Central Otago District, Alexandra

Got a job going in your company or in your backyard?

Got a job going in your company or in your backyard?

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187 days ago

Broadband Costs on the Rise?

The Team from NZ Compare

Have you recently observed your broadband expenses creeping up?

According to our recent Neighbourly poll, a staggering 80% of respondents have remained loyal to the same broadband provider for over 5 years, and within that group, a whopping 80% have been with their provider for more than 10 … View more
Have you recently observed your broadband expenses creeping up?

According to our recent Neighbourly poll, a staggering 80% of respondents have remained loyal to the same broadband provider for over 5 years, and within that group, a whopping 80% have been with their provider for more than 10 years!

Staying loyal could be costing you money! By switching providers, you could save over $300 a year.

If you're currently under contract, here's a tip: set a reminder for the 11th month to compare your options. This way, you won't get automatically rolled onto higher pricing. It's your chance to keep more money in your pocket!

Don't let rising costs get the best of you. Explore your options and save big - check out Broadband Compare and Power Compare to compare different plans and providers!
Compare now

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189 days ago

$16 million Wānaka house sale to Australian couple sets new local record

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Otago News

By Debbie Jamieson

A new Wānaka property record has been set with the sale of a home for $16 million to an Australian couple.

Built in 2012 and known as Te Kaitaka House, the, four-bedroom, four-bathroom home has won Stevens Lawson Architects several awards and featured on the BBC programme… View more
By Debbie Jamieson

A new Wānaka property record has been set with the sale of a home for $16 million to an Australian couple.

Built in 2012 and known as Te Kaitaka House, the, four-bedroom, four-bathroom home has won Stevens Lawson Architects several awards and featured on the BBC programme The World’s Most Extraordinary Homes in 2018.

It was bought earlier this year by Sydney-based couple Andrew and Emma Gray.

Andrew Gray is a co-founder of the tech sector investment firm Potentia Capital and a former chairperson of MYOB.

The previous owner was Mark Gray, a cosmetic surgeon and founder of the national Skin Institute chain.

The house sits on Buchanan Rise, Roys Peninsula, part of the “millionare’s row” in west Wānaka, near Glendhu Bay.

It is the same area in which PayPal founder Peter Thiel is fighting to build a lodge, and where another family has just won the right to build an enormous $20m, partly subterranean, 2000m² home.

Colliers Wānaka director Craig Myles said the $16m paid for Te Kaitaka was the highest individual price achieved by a lifestyle property in Wānaka, though some earlier sales might have reached higher values.

There were some premium properties available around Wānaka, including one section he recently sold for $10m and a property he had just listed, a 5.5ha section at John’s Creek, near Hāwea.

“It’s all testament to the sought-after location that Wānaka has become,” he said.

Some buyers were from overseas, but the majority were New Zealanders, he said.

The west Wānaka area was sought after because of the outstanding natural landscape, its proximity to skifields and the lake, and for the privacy of the location.

The Te Kaitaka property was quite unusual with a “floating, origami-style roofline” and its south-facing aspect, he said.

“It looks out into the bay area, which is quite spectacular.”

The property was originally listed with Sotheby’s Realty and was described as stunning.

Building materials including natural cedar wood blended into the surroundings. The roofline directed light into the home via skylights, “all the while creating a spiritual atmosphere with its sculptural form”.

It was priced at $18m at the time.

Little is known about buyers Andrew and Emma Gray, but The Australian Financial Review reported in February that they were selling their Sydney mansion seven months after buying it for NZ$18m.

Prior to that, they sold another Sydney home for NZ$40m in May last year.

Andrew Gray’s LinkedIn page says he has more than 25 years of experience working in the technology private equity investment industry.

He holds a master of business administration degree from Harvard Business School and a bachelor of aeronautical engineering with first-classhonours from the University of Sydney.

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189 days ago

ANNOUNCING THE WINNER OF KIWI RUGBY FEVER COMPETITION

The Team from NZ Compare

We are Rugby MAD nation! We had an amazing turnout with over 965 entries from rugby fans to back their country for a chance to win a 3-month subscription to Sky Sport Now!

Now, the moment of truth – did you emerge as the lucky winner? CLICK below to find out! But hey, if you missed out on the… View more
We are Rugby MAD nation! We had an amazing turnout with over 965 entries from rugby fans to back their country for a chance to win a 3-month subscription to Sky Sport Now!

Now, the moment of truth – did you emerge as the lucky winner? CLICK below to find out! But hey, if you missed out on the competition, don't worry! We've got a BONUS rugby family GIVEAWAY just for you. Check out our featured post here: www.facebook.com...

And here's the game plan: Stay connected with NZ Compare for the freshest broadband and power deals, along with exciting competitions. We're your money-saving champions! CLICK HERE to discover more: www.nzcompare.com...

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189 days ago

Shelve it

The Team from Resene ColorShop Dunedin

Maximise that awkward corner or otherwise inaccessible space with sleek fitted shelves painted in Resene paints.
Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.

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190 days ago

Win your own Whitianga holiday home in time for summer!

