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This Wednesday, we are having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with John Bracewell from Crewcut.
John Bracewell, former Black Caps coach turned Franchisee Development Manager and currently the face of Crewcut’s #Movember campaign, knows a thing or two about keeping the grass … View moreThis Wednesday, we are having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with John Bracewell from Crewcut.
John Bracewell, former Black Caps coach turned Franchisee Development Manager and currently the face of Crewcut’s #Movember campaign, knows a thing or two about keeping the grass looking sharp—whether it’s on a cricket pitch or in your backyard!
As a seasoned Crewcut franchisee, John is excited to answer your lawn and gardening questions. After years of perfecting the greens on the field, he's ready to share tips on how to knock your garden out of the park. Let's just say he’s as passionate about lush lawns as he is about a good game of cricket!
John is happy to answer questions about lawn mowing, tree/hedge trimming, tidying your garden, ride on mowing, you name it! He'll be online on Wednesday, 27th of November to answer them all.
Share your question below now ⬇️
With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.
This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on… View moreWith the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.
This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.
Do you think this ban is reasonable?
Overall length 10' 6" / 3.2m
Beam 4' 6" / 1.37m
Dry weight 143lbs / 65kg
Stainless steel tow eye and row locks
Drain plug x 2
Light weight and stable, allows easily for two adults to stand without tipping or capsizing due to twin hull.
New price $3,800 Asking $2,000.
… View moreOverall length 10' 6" / 3.2m
Beam 4' 6" / 1.37m
Dry weight 143lbs / 65kg
Stainless steel tow eye and row locks
Drain plug x 2
Light weight and stable, allows easily for two adults to stand without tipping or capsizing due to twin hull.
New price $3,800 Asking $2,000.
Never been in water, purchased off MP but due to change of circumstances having to on-sell.
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Power prices are set to jump by an estimated $15 a month in Mid Canterbury next year.
But to counter the hike, local power company EA Networks is considering increasing rebates for customers.
During a recent council presentation, an EA Networks … View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Power prices are set to jump by an estimated $15 a month in Mid Canterbury next year.
But to counter the hike, local power company EA Networks is considering increasing rebates for customers.
During a recent council presentation, an EA Networks representative said they have some of the lowest residential lines charges, but "not all retailers are passing these lower charges on to customers".
The rebate bypasses retailers and pays a sum directly back to power users.
The power price hike follows the Commerce Commission's decision to allow increased investment in the electricity network.
This means the average consumer’s electricity bill will rise from April 1, 2025, to cover increased revenue for Transpower and local lines companies.
That revenue will be invested in the national and local electricity infrastructure.
The increase will represent a 5% jump in the average power bill.
In Mid Canterbury the average domestic user can expect to spend around $180 more on their power bill next year.
However, EA networks are considering the level and frequency of rebates, which would offset some of the increase.
EA Networks owns and operates the region's electricity distribution network and the fibre optic communications network, with Ashburton District Council as the majority shareholder (95%).
Shareholders Committee chairperson Robert Newlands, and new members Gary Wilson and Kate Templeton, provided an update on the state of play for the company at the recent council meeting.
Wilson said EA Networks continues to deliver some of the country’s lowest residential lines charges.
“But not all retailers are passing these lower charges on to customers.”
Retailers keep prices up and are “taking that income for themselves”.
EA has the second lowest network prices but ranks 12th once the retailers on-sell the electricity, he said
With the Commerce Commission dictating the increased revenue, line companies like EA Networks have to increase distribution charges.
“EA has chosen to keep its costs high, but then rebate that money back to the consumer,” Wilson said.
“They are only taking as much as they need for cash flow to run the business and the community will benefit with the consumer rebate.”
Newlands said if EA opted to have the reduced line charge, the retailers would absorb that and pass on higher costs, “and the consumer will be disadvantaged”.
“By passing on the costs from the Commerce Commission regulations and then rebating back, it’s a better advantage to the community.”
The frequency of the rebates is also being looked at, Newlands said.
He encouraged customers to shop around retailers for the best deal and consider energy efficency options.
