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👋Happy Waitangi Weekend everyone! 🤩Are you doing anything exciting? Ashburton has so much to offer for celebrating this weekend!
🚂The plains Railway & Museum is having a fun day with activities that suits the whole family this Sunday.
🗺😋On Monday The Ashburton Multicultural … View more👋Happy Waitangi Weekend everyone! 🤩Are you doing anything exciting? Ashburton has so much to offer for celebrating this weekend!
🚂The plains Railway & Museum is having a fun day with activities that suits the whole family this Sunday.
🗺😋On Monday The Ashburton Multicultural Bite will showcase at Ashburton Domain with our diverse culture groups, performing arts and delicious food experience. A great opportunity for everyone to come and explore our district. 💚💙
#waitangiweekend #culturediversity #canterburynz
Needless to say, it's been a horrible week for a lot of us with the scary weather and all it's brought with it. If you're doing it tough, here's something which might help.
Stuff's podcast Stuff Explained has been talking with Hummingly's Jolie Wills, a … View moreNeedless to say, it's been a horrible week for a lot of us with the scary weather and all it's brought with it. If you're doing it tough, here's something which might help.
Stuff's podcast Stuff Explained has been talking with Hummingly's Jolie Wills, a psycho-social expert in disaster and disruption. In this short podcast interview, Jolie shares her expert advice on what you, or the people you want to support, may need right now.
Whether you're currently involved, or you want to help others, it's worth a quick listen!
This auction is for x4 orange goldfish they measure about 6-7cm's approx. They were born last year. They live in an outdoor pond, so preferably they would be going to an outdoor pond. Pickup is Kaiapoi or phone 0272880881 (Wendi)
The Canon Summer Snap competition has garnered some stunning photos from across Aotearoa. Once again, Neighbourly is the judge of their People and Communities photograph category so we need you!
There's a camera up for grabs for these talented photographers, and it's up to you to … View moreThe Canon Summer Snap competition has garnered some stunning photos from across Aotearoa. Once again, Neighbourly is the judge of their People and Communities photograph category so we need you!
There's a camera up for grabs for these talented photographers, and it's up to you to choose who takes the crown...and the Canon EOS!
Cast your vote in the poll below before 4pm, 14 February.
Most of these Budgies are up to a year old, we have a large outdoor aviary, so hoping that these would go in one.
Beautiful colours. Pickup Kaiapoi $30 each. Or phone 0272880881 (Wendi) Not all are for sale.
From local democracy reporter David Hill:
Four year terms could produce better outcomes, Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon says.
Longer terms is one of the options proposed in the future of local government report presented last year by a panel led by former Waimakariri District Council chief … View moreFrom local democracy reporter David Hill:
Four year terms could produce better outcomes, Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon says.
Longer terms is one of the options proposed in the future of local government report presented last year by a panel led by former Waimakariri District Council chief executive Jim Palmer.
Gordon said a longer term would allow councils and governments to implement change in a more considered manner.
‘‘It would give the opportunity for a government that wants to make change, which most governments do, to adequately consult and consider the options.’’
He was referring to the Three Waters reform and the proposed legislation to replace the Resource Management Act.
He wondered if the present government would have spent more time consulting on its reform agenda if it had an extra year.
A four year term would also allow more time for local councils to consider what was best for the community they served, he said.
Developing a long-term plan every four years, instead of three, would also give councils more time to consider the impacts of government policy changes.
Hurunui mayor Marie Black said she had been opposed to a four-year term, but had changed her view.
‘‘I do see the value in terms of getting some strategic goals completed.
‘‘Quite often you come in as a new mayor or councillor and it takes a year to settle in, so in your second year you might get a start on some of those projects, but then your third year is focused on re-election.
‘‘So a fourth year would give you a bit more time to achieve your goals.’’
Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey said there were more important issues such as the cost of living crisis, youth and retail crime and the lack of after hours medical care in North Canterbury.
‘‘I think it is the last thing on people’s minds.
