Wairau & Waihopai Valleys, Wairau Valley

2199 days ago

Poll: Does your family take part in trick-or-treating?

Georgia Reporter from Stuff

Hi neighbours,

Get ready, the scary season is here and trick-or-treaters may soon be knocking at your door. So we want to know, is trick-or-treating something your family gets involved in? How about the US trend called 'trunk-or-treat'? Take part in our poll to let us know!

The New … View more
Hi neighbours,

Get ready, the scary season is here and trick-or-treaters may soon be knocking at your door. So we want to know, is trick-or-treating something your family gets involved in? How about the US trend called 'trunk-or-treat'? Take part in our poll to let us know!

The New Zealand police are encouraging parents, caregivers, and children to celebrate Halloween, on Wednesday, safely. To read police advice, click here.

Also, for tips on how to make your home seem scary or how to celebrate Halloween without the sugar rush, click here.

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Does your family take part in trick-or-treating?
  • 13.6% Yes
    13.6% Complete
  • 80.9% No
    80.9% Complete
  • 5% We sometimes go trick-or-treating
    5% Complete
  • 0.6% We're doing trunk-or-treat this year
    0.6% Complete
2655 votes
2200 days ago

The free National Bowel Screening Programme is here in Nelson Marlborough

Nelson Marlborough Health

Bowel cancer can develop with no warning signs. Finding it early with the free bowel screening test could save your life.

Within the next two years, everyone aged 60 to 74 who lives in the Nelson Marlborough region and who can receive publicly-funded healthcare, will be sent a test kit in the … View more
Bowel cancer can develop with no warning signs. Finding it early with the free bowel screening test could save your life.

Within the next two years, everyone aged 60 to 74 who lives in the Nelson Marlborough region and who can receive publicly-funded healthcare, will be sent a test kit in the mail.

It's important that you do the test as soon as possible, and post it back. The test is easy, clean, and you can do it at home.

Make sure your postal address is up to date with your GP.

To find out more call 0800 924 432, visit www.timetoscreen.nz, or talk to your doctor.
Learn more

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2200 days ago

Are you hoping to catch a glimpse of Harry and Meghan?

Sarah Reporter from Stuff

Hey neighbours,

The royal tour is underway, and the Duke and Duchess will be covering quite a bit of ground across the country in the next few days.

Are you planning to line up and see Harry and Meghan? Perhaps you already spotted them during their first couple of outings in Wellington, or even … View more
Hey neighbours,

The royal tour is underway, and the Duke and Duchess will be covering quite a bit of ground across the country in the next few days.

Are you planning to line up and see Harry and Meghan? Perhaps you already spotted them during their first couple of outings in Wellington, or even managed to have a chat?

To find out when and where you need to be to have the best chance of seeing Harry and Meghan, click here for our detailed tour breakdown.

For the latest on the royals' visit, click here.

Share your thoughts on the royal tour and your plans for meeting our special visitors in the replies below. (Please add "NFP/not for print" if you do not want your images/ comments used on Stuff)

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2200 days ago

Future of civil defence emergency management - have your say!

The Team from Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management

Have your say about the future of civil defence emergency management in New Zealand.

We want to know what you think about a proposed National Disaster Resilience Strategy for New Zealand.

The strategy sets New Zealand’s vision and long-term goals for civil defence emergency management. It has a… View more
Have your say about the future of civil defence emergency management in New Zealand.

We want to know what you think about a proposed National Disaster Resilience Strategy for New Zealand.

The strategy sets New Zealand’s vision and long-term goals for civil defence emergency management. It has a strong focus on building community and societal disaster resilience to protect New Zealand’s prosperity and well-being.

Your input will help us to make the strategy relevant, and better able to meet its objectives, for all New Zealanders. You can view the proposed National Disaster Resilience Strategy and find out how to make a submission at www.civildefence.govt.nz...

The consultation will close on Friday, 7 December 2018.

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2201 days ago

Live Stronger for Longer!

The Team from ACC New Zealand

Maintain your strength and balance with Live Stronger for Longer classes. You'll learn simple exercises in your local community to help keep you steady on your feet and reduce the risk of falls. These classes are safe and you’ll have fun while meeting new people in your community. Go to … View moreMaintain your strength and balance with Live Stronger for Longer classes. You'll learn simple exercises in your local community to help keep you steady on your feet and reduce the risk of falls. These classes are safe and you’ll have fun while meeting new people in your community. Go to livestronger.org.nz to find an approved class near you. Brought to you by ACC, Ministry of Health and Health Quality and Safety Commission. Find out more

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2205 days ago

Poll: Should dogs be allowed in Blenheim CBD?

