Poplars Range, Hanmer Springs

Seen anything suspicious lately?

Seen anything suspicious lately?

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158 days ago

Love watercress? Share your recipe and win a copy of our mag!

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Kia ora neighbours. We will give away free copies to readers whose recipes are used in our magazine, and we're looking for watercress recipes right now. Send your family's favourite way to use up this crop, especially if you're lucky enough to grow it in your garden. Email us: … View moreKia ora neighbours. We will give away free copies to readers whose recipes are used in our magazine, and we're looking for watercress recipes right now. Send your family's favourite way to use up this crop, especially if you're lucky enough to grow it in your garden. Email us: mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by July 20, 2025.

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151 days ago

Ryman Village Open Days

Ernest Rutherford Retirement Village

Friday 18 & Saturday 19 July, 10am - 2pm.

Come and experience the warmth of our Ryman village communities, we'd love to show you around.

Discover our lifestyle and care options, tour our show homes and explore our premium amenities.

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182 days ago

Have you got a great recipe for brussels sprouts?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Kia ora neighbours! We will give away free copies to readers whose recipes are used in our magazine, and we're looking for brussels sprouts recipes right now. Send your family's favourite way to use up this crop, especially if you're lucky enough to grow it in your garden. Email us: … View moreKia ora neighbours! We will give away free copies to readers whose recipes are used in our magazine, and we're looking for brussels sprouts recipes right now. Send your family's favourite way to use up this crop, especially if you're lucky enough to grow it in your garden. Email us: mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by June 12, 2025.

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154 days ago

One year on the beat for our Community Beat Team

The Team from Canterbury Police

Its been a year since our Community Beat Team hit the ground running (literally), and have done over 3050 hours of foot patrols since starting in July last year to the end of April this year.

As a result, Christchurch has seen a huge reduction in robbery of 67%, unlawful entry by 29% and sexual… View more
Its been a year since our Community Beat Team hit the ground running (literally), and have done over 3050 hours of foot patrols since starting in July last year to the end of April this year.

As a result, Christchurch has seen a huge reduction in robbery of 67%, unlawful entry by 29% and sexual assault by 16%.

Our communities can expect to see a continued presence as we continue to be highly visible, deter crime and prevent harm on our streets.

For more information about our Beat Teams.

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155 days ago

Robyn’s ratatouille recipe is a real crowd pleaser

Ernest Rutherford Retirement Village

Ryman resident Robyn swears by her ratatouille recipe from her much-loved copy of the Joy of Cooking, given to her by her next door neighbour in 1964.

Moving to New Zealand in 1976 and with four children to cook for, Robyn said the ratatouille recipe was a firm family favourite which she would … View more
Ryman resident Robyn swears by her ratatouille recipe from her much-loved copy of the Joy of Cooking, given to her by her next door neighbour in 1964.

Moving to New Zealand in 1976 and with four children to cook for, Robyn said the ratatouille recipe was a firm family favourite which she would cook up every couple of weeks when the veggies were in season.

Click read more for the recipe.

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161 days ago

Find your new home

Ernest Rutherford Retirement Village

At Ryman you'll find a perfect blend of independence and community.

With our new Winter Special, we are offering a fantastic price on selected homes. These prices are available for a limited time only.

Call Helen on 03 538 0882 or click read more for more information.

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164 days ago

Celebrating our 2025 Prospa Local Business Hero winner!

Prospa

Picking up an incredible 27% of Neighbourly member votes, we are thrilled to announce Catnap Cafe as this year's Prospa Local Business Hero! Catnap is an incredible small business based in Christchurch - both a traditional cafe where cat lovers and cats can spend time together - as well as a … View morePicking up an incredible 27% of Neighbourly member votes, we are thrilled to announce Catnap Cafe as this year's Prospa Local Business Hero! Catnap is an incredible small business based in Christchurch - both a traditional cafe where cat lovers and cats can spend time together - as well as a home for rescues, helping them find forever homes.

Here's a few words from Alyssa and Nate, the founders of Catap Cafe: "We’re stoked to have won the Prospa Local Business Hero Awards! We’re so grateful to our community for the nominations, votes and ongoing support and we’re super proud of what Catnap means to people. Having this recognition means a lot to us."

A huge congratulations to the Catnap team - and a big thank you to every Neighbourly member who made a nomination and voted in this year's Prospa Local Business Hero campaign!
Learn more about Prospa

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164 days ago

Don't miss out on a year of free fees*

Ernest Rutherford Retirement Village

At Ryman you won't pay your base weekly fee for a whole year* when you sign up to an independent apartment or townhouse at a participating Ryman village before 30 June 2025.

That means that you won’t pay rates, water rates, building insurance, maintenance fees and more. That’s great … View more
At Ryman you won't pay your base weekly fee for a whole year* when you sign up to an independent apartment or townhouse at a participating Ryman village before 30 June 2025.

That means that you won’t pay rates, water rates, building insurance, maintenance fees and more. That’s great financial certainty.

*Terms and conditions apply.

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192 days ago

Have you got an amazing wood pile?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Dear neighbours, after reading about our search for New Zealand's most impressive and artistic wood piles in the May 2025 issue, Auckland's Anne Stephens Whitcombe sent us this photo that she had snapped while on holiday in Norway. Have you put together a wood pile that's just as … View moreDear neighbours, after reading about our search for New Zealand's most impressive and artistic wood piles in the May 2025 issue, Auckland's Anne Stephens Whitcombe sent us this photo that she had snapped while on holiday in Norway. Have you put together a wood pile that's just as impressive, or even more so? Send us a photo! Email: mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. You could be in to win a Fiskars X36 splitting axe L blade and a Fiskars X14 universal axe. We're looking for wood piles of impressive size or of particular space efficiency or even an artistic vision!

