the fire within and dissipate anything that is holding you back.

Harnessing the power of the Sun and Earth, Tiger Eye is a stone for protection, power, and perseverance working to fill the aura with a fiery confidence to pursue your dreams. Its frequency brings mental clarity by balancing the body's hormones to release any unneeded tensions on the journey to success. It is known as one of the most powerful crystals to attract wealth and abundance. Highly recommended to entrepreneurs, business owners, and creators of any kind.


Red Tiger Eye:
Is robust and full of heart. It was even a stone loved by Roman soldiers heading into battle and by ancient Egyptians who saw the flaming stone as a symbol of the light and love of Ra. For those sluggish days or periods of low mood and lost energy, the Red Tiger Eye will infuse you with more motivation and purpose and can be an instant pick-me-up. this gem is all about bringing comfort, protection, and a sense of standing calm and strong to your being.

Blue Tiger Eye:
With a surge of saltwater and earthy energy, Blue Tiger Eye brings comfort, calm, and complete harmony into a chaotic world. A stone that has been celebrated since ancient times, the Blue Tigers Eye is linked to the Sun God Ra and is called on to be a symbol of strength and willpower along with helping communication flow, protecting from negative energy, and deepening intuition.

Golden Tiger Eye:
Tantalizing with its shimmering golden hues, Golden Tiger Eye is rich in healing properties and brings a bounty of benefits to the body, mind, and soul. This stone is all about balance and making sure that you stay stable and upright without veering into the extreme. This doesn’t mean that the Golden Tiger Eye is passive. It’s meaning runs deeper, it takes your fight and flight into account and works with your natural flow. If you need a dose of confidence, courage, or calmness, Golden Tiger Eye helps you to navigate your way through any conflict. Beadalon Stainless Steel Wire with Silver Plated Closure and findings.

$20 Upgrade to Sterling Silver Closure for an exquisite long lasting crystal healing bracelet.

Text 0273 621 601

Price: $49.50

697 days ago

Get into the Hospitality Industry

Skills Update

Join our Leve 2 fee's free course* at Christchurch Campus. Over 13 weeks you’ll learn crucial skills that will help you with your career in the hospitality industry such as:

• Food safety and hygiene
• Barista
• Beverages (cocktails and mocktails)
• Food service
• Cooking
View more
Join our Leve 2 fee's free course* at Christchurch Campus. Over 13 weeks you’ll learn crucial skills that will help you with your career in the hospitality industry such as:

• Food safety and hygiene
• Barista
• Beverages (cocktails and mocktails)
• Food service
• Cooking

Click on the link below and one of our awesome team will be in touch. T&C's Apply
Find out more

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697 days ago

FREE 3 seater SOFA x 2 Ideal for bach

Sandi from Hurunui District

I have two sofas both 3 seaters that we have had outside under our veranda so got the occasional rain splash on them. They are indoor sofas really but we kept a blanket over them to collect the outdoor dust when windy. The brown one is a velvety material and in great condition APART from one arm … View moreI have two sofas both 3 seaters that we have had outside under our veranda so got the occasional rain splash on them. They are indoor sofas really but we kept a blanket over them to collect the outdoor dust when windy. The brown one is a velvety material and in great condition APART from one arm that the cats scratched down to the wood unbeknown to us as it was under the blanket we had over it. If you have a throw over the sofa it wont show and it is still very serviceable. The other 3 seater is a blue/white floral pattern. No damage but some areas of grubby marks that should wash off with some hot soapy water but again throw a blanket over it and its good to go. Ideal for the bach. Available next week sometime.... tba.... collect. 8 kms NW of Hawarden spcooke@amuri.net Dont seem to be able to upload images properly but can e mail photos to anyone interested

Free

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700 days ago

Wool for Ukraine

Carol from Hurunui District

The Zonta Club of Waimakariri recently met a kiwi managing a Swiss-based organisation in the Ukraine which clears mines and unexploded munitions. He visits family in Canterbury every three months and has just taken back knitted baby blankets our members donated. He lives in merino, so we are … View moreThe Zonta Club of Waimakariri recently met a kiwi managing a Swiss-based organisation in the Ukraine which clears mines and unexploded munitions. He visits family in Canterbury every three months and has just taken back knitted baby blankets our members donated. He lives in merino, so we are appealing for any kind of natural wool, 4 ply and up, so we can knit blankets and garments for him to take back next visit. Drop-off points in Rangiora, Amberley, Belfast, Russley, or whatever suits. Thanks for reading!

698 days ago

Help those in need...

Resene

Swap food for a FREE Resene testpot with Hunger for Colour!

Simply bring two cans of food into your local Resene ColorShop and swap them for one Resene testpot (60-80ml). We'll donate all food to The Salvation Army foodbanks.

By adding a little more colour to your life you can also help… View more
Swap food for a FREE Resene testpot with Hunger for Colour!

Simply bring two cans of food into your local Resene ColorShop and swap them for one Resene testpot (60-80ml). We'll donate all food to The Salvation Army foodbanks.

By adding a little more colour to your life you can also help those in need.
Find out more

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698 days ago

Variety of beautiful Aviary Budgies for Sale

Wendi & Russell from Kaiapoi

I have some beautiful Aviary Budgies that I am selling. These have been in a lovely Aviary with plenty of flight span, so preferably they would be best suited for an Aviary. Some in the pictures are not for sale but because it's so hard to get them singled out. I have just put most of them in … View moreI have some beautiful Aviary Budgies that I am selling. These have been in a lovely Aviary with plenty of flight span, so preferably they would be best suited for an Aviary. Some in the pictures are not for sale but because it's so hard to get them singled out. I have just put most of them in pictures. They are selling for ($20 each) and they are up to a year old. Pickup Kaiapoi p.s. I also have goldfish (Orange) for sale ($8 each) 03-3276606 Please leave us a message

Price: $20

698 days ago

Mobile Compare has Launched!

