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Posts by Northern Outlook
914 days ago

Disgruntled farmer wasting thousands of litres of water in protest at charges

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

Rangiora farmer Rodney Back is upset at being charged for water that he's not using.

In fact, no-one is using the water – the charges relate to empty sections he subdivided a few years back.

The Waimakariri District Council says it doesn't matter how much water is being used, or whether it's used at all, Beck has to pay a fixed charge.

As a protest, Beck turned on each water supply last week, allowing an estimated 10,000 litres of drinking water a day to run down the drain.

The 78-year-old North Canterbury farmer said he was a firm believer in user pays, but objected to paying for something no-one was using, and planned to leave the taps on until the council intervened.

Read reporter Keiller MacDuff's full report here (subscription required).

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More messages from your neighbours
1 day ago

Poll: Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

In The Post’s opinion piece on the developments set to open across Aotearoa in 2026, John Coop suggests that, as a nation, we’re “allergic to exuberance.”

We want to know: Are we really allergic to showing our excitement?

Is it time to lean into a more optimistic view of the place we call home? As big projects take shape and new opportunities emerge, perhaps it’s worth asking whether a little more confidence (and enthusiasm!) could do us some good.

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Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝
  • 42.4% Yes
    42.4% Complete
  • 31.6% Maybe?
    31.6% Complete
  • 26% No
    26% Complete
408 votes
4 hours ago

Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’

If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.

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22 days ago

Some Choice News!

Kia pai from Sharing the Good Stuff

Many New Zealand gardens aren’t seeing as many monarch butterflies fluttering around their swan plants and flower beds these days — the hungry Asian paper wasp has been taking its toll.

Thanks to people like Alan Baldick, who’s made it his mission to protect the monarch, his neighbours still get to enjoy these beautiful butterflies in their own backyards.

Thinking about planting something to invite more butterflies, bees, and birds into your garden?

Thanks for your mahi, Alan! We hope this brings a smile!

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