269 days ago

Poll: Should The Southerner passenger rail service be reinstated?

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

The Southerner passenger train will be resurrected if The Opportunities Party (TOP) wins a seat at the general election, its leader says.

TOP’s transport policy, released on Wednesday, pledges support for a five year trial of The Southerner, the passenger rail service between Christchurch and Invercargill which ended in 2002.

TOP leader and Ilam candidate Raf Manji said the trial would operate between Christchurch and Dunedin, stopping in towns like Timaru and Ashburton along the way.

Depending on demand, it could operate five to seven days a week and do two or three return journeys a day. TOP has estimated the cost at $100 million, based on the costings of the Hamilton to Auckland train service, Te Huia.

What do you think? Should the service be reinstated? Read reporter Sinead Gill's full story here (subscription required) and let us know what you think in the comments below.

Should The Southerner passenger rail service be reinstated?
  • 85.9% Yes
    85.9% Complete
  • 10.7% No
    10.7% Complete
  • 3.4% I'm not sure/something else (tell us in the comments)
    3.4% Complete
609 votes
More messages from your neighbours
6 days ago

Poll: Have you ever been bullied?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

People associate bullying with children in schools, but it can actually stretch beyond childhood to workplaces or neighbourhoods.

This Friday is Pink Shirt Day, which began in Canada in 2007 when two students took a stand against homophobic bullying after a new student was harassed for wearing pink. People across the globe are now encouraged to wear pink on this day to take a stand against bullying and promote inclusivity.

Have you or your whānau ever experienced bullying? Share your thoughts on Pink Shirt Day below.

Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.

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Have you ever been bullied?
  • 79.8% Yes
    79.8% Complete
  • 19.9% No
    19.9% Complete
  • 0.4% Other - I'll share below
    0.4% Complete
1665 votes
1 day ago

Five Autumn gardening ideas

John from Boots and All Home Services

Hello there!
I love Autumn... The cooler temperatures and changing colours make for a lovely peaceful environment.
If you're looking for inspiration for things to do in the garden at this beautiful time of year, I've put together a list 5 things you could consider. So grab your gloves and let's get started!

1. Harvest fruits and vegetables: Autumn is the time to harvest your crops, such as apples, pears, plums etc. Make sure to pick them before the first frost and store them in a cool, dry place.
2. Plant bulbs for spring: Autumn is the perfect time to plant bulbs like daffodils and tulips, which will produce beautiful blooms in the spring.
3.Clean out garden beds: Before winter sets in, clear out any spent annuals, weeds, and other debris from garden beds. You can also consider adding compost or other organic matter to enrich the soil for next season.
4. Plant autumn flowers: While the weather is cooler, it's a great time to plant autumn flowers such as pansies, chrysanthemums, and asters. These will add some colour to your garden and thrive in the cooler temperatures.
5. Rake up fallen leaves: As the trees begin to shed their leaves, it's important to keep them off the lawn and other areas where they can smother plants or become a slipping hazard.

Give me a call if we can help - 0223 76 79 78

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1 day ago

Social climber

The Team from Resene ColorShop Ferrymead

Building framed bunk beds and finishing with curtains, Resene Indian Ink and Resene Colorwood Bark elevates the bach classic. Kids also love them at home. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.

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