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Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to … View moreKia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.
Less than a week left to enter this merry competition.
With lots of spot prizes to win (as well as the title of NZ's Merriest Home), it's worth getting out your camera phone and taking a picture of your festive abode!
Check out the Christmassy homes here.
Gift-giving looks a lot different these days when you can pick up super-cheap goods made overseas. But do they last?
Do you have any old items like appliances, electronics or clothing that have stood the test of time? Share below!
Why not gift them a magazine subscription tailored to their interests? This Christmas, find the perfect gifts at Mags4Gifts! We're offering up to 30% off a wide range of magazines – there’s something for everyone in your whanau!
Whether you’re searching for a thoughtful secret Santa … View moreWhy not gift them a magazine subscription tailored to their interests? This Christmas, find the perfect gifts at Mags4Gifts! We're offering up to 30% off a wide range of magazines – there’s something for everyone in your whanau!
Whether you’re searching for a thoughtful secret Santa gift or something special to put under the tree, we’ve got you covered with a great selection for all interests.
Don’t miss out – shop now at Mags4Gifts.com and enjoy the savings!
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Severe traffic congestion is holding up truckies in Ashburton, forcing drivers to breach their legal driving hours, an industry head says.
Transporting New Zealand industry adviser Jim Crouchley says drivers are waiting up to 45 minutes in gridlock … View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Severe traffic congestion is holding up truckies in Ashburton, forcing drivers to breach their legal driving hours, an industry head says.
Transporting New Zealand industry adviser Jim Crouchley says drivers are waiting up to 45 minutes in gridlock to get through the Canterbury town.
The congestion delays put pressure on drivers and endangered livestock, he said.
Crouchley told the Ashburton District Road Safety Co-ordinating Committee this week that drivers were reporting regular traffic queues, particularly on Fridays and holiday weekends, which was pushing compliance limits.
“Dunedin-based operators can usually make the trip to Christchurch within their five-and-a-half hours of legal driving time to meet deadlines, but are now finding themselves in breach of law with waiting times of up to 45 minutes to get through the Ashburton traffic on many occasions.”
There were also potential animal welfare issues through heat stress on animals in a slow-moving crate, particularly in the summer months, he said.
Crouchley pointed the finger at the Melcombe St viaduct, and to a lesser extent Compton’s crossing, for exacerbating the already lengthy queues.
Truck drivers saw a large number of motorists accessing State Highway 1 via the viaduct and being let in by other “courteous road users”.
This left truck drivers frustrated as they “can only watch as the queue gets longer and slower”, he said.
He said it has been suggested the Melcombe St viaduct be blocked by traffic management during peak times – until Ashburton’s second bridge was completed.
And it was not just those in the transport industry voicing concerns, with emergency services also speaking about the congestion.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand Mid-South Canterbury community readiness and recovery adviser Jesse Shearer told the meeting anecdotal evidence showed local fire brigades shared the congestion concerns and it affected their ability to attend callouts.
The viaduct was a point of conjecture during the $10 million Tinwald Corridor upgrade.
The project centred around installing traffic signals at the SH1/Lagmhor Road/Agnes St intersection.
During the design phase, it was proposed to restrict Melcombe St to left out only but a swathe of community feedback convinced the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) to retain its two-way access.
At the time NZTA director regional relationships James Caygill said it would retain the access “with monitoring to maintain that works”.
Several speed reduction measures were put in place along Melcombe St - three separators on either side of slightly raised platforms – to deter people from using Melcombe St to jump the queues (referred to as rat running) on SH1.
According to truckies, it wasn't working and needed to be revisited.
NZTA South and Mid Canterbury senior network manager Scott McKenzie said in terms of big-picture congestion around Ashburton, “there are limited opportunities to improve traffic flow”.
“The corridor is essentially operating at capacity and this is more obvious at peak times or where other works are under way.
"Given the residential and commercial development immediately adjacent to the highway there is limited scope to increase capacity.”
NZTA monitored the traffic signals along SH1 through Ashburton and Tinwald and made small changes to the timing as necessary to improve traffic flow where possible, he said.
“We are aware some people use Melcombe St as an alternative route onto SH1.