The Team from Heart Foundation NZ

The Heart Foundation Lottery No. 144 is now open. For as little as one $15 ticket, you will be in the draw to win a brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home worth just over a million dollars in beautiful Whitianga. There are also other great prizes to be won, including overseas holidays, $10,000 … View moreThe Heart Foundation Lottery No. 144 is now open. For as little as one $15 ticket, you will be in the draw to win a brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home worth just over a million dollars in beautiful Whitianga. There are also other great prizes to be won, including overseas holidays, $10,000 cash and a new Toyota hybrid. Proceeds from all tickets help to fund life-saving heart research. Someone will win this incredible home on 30 November. Now that would make it a summer to remember!

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191 days ago

Queenstown's 'singing dog' to remain muzzled, after attacking other dogs

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Otago News

From reporter Debbie Jamieson:

Happy the singing sheepdog is not as happy as he once was, and neither is his owner.

Kim Turton has been busking on Queenstown’s lake front for 28 years and has been joined by his “best friend” Happy during the last seven years.

However, in March this … View more
From reporter Debbie Jamieson:

Happy the singing sheepdog is not as happy as he once was, and neither is his owner.

Kim Turton has been busking on Queenstown’s lake front for 28 years and has been joined by his “best friend” Happy during the last seven years.

However, in March this year, Happy bit another dog and was classified as menacing by the Queenstown Lakes District Council.

Turton appealed but a decision from the council’s hearing panel this week upheld the classification, noting there had been previous dog-on-dog attacks involving Happy in the last two years.

The council had undertaken education and infringement enforcement action previously. The classification was the next appropriate enforcement tool, the decision said.

Turton argued he had not been treated fairly by the council and the sight of the muzzle made people wary of approaching him, which affected his income from busking.

“I used to make a living here, but now I’m struggling,” he said.

“Happy doesn’t like it, of course, but he still loves singing, and he still sings with me.”

Recently, Turton was approached by a man accusing him of being cruel by muzzling Happy.

“He told me to pack up, so I did. I don’t want a complaint,” he said.

Turton objected to many aspects of the council’s case against him, believing it was a personal vendetta by a staff member and that some evidence was misrepresented.

He was now seeking the advice of a lawyer before considering whether to go to the ombudsman or police with his concerns.

He was left feeling that he couldn’t trust anyone, he said.

“Really I just want to finish this. It’s been four months of hell for me.

“Ten times a day people ask me about the muzzle, and it makes me feel stressed and angry once again.”

Turton told the panel he adopted Happy when Happy was three months old, and he had become his best friend, the decision said.

“When [Turton] first got him, [Happy] was a ‘screwed up puppy that came from a car crash’ and he did not respond to professional dog training, but after being neutered, his whole demeanour had changed, and he became a normal dog."

Turton stressed that he always had Happy on a lead, whether it be a normal lead or lead attached to his foot, as he said it was when the latest incident happened.

The panel was concerned that just having Happy on a lead would not mitigate the risk of Happy attacking another dog.

“We consider it apparent that Happy is nervous of other dogs coming into his space in this environment and his reaction is to be aggressive, and this has occurred several times over the years.

“Action has been taken to address this behaviour in the form of education and placement of cones to mark his area, but there continues to be a problem,” the decision said.

The panel acknowledged that Happy had not shown aggression towards people, only dogs.

193 days ago

Poll: What issues influence your vote most?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

October 14th is the last day for voting in the General Election 2023. And while there are some policies that are nice to have, there are other issues that are imperative to us. Where do your priorities lie this election? From the options below, choose what is swaying your vote the most.

Type … View more
October 14th is the last day for voting in the General Election 2023. And while there are some policies that are nice to have, there are other issues that are imperative to us. Where do your priorities lie this election? From the options below, choose what is swaying your vote the most.

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

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What issues influence your vote most?
  • 3.2% Education
    3.2% Complete
  • 24.2% Health
    24.2% Complete
  • 8.1% Environment
    8.1% Complete
  • 6% Housing
    6% Complete
  • 18.7% Justice/Law
    18.7% Complete
  • 2.2% Infrastructure
    2.2% Complete
  • 0.4% Defence and foreign affairs
    0.4% Complete
  • 2.5% Community & Inclusion
    2.5% Complete
  • 7.5% Income & Employment
    7.5% Complete
  • 22.3% Economy
    22.3% Complete
  • 4.9% Other - I'll share below
    4.9% Complete
1929 votes
191 days ago

High Fashion & Heritage Styles

Yvette Williams Retirement Village

Getting dressed for the day took on a new meaning as members of a fashion troupe quickly donned gowns, bodices and petticoats in a fast-moving fashion show for Ryman residents.

Corsets and bustles were show off at every twist and turn. There were multiple outfit changes for the Yvette Williams … View more
Getting dressed for the day took on a new meaning as members of a fashion troupe quickly donned gowns, bodices and petticoats in a fast-moving fashion show for Ryman residents.

Corsets and bustles were show off at every twist and turn. There were multiple outfit changes for the Yvette Williams Village event, as the fashion models made the most of an Otepoti Dunedin Heritage Festival event.

