Waikuku & Waikuku Beach, Waikuku

Next Saturday is our online garage sale

Next Saturday is our online garage sale

So check out your home and take some photos of items that you want to sell!

771 days ago

Books by NZ authors donated to Kaiapoi school

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

From local democracy reporter David Hill:

Kaiapoi High School and the Karanga Mai Young Parents’ College have received a generous donation of 150 books.

The books were donated by Laura Caygill, from Waimakariri Libraries.

Laura was part of the judging panel for the New Zealand Book Awards for … View more
From local democracy reporter David Hill:

Kaiapoi High School and the Karanga Mai Young Parents’ College have received a generous donation of 150 books.

The books were donated by Laura Caygill, from Waimakariri Libraries.

Laura was part of the judging panel for the New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults and was given a copy of each book to read as part of the role.

‘‘You could definitely say I had a summer of reading,’’ Laura says.

All books entered in the awards are written by New Zealand authors and Laura says she was very impressed with the calibre of entries.

‘‘It was fantastic. There certainly were a lot of books, with such a diverse range of themes and perspectives.

‘‘We are so lucky to have so many talented authors in New Zealand and these awards are a fantastic way to showcase that talent and engage young people in reading.

‘‘We had some wonderful discussions on the judging panel and I know we were all really impressed with the books coming through for our young readers in New Zealand.

‘‘Many of these books would easily stand up on the international stage,’’ Laura says.

Waimakariri Libraries, in collaboration with the community have created online virtual storytimes to celebrate the awards.

They have also produced a Books Alive digital event showcasing one of the Young Adult Fiction finalists - Learning to Love Blue by Saradha Koirala.

Students from Kaiapoi High School have been involved in the Books Alive event, reading chosen excerpts from the book.

This was made available to view online on August 9.

Kaiapoi High School principal Jason Reid, librarian Heather McCorquodale and Karanga Mai English teacher Carola Crawford were delighted to receive all 150 books.

‘‘We are very grateful for the generosity. It’s amazing to see the wealth of knowledge laid out on this table,’’ Jason says.

‘‘They are all new and fresh and written by New Zealand authors, which makes them very relevant and engaging for our young people.’’

The category finalists were announced on Thursday, June 2.

The awards ceremony and announcement of winners of the 2022 New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults was held on August 10.

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773 days ago

Submissions Change of Plan deadline tomorrow

Tina from Swannanoa - Ohoka

Hi All if you haven't made your submission to the council to oppose the Change of plan for www.waimakariri.govt.nz... The deadline is tomorrow at 5:00 PM. Please make your submission today. Make your voice be heard. This will impact all rate payers of the North Canterbury. Anyone, anywhere … View moreHi All if you haven't made your submission to the council to oppose the Change of plan for www.waimakariri.govt.nz... The deadline is tomorrow at 5:00 PM. Please make your submission today. Make your voice be heard. This will impact all rate payers of the North Canterbury. Anyone, anywhere can make submissions. Please help democracy do it work. Get involved today.

772 days ago

Love your compost? Pimp it up to win great prizes for your garden!

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Dear neighbours,

To celebrate National Gardening Week (October 17-25), Yates have partnered with NZ Gardener to give away some fantastic prizes to some of the most inspirational compost builders in the country. Show us your compost setup, whether it’s tiny or huge, and the best looking compost … View more
Dear neighbours,

To celebrate National Gardening Week (October 17-25), Yates have partnered with NZ Gardener to give away some fantastic prizes to some of the most inspirational compost builders in the country. Show us your compost setup, whether it’s tiny or huge, and the best looking compost wins 1 of 9 Compost Kits (RRP $319 each).

So email through your best tip for successful compost and one photo of your composting setup to loveyourgarden@yates.co.nz by August 26, 2022 to be in to win.

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772 days ago
772 days ago

Extension for Kaiapoi aqua sports park

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

From local democracy reporter David Hill:

Kaiapoi’s proposed aqua sports park is a step closer after the Waimakariri District Council agreed in principle to extend its
memorandum of understanding by up to three years.

It means the WHoW Charitable Trust will have another three years to develop … View more
From local democracy reporter David Hill:

Kaiapoi’s proposed aqua sports park is a step closer after the Waimakariri District Council agreed in principle to extend its
memorandum of understanding by up to three years.

It means the WHoW Charitable Trust will have another three years to develop its plan for surf wave, whitewater and cable wakeboard facilities alongside its inflatable play park in the Kaiapoi east regeneration area, to the north of Kaiapoi River.