The commission’s decision sets a 44% maximum allowable revenue increase for Transpower over the next five years and a 47% maximum increase for local lines companies.
The commission will smooth the increases over five years.
After the first year's increases (from April 2025), households can expect annual increases of $5 per month in each of the following four years.
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
Transform the inside of your humble storage spaces with Resene paint and you’ll be happy to delve into them in future.
Get our quick tips to transform your storage spaces.
Experience the perfect blend of country charm and city convenience in Clarks Beach, Auckland!
For just $15 a ticket, you could win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home, valued at over $1 million.
This home offers three bedrooms, spacious kitchen and living areas, and a double garage.
… View moreExperience the perfect blend of country charm and city convenience in Clarks Beach, Auckland!
For just $15 a ticket, you could win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home, valued at over $1 million.
This home offers three bedrooms, spacious kitchen and living areas, and a double garage.
Whether you decide to make it your dream home, a holiday retreat, a rental property or simply sell it, it’s still a life-changing prize.
Don’t wait—get your tickets today at heartlottery.org.nz.
Craving a dessert that makes the most of spring's fresh produce? Look no further than Georgina's signature Rhubarb Crumble.
This delicious treat has become a favourite at Ryman’s Bert Sutcliffe Village, where the sweet and tangy aroma often wafts through the air, tempting neighbours … View moreCraving a dessert that makes the most of spring's fresh produce? Look no further than Georgina's signature Rhubarb Crumble.
This delicious treat has become a favourite at Ryman’s Bert Sutcliffe Village, where the sweet and tangy aroma often wafts through the air, tempting neighbours in for a taste. It’s also a hit with Georgina's 13-year-old granddaughter, Brooklyn, who loves serving it warm with gooey custard or a scoop of melting vanilla ice cream.
Click read more for the recipe.
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
The former Ashburton District Council building has been sold, but the details won’t be revealed until the settlement date in the New Year.
The sold sticker went up last week after the councillors decided to accept one of two offers they had … View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
The former Ashburton District Council building has been sold, but the details won’t be revealed until the settlement date in the New Year.
The sold sticker went up last week after the councillors decided to accept one of two offers they had received for the site during the public-excluded part of the council meeting.
That means how much it sold for and who the new owners are remain sealed.
Chief executive Hamish Riach said details of the sale were confidential at this time, though more information would be released after settlement.
“There were two offers, which were discussed by councillors in-committee, and they accepted one for the entire site.
“We expect the sale to be finalised in early 2025.”
The property comprises 5059sqm in four titles and the sale was handled by Property Brokers agent Hamish Niles.
The three-storey council building was built in 1974 with a basement and the ability to add a fourth storey but that was scuttled by the changes to the building standards following the Canterbury earthquakes.
Issues with the building were first signalled in 2004, and in 2015 it was decided to combine a replacement with a new library.
The sale of the old council building will offset the $62.1m build cost of the new library and civic centre, Te Whare Whakatere, which opened in January.
The project received $20m from the Government’s shovel-ready infrastructure programme.
Earlier this year the council sold the former public library building for $1.1m to CBR Properties Limited, which plans to renovate the building into a boutique hotel.
It also sold two relocatable buildings for $160,000.
The three older prefab classrooms at the former Polytech site on Cameron Street were being sold for $1 each, but the tenderers need to pay for the removal by March 14.
The tenders closed on November 13 and the council is working through the sale process.
*LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Here are some items that have been recalled during October/November. Click on the blue title to learn more details about the recalled product.
Food recalls:
Equal brand European Dark Chocolate
Mrs Rogers spices - Butter Chicken, Curry Powder and Garam Masala
Bin Inn brand Ground Fennel
… View moreHere are some items that have been recalled during October/November. Click on the blue title to learn more details about the recalled product.