‘‘I think part of the issue is we are focusing on ideological issues rather than the issues that matter.
‘‘It is not on my radar.’’
Waimakariri-based Labour List MP Dan Rosewarne said he backed a four year term for Parliament.
‘‘If I came in at the last election cycle, it might have taken a year to get myself established and then by the third year you’re into an election year.
‘‘So you don’t get a lot of time to get into it.
‘‘Four years would give you more time to make a difference.’’
He said if local government went to a four-year term it made sense to synchronise general elections and boards of trustees elections into four year terms.
Submissions on the future of local government report close on February 28.
With torrential rain and flooding caused by an 'atmospheric river', should this event convince us all that climate change is real and we need to be taking action?
*Add NFP if you don't wish for your comments to be used for We Say You Say in the local papers.*
Sir Ashley Bloomfield was New Zealand’s Director-General of Health from June 2018 to July 2022 and became a familiar figure as the public face of the health response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
His vast career experiences over the last 25 years in public policy and health leadership include … View moreSir Ashley Bloomfield was New Zealand’s Director-General of Health from June 2018 to July 2022 and became a familiar figure as the public face of the health response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
His vast career experiences over the last 25 years in public policy and health leadership include being based at the World Health Organization in Geneva, working on non-communicable disease prevention and control with a global focus.
Join us for a morning with Sir Ashley Bloomfield as he shares insight into his career and the challenges he faced during uncertain times.
Time: Wednesday 8 February, 10.30am
Location: Online.
From local democracy reporter David Hill:
North Canterbury has returned to ‘‘normal growth’’ after a two-year building boom, say local real estate agents.
Real estate agents said there was a noticeable easing off in property sales in the middle of last year, after two years of … View moreFrom local democracy reporter David Hill:
North Canterbury has returned to ‘‘normal growth’’ after a two-year building boom, say local real estate agents.
Real estate agents said there was a noticeable easing off in property sales in the middle of last year, after two years of unprecedented growth.
This was reflected in the number of consents issued for new houses in Waimakariri falling back in December, which was the quietest month in years.
Consent numbers were also down in Kaikōura, but Hurunui was bucking the trend.
Hurunui District Council building and property manager Kerry Walsh said a record 197 consents for new houses were issued in 2022, up from 170 in 2021.
‘‘The major growth areas have been in Amberley and Hanmer Springs, along with the rural regions surrounding those areas.
‘‘We are expecting that the number of houses in both areas will remain steady over 2023.’’
The Waimakariri District Council granted 828 consents for new houses last year, compared to 928 in 2021 and less than 600 in 2020.
The biggest growth has been in the Townsend Fields (Rangiora), Silverstream (Kaiapoi) and Ravenswood (Woodend) sub-divisions and at Pegasus.
Harcourts sales consultant Christine Tallott said sales were down at Townsend Fields, but interest remained strong.
‘‘Buyers are a little bit nervous with the increase in costs to build and the delays.
‘‘But Rangiora has become a very sought after place to live.’’
Inquiries were strong for Townsend Fields stage four, which was yet to go on sale.
Ray White Rangiora manager Stuart Morris said the cost of living, rising interest rates, supply chain issues, economic uncertainty and a lack of available land were all having an impact.
He said there was less land available in Woodend and Kaiapoi, while Amberley’s new developments were waiting for titles to be issued.
‘‘But we have to remember we don’t normally see that level of building we have had in the last few years, so I think we are moving back to a more normal rate of growth.’’
Morris said first home buyers were starting to return, after a noticeable drop last year.
Bayleys Rangiora and Hanmer Springs manager Ross Ditmer said while residential sales had eased back, lifestyle block sales remained strong.
‘‘We are coming back to normal after the boom. If you go back two or three years ago, our sales in December were pretty comparable.’’
But he said the looming general election could create more uncertainty and lead to vendors and buyers being more hesitant.
Waimakariri District Council planning, regulation and environment general manager Tracy Tierney said consent applications in December were considerably lower than in previous years and January was following a similar pattern.