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183 days ago

Kate’s top 5 plants for apartment living

Ernest Rutherford Retirement Village

As the cooler months settle in and we spend more time at home, a burst of greenery can brighten up your space and lift your mood.

But if you think you need a big backyard to nurture your green thumb, think again.

Just ask Kate, a Ryman resident, who has transformed her apartment into a lush … View more
As the cooler months settle in and we spend more time at home, a burst of greenery can brighten up your space and lift your mood.

But if you think you need a big backyard to nurture your green thumb, think again.

Just ask Kate, a Ryman resident, who has transformed her apartment into a lush retreat filled with thriving plants and year-round colour.

Click read more for the full story.

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184 days ago

Andrew

The Team from Humans of Christchurch Ōtautahi

"I was hit by a bus 22 years ago."

"I need to have a rest, that's very important to me, just for half an hour, just shut my eyes and no, no, no distractions, and then I can keep going on the rest of the day.

I had three days in Wellington. It was at six o'clock in the… View more
"I was hit by a bus 22 years ago."

"I need to have a rest, that's very important to me, just for half an hour, just shut my eyes and no, no, no distractions, and then I can keep going on the rest of the day.

I had three days in Wellington. It was at six o'clock in the evening, going with a run with friends. I was on the island; in the middle, parliaments’ over there and I think the bus went through an orange light. It was an old bus, so the mirror was way out, and it clipped me I think; I mean, I don't know, but this, is what I’ve been told. I was in a coma for seven weeks. About a week after the accident, I started twisting my finger so that must’ve meant that I was not completely dead!

The hardest thing was I couldn't talk. I couldn't say a word. I could understand, but how do you communicate? So yeah, so that was just very frustrating. I couldn't do the alphabet. I could do A, B, C, D, what's after D? It took me about three years to speak the alphabet.

I did two degrees, one with honours; computer science and accounting. I had a big company, and I designed software for other companies. I had 200 people working for me. Now I’m completely dyslexic.

I’ve been banned from one supermarket. The manager came, you're not allowed to be here. Why not? Because you're so rude to the checkout two days ago. I said you've treated me badly and so and so... and the police came.

Before my accident, I could speak very fluently. So it's not going right, I get louder and I get frustrated. I don't get frustrated at them, I get frustrated at myself. But they don’t understand.

What can you do? You have to live life so it can be very frustrating. What choice do you have?

I did the Coast to Coast 15 years ago, with a friend. The half marathon in Christchurch. I've done that about six times, seven times. The best thing you can do for your brain is endorphin. So if you want to, if you want to keep things improving, they need some endorphins."

- Andrew

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187 days ago

Who gets your vote?

Prospa

The regional finalists are in - and we have an incredible bunch of businesses vying for the title of this year's Local Business Hero. But we need your help to decide the winner! It'll only take a moment to vote - but it could change a small business's future.

Your vote puts them … View more
The regional finalists are in - and we have an incredible bunch of businesses vying for the title of this year's Local Business Hero. But we need your help to decide the winner! It'll only take a moment to vote - but it could change a small business's future.

Your vote puts them in the running to win a prize package worth over $30,000. Be a good neighbour and make your vote today.
Vote now!

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193 days ago

Proud to be your Most Trusted Brand

Ernest Rutherford Retirement Village

For the 11th time, you’ve voted us your Most Trusted Brand and that means the world to us.

Because trust this strong doesn’t happen by chance. One year? That’s nice. Ten years? That’s a perfect score. But eleven? That’s off the charts.

You feel it in the little things, like the … View more
For the 11th time, you’ve voted us your Most Trusted Brand and that means the world to us.

Because trust this strong doesn’t happen by chance. One year? That’s nice. Ten years? That’s a perfect score. But eleven? That’s off the charts.

You feel it in the little things, like the barista who knows your coffee order, the gardener who prunes your roses just right, and friends who feel like family.

That’s trust built over time, through shared experiences, thoughtful gestures and communities who care. It’s that feeling of trust that sets us apart.

Whether it’s your first visit or you call a village home, that feeling of trust is what sets us apart.

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199 days ago

Style inspiration from Kerry’s lifestyle of colour and joy

Ernest Rutherford Retirement Village

Kerry, a resident at Bert Sutcliffe Village is a lifelong curator of beautiful spaces which reflect a life rich in décor, experiences, and sunshine.

With over 30 years of experience in lecturing and interior design, she opened her vibrant apartment to us and shared some of her tips.

Click … View more
Kerry, a resident at Bert Sutcliffe Village is a lifelong curator of beautiful spaces which reflect a life rich in décor, experiences, and sunshine.

With over 30 years of experience in lecturing and interior design, she opened her vibrant apartment to us and shared some of her tips.

Click read more to explore Kerry’s favourite styling tips and see how she’s brought colour, creativity, and joy into her apartment.

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203 days ago

Got a turnip recipe to share?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Kia ora Southern neighbours! We will give away free copies to readers whose recipes are used in our magazine, and we're on the hunt for all things turnip! Send your family's favourite way to use up this crop, especially if you're lucky enough to be able to grow it in your region. … View moreKia ora Southern neighbours! We will give away free copies to readers whose recipes are used in our magazine, and we're on the hunt for all things turnip! Send your family's favourite way to use up this crop, especially if you're lucky enough to be able to grow it in your region. Email us: mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by May 31, 2025. If we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of the July issue.

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