Food recalls:
Equal brand European Dark Chocolate
Mrs Rogers spices - Butter Chicken, Curry Powder and Garam Masala
Bin Inn brand Ground Fennel
Classic Taste Fennel Powder
Jongga Kimchi
Pure Delish Grain-ola
Homemade Baker Muffin Batter Banana Choc-Chip
Hellers Shaved Roast Chicken
My Food Bag middle eastern spice blend and All The Flavour dukkah
Gilmours Jalapeno flavour corn chips
Product recalls:
Goldair panel heaters
Boost Lab skin cleanser
Canyon E-bike batteries
Panasonic power supply adapter
Kids blanket hoodies
SCA lithium battery
Noxen Kids hooded towel
Kids rubber duckies
Justyling/YesBobbleheads custom Neon sign
Brompton T Line bike
We hope this update was helpful to you and your whānau.
From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.
What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?
We've had early reports of toxic algae in some of our awa/rivers. Unfortunately, dogs like to seek out the algae and eat it, causing serious harm.
We monitor water quality at recreation sites over summer for toxic algae, however, site assessments are based on the risk to human health. It … View moreWe've had early reports of toxic algae in some of our awa/rivers. Unfortunately, dogs like to seek out the algae and eat it, causing serious harm.
We monitor water quality at recreation sites over summer for toxic algae, however, site assessments are based on the risk to human health. It is not always possible to observe small amounts of toxic algae that could still be dangerous for dogs.
If you’re ever in doubt about the water quality, then keep your dog on a leash and away from the water’s edge.
It's vital to know what to look for to keep your dogs safe 👉 www.ecan.govt.nz...
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Two people are being trespassed from Ashburton's new library and civic centre per month on average due to bad behaviour.
The problem has prompted the council to bring in new rules for its community facilities.
Te Whare Whakatere opened in … View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Two people are being trespassed from Ashburton's new library and civic centre per month on average due to bad behaviour.
The problem has prompted the council to bring in new rules for its community facilities.
Te Whare Whakatere opened in January, and already 16 people have been trespassed in the first eight months – equating to one every two weeks.
It’s understood the causes included violent behaviour and wilful damage and that other facilities have had problems with visitor behaviour.
The threat to other user's safety and experience has forced the Ashburton District Council to introduce a new visitor code of conduct, which was adopted on Wednesday.
Councillor Carolyn Cameron said it was a shame the council had to take the step of formalising a code of conduct.
The code sets the behavioural expectations for visitors to the council’s public facilities and includes a range of lesser consequences up to and including trespassing.
The code states that extreme or repeated nuisance behaviour can result in a trespass of up to two years.
Extreme behaviour included threatening behaviour, assault, sexual harassment, theft, possession or use of weapons, drugs or alcohol, and using abusive or offensive language.
People and facilities general manager Sarah Mosley said the majority of the code is how things already operated.
“We see this document as a positive because it links a number of current practices in one document," she said.
“The code of conduct consolidates all aspects, and lets everyone know what behaviour is expected from visitors and staff within our core council facilities and what actions may be taken if any behaviour falls below our expectations.
“It sets our expectations, it provides us with the flexibility to deal and address behaviour in a positive way that doesn’t always mean a two-year sanction.”
Sport and recreation manager Richard Wood said he had witnessed a range of behaviours at EA Networks Centre and had trespassed people in the past.
There are measures to deal with some bad behaviours, but when they escalate to inappropriate, abusive, violent, or disruptive, “we can pull the other levers” outlined in the code, he said.
The code of conduct came into effect as soon as it was adopted by the council.
Mosely said the code does not specifically reference the new Gangs Legislation that came into effect on Thursday, making it an offence to display gang insignia in a public place.
“This is because the police, not staff, are responsible for enforcing any breach of the law.
“We don’t envisage any issues within our facilities as there have not been any recent occasions where gang insignia has been worn within them.”
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Mid Canterbury roads will get an extra 50km of road resealing after the council dipped into ratepayer funds to cover the cost.
The Ashburton District Council decided to use $2.46 million of ratepayer money after there was a shortfall in the NZ … View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Mid Canterbury roads will get an extra 50km of road resealing after the council dipped into ratepayer funds to cover the cost.
The Ashburton District Council decided to use $2.46 million of ratepayer money after there was a shortfall in the NZ Transport Agency funding.
