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Why not gift them a magazine subscription tailored to their interests? This Christmas, find the perfect gifts at Mags4Gifts! We're offering up to 30% off a wide range of magazines – there’s something for everyone in your whanau!
Whether you’re searching for a thoughtful secret Santa … View moreWhy not gift them a magazine subscription tailored to their interests? This Christmas, find the perfect gifts at Mags4Gifts! We're offering up to 30% off a wide range of magazines – there’s something for everyone in your whanau!
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At Triton Hearing, we believe you should make the most of the holiday season and the moments that matter.
That’s why we’re excited to introduce our revolutionary new Infinio Sphere devices. With cutting-edge technology delivering double the speech clarity*, you’ll hear every joke, every … View moreAt Triton Hearing, we believe you should make the most of the holiday season and the moments that matter.
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Sonova proprietary research (2024), visit hearmore.co.nz to learn more.
Get big summer savings at Resene ColorShops! Bring out the best in your home with kiwi made Resene paints, colours and wood stains. Plus choose from a huge range of wallpaper and accessories.
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
By David Hill, Local Democracy
A proposed Hanmer Springs flyride has been given the go ahead by the Environment Court.
But there are still a few bumps in the road.
The Environment Court issued an interim decision on Friday to reject an appeal by The Friends of Conical Hill Incorporated, … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy
A proposed Hanmer Springs flyride has been given the go ahead by the Environment Court.
But there are still a few bumps in the road.
The Environment Court issued an interim decision on Friday to reject an appeal by The Friends of Conical Hill Incorporated, three years after a Hurunui District Council appointed commissioner granted a resource consent.
The Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa had applied to install and operate a gravity-based recreation activity at Conical Hill Reserve.
Hurunui District Council chief executive Hamish Dobbie said the council is relieved to finally get a decision.
‘‘It is good news. It has taken a long time to get here, but at least we’ve got a decision.
‘‘We will need to work through the viability of the project and then the council can consider what it does next.’’
Dobbie said staff would prepare a report to present to the council early in the new year.
The project received $2 million from the Government's ‘‘Shovel Ready’’ fund in 2020.
When first proposed, the attraction was expected to create 23 jobs and inject $4m into the local economy in its first five years of operation.
Submitters opposed to the flyride said it would have a visual impact on the recreation character, biodiversity and horse trails in the area.
Concerns were also raised about parking, traffic congestion, noise, along with the risk of fire, and devaluation of properties.
In her decision, Judge Lauren Semple said she was satisfied the effects of the proposal could be managed under the Hurunui District Plan and the National Policy Statement on Indigenous Biodiversity.
Hundreds of Kiwi children will receive something special this Christmas thanks to Ryman Healthcare’s support of the Catalytic Foundation’s Christmas Shoebox Project.
Instead of giving individual gifts to residents, the idea was to redirect those funds to support struggling New Zealand … View moreHundreds of Kiwi children will receive something special this Christmas thanks to Ryman Healthcare’s support of the Catalytic Foundation’s Christmas Shoebox Project.
Instead of giving individual gifts to residents, the idea was to redirect those funds to support struggling New Zealand families having to cut back on essentials.
Ryman residents were overwhelmingly in support of the idea, with many volunteering to help choose the gifts to fill over 1000 shoeboxes with thoughtful items.
Click read more for the full story.
Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to … View moreKia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.
Why not gift them a magazine subscription tailored to their interests? This Christmas, find the perfect gifts at Mags4Gifts! We're offering up to 30% off a wide range of magazines – there’s something for everyone in your whanau!
Whether you’re searching for a thoughtful secret Santa … View moreWhy not gift them a magazine subscription tailored to their interests? This Christmas, find the perfect gifts at Mags4Gifts! We're offering up to 30% off a wide range of magazines – there’s something for everyone in your whanau!
Whether you’re searching for a thoughtful secret Santa gift or something special to put under the tree, we’ve got you covered with a great selection for all interests.
Don’t miss out – shop now at Mags4Gifts.com and enjoy the savings!
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Work remains on track for the opening of an iconic Hanmer Springs building, as local leaders eye up a future Weta Workshop exhibition for the site.
Hurunui Tourism product development manager Graeme Abbot says the restoration of the former … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Work remains on track for the opening of an iconic Hanmer Springs building, as local leaders eye up a future Weta Workshop exhibition for the site.
Hurunui Tourism product development manager Graeme Abbot says the restoration of the former Soldiers' Block in the Queen Mary Historic Reserve is progressing, ahead of its planned official opening on Anzac Day.