The Team from NZ Compare

The newest addition to the NZ Compare suite of comparison brands has landed - Mobile Compare is the home of Kiwi Mobile Plans. A one stop shop for Neighbours everywhere!

Start 2023 right! Forget overspending and getting stuck with a plan that offers too much or too little.

Whether you’re … View more
The newest addition to the NZ Compare suite of comparison brands has landed - Mobile Compare is the home of Kiwi Mobile Plans. A one stop shop for Neighbours everywhere!

Start 2023 right! Forget overspending and getting stuck with a plan that offers too much or too little.

Whether you’re after unlimited minutes and calling, endless data or flexible payment options to fit your budget, Mobile Compare has it all from your favourite providers. Plus, the website is super easy to use — you’ll find a fantastic deal in no time! Check it out today!

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698 days ago

Lightweight Teeny Weeny Stroller from Farmers

Stuart Neighbourly Lead from Rangiora

As new condition and only used a few times.

Adjustable foot and backrest.

Rain cover included

Price: $95

699 days ago

Confusion over chlorination of Kaiapoi water

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

The presence of chlorine in the Kaiapoi north drinking water supply is causing confusion among residents.

Some have taken to social media to vent their frustrations over it.

The Waimakariri District Council began chlorinating the Kaiapoi north supply… View more
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

The presence of chlorine in the Kaiapoi north drinking water supply is causing confusion among residents.

Some have taken to social media to vent their frustrations over it.

The Waimakariri District Council began chlorinating the Kaiapoi north supply last year as a precaution, after routine testing showed increased levels of organic materials in it.

Specialist equipment has been ordered and is expected to arrive in February or March, a council spokesperson said.

The council has applied for chlorine exemptions for the water supplies in the district’s six urban areas, including Kaiapoi.

The first draft decision, on the Cust water supply chlorine exemption application, was received just before Christmas and indicated that application was likely to be declined.

‘‘While this decision is draft only and does not directly apply to Kaiapoi, it does highlight how challenging it is to gain approval for a supply to operate without chlorine,’’ the spokesperson said.

‘‘The council is continuing to supply unchlorinated water where we have a high level of confidence, while our exemptions are being processed.

‘‘For north Kaiapoi this means the council must take a precautionary approach and continue with temporary chlorination until we have a higher level of confidence.’’

Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air

698 days ago

Chair makeover

The Team from Resene ColorShop Rangiora

Jazz up a tired set of wicker chairs with eye-popping colours and Resene FX Metallic paint.

Find out how to add a little shimmer of your own with these easy instructions.

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699 days ago

Carpet layer needed

Annie from Rangiora

I have a house load of second hand carpet to be laid, is there anyone who can do this please?

699 days ago

New fun activity at Hanmer Springs

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Hanmer Springs has a new fun, family activity - and it’s free.

A nine-hole disc golf course opened at Brooke Dawson Reserve last month and it has already caught the attention of visitors and enthusiasts for the game.

‘‘It has only been open for… View more
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Hanmer Springs has a new fun, family activity - and it’s free.

A nine-hole disc golf course opened at Brooke Dawson Reserve last month and it has already caught the attention of visitors and enthusiasts for the game.

‘‘It has only been open for a couple of weeks, but there is a lot of people going through and the word is getting out,’’ local resident Graham Frith said.

‘‘I’ve had people from Christchurch, Nelson and the West Coast ringing to find out when we will have this course and now I can tell them to come.

‘‘My vision was to have it so everyone staying in the village could do it for free and eventually if we have some guns come here, even better.’’

Frith came up with the idea for a disc golf course while serving on the Hanmer Springs Community Board.

It came at a cost of $7500 to buy the baskets, which were used instead of tees and were installed by volunteers.

Disc golf is like ordinary golf, except you throw a frisbee or disc and aimed to get into the baskets in as few throws as possible.

All you need is a frisbee and some mates, or your family, Frith said.

‘‘The other day three of us went down there with one frisbee. We just took turns throwing it and walked around and had a great chat.’’

Frith has been behind several initiatives in recent years, including the Hanmer Springs food forest and Music and Arts Hanmer Springs.

He was also working on developing mountain bike trails around Mt Isobel.

‘‘I just like to stir things up. If you are not going forward you fall off your bike.’’

Frith says the ideas tend to flow when he is out on his bike.

With a five month cycling tour in Central America planned from next month, more ideas were sure to follow.

‘‘We are travelling through Mexico and I will no doubt see something and think ‘that will work in Hanmer Springs’.’’

The Brooke Dawson Reserve, in Bath Street, Hanmer Springs, has a toilet block and picnic area, making it the ideal spot for families.

There was the option of extending it to an 18-hole course if it proved to be popular.

A map of the course is available on the Hanmer Springs app and on Facebook.

*Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air

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701 days ago

Poll: Are you happy with your local council?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

With rising inflation, the pressure is piling on councils this year to tighten their budgets to keep rates payments down for households across the country.
Overall, do you feel that your council and community board does a good job for your area?

If you don't wish for your replies to be … View more
With rising inflation, the pressure is piling on councils this year to tighten their budgets to keep rates payments down for households across the country.
Overall, do you feel that your council and community board does a good job for your area?

If you don't wish for your replies to be used in the We Say You Say column, include NFP in your comment.

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Are you happy with your local council?
  • 7.6% Yes, we are really lucky with our local council
    7.6% Complete
  • 22.7% Yes, I'm fairly happy with my local council
    22.7% Complete
  • 59% No, I'm really unhappy with my local council
    59% Complete
  • 10.7% I'm indifferent
    10.7% Complete
2406 votes
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