A revised agreement will now be negotiated between the council and the trust until August 2025, before being brought back to the council for final approval.

The original agreement was signed in August 2020 and was due to expire this month.

‘‘The last two years have been particularly challenging in developing plans for large recreational facilities requiring significant funding under Covid restrictions and difficult economic conditions,’’ acting chief executive Jeff Millward says.

‘‘The council was, however, impressed with the WHoW Trust’s commitment to the concept and the district through progressing the Aqualand NZ project in Courtenay Lake, which successfully trialled at a small scale elements proposed for the Aquasports Park.’’

The trust launched its temporary aqua play park, operated by Kaikanui Aqualand NZ, on Courtenay Lake, to the south of Kaiapoi River, in November under a three-year license to occupy agreement with the council.

Councillors also considered an alternative proposal from the Kaiapoi East Residents’ Association (KERA) for an alternative use of the land.

KERA made a deputation to the Kaiapoi-Tuahiwi Community Board last month requesting a licence to occupy the land to plant the area with pockets of forest, fruit orchards and vegetable patches, as well as creating walk ways and picnic and play areas.

While they resolved not to pursue KERA’s proposal for a license to occupy, councillors requested staff to engage with the residents to identify opportunities for the association to progress its objectives in east Kaiapoi.

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772 days ago

Your whole retirement is our consideration

With the 75+ population projected to double in 20 years’ time, it’s more important than ever to choose a retirement village that is equipped to support you when you’re fully independent as well as if you need care.

That’s why Ryman villages plan ahead by offering independent living in … View more
With the 75+ population projected to double in 20 years’ time, it’s more important than ever to choose a retirement village that is equipped to support you when you’re fully independent as well as if you need care.

That’s why Ryman villages plan ahead by offering independent living in apartments and townhouses, assisted living in serviced apartments, resthome care and, in most villages, hospital and specialist dementia care.

We offer a higher ratio of care in our villages so that if your needs change, you have priority access to our care centres.
Find out more

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773 days ago

Major step for mahinga kai project in former Kaiapoi red zone

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

From local democracy reporter David Hill:

Kaiapoi’s multimillion-dollar mahinga kai project is set to take a major step forward with the signing of a new trust deed agreement.

The Waimakariri District Council last week approved a co-govenance agreement with Te Kohaka o Tuhaitara Trust to … View more
From local democracy reporter David Hill:

Kaiapoi’s multimillion-dollar mahinga kai project is set to take a major step forward with the signing of a new trust deed agreement.

The Waimakariri District Council last week approved a co-govenance agreement with Te Kohaka o Tuhaitara Trust to manage the Huria Reserve, heritage and mahinga kai area.

The initiative is a key project from the Waimakariri Residential Red Zone Recovery Plan and comprises eight hectares of land in the Kaiapoi south regeneration area.

The reserve is located to the south of Kaiapoi River, straddling the south bank, and continues south to sit between the proposed Kaiapoi Community Hub and Courtenay Lake.

It is a partnership between the council and Te Runanga o Ngāi Tūāhuriri.

The council is contributing $1.74 million over five years to the project, which was established in the 2018 long-term plan, and will retain ownership of the land.

Waimakariri District Council community and recreation manager Chris Brown said the trust would manage the area under a lease agreement and would seek additional funding from other sources.

Mayor Dan Gordon said the project was an important part of Kaiapoi’s ongoing regeneration.

‘‘It’s a fantastic partnership and I'm in full support of it. It’s good to see this finally coming to fruition.

‘‘The project will create a public reserve with walkways and board walks through native planted areas, opportunities for mahinga kai, natural play areas, educational zones and interpretive signage to tell the local stories and history.’’

Representatives from the council, trust and runanga have formed a joint working group to work on the project design and construction.

Construction is under way, with work on the pathways tendered and awarded to Citycare Property in May and due to be completed this month.

The first round of planting was completed on June 30, with 4000 native plants and shrubs planted.

‘‘This included five totara trees that will greet visitors to the entrance of the reserve area and lead them through the paths,’’ Gordon said.

Landscape design and master planning for the second stage of works is under way.

The reserve area design takes into account the interim licence to occupy held by the WHoW Charitable Trust for the Kaikanui Aqualand NZ aqua play park facility on Courtenay Lake.

The name Huria recognises the Huria whanau, which fished the local Cam and Waimakariri rivers and has a long history in the area.

