Mayors pay tribute to local 'heroes'
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Volunteers are ‘‘truly our heroes’’, say North Canterbury’s mayors.
As they look ahead to National Volunteer Week next week, Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon and Hurunui mayor Marie Black have given a shout-out to those who give up countless hours to serve their communities.
Gordon said some organisations have been serving their communities for 150 years or more.
The Rangiora Volunteer Fire Brigade celebrated its 150th anniversary at Queen’s Birthday Weekend, while its Kaiapoi counterpart marked 150 years in 2020.
Both urban and rural fire brigades in North Canterbury relied entirely on volunteers.
‘‘They just do an amazing job. They attend much more than fires, they attend medical emergencies and are first responders,’’ Gordon said.
‘‘They are truly our heroes.’’
It was estimated volunteers contributed more than one million volunteer hours to the Waimakariri district.
‘‘We just couldn’t do what we do without it,’’ Gordon said.
Black said her district was ‘‘full of amazing people’’.
Firefighters left farms and businesses at a moment’s notice to respond to callouts.
The Hurunui Volunteer Rural Fire Brigade has responded to 40 call-outs in the last five months.
‘‘It is so important to acknowledge our volunteers and what they contribute,’’ Black said.
‘‘We have so many committees, sports clubs, church groups and emergency service volunteers.
‘‘It is a real value add to our district.’’
Like firefighters, St John and Civil Defence volunteers responded to call outs ‘‘at a drop of a hat’’, Black said.
Organisations like the North Canterbury Rural Support Trust supported people in a time of need.
National Volunteer Week runs from June 16 to 22, with the theme of Whiria Te Tangata – Weave the people together.
The Big Shout-out campaign, to celebrate volunteers, was also running throughout the month of June.
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Photo one: Hurunui mayor Marie Black, right, pictured with deputy mayor Vince Daly, says volunteers add value to the district. (By David Hill/LDR)
Photo two: Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon (right), pictured with deputy mayor Neville Atkinson, says volunteers contribute more than one million volunteer hours to the district.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53.2% Yes
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46.8% No
‘Tis the season to not get scammed ...
As Christmas gift shopping moves increasingly online, scammers are ramping up their activity across the country.
Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit is seeing more and more people fall victim to scams and other fraudulent activity, particularly on Facebook Marketplace.
There are a few ways to avoid the scams and keep yourself safe doing online trades this holiday season, says Southern District Service Delivery Manager Senior Sergeant Dalton.
🔒 “A good first step when looking to purchase something on Marketplace is to check when the seller’s Facebook profile was created. If it’s very recent, there is a higher risk that they have just created this account for a one-off fake item.”
🔒 Another important step is to make sure the seller’s profile name and bank account name match up. “We’re seeing a lot of scammers claiming their bank account name is different because it belongs to their partner or family member - that’s a huge red flag."
🔒 “When you’re selling, never trust a screenshot anyone sends you showing that payment has been made. Check your own bank account to make sure a payment has gone through."
🔒 “Quite frankly, it’s best for all parties to agree to pay, or be paid, for items in cash and in-person. Ideally in a public place with CCTV coverage."
🔒 "If you’re buying a car, check Carjam.co.nz to see if it’s stolen or if there’s money owed on it.”
A reminder: Suspicious activity can be reported on 105
Turn Wallpaper Scraps into Beautiful Blossoms
These blossoms made from Resene wallpaper left over after decorating will mean your décor will be blooming gorgeous, no matter the season. Find out how to create your own wallpaper flowers with these easy step by step instructions.
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