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This Fraud Awareness Week, we’re reminding everyone to stay sharp and look out for the warning signs of scams to stop them before they start.
Here’s what to watch out for:
🔍 Unrealistic offers or promises of easy money that are too good to be true
🔍 Pressure tactics: Scammers may … View moreThis Fraud Awareness Week, we’re reminding everyone to stay sharp and look out for the warning signs of scams to stop them before they start.
Here’s what to watch out for:
🔍 Unrealistic offers or promises of easy money that are too good to be true
🔍 Pressure tactics: Scammers may rush or threaten you to act immediately.
🔍 Requests for personal info: Be cautious if you’re asked for bank details, passwords, or sensitive information.
🔍 Unusual payment methods like gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.
🔍 Unverified contacts: Emails, calls, or messages from unknown or suspicious sources.
How to protect yourself:
✅ Stop and think before sharing personal details or making payments.
✅ Don't click on any links until you know that it is safe.
✅ Verify the source: Contact the organisation directly using official channels.
✅ If something’s not right, it's OK to hang up, walk away, ignore it and move on.
If you wish to report a scam, contact Police on 105 or report it online via 105.police.govt.nz/use-105.
Whether it’s a table setting, for the tree or a shelf display, use Resene FX Metallics to create your own modern Christmas decor. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
New scoreboards will allow Ashburton’s stadium to stay in the game and continue to boost the local economy.
That’s according to Basketball Mid Canterbury president Mark Douglas, who appealed to the Ashburton District councillors to upgrade the … View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
New scoreboards will allow Ashburton’s stadium to stay in the game and continue to boost the local economy.
That’s according to Basketball Mid Canterbury president Mark Douglas, who appealed to the Ashburton District councillors to upgrade the EA Networks Centre's scoreboards following some serious failures.
Douglas said with Timaru planning a new 8-court upgrade and Christchurch’s new Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre set to open next year, Ashburton can’t afford to fall behind.
Basketball Mid Canterbury has regularly hosted national tournaments at the venue, with three this year, and needs to remain a respected venue for them to keep coming, he said.
“These events have wide-ranging and significant financial benefits for our district.
“It’s imperative that we keep offering a top-notch venue to our users here in Mid Canterbury.
“The only issue we have ever had with the venue is the reliability of the scoreboards.”
Faults with the scoreboard have been getting progressively worse in recent months and were highlighted during a recent New Zealand Basketball tournament at the venue in October, he said.
Council’s sport and recreation manager Richard Wood told councillors that one court’s scoreboard and a shot clock on another court have completely failed.
Combined with “lagging issues” on clocks it is impacting users on all four courts.
“They are used every day for every sport.”
The option to fix or replace the faulty scoreboards would have caused further issues down the line as the current supplier is no longer stocking the scoreboards from the end of this year, Wood said.
The electronic scoreboards were scheduled for replacement next year with a budget of $100,000, but with the recent failures, the councillors approved bringing the upgrade forward.
A quote from a new supplier for $64,000 and $10,000 installation contingency, saved the council $26,000, Wood said.
The project will be funded by accumulated depreciation, and the cost of advancing it (10% of the project cost) will be covered by existing operational budgets.
Councillor Tony Todd said the “credibility of the centre will come into disrepute” if the equipment is faulty and supported bringing the project forward.
Councillor Liz Mcmillan said an up-to-date stadium was a must as it brings a lot of money into the district, considering teams also stay in Methven and Rakaia during tournaments.
Councillor Rob Mackle was the only councillor to vote against the motion, believing the user groups should be helping fund the scoreboards.
“Not all our ratepayers are users,” Mackle said.
People and facilities general manager Sarah Mosely said bringing the project forward helped maintain the stadium's level of service and has economic benefits from hosting tournaments.
The three national basketball tournaments in the last year resulted in $21,000 of revenue just to the centre, Wood said.
Mosley also noted that the existing sponsorship deal expires next year when the centre turns 10 and a renewal process will take place.
With the council's approval, it’s expected the new scoreboards will be installed early next year.
Mid Canterbury Netball centre manager Erin Tasker was celebrating the decision.
Tasker said the scoreboards are vital to all of the sports that use the stadium.
“We have a great facility here and when people visit from other netball centres they are always impressed by the set up, so it's vital that the quality is maintained so the stadium's good reputation is maintained.”
Welcome texture into your room by using leftover Resene Anaglypta wallpaper to accentuate furniture and décor items. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
Is the flooring at your school, early childhood, community or sports centre old and threadbare? Or perhaps you have a new space where there’s no flooring at all. Your organisation could be eligible to receive $2,000 + gst from the RhinoKids Flooring Fund to go towards new flooring. Plus, one … View moreIs the flooring at your school, early childhood, community or sports centre old and threadbare? Or perhaps you have a new space where there’s no flooring at all. Your organisation could be eligible to receive $2,000 + gst from the RhinoKids Flooring Fund to go towards new flooring. Plus, one lucky organisation will win a $20,000 flooring makeover!
Carpet Court is continuing its’ mission to help improve Kiwi kids’ learning environments by rolling out its’ nationwide fund for the fifth year in a row. Apply today!
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Ashburton’s mayor says there's no time for Grinches as the festive season gets under way.
The Government earlier this year called on councils to spend less on "nice-to-haves" and more on basics like roads and pipes.
This has … View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Ashburton’s mayor says there's no time for Grinches as the festive season gets under way.
The Government earlier this year called on councils to spend less on "nice-to-haves" and more on basics like roads and pipes.
This has forced councils to analyse their spending spending habits.
South Waikato District Council recently debated whether its Christmas parade was core council business, but decided to go ahead with it.
Ashburton’s community Christmas event Light up the Night has a $30,000 budget.
Mayor Neil Brown said the event is probably a nice to have, not a must-have expenditure.
“But people enjoy having it so we should do it.
The event is a time to “connect as a community and reflect on the year, while also looking ahead with excitement to Christmas and New Year and the summer in general”, he said.
“Council doesn’t want to be the Grinch and cancel that.
“It doesn’t cost a huge amount, it’s just under $1 per person in the district. If it’s well supported, it's $30,000 well spent."
The council can review it next year if people don’t like it, he said.
“I think it’s a good thing to do.”
Light up the Night takes place on November 30 in the recently renovated Baring Square East, with an evening of entertainment, music, and the giant Christmas tree will be lit up at 9.15pm.
The tree had been on East St for the last few years while the CBD and square were revitalised, but returns to the square where it will be positioned in front of Te Whare Whakatere, the new library and civic building that opened this year.
East St will be closed from 7am until 9.30pm, with the event starting at 6pm.
A week after the Christmas tree is lit up, the NBS Ashburton Santa Parade will be centred around the Ashburton Domain, with the route again running along Walnut Avenue on December 7.
The parade is not a council-run event, but is organised independently by Carol Johns and her team of volunteers.
The council supports the event by assisting with $3000 towards the traffic management plan.
“It’s a huge help as it's one of the biggest costs,” Johns said.
She runs the event “on the smell of an oily rag” and relies on sponsorship to keep the event going.
“We all do it for the community and I’d hate to see the event go.”
This year’s parade was set to be even bigger, with a lot more entries in the theme (a song featuring a colour) section set to entertain the thousands, she said.
Enviroflo are discovering widespread damage in ceramic drains across the Canterbury region - often there are no obvious signs.
Let our experienced team take care of it. We'll diagnose the damage, provide a report and work with the Natural Hazards Commision (formally EQC) on your behalf.
… View moreEnviroflo are discovering widespread damage in ceramic drains across the Canterbury region - often there are no obvious signs.
Let our experienced team take care of it. We'll diagnose the damage, provide a report and work with the Natural Hazards Commision (formally EQC) on your behalf.
Book your free check today! Call 03 242 0828 or 020 4 DRAINS. Terms and conditions apply
Spring is the season of new beginnings and the perfect time to declutter and refresh your home. Imagine stepping into a space that feels open, organised, and filled with only what truly matters. Whether you’re looking to simplify your life, want to downsize, or just enjoy a more comfortable … View moreSpring is the season of new beginnings and the perfect time to declutter and refresh your home. Imagine stepping into a space that feels open, organised, and filled with only what truly matters. Whether you’re looking to simplify your life, want to downsize, or just enjoy a more comfortable living space, decluttering is a great way to start.
With these expert tips from decluttering and organising specialist Peter Walsh, you can take small steps toward a clutter-free home that you’ll love spending time in.
Click read more for more article.
Ryman villages across the country are open every Wednesday in November.
Experience the Ryman lifestyle and learn about our living options, tour our showhomes and discover the wonderful amenities on offer.
Click to find out more information.
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access … View moreThe Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
For only $15 a ticket, you could win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home located in Clarks Beach, Auckland.
This coastal town offers the perfect escape, just a short drive from the city.
Valued at over $1 million, this home features three bedrooms and generous open-plan kitchen, … View moreFor only $15 a ticket, you could win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home located in Clarks Beach, Auckland.
This coastal town offers the perfect escape, just a short drive from the city.
Valued at over $1 million, this home features three bedrooms and generous open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area. It is waiting to be loved by its new owner.
Make this property your permanent residence, a holiday home, a rental, or simply sell it!
Get your tickets today at heartlottery.org.nz
To gain extra growing space, make and hang these easy-to-build planters on almost any wooden fence or deck railing. Use Resene FX Blackboard Paint so you can easily identify what plants are in each. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
Trays are such a useful item to have in the home – they are obviously great for serving food and drinks, particularly breakfast in bed! Find out how to create your own with Resene wallpaper and Resene Colorwood wood stain with these easy step by step instructions.
Is the flooring at your school, early childhood, community or sports centre old and threadbare? Or perhaps you have a new space where there’s no flooring at all. Your organisation could be eligible to receive $2,000 + gst from the RhinoKids Flooring Fund to go towards new flooring. Plus, one … View moreIs the flooring at your school, early childhood, community or sports centre old and threadbare? Or perhaps you have a new space where there’s no flooring at all. Your organisation could be eligible to receive $2,000 + gst from the RhinoKids Flooring Fund to go towards new flooring. Plus, one lucky organisation will win a $20,000 flooring makeover!
Carpet Court is continuing its’ mission to help improve Kiwi kids’ learning environments by rolling out its’ nationwide fund for the fifth year in a row. Apply today!
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Offers on the former Ashburton District Council administration building will be considered by councillors next week.
Chief executive Hamish Riach confirmed two offers had been received for the entire site that was formerly home to the council.
… View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Offers on the former Ashburton District Council administration building will be considered by councillors next week.
Chief executive Hamish Riach confirmed two offers had been received for the entire site that was formerly home to the council.
“Council will consider the offers at the November 20 council meeting, in a public excluded section of the meeting,” Riach said.
The property comprises 5059m2 in four titles and the council had signed up Property Brokers agent Hamish Niles to sell the property ‘as is where is’.
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.
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.
The sale of the two sites will go to offsetting the build cost of the $62.1m new library and civic centre, Te Whare Whakatere that opened in January.
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