‘‘It will be a very important day for the town. That building has been sitting there since 2003 not being used, so to have it back in use is important for the town.’’
The Soldiers’ Block was opened in 1916 to rehabilitate soldiers returning from World War I, and was later used as a drug and alcohol treatment facility.
The site also has cultural significance for Ngāti Kurī.
When the building opens it will have a small historical display of information about the building’s past use, Abbot said.
Longer term plans are to create an interactive experience called ‘‘A Place of Light and Life’’ in partnership with Weta Workshop to tell the story of the site.
But it will require the community to raise a further $6 million.
Abbot said the newly formed Queen Mary Historic Reserve Charitable Trust Hanmer Springs has been working behind the scenes and plans to kick off its fundraising effort over the next few months.
‘‘We are excited by the challenge and the work we have done should set us up well.’’
Last week the Hurunui District Council voted to appoint mayor Marie Black as its nominee on the trust for a three-year term.
‘‘As a long-term resident of the Hurunui district, I'm incredibly passionate about this project and want to see it fostered and grow to be a really important part of our shared history,’’ she said.
Black recently visited Belgium on Remembrance Day with Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon and a delegation from the Rangiora and Amberley RSAs.
She said the visit gave her ‘‘great insight into what this project could potentially do for this district’’.
Black joins Abbot and Hanmer Springs locals Mark Inglis and Jason Fletcher as trustees.
Council chief strategy and community officer Judith Batchelor said Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura has been invited to appoint a trustee, while the trust deed allows for the appointment of three more trustees.
Batchelor said the trust was established to fundraise and provide input into the design of the interactive visitor experience.
The council has also agreed in principle to lease the Soldiers’ Block building to the trust to support the ongoing project.
The $3.6 million restoration project is being funded by a Lotteries grant, $1.5m from the Government’s Better Off funding, development contributions and a grant from the council’s Earthquake Prone Buildings Fund.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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Pamela, a resident of Bert Sutcliffe Village, has a passion for good food, great company, and exploring new places. A seasoned traveller and cruising enthusiast, Pamela has sailed to numerous destinations, sampling local cuisines along the way.
Closer to home, alongside her son-in-law and … View morePamela, a resident of Bert Sutcliffe Village, has a passion for good food, great company, and exploring new places. A seasoned traveller and cruising enthusiast, Pamela has sailed to numerous destinations, sampling local cuisines along the way.
Closer to home, alongside her son-in-law and daughter, she has discovered a variety of restaurants that showcase the diversity of New Zealand’s culinary scene. Whether you’re planning a road trip, dreaming about your next cruise, or simply searching for a great dining spot, these are Pamela’s top food recommendations to inspire your next adventure.
Click read more for the full story.
The Kiwi journalist drilling deep into the country’s biggest issues is on a mission to find the local greats.
Paddy Gower is looking for the Good Kiwi in every region to feature in his show, The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour.
To nominate a Good Kiwi, email reporters@press.co.nz … View moreThe Kiwi journalist drilling deep into the country’s biggest issues is on a mission to find the local greats.
Paddy Gower is looking for the Good Kiwi in every region to feature in his show, The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour.
To nominate a Good Kiwi, email reporters@press.co.nz with the name and a description of why your nominee should win. You an also share the local issues you think Paddy needs to tackle in the comments below.
It could be the woman whose knitting circle has made 3800 items for victims of domestic violence, the guy running the length of Aotearoa for mental health, or the woman with terminal cancer who spends her time campaigning to raise awareness and save lives.
“Basically I am looking for ... a bloody great Cantab who just gets on and gets things done. The criteria is somebody who has a positive attitude and makes the community a better place," Gower said.
“I will give this person the 'Big Ups' they deserve, and the community can celebrate them with me.”
A Good Kiwi will feature in each of Gower’s live shows in 14 centres through November and December. He will name the Cantabrian Good Kiwi at his Christchurch show on the evening of Friday, November 22, at St Margaret’s College.
The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour is a sort of book tour, sort of stand-up comedy, some journalistic yarns and memoir, and some motivational speaking - with a fair bit of local in each show.
Gower also wants to know about topics of interest in the region.
“I’m ... going to be taking on a big issue facing Canterbury and offering up solutions.”
A stinky suburb, a neighbourhood needing a round-about or a cathedral in disrepair - “I will make your views count”, he said.
“I'm touring the nation to spread positivity, optimism and good vibes.”
*For tickets to the The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour visit paddygower.co.nz
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Efforts to protect a Canterbury beach community from the sea have been delayed a month, as resource conditions are met.
Hurunui District Council chief executive Hamish Dobbie last month said work to build a