More than 560 amendments were made to approved building consents in 2022, ‘‘up three-fold compared to previous years’’.
‘‘This was mainly as a result of the need for product substitution during the build process,’’ she said.
‘‘Industry commentators are anticipating a slowdown in building activity this year from the highs of 2021 and 2022.’’
Mayor Dan Gordon said Waimakariri’s continued growth presented its challenges.
‘‘We are still one of the fastest growing areas in the country, so managing growth is still a priority and making sure we have the infrastructure in place.
‘‘We are working with our Greater Christchurch partners for growth opportunities and building the case for investment from central government.’’
Walsh said there were some major commercial developments consented in 2022 in the Hurunui.
These included the Amberley Country Estate retirement village, some major works at Rodin cars in Waiau and school building projects.
The Kaikōura District Council received 86 resource consent applications, compared to 84 in 2021.
It issued 134 building consents, including 29 for new houses, compared to 154 in 2021.
From local democracy reporter David Hill:
A Waimakariri youth employment advocate is pleased to see more opportunities for young people.
Former Waimakariri Youth Council co-chairperson Ellie Tizzard is ‘‘excited’’ to hear the Waimakariri District Council has joined the Mayor’s … View moreFrom local democracy reporter David Hill:
A Waimakariri youth employment advocate is pleased to see more opportunities for young people.
Former Waimakariri Youth Council co-chairperson Ellie Tizzard is ‘‘excited’’ to hear the Waimakariri District Council has joined the Mayor’s Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ) programme.
‘‘It is very exciting. I think it will be a good opportunity for local youth and it has worked well in the Hurunui.
‘‘It will be a nice addition to the district.’’
Tizzard has been working with Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey on a youth employment project since 2020 as a Covid-19 initiative.
The idea came out of the Waimakariri Youth Development Strategy, which the youth council worked on in 2018.
The following year Tizzard completed a youth employment survey while serving as Mr Doocey’s Youth MP.
She was recently invited to join the Youth Futures North Canterbury initiative, a partnership between local education providers, the Ministries of Education and Social Development, and the Waimakariri District Council.
‘‘There are so many people who have identified an issue, so it just needs to be narrowed down going forward as a long term sustainable thing.’’
Tizzard and Doocey launched an initiative on Labour Day last year to promote youth employment over the summer holidays.
A website was launched which linked to resources and tips for both employers and young jobseekers: linktr.ee/youthemploymentwaimakariri.
‘‘I’ve had quite a few businesses say they have seen the promotion and seen the information provided alongside it,’’ she said.
‘‘In a way it has made them a bit more confident to take that next step.’’
The pair now planned to roll out a continuous campaign to help connect employers and young people.
They have connected with Enterprise North Canterbury and Tizzard was keen to work alongside the new Waimakakriri MTFJ co-ordinator when appointed.
While figures for the December 2022 quarter were not available yet, the national unemployment rate in the September quarter was 3.3%.
Waimakariri’s unemployment rate in September last year was just 2.4%
The Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment’s Labour Market Force fact sheet, produced in December, found the ‘‘underutilisation rate’’ across New Zealand was 9% for the September quarter.
The underutilisation rate combined unemployment with under-employment - those in part time work, but seeking full time employment.
Tizzard said a high underutilisation rate at a time when employers were struggling to find staff ‘‘highlights a disconnect between jobseekers and employers’’.
‘‘These are pretty surprising statistics in this kind of environment with employers struggling to find people.’’
By local democracy reporter David Hill:
Disc golf could be coming to Kaiapoi.
Advocates of the sport say they could have a nine-hole course set up in the Kaiapoi Domain within months, if they get the go ahead.
Brothers Glen, Royce and Blake Whelan, who were born and bred in Ohoka, have … View moreBy local democracy reporter David Hill:
Disc golf could be coming to Kaiapoi.
Advocates of the sport say they could have a nine-hole course set up in the Kaiapoi Domain within months, if they get the go ahead.