Chloe Ranford Reporter from Marlborough Express

The Marlborough District Council will lift the dog ban in Blenheim's town centre next year to run a doggie trail. But what do you think about having pooches around Blenheim? Is the current ban justified?

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Should dogs be allowed in Blenheim CBD?
  • 23.1% I'm want to see dogs in town.
    23.1% Complete
  • 47.8% I don't want dogs in town.
    47.8% Complete
  • 29.1% I don't mind if there are dogs in town.
    29.1% Complete
134 votes
2204 days ago

pyrolysis plant on Taylor pass Road

Chairperson from Blenheim Residents & Ratepayers Association

BLENHEIM RESIDENTS AND RATEPAYERS ASSOCIATION
OPPOSITION TO PROPOSED PYROLYSIS PLANT AT BLUEGUMS LANDFILL – RESOURCE CONSENT APPLICATION U180734

Introduction
There is a new resource consent application to operate a Pyrolysis Plant at Bluegums Landfill. The first application (U171035) was … View more
BLENHEIM RESIDENTS AND RATEPAYERS ASSOCIATION
OPPOSITION TO PROPOSED PYROLYSIS PLANT AT BLUEGUMS LANDFILL – RESOURCE CONSENT APPLICATION U180734

Introduction
There is a new resource consent application to operate a Pyrolysis Plant at Bluegums Landfill. The first application (U171035) was withdrawn due to the community’s strong opposition and submissions concerned over potential health risks
What we know about the new application
Pyrolysis Plant operation excludes treated CCA timber but not other treated timber
Diesel fired chambers which will operate 7 days/week
2000 tonnes/annum
What we don’t know or understand
Council’s position and existence of any new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the developer?
Why would Council support this when it does nothing to address the current timber vineyard post problem?
What we perceive are some of the likely issues
How to identify CCA timber and ensure that it is not processed by the plant?
What happens to the huge mountain of timber - including vast amounts of CCA treated timber vineyard posts – already at the landfill?
Over a 20 year horizon, there will be increasing deliveries of timber to the plant some which may come from out of the district
Problem identified in the application of methane gas at the landfill and potential combustion and explosion from the lighting of diesel burners every day.
Opening hours far exceed that of the landfill – who will monitor the plant employees and safeguard their safety on a Sunday?
Who is liable and will be up for prosecution over selection of CCA timber and other treated timber?
What level of monitoring is required and who will carry this out. It should not be the developer due to accountability reasons.
Noise of the diesel burners
Business case – MDC has wasted serious money on the previous application and more ratepayers money will be pumped into the new application.
Choice of technology. The proposed plant has some serious pitfalls and there are examples of other plants worldwide which treat ALL waste internally.
Fire threat and the problem of diesel emissions
How can we be reassured that a new application would not be lodged at a later date to process CCA treated timber and posts.

What do we want you to do?
MAKE A SUBMISSION ON U180734 by 20 Nov – call in at the MDC offices and request a form or download from MDC website.
Spread the word to others across Blenheim and encourage neighbours, friends, colleagues to voice their opinion.
THIS IS YOUR LAST CHANCE TO PROTECT YOUR COMMUNITY FROM THE EFFECTS OF THIS PLANT
DO NOTHING AND YOU’VE NO RIGHT TO GRUMBLE!!

BRRA is always looking for volunteers to assist with campaigns or inputs to local affairs. If you would be willing to help in any way – especially this current Pyrolysis Plant opposition - contact the undersigned and we welcome your offer with open arms!!.
Whilst we’ve received several donations, our representation at any forthcoming planning hearing will involve lawyers and technical experts. This will be at a cost to the Association. If you able to make a donation – no matter how small – please again approach the two names at the bottom of this circular and we’ll make the necessary arrangements. We really appreciate any donation of any magnitude.
Thank you for your time.
Alan Hall David Turner
Chairman BRRA Chair BRRA Pyrolysis Sub- Group
03-5794066 03-5547424
027 696 6283 021 524 275

2202 days ago

Fonterra Open Gates, free family day out

Fonterra Open Gates

Some Fonterra farmers are opening up their gates on Sunday 11 November, to show how they care for the environment and what they are doing to help protect it.

It’s also your chance to enjoy a fun family day out on the farm, where you can see where your milk comes from, chat to our farmers and … View more
Some Fonterra farmers are opening up their gates on Sunday 11 November, to show how they care for the environment and what they are doing to help protect it.

It’s also your chance to enjoy a fun family day out on the farm, where you can see where your milk comes from, chat to our farmers and sample our products, including our special edition Tip Top ice cream.

Book your free farm visit to secure your place and don't forget your gumboots! For more information visit Open Gates.
Find out more!

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2203 days ago

Do you have a boat with an interesting name?

