983 days ago

City leaders 'gravely concerned' for Christchurch library rebuild

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

From reporter Tina Law:

One of Christchurch's most popular libraries is at risk of being rebuilt as a “substandard facility” that will fail to meet the needs of its community, some city leaders fear.

There is a $2.5 million shortfall to rebuild South Library in Beckenham and with no extra money currently in the Christchurch City Council’s budget, councillors and community board members are worried the project will be scaled back.

They are urging the public to make a submission to the council’s draft annual plan, before submissions close at 11.59pm on Monday, to ensure more money is put in the budget.

Waihoro Spreydon-Cashmere-Heathcote Community Board chairperson Callum Ward​ told the council at its meeting last week that the board was “gravely concerned” about the project.

“Unless we adjust the budget now to meet the actual needs of the facility, the scope of this project will be eroded to the point where we will deliver a substandard facility that will fail to meet the needs of the community.”

Ward said the library, which was also a service centre, was one of the most well-used in the city and had a higher book turnover than Tūranga, the central library.

Read the full story here.

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21 hours ago

Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’

If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.

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7 hours ago

Neighbourhood Challenge: Who Can Crack This One? ⛓️‍💥❔

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

What has a head but no brain?

Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!

Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.

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1 day ago

Poll: Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

In The Post’s opinion piece on the developments set to open across Aotearoa in 2026, John Coop suggests that, as a nation, we’re “allergic to exuberance.”

We want to know: Are we really allergic to showing our excitement?

Is it time to lean into a more optimistic view of the place we call home? As big projects take shape and new opportunities emerge, perhaps it’s worth asking whether a little more confidence (and enthusiasm!) could do us some good.

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Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝
  • 41.1% Yes
    41.1% Complete
  • 33.5% Maybe?
    33.5% Complete
  • 25.4% No
    25.4% Complete
465 votes