Brothers Glen, Royce and Blake Whelan, who were born and bred in Ohoka, have been playing disc golf for several years, and were keen to have a local course.
Ryan Moleta, of Ashley, fell in love with the game after playing it at Twizel as a youngster.
The players have been travelling into Christchurch each week to play disc golf at Queenspark Reserve, and other courses around the city.
The idea for a disc golf course in the Kaiapoi Domain came during lockdown when Blake Whelan was out getting some exercise.
‘‘I went past the domain and thought it would be fun to have a disc golf course there,’’ he said.
Glen Whelan said the course would cater to everyone.
‘‘You can play it as casual as you like, whereas we tend to have a bit of rivalry.’’
‘‘We are just excited at the prospect of bringing disc golf to Kaiapoi,’’ Royce Whelan said.
‘‘Because it is such a popular sport worldwide and during Covid people were watching it on YouTube.’’
The Kaiapoi-Tuahiwi Community Board will consider a report at its February or March meeting, after the council completed a community survey earlier this month.
The survey attracted 143 respondents, with 90% supporting the establishment of a disc golf course in the Kaiapoi Domain.
Of the remaining 10%, the main objections included concerns for the trees in the domain and a preference for a site in the former red zone.
The disc golf players were due to meet with council greenspace staff this week to map out a proposed course which avoided heritage trees.
Moleta said having disc golf would make the domain safer for other users.
‘‘Safety is a big part of it.
‘‘We find that where there is disc golf it activates green spaces, littering and graffiti go down and people feel safer because there are people there all the time.’’
Disc golf players had a code of etiquette which included looking out for and giving way to other park users.
Any type of frisbee could be used, with the semi-professional players using ‘‘drivers’’, ‘‘putters’’ and ‘‘mid-range’’ discs (wedges), just like golfers, Moleta said.
‘‘You can get high speed discs, low flying discs, pretty ones which look cool and glow in the dark discs to play at night.’’
Should the nine-hole course prove popular, the players were keen to explore the idea of developing an 18-hole international course on former red zone land.
There was not expected to be any cost to the council, with advocates set to fundraise to pay for nine baskets, 18 sleeves and nine tee pads at a cost of around $9000.
Moleta and Blake Whelan were landscapers and planned to do most of the layout work themselves to reduce costs.
(Plant now so your berries are well established by spring)
This sale is for raspberry and thornless blackberry plants, $15 and $20 each. For sales of $60+ I’ll give you a good deal.
All raspberries have been transplanted from existing Clutha, Heritage and Lewis varieties. They produce … View more(Plant now so your berries are well established by spring)
This sale is for raspberry and thornless blackberry plants, $15 and $20 each. For sales of $60+ I’ll give you a good deal.
All raspberries have been transplanted from existing Clutha, Heritage and Lewis varieties. They produce awesome raspberries.
The thornless blackberries are Black Satin.
Pick up in Rangiora. However, for an $80+ purchase, I'm happy to deliver them myself within 30min of Rangiora for an extra $10 - depending on location.
Will exchange mobile numbers before pickup.
Concerned about root spread when growing raspberries and blackberries?
If you are concerned re how to grow raspberries and keep them contained - fear not! It's not difficult to achieve. I’m happy to explain how to keep them under control and give you a 1-page ‘How To’ guide.
3 Blum Orga - Line Adjustable Plate Holders in excellent condition.
Makes organizing stacks of plates quick and easy. Easily adjusts to fit most common dinner plates and bowls. Special rubber feet ensure that no matter where you put the Plate Holder it will stay in place.
Great for … View more3 Blum Orga - Line Adjustable Plate Holders in excellent condition.
Makes organizing stacks of plates quick and easy. Easily adjusts to fit most common dinner plates and bowls. Special rubber feet ensure that no matter where you put the Plate Holder it will stay in place.
Great for caravans, motorhomes, your home.
3 for $100 or $35 each
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