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An earthquake occurred 15 km south-east of Amberley today (Friday Sep 13) at 10:41am.
What you need to know:
- Light shaking was felt right down through Christchurch and Kaiapoi.
- The magnitude was 4.0 and the depth was 22 km
- See the Geonet image below to see how far the shaking was … View moreAn earthquake occurred 15 km south-east of Amberley today (Friday Sep 13) at 10:41am.
What you need to know:
- Light shaking was felt right down through Christchurch and Kaiapoi.
- The magnitude was 4.0 and the depth was 22 km
- See the Geonet image below to see how far the shaking was reported.
- Some people have reported hearing a loud bang.
You may wish to check out Natural Hazards Commission list of ways to make your home safer for natural disasters here.
Did you feel it where you are?
Luckily self-checkout is pretty common in supermarkets these days and we generally use it to quickly buy a few things without the long lines. But perhaps it's appropriate to head there with your full trolley to skip the lines?
What are your thoughts? Is that rude?
Share in the comments … View moreLuckily self-checkout is pretty common in supermarkets these days and we generally use it to quickly buy a few things without the long lines. But perhaps it's appropriate to head there with your full trolley to skip the lines?
What are your thoughts? Is that rude?
Share in the comments below if this has ever happened to you.
Police are aware of a recent overseas rise in scams which involve an unexpected package being sent to addresses with a gift and a QR code inside. Police believe this scamming method could find its way to New Zealand and we are urging people to be vigilant.
The gift will have the recipients … View morePolice are aware of a recent overseas rise in scams which involve an unexpected package being sent to addresses with a gift and a QR code inside. Police believe this scamming method could find its way to New Zealand and we are urging people to be vigilant.
The gift will have the recipients address, but not include the sender's information or be from a known retailer. When the recipient opens the package to see what it is and possibly who sent it, there is a QR code to scan to find out who sent the gift.
The QR code allows the offenders to then access any and all data on your phone or device you used to scan the code, including financial information such as your bank account login details, and personal data.
Police are urging anyone who receives one of these gifts not to scan the QR code, the gift can either be kept or discarded, but do not scan the QR code.
Please report information to Police online at www.police.govt.nz... or call Police on 105.
Longer days and warmer weather are fast approaching!
Make the most of your Sundays with a subscription to the Sunday Star-Times. From just $51, enjoy gripping investigations, in-depth analysis, and exclusive subscriber rewards. Plus, for September only, receive a free Antipodes Supernatural … View moreLonger days and warmer weather are fast approaching!
Make the most of your Sundays with a subscription to the Sunday Star-Times. From just $51, enjoy gripping investigations, in-depth analysis, and exclusive subscriber rewards. Plus, for September only, receive a free Antipodes Supernatural SPF50+ Ceramide Silk Facial Sunscreen worth over $60.
Don't miss out on this unbeatable offer—subscribe today! *Print T&Cs apply.
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Canterbury resident Ian Hodge says his shingle road was left in a "shambles" after maintenance work.
Hodge has lived on Rawles Crossing Rd in the Greenstreet area, just out of Ashburton, for over 20 years.
It’s rural living on a … View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Canterbury resident Ian Hodge says his shingle road was left in a "shambles" after maintenance work.
Hodge has lived on Rawles Crossing Rd in the Greenstreet area, just out of Ashburton, for over 20 years.
It’s rural living on a shingle road and his family loves the lifestyle.
"We can put up with a bit of dust from a shingle road, it’s just part of living out here.”
The problem is there hasn’t been any shingle put on the road since he moved in and there's nothing left to grade on some patches of the road, he said.
He said his frustration rose when the Ashburton District Council’s roading contractor completed maintenance on a section of pot-holed road that "left it in a dangerous state”.
"What it ended up being was a shambles,” Hodge said.
"They dropped truckloads of a mud-like substance on the road and then a truckload of water. Then a heavy roller tried to roll it flat but couldn't. The grader couldn't grade it.’’
It was a mess and the surface was almost impassable, he said.
"It was slippery and dangerous and formed tramlines which steered cars on its track.”
The contractors eventually returned to "remove the sludge” and a grader attempted to redistribute the gravel, which he said hadn’t been replenished in the 20-odd years they had lived there.
"Now some of the potholes are back and the speed limit is still 100kph.”
Hodge said he was baffled at the "prolonged, expensive and ineffective process" and, as a ratepayer, believed the road should be fixed once and fixed right.
"We pay our rates and can expect a certain level of service.
"We aren’t expecting the road to be sealed or anything, just maintained to an acceptable and safe standard.”
Ashburton council’s infrastructure and open spaces manager Neil McCann said the gravel the contractors used on Rawles Crossing Rd was basalt, which is a softer material used on some sites to provide a longer-term repair.
"When placed it is soft but when it dries out, [it] provides a good stable surface that requires less maintenance.”
But in some good news for Hodge, McCann confirmed that maintenance metalling for the majority of Rawles Crossing Rd was scheduled for the next financial year in 2025/26.
"This short section was done because it was causing issues.”