“It is not possible to block a local intersection temporarily unless there is a key safety reason for doing so.”
He said in theory the second bridge would “change the pattern for local road users who will then have a choice of bridges to get over the Ashburton River”.
With Christmas fast approaching, Police are encouraging people to be aware of online phishing scams.
The holiday season can already be a stressful time, and the last thing you want is to lose large sums of money to a scam.
A phishing scam is an online scam, where the offender pretends to be a … View moreWith Christmas fast approaching, Police are encouraging people to be aware of online phishing scams.
The holiday season can already be a stressful time, and the last thing you want is to lose large sums of money to a scam.
A phishing scam is an online scam, where the offender pretends to be a trustworthy person or organisation to try and get a victim’s personal information.
Police has received a number of phishing scam reports with offenders targeting people who are selling items or services online like Trade Me and Facebook Marketplace.
The offenders pretend to be an interested buyer, and urgently request to buy your product and arrange a courier pickup.
The victim receives a fake courier website link to complete a verification process asking for personal details, like bank account numbers, passwords, and phone numbers.
Once provided these details, the offender uses these to access a victim’s bank account, tricking the victim into proving any multifactor authentication code sent from the victim’s bank.
The money in the victim’s bank account is then taken by the offender once access is gained.
Police are urging members of the public to be cautious, especially when someone in person or online is asking you to give them money or your personal details like bank accounts and passwords.
Never comply with a request asking you to provide or ‘verify’ your online banking details.
Legitimate organisations will never ask you to do this.
If you are unsure if it is real, please contact your bank by the phone number on their official website or go to your nearest branch.
If you receive a courier website link from a potential buyer, this is likely a scam.
Please do not fill out the verification process.
Use the social media/trading platform’s reporting tools to report the scam and the user involved.
You can also make a report to Netsafe at report.netsafe.org.nz.
If you have handed over your online banking details, contact your bank immediately and suspend your account.
If you think you have been scammed (provided your banking details and/or suffered a loss), please gather as much information you can and make a report to Police online through 105.police.govt.nz or call 105.
Get creative by making a gorgeous leaf-printed tablecloth and gift your guests the perfect hand-painted decoration all painted in Resene testpot paint colours.
Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
Kmart will be recalling a number of their Anko duvet sets.
What you need to know:
- The recall is involving Christmas-themed duvets: Mrs & Mrs Claus Reversible Queen Size Bed Quilt Cover Set and Christmas Elf Reversible Single Bed Quilt Cover Set
- A … View moreKmart will be recalling a number of their Anko duvet sets.
What you need to know:
- The recall is involving Christmas-themed duvets: Mrs & Mrs Claus Reversible Queen Size Bed Quilt Cover Set and Christmas Elf Reversible Single Bed Quilt Cover Set
- A recall of the products began in Australia following health concerns from several families.
- One woman said she thought she was having a heart attack after using one of the products which smelt of diesel.
- One customer said she’d purchased the quilt covers and said they smelled like gas. Another mum said hers did not have that smell but claimed her son developed a rash that only went away when he stopped using the product.
- The product is no longer available for purchase on the Kmart website.
Regardless of whether you have experienced an issue, customers who have purchased this item may return the product to store for a refund.
Surprise your loved ones with tickets for the Heart Foundation Christmas Lottery. It's a gift that could change their lives!
They'll have the chance to win a brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home in Clarks Beach, Auckland, valued at over $1 million. Plus, there are incredible prizes … View moreSurprise your loved ones with tickets for the Heart Foundation Christmas Lottery. It's a gift that could change their lives!
They'll have the chance to win a brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home in Clarks Beach, Auckland, valued at over $1 million. Plus, there are incredible prizes up for grabs, including international travel.
Tickets are just $15 each, and every purchase supports life-saving research. Get yours online today at heartlottery.org.nz.
Pamela, a resident of Bert Sutcliffe Village, has a passion for good food, great company, and exploring new places. A seasoned traveller and cruising enthusiast, Pamela has sailed to numerous destinations, sampling local cuisines along the way.
