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1295 days ago

Another abusive note left on disabled person's car in Rangiora

Jake Kenny Reporter from Community News

A Kaikōura woman was left shaken after being targeted by Rangiora’s latest self-appointed parking warrior.

Nadia Mackle has used a wheelchair since being paralysed in a crash in 2015, when she was 23.

Far from letting it stop her, she has been open and honest about the challenges of getting back into her own home and work, and has inspired many of her online followers.

However, she could not help but feel down after finding an abusive note on her car after visiting a bakery in Rangiora last week.

The disabled parks were already taken when she arrived to meet her family for lunch at cafe Artisan at Rangiora Bakery, so she opted for the furthest space away, not wanting to inconvenience other customers.

She needs extra space on the right side of her car to be able to unload her wheelchair, so parked to the left of the standard space and put her mobility permit on the dashboard in case anyone looked to see why she had parked that way.

When she returned to her car, she saw the note criticising her parking.

She initially brushed it off, but began to feel increasingly anxious after leaving Rangiora.

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1 day ago

Share your New Zealand music memories...

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

It's NZ Music Month and New Zealand really has some beautiful songs from artists that we call our own.

Whether it's April Sun in Cuba, Don't Forget your Roots, or How Bizarre or Bic Runga's 'Sway' - songs have a way of unlocking memories and evoking old feelings.

In honour of NZ Music Month, share a New Zealand song or artist that is special to you and explain why.

Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.

6 hours ago

Lack of investment remains a concern – ECan councillors

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

A lack of investment remains a concern as Environment Canterbury backs the region’s transport plan.

The regional council voted to adopt the 2024-34 Canterbury Regional Land Transport Plan at a council meeting on Tuesday afternoon.

But councillors expressed concerns at a perceived lack of funding from central Government and a potential funding shortfall.

The Canterbury Regional Transport Committee, comprising the region’s 10 mayors, gave its approval to the plan at a meeting on April 18.

Councillor Deon Swiggs said the there had been under-investment in transport and infrastructure in the South Island for too long.

‘‘It is a relatively good plan, but we need to get on top of the funding because we are getting behind in Canterbury and in the entire South Island.’’

He was also concerned at the lack of a timeframe set out for the implementation of the proposed mass rapid transport for Greater Christchurch.

Environment Canterbury principal strategy advisor Clare Pattison said the regional transport plan set out priorities for transport in the region.

But the timings would ultimately be set by Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency and the regional council.

She said the council could refer questions back to the regional transport committee if there were concerns.

Councillor Grant Edge said if the council did not adopt the plan by the June deadline, it would put at risk funding for Canterbury’s roading projects.

Councillor Vicky Southworth said funding was issue which ‘‘continues to be raised’’.

‘‘Hopefully something changes, but we have to put our best foot forward and hope we get the support.’’

The plan proposed an investment of $10.8 billion over 10 years, which would double the region’s transport investment.

But it will require a $4.6b contribution from central Government.
Key projects include the proposed Woodend Bypass and a second Ashburton bridge.

The plan also includes public transport improvements for Greater Christchurch, which are dependent on Government support.

It will now be submitted to Waka Kotahi to be included in the National Land Transport Plan.

■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

1 day ago

The Tova Show

Jen from Stuff

Hello! Are you a …
- A student/young professional renting
- A young family, renting or owning
- An older New Zealander/retiree/pensioner

We’re reaching out from the Tova show, the flagship weekly politics podcast on Stuff, as we prepare for our budget coverage and how it’s affecting Kiwis - we’d love to hear from you.

We need a few people who are available the week before the budget (Wednesday 22nd/Thursday 23rd May) and on the day of the announcement (Thursday 30th May).

Please email tova@stuff.co.nz or comment below if you’d like to share your perspective with us. We give you our commitment to treat your experience with sensitivity and care.

Type NFP if you don't wish your comments to be used.

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