It also recognised the loss of land, which was taken from the whanau to allow the motorway to be built.

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773 days ago

Open Mic at Wigram Hotel

Tina from Swannanoa - Ohoka

We are back at the Wigram hotel with fresh new comedy faces. Get out of the cold and warm up and have a laugh. God knows we need a laugh. Show starts at 7:00 Door sales available. Come one come all.

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774 days ago

Support our Yuri Bear Project

Charles Upham Retirement Village

Knitting needles are clicking across our villages and the wider community for the Yuri Bear project🐻❤️.

We’re aiming to knit 20,000 teddy bears for children displaced as a result of turmoil in their country.

We’ve been overwhelmed by the response so far, but 20,000 bears is no … View more
Knitting needles are clicking across our villages and the wider community for the Yuri Bear project🐻❤️.

We’re aiming to knit 20,000 teddy bears for children displaced as a result of turmoil in their country.

We’ve been overwhelmed by the response so far, but 20,000 bears is no small ask!

If you can knit, know someone who can or would like to find out how you can help, please click on the link below.

774 days ago

Did you start gardening in school?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Dear neighbours,

How many of you remember gardening in school? Hopefully, more students and teachers will be inspired by the great work being done at this amazing school.

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774 days ago

Warmer weather is coming

Adrenalin Forest Christchurch

Pine trees and a warm breeze is all the ingredients needed to have a good day!

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775 days ago

Ukraine Fundraiser: Art Exhibition and Silent Auction

Kathy from Rangiora

Over 100 original artworks to view at an Exhibition in the Hall and Visitor's Centre of St John's Anglican Church, High St, Rangiora. All works will be auctioned and 100% of the profits will go to Ukrainian Refugees and the Food Crisis in Africa. Exhibition viewings are Tuesday … View moreOver 100 original artworks to view at an Exhibition in the Hall and Visitor's Centre of St John's Anglican Church, High St, Rangiora. All works will be auctioned and 100% of the profits will go to Ukrainian Refugees and the Food Crisis in Africa. Exhibition viewings are Tuesday afternoons, Wednesday and Thursday mornings and any time the Art sign is out. Bidding can be done at any time by writing in the bidding book with final silent bids taken at the Auction Closing Party, 7.30pm on September 10th. All welcome.

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776 days ago

Do you have a great asparagus recipe?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Dear neighbours,

Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are now on the hunt for asparagus recipes, so send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz before August 21, 2022.

Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Vegetable … View more
Dear neighbours,

Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are now on the hunt for asparagus recipes, so send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz before August 21, 2022.

Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Vegetable Growing Made Easy.

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776 days ago

Subscribe to Stuff's First Time Buyer's Club

Stuff

Making it onto the first rung of the property ladder can be an incredibly rewarding journey – and Stuff is here to help you through.

Stuff Homed has launched the First Time Buyers’ Club, an email series to help you navigate the equal-parts exciting and terrifying process of buying your first… View more
Making it onto the first rung of the property ladder can be an incredibly rewarding journey – and Stuff is here to help you through.

Stuff Homed has launched the First Time Buyers’ Club, an email series to help you navigate the equal-parts exciting and terrifying process of buying your first ever home. When you join our six-week LearnStuff course, you’ll get an email every week giving you all the basics on what you need to know, who you need on your side, and what you need to do at each stage of the journey.

We can’t make the houses any cheaper, but we can guide you through the process, share some tips from the experts, and help you avoid some of the trips and traps.

Sign up (it's free) and get started on your house-buying journey.
Sign up now

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778 days ago

Family Friendly Service and Discussion

Jeneane Hobby from Ashley Community Church Incorporated

Paul and Lesley Askin hold their next family-friendly monthly service, Sunday, 4 September, at the Ashley Community Church from 4.30 pm. Bring a plate of finger food for a shared meal afterwards.

Enquiries to Paul or Lesley, Ph 021 140 2074

39 Canterbury St, Ashley. Remember to dress warmly, … View more
Paul and Lesley Askin hold their next family-friendly monthly service, Sunday, 4 September, at the Ashley Community Church from 4.30 pm. Bring a plate of finger food for a shared meal afterwards.

Enquiries to Paul or Lesley, Ph 021 140 2074

39 Canterbury St, Ashley. Remember to dress warmly, and go before you come as there are no toilet facilities.

*Flowers gifted by Sefton Flowers - in season blooms grown locally.

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