Historical costumer Lorraine Clark has been showing off Regency, Victorian and Edwardian garments throughout the South Island since 2005. She and Wilma Graham are two of the original members. Known as, Images of the Past, the group wear historically-accurate period garb.

Click to read the full story.

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191 days ago

Ryman Healthcare & Black Ferns: It takes a village

The Team from Ryman Healthcare

Ryman Healthcare is proud to champion the women's game like never before. We are committed to supporting initiatives that empower women and celebrate their achievements, showcased through our official partnership with the Black Ferns and Black Ferns Sevens.

Our partnership brings a host of … View more
Ryman Healthcare is proud to champion the women's game like never before. We are committed to supporting initiatives that empower women and celebrate their achievements, showcased through our official partnership with the Black Ferns and Black Ferns Sevens.

Our partnership brings a host of benefits that contribute to the growth and development of women's rugby. Together, we aim to inspire the next generation of players and foster a vibrant community around the sport. Click here to learn more.
Learn more now

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192 days ago

Poll: What Hits Hardest?

The Team from NZ Compare

Hello Neighbours! We all understand bills are piling up for everyone.
What's been hitting your wallet the hardest lately, making you cringe every time you pay for it?

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What Hits Hardest?
  • 14.5% Power/Gas
    14.5% Complete
  • 60.9% Groceries
    60.9% Complete
  • 2.2% Broadband/Phone
    2.2% Complete
  • 22.5% Insurance
    22.5% Complete
1051 votes
193 days ago

Win this brand-new Whitianga home!

Heart Foundation

Choose retreat or residence as the winner of this brand-new, fully furnished home in beautiful Whitianga.

For only $15 a ticket, you could be in to win this Jennian home in the Coromandel worth over $1 million. Featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms, two outdoor decks and an open-plan kitchen,… View more
Choose retreat or residence as the winner of this brand-new, fully furnished home in beautiful Whitianga.

For only $15 a ticket, you could be in to win this Jennian home in the Coromandel worth over $1 million. Featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms, two outdoor decks and an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area, this home is waiting to be lived in and loved by its new owners.

Make this property your permanent residence, a holiday home, rent it or even sell it – it could be all yours! Be in to win by purchasing your tickets today.
Buy tickets now

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195 days ago

Sickness, boiled water and another hit for Queenstown businesses

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Otago News

Thousands of New Zealanders are drinking water at risk of carrying the same parasite that is causing sickness and disrupting business in Queenstown.

Drinking water providers installed barriers to neutralise or eliminate protozoa such as cryptosporidium and giardia. The barrier was usually … View more
Thousands of New Zealanders are drinking water at risk of carrying the same parasite that is causing sickness and disrupting business in Queenstown.

Drinking water providers installed barriers to neutralise or eliminate protozoa such as cryptosporidium and giardia. The barrier was usually either UV equipment or a fine mesh.

Despite legislation requiring protozoa barriers to be in place in New Zealand since 2014, the water supply drawn from the apparently pristine Lake Wakatipu and feeding central Queenstown did not have one.

The cryptosporidium outbreak was confirmed by September 18 and the Queenstown Lakes District Council quickly imposed a boil water notice in the town. Ongoing testing had failed to reveal a source of the outbreak, but the water supply was considered the most likely.

The council predicted it could be December before a protozoa barrier was in place and the boil water notice was lifted.

Water regulator Taumata Arowai had been assessing water supplies across the country to ensure they had protozoa barriers in place, prior to the Queenstown outbreak.

On Thursday, it said 84 drinking water supplies did not have a protozoa barrier in place, affecting more than 310,000 New Zealanders - 295,000 of those in the South Island.

It put the 27 councils involved on notice to have a plan and funds locked in to fix their drinking water supplies by June next year.

Putting the barriers in place could cost anywhere from tens of thousands of dollars to millions, and it was money the councils would have to find.

Read reporter Debbie Jamieson's full story here.

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196 days ago

Bird & bee sanctuary

The Team from Resene ColorShop Dunedin

Create a birdbath with a natural sandstone paint effect with Resene Sandtex.
Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.

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197 days ago

#RWCfans

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

We've loving our Rugby World Cup fans sharing their photos on Neighbourly and bringing the spirit!

These fans below have won some spot prizes, keep sharing your photos to be in to win!

197 days ago

Get decorating and save with Resene!

Resene

Now’s the perfect time to get decorating with 25% off Resene premium paints, wood stains, primers, sealers, wallpaper, decorating accessories and cleaning products at Resene ColorShops. Choose from thousands of colours and get your favourites tinted in Eco Choice approved Resene paints.

Ask … View more
Now’s the perfect time to get decorating with 25% off Resene premium paints, wood stains, primers, sealers, wallpaper, decorating accessories and cleaning products at Resene ColorShops. Choose from thousands of colours and get your favourites tinted in Eco Choice approved Resene paints.

Ask our staff for expert advice on everything from choosing the right colour and paint to how to apply it for the best finish.
Find out more

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