A $500,000 annual spending boost for the next three years aims to improve the state of many of the Ashburton District’s unsealed roads.
McCann said the additional funding meant their road metal targeting work should be met this financial year.
Ashburton District's roading network has 1515km of sealed roads and 1102km of unsealed roads.
In 2023-24, the council failed to reach its target of applying 48,000 cubic metres of metal to the unsealed network, only reaching 35,684m³.
Seeing a decline in the state of unsealed roading, councillor Richard Wilson pushed for an additional $500,000 annually for the next three years to help improve the situation.
"You can grade all you like, but without the shingle there the road won’t get any better," Wilson said.
Kia ora neighbours,
In our September mag, Amy Roberts from Villaleigh Plants has a list of her favourite blooms for long display. "If you want a long season, look beyond the flowers," is her advice. Here are her picks: Geranium phaeum 'Mourning Widow', Salvia leucantha, … View moreKia ora neighbours,
In our September mag, Amy Roberts from Villaleigh Plants has a list of her favourite blooms for long display. "If you want a long season, look beyond the flowers," is her advice. Here are her picks: Geranium phaeum 'Mourning Widow', Salvia leucantha, Hylotelephium 'Autumn Joy' (pictured), Eryngium pandanifolium and Alchemilla mollis.
Have you got them in your garden? In fact, we'd love to see what you've got in bloom now. Post a photo and share the joy!
Make stunning sets of trinket trays with a nod to the traditional craft of basket-making simply using clay and Resene shades of green.
Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
Create your very own mini Jurassic Park with this easy-to-make potted dinosaur garden. Rejuvenate old dinosaur toys that have faded with Resene testpots to help them keep looking good in the harsh sunlight.
Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
Continuing with Neighbourly's online Q&A with experts in their field, this week we are tackling online safety with Jandy Fiske from Netsafe.
Jandy Fiske has been with Netsafe for nearly 8 years. Starting on their helpline, she's now Netsafe's Community Engagement Advisor. … View moreContinuing with Neighbourly's online Q&A with experts in their field, this week we are tackling online safety with Jandy Fiske from Netsafe.
Jandy Fiske has been with Netsafe for nearly 8 years. Starting on their helpline, she's now Netsafe's Community Engagement Advisor. Jandy says: 'I'm passionate about online safety because I strongly oppose bullying and want to support those affected by it.'
Jandy is passionate about protecting vulnerable communities and is promoting online safety to ensure no one falls prey to online scams. She can answer your questions about any type of online scams, and also about online harm such as online bullying.
↓ Ask your question below now and she'll be online on Wednesday, 11th September to reply to you ↓
A close-up experience with Tutumairekurai/Hector’s dolphins reinforced Councillor Genevieve Robinson’s commitment to protecting our coastal environment.
She’s also kept on her toes by our Youth Rōpu, who bring fresh perspectives and challenge us to think differently about the issues we … View moreA close-up experience with Tutumairekurai/Hector’s dolphins reinforced Councillor Genevieve Robinson’s commitment to protecting our coastal environment.
She’s also kept on her toes by our Youth Rōpu, who bring fresh perspectives and challenge us to think differently about the issues we face.
Hear more from Councillor Robinson, who represents Ōhoko/Christchurch Central, as she shares her views.
youtu.be...
We’re here to remind you about what to do when you see, or hear, an emergency services vehicle responding under lights and sirens. When seconds count, it can save lives.
We’ve had recent examples where drivers completely ignore the Police vehicle behind them. Other drivers slow right down … View moreWe’re here to remind you about what to do when you see, or hear, an emergency services vehicle responding under lights and sirens. When seconds count, it can save lives.
We’ve had recent examples where drivers completely ignore the Police vehicle behind them. Other drivers slow right down without safely pulling over, and delay Police from responding to emergency situations. Please help us by allowing our team to get to those in need, so we can save lives.
Top tips when an emergency services vehicle approaches with lights and sirens:
🚑 You are required by law to pull to the side of the road and stop as soon as it is safe to do so.
🚔 If the lights and siren of the Police vehicle continue past you, you can resume your journey.
🚒 Make sure you check the road is clear before moving on.
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Ashburton has no plans to ditch its membership to Local Government NZ after a councillor raised questions about its benefits.
Local Government NZ represents councils around New Zealand, but some major regions have cut their membership including … View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Ashburton has no plans to ditch its membership to Local Government NZ after a councillor raised questions about its benefits.
Local Government NZ represents councils around New Zealand, but some major regions have cut their membership including Christchurch and Auckland councils.
Following reports on attending the recent Local Government NZ (LGNZ) conference in Wellington from councillors Carolyn Cameron and Richard Wilson, councillor Tony Todd (pictured) put it to his fellow councillors if Ashburton needed to remain a member of LGNZ.
“In my experience is that LGNZ seems to be a rather left-leaning organisation,” Todd said last week.
“I start thinking to myself with Auckland pulling out, Christchurch pulling out, and one or two other councils, do we get benefit in belonging to this organisation?”