Alice Angeloni Reporter from Marlborough Express

We are writing a summer series looking into the stories behind boat names.
If you're a salty sea dog with a boat and an interesting story to tell, get in touch.

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2202 days ago

Help Tom Thank the Blind Foundation

The Team from Givealittle

Hi New Zealand,

This week is Blind Week raising awareness and funds for the Blind Foundation to support those who are blind or have low vision.

94 year old Tom Beale is on a mission to thank the Blind Foundation after they helped him through a tough time. Let's help Tom give back to … View more
Hi New Zealand,

This week is Blind Week raising awareness and funds for the Blind Foundation to support those who are blind or have low vision.

94 year old Tom Beale is on a mission to thank the Blind Foundation after they helped him through a tough time. Let's help Tom give back to this wonderful organisation through Givealittle!

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2204 days ago

Playcentre volunteers sick of 'senseless' vandalism

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

A team of volunteers running a playcentre repeatedly targeted by vandals say they are "frustrated" by the "senseless" and "wasteful" attacks.

Renwick Playcentre, west of Blenheim, has been vandalised twice this month, most recently over the long Labour Day weekend. … View more
A team of volunteers running a playcentre repeatedly targeted by vandals say they are "frustrated" by the "senseless" and "wasteful" attacks.

Renwick Playcentre, west of Blenheim, has been vandalised twice this month, most recently over the long Labour Day weekend.

The culprits have smeared paint on the play equipment, similar to vandalism at the playcentre last summer, which stopped over the colder months. Read more here

Blenheim police confirmed they were investigating and said anyone with information could call the Blenheim police station, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

2203 days ago

Check out the latest SuperSeniors newsletter

Office for Seniors

Hi Neighbours!

Want news for and about older New Zealanders? Then check out the latest edition of the SuperSeniors newsletter.

In the October issue we celebrate seniors as part of International Day of Older Persons. Telecommunications Commissioner, Dr Stephen Gale, talks about how to choose … View more
Hi Neighbours!

Want news for and about older New Zealanders? Then check out the latest edition of the SuperSeniors newsletter.

In the October issue we celebrate seniors as part of International Day of Older Persons. Telecommunications Commissioner, Dr Stephen Gale, talks about how to choose the right internet plan and we learn more about how to become a Dementia Friend.

To subscribe, follow this link: bit.ly...

To view past editions go to www.superseniors.msd.govt.nz...

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2203 days ago

Poll: What are you handing out for Halloween this year?

Reporter Sunday Star Times

Halloween is always associated with truckloads of candy! But this year it seems like things are changing and healthy snacks might be on the menu. Is this the case for you?

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What are you handing out for Halloween this year?
  • 25.1% Candy
    25.1% Complete
  • 3.2% Healthy snacks
    3.2% Complete
  • 71.1% Nothing
    71.1% Complete
  • 0.7% Homemade sweet treats
    0.7% Complete
1351 votes
2205 days ago

Poll: Is free-range chicken worth the extra cost?

Georgia Reporter from Stuff

Hi neighbours,

Chicken is a popular dish for many Kiwi families. But are you happy to pay the extra cost for free-range or organic chicken? If so, why do you fork out extra for it? Although buying free-range chicken might be an ethical choice for many, it's … View more
Hi neighbours,

Chicken is a popular dish for many Kiwi families. But are you happy to pay the extra cost for free-range or organic chicken? If so, why do you fork out extra for it? Although buying free-range chicken might be an ethical choice for many, it's not necessarily any healthier than other chicken.

As part of a new Stuff series, we look at why chicken is so cheap to buy nowadays, what happens inside the barn, why chickens get so big and the use of antibiotics in chicken feed. To learn more about what happens to your chicken before you put it in your shopping trolley, click the links above.

Have you got an opinion on the topic? Share your thoughts in the replies below. (Please add "NFP/not for print" if you do not want your images/ comments used on Stuff)

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Is free-range chicken worth the extra cost?
  • 28% Yes
    28% Complete
  • 72% No
    72% Complete
25 votes
2203 days ago

Resene project of the week!

The Team from Resene ColorShop Blenheim

Are your children or grandchildren scared of the dark? Give them something fun to look at when the lights go out with this clever glow in the dark moons made using Resene testpots and Resene FX Nightlight glow in the dark paint. Your kids will love it! Make the most of your weekend with this … View moreAre your children or grandchildren scared of the dark? Give them something fun to look at when the lights go out with this clever glow in the dark moons made using Resene testpots and Resene FX Nightlight glow in the dark paint. Your kids will love it! Make the most of your weekend with this easy step by step project idea from Resene.Find out how to create this quick and easy project yourself.

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