The council aims to complete an extra 50km of road resealing on top of the already planned 60km of NZTA-subsidised reseals.
Infrastructure and open spaces group manager Neil McCann said staff selected roads that would ensure the additional work was done as soon as possible.
The contractor has been given the selected sites to be completed by the end of March, he said.
“We’ll monitor that and make sure we can get as close to 50km done.”
As part of the selection process, staff found priority roads that didn’t require significant pre-seal work, he said.
“The sites selected are from the forward work programme, but ones that require minimal pre-reseal repairs, have relatively long lengths, and [are] having a single coat chip seal.
“They have been selected according to the need of being sealed before the cracks open up and water gets in and causes potholes.”
The 27 unsubsidised reseal sites are for pothole prevention rather than pothole repairs, he said.
When the council was deciding how to allocate the $2.4m last month, mayor Neil Brown had suggested putting it all into extra reseals, calling it "preventative maintenance” to avoid the roads cracking and forming potholes.
The extra reseals will push the total past 100km, doubling up on last year’s 49.5km of road resealing.
The estimated cost of the 50.8km of reseals added to the programme is $2.03m, which could leave around $400,000 in the roading budget to allocate to other work.
“We will wait and see if there is much left after doing the reseals before deciding what to spend the remainder on, as it will depend on available time and the season,” McCann said.
Major unsubsidised reseal sites:
Ashburton Staveley Rd 5.8km
Back Track 3.5km (4 sites)
Barkers Rd 5km
Chertsey Kyle Rd 6.4km
Dromore Methven Rd 5170 (2)
Hinds Arundel Rd 6395 (4)
Rakaia River Rd 5.6km
Springfield Rd East 3.7km
Timaru Track Rd 4.2km
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Ashburton's shift away from delivering stockwater services to rural properties is not a closure process, a councillor says.
The district council plans to get out of the management of stockwater races to rural properties by June 30, 2027.
… View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Ashburton's shift away from delivering stockwater services to rural properties is not a closure process, a councillor says.
The district council plans to get out of the management of stockwater races to rural properties by June 30, 2027.
“That could involve some being shut or other entities taking them over," councillor Richard Wilson said
Wilson is the chairperson of the stockwater transition working group, which is charged with planning the exit and ensuring properties that require stockwater have alternative options for delivery.
There are already plenty of examples around the district of other entities running stockwater schemes, he said.
Wilson pointed to an example of how the transition can work, with the Acton Farmers Irrigation Company now managing the scheme and going through a transfer agreement proposal with the council.
The district is also covered by irrigation schemes, he said.
“Some properties have stockwater on one side of the road and irrigation on the other, so that irrigation infrastructure could be used to provide stockwater efficiently.
"We don't need both."
The group is finalising the exit transition plan to present to the council by the end of the year.
The plan will outline the process the council will take and how it will engage with stockwater customers, stakeholders and the wider community as it works towards an exit.
It will be an intake-by-intake approach, Wilson said.
There is the possibility that the council retain some races for the amenity and biodiversity value.
Races that provide critical stormwater function could be declared drains, Wilson said.
“We haven’t made any decisions yet as we need to get the plan in place first.”
The working group includes councillors Carolyn Cameron and Wilson, mayor Neil Brown, representatives from Federated Farmers, Environment Canterbury, Te Runanga o Arowhenua and a consultant.
The core membership will make recommendations to the council based on their expert advice and input from the wider working group that consists of other key stakeholders.
The group are set to meet again on December 5 to finalise the plan to go to the council for adoption on December 18.
Once a transition plan is in place, the working group will monitor the progress towards achieving the stockwater delivery exit by June 2027.
Council chief executive Hamish Riach said the workload pressures facing the council over the next two years may challenge the stockwater exit timeframe.
“The timetable is well understood, but there are a range of issues at play.
“We are doing everything we can to mitigate against slippage of time, but there are some key people with significant workloads in some key areas around water that are impacting on each other.”
Council is seeking to recruit experienced staff into the team, he said.
*LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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