Local business awards up for national awards
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Local events are up for national awards, much to the delight of those who worked hard to make them happen.
The Ashburton District Council’s business of the year awards, run by Mid Canterbury event management and promotions company Rí Rá Events, has been shortlisted for best business event and best local government event at the New Zealand Events Association’s annual awards.
Council chief executive Hamish Riach was delighted that the business of the year awards have been recognised and said the council enjoyed partnering with Rí Rá to make them happen.
"It’s a good example of council and local businesses working together to promote innovation and celebrate the district as a great place to do business.”
The second running of the biennial awards had Ōpuke Thermal Pools and Spa crowned the supreme winner at the finals gala, held at the Ashburton Aviation Museum in February.
The event had just over 122 entries, a big jump from the inaugural event in 2022, across 14 categories.
The overall objective of the event is to promote the Ashburton District as a great place to do business, and Rí Rá Events have already started working towards the 2026 event.
Rí Rá Events is also a finalist for the best food, beverage or lifestyle event for its Twelfth Hour Gin experience, hosted at the Methven Trotting Club’s Christmas race meeting in December.
Rí Rá Events director Gary Manning was delighted by the events being shortlisted for the NZEA Awards.
“We believe it proves that Mid Canterbury can and does deliver great events.
“We’re passionate about delivering value for our event partners and a great customer experience.
“We have progressed plans to evolve the business beyond events in the coming 12 months so watch this space.”
Founded in 2019, Rí Rá Events is owned by two Irish Kiwis, Gary Manning and Colm McGrath, and it produces and promotes events predominantly in Mid Canterbury.
The winners of the events association’s awards will be revealed at a gala dinner on August 27 in Palmerston North.
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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