Closer to home, alongside her son-in-law and … View morePamela, a resident of Bert Sutcliffe Village, has a passion for good food, great company, and exploring new places. A seasoned traveller and cruising enthusiast, Pamela has sailed to numerous destinations, sampling local cuisines along the way.
Closer to home, alongside her son-in-law and daughter, she has discovered a variety of restaurants that showcase the diversity of New Zealand’s culinary scene. Whether you’re planning a road trip, dreaming about your next cruise, or simply searching for a great dining spot, these are Pamela’s top food recommendations to inspire your next adventure.
Click read more for the full story.
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Ashburton mayor Neil Brown says rates capping isn’t the answer for the district after hearing cautionary tales from Australian councils.
The Government is exploring the option of rates capping to balance the long-term interests of ratepayers with… View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Ashburton mayor Neil Brown says rates capping isn’t the answer for the district after hearing cautionary tales from Australian councils.
The Government is exploring the option of rates capping to balance the long-term interests of ratepayers with the financial sustainability of councils.
It was discussed at the Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) meeting in Wellington last month, which included a presentation on how rates capping worked in New South Wales and Victoria.
Brown said rising costs demand smarter solutions, but after hearing cautionary tales from Australian councils, rates capping would harm essential services and increase council debt.
The examples highlighted that if inflation was higher than the capped rate increases, then councils couldn’t deliver all its services, he said.
“They either had to cut services or borrow money, or both.
“They were just getting into a bigger borrowing hole.”
LGNZ president Sam Broughton said a rates cap would ultimately limit council investment.
He said there was a lot to learn from the Australian experiences of the immense challenges that came with rate capping.
Local Government NSW president, councillor Darriea Turley, urged caution around moves to introduce rate capping (or rate pegging).
“Local government’s capacity to fund existing levels of services and infrastructure is under increasing stress.
"There is a wealth of evidence that NSW councils and their communities have been damaged by rate pegging.
“In NSW, it has severely hampered councils’ ability to fund current, let alone future, levels of service.”
Broughton wants the Government to keep an open mind about rates capping, and to explore other alternatives that could achieve the same result.
“Ratepayers need to have confidence in council decisions and to trust that we’re focusing on delivering the infrastructure and services that communities expect.
“That’s why we are also looking into the approach taken by South Australia, who elected to improve their rates transparency instead of rates capping.”
In Ashburton, Brown said there will be some robust budget discussion in the new year with a forecast 10.1% rates increase next year, following an 11.8% increase this year.
The rate increase shouldn't be increasing as "no new projects are coming in because we have only just signed off the long-term plan six months ago.”
The increase is to cover three waters and roading work, and increasing costs to insurance and servicing debt.
The declining interest rate levels could have a big benefit.
“A 1% drop in interest rates is about a 2% rate decrease,” he said.
When announcing the plans to explore rate capping in August, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown said council rates increased by around 15% on average this year, which is more than four times the rate of inflation.
"This is unacceptable and councils must ensure they are doing everything they can to reduce pressure on ratepayers.
“Ratepayers expect local government to focus on delivering the basics, picking up rubbish, fixing water infrastructure, and filling in potholes. We have done our part, and Kiwis expect councils to do theirs," he said in a statement.
If you've decked your halls with all things jolly, we think it deserves to be shown off!
Share a photo of your home in its Christmassy glory and be in to win a spot prize. Some of these entries will be chosen as a finalist for the grand title of NZ's Merriest Home which Neighbourly … View moreIf you've decked your halls with all things jolly, we think it deserves to be shown off!
Share a photo of your home in its Christmassy glory and be in to win a spot prize. Some of these entries will be chosen as a finalist for the grand title of NZ's Merriest Home which Neighbourly members can vote on!
Entries close Sunday, 15th of December so share a photo today 📸
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Christmas might come early in Ashburton.
Ashburton mayor Neil Brown visited Wellington recently for a Local Government NZ meeting and took the opportunity to pop into the Beehive to meet with Minister of Transport Simeon Brown.
“We are … View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Christmas might come early in Ashburton.
Ashburton mayor Neil Brown visited Wellington recently for a Local Government NZ meeting and took the opportunity to pop into the Beehive to meet with Minister of Transport Simeon Brown.
“We are progressing discussions on the second bridge and we hope to have an announcement in December,” mayor Brown said.
“Hopefully it will be a good Christmas present for Ashburton and the people of the South Island, as it’s a resilience project for the state highway network.”
The second bridge project is about improved connectivity between Tinwald and Ashburton that will reduce congestion along State Highway 1 where the existing bridge has had to close due to flooding twice in recent years, cutting the South Island off in the middle.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon made the pre-election pledge to start constructing a new bridge for Ashburton in its first term.
When he was in town on Friday he said it was “officially on the programme”.
“Ashburton Bridge is on its way.
“Timing will be worked through very quickly with Simeon, but it’s on the plan.”
The council and Government remain in negotiations over how to fund the $130m second Ashburton/Hakatere River Bridge.
“All funding options are part of the discussions,” mayor Brown said.
The discussion will include the possibility of a toll and areas of the project that can be refined to keep costs down.
The transport minister has repeatedly mentioned the possibility of introducing a toll on a second Ashburton bridge - either on the new bridge or the existing State Highway 1 crossing - to help pay for its construction.
Rangitata MP James Meager said he was aware of the meeting between the Browns.
“I don’t know what the outcome of that conversation was, but I understand they are getting closer and closer to reaching an agreement on what the funding mix should be.
“That’s the last big hurdle to get past.
“Then we can start making decisions around applying for consents and of course it’s in the fast track process so should go through quickly.
“Before we know it there will be shovels in the ground.”
Luxon and Meager were both confident the construction will begin this term, as promised.
The second bride project, a new 360m-long bridge across the Ashburton/Hakatere River, was included in the National Land Transport Plan and listed as a road of regional significance.
It guarantees the Government, through the NZ Transport Agency, will fund at least 51% ($66m) of the estimated $130m project.
That leaves $64m to find.
The council rolled over the $7.5m figure in its long-term plan budgets, but was aware it may need to increase its contribution.
Council chief executive Hamish Riach previously confirmed the council was applying to the Government’s $1.2 billion Regional Infrastructure Fund as the second bridge "fits very well with the fund’s criteria" in the council’s view.
The fund is a capital fund, supporting projects through a mix of loan and equity investments.
The Kiwi journalist drilling deep into the country’s biggest issues is on a mission to find the local greats.
Paddy Gower is looking for the Good Kiwi in every region to feature in his show, The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour.
To nominate a Good Kiwi, email reporters@press.co.nz … View moreThe Kiwi journalist drilling deep into the country’s biggest issues is on a mission to find the local greats.
Paddy Gower is looking for the Good Kiwi in every region to feature in his show, The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour.
To nominate a Good Kiwi, email reporters@press.co.nz with the name and a description of why your nominee should win. You an also share the local issues you think Paddy needs to tackle in the comments below.
It could be the woman whose knitting circle has made 3800 items for victims of domestic violence, the guy running the length of Aotearoa for mental health, or the woman with terminal cancer who spends her time campaigning to raise awareness and save lives.
“Basically I am looking for ... a bloody great Cantab who just gets on and gets things done. The criteria is somebody who has a positive attitude and makes the community a better place," Gower said.
“I will give this person the 'Big Ups' they deserve, and the community can celebrate them with me.”
A Good Kiwi will feature in each of Gower’s live shows in 14 centres through November and December. He will name the Cantabrian Good Kiwi at his Christchurch show on the evening of Friday, November 22, at St Margaret’s College.
The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour is a sort of book tour, sort of stand-up comedy, some journalistic yarns and memoir, and some motivational speaking - with a fair bit of local in each show.
Gower also wants to know about topics of interest in the region.
“I’m ... going to be taking on a big issue facing Canterbury and offering up solutions.”
A stinky suburb, a neighbourhood needing a round-about or a cathedral in disrepair - “I will make your views count”, he said.
“I'm touring the nation to spread positivity, optimism and good vibes.”
*For tickets to the The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour visit paddygower.co.nz
Queen mattress and base with headboard. Free to give away. Could possibly deliver within ashbuton. Also a drink cabinet. Sorry no Pic but can try get
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