In his report, Wilson said the conferences are an “opportunity to understand other councils’ issues and learn how they are solving them”.
He also noted that “LGNZ appears to have political views which are at odds with the coalition Government” – which is the statement that triggered Todd’s question.
In response to Todd's question on membership, Wilson said his only concern was that LGNZ was missing the voice of about 2 million people after Auckland and Christchurch pulled out.
The conference provided an opportunity to talk to other councillors and to speak to the decision-makers from various Government organisations and ministries that attend.
“It is quite a lot to us, as a small council, because we can be one voice talking to the biggest brains in the land.”
Mayor Neil Brown said the annual conferences were “enlightening” as the interaction and conversations with other councils are beneficial.
“I find it very valuable.”
Chief executive Hamish Riach said you risk becoming quite insular by not being a member of an industry organisation.
“You don’t see anyone to challenge you or give you new ideas.
“There is certainly value in conversations with colleagues to help you think about things a little differently.”
The annual conference is one part of the paid membership, with quarterly zone meetings, training opportunities, and updates on central and local government changes, Riach said.
“If we weren’t a member, I think we would have less information and less understanding of where [central] Government and local government is placed.”
Todd was “more than happy with the answers” provided in response to his question.
“I just had to ask the question,” he said.
These items have been recalled this month. If you have one of these items at home, click on the title to see the details to ensure it is not a risk to your household.
Food recalls:
All Good Oat Milk (Possible presence of Bacillus cereus)
… View moreThese items have been recalled this month. If you have one of these items at home, click on the title to see the details to ensure it is not a risk to your household.
Food recalls:
All Good Oat Milk (Possible presence of Bacillus cereus)
Pies and sausage roll products - Good Time, Hub Gourmet and No.8 Premium brands
Value range Natural Almonds
South African shop Safari Meats - Biltong, Cabanossi, Droëwors and cured meats
Te Matuku oyster products (Risk of norovirus)
Product recalls:
Olimpia Splendid fan heaters
Euroblade Suntower Infared heater
Bobcat mower with recalled engines
Kids MGA Miniverse Make-it sets
Fisher Price baby gift set
Vehicle recalls can be found here.
We hope this message was helpful in keeping you and your family safe.
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
A prominent farmer is calling on the Ashburton District Council to breakaway from Canterbury's regional council.
Allan Andrews, who is among a growing chorus of people calling for shakeup of councils in the wider Canterbury region, presented … View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
A prominent farmer is calling on the Ashburton District Council to breakaway from Canterbury's regional council.
Allan Andrews, who is among a growing chorus of people calling for shakeup of councils in the wider Canterbury region, presented his concerns to Ashburton councillors last week.
Originally from Glenavy, Andrews is a former Timaru District councillor and South Canterbury Federated Farmers president who has farmed just out of Ashburton for the past 10 years.
He said he worried about Environment Canterbury's (ECan) impact "on the whole of our province”. The community also couldn’t deal with continued heavy rate rises.
The solution was to shake up the existing three tiers of governance, Andrews told councillors.
Ashburton, Timaru, Oamaru, and Waimate rely on the farming industry and need better governance to allow the industry to operate, he said.
Andrews said his preferred model would be to retain the district councils and have a new regional council covering everything south of the Rakaia River to the Waitaki River.
There was a lot of nodding from councillors to some of what Andrews was saying, but there was little vocal support around the table.
During his presentation, he also has raised concerns about the future of irrigation for the region, which he believes a new regional council could help with.
If farmers don't get sufficient irrigation, the land will return to "broom, blackberry, gorse" and be at greater risk of fires, Andrews said.
It’s the second time in recent weeks the council has received a presentation calling for a new council arrangement.
A group presented a proposal to the councils from Selwyn down to Waitaki to break away from ECan and have some form of unitary council.
Ashburton mayor Neil Brown confirmed the proposal was discussed at the recent Canterbury Mayoral Forum without any real enthusiasm by the region's mayors to investigate forming an unitary authority.
“There was no clear directive from all the mayors, but they are aware of the concerns in the community about representation especially from Ashburton to the Waitaki.”
A unitary council – a combination of district and regional council - wasn’t what most councils were after as there is no appetite for council mergers, Brown said.
There remains concern from the southern councils about ECan’s representation review proposal.
An ECan spokesman said the regional council is aware of the discussions around forming a new unitary council, but it is not in scope for the representation review and would be a matter for central government to consider.
When it come sto irrigation, ECan, as the regulator, is responsible for making sure the community’s aspirations are implemented with regard to keeping a minimum flow in the natural waterways.
Winter’s almost over, and while many of us are shaking off the chilly months spent indoors, Wendy and John from Keith Park Village have been making the most of every moment. For this couple, winter isn’t a time to hunker down – it’s the perfect season to jet off to warmer climates and … View moreWinter’s almost over, and while many of us are shaking off the chilly months spent indoors, Wendy and John from Keith Park Village have been making the most of every moment. For this couple, winter isn’t a time to hunker down – it’s the perfect season to jet off to warmer climates and explore hidden corners of the world.
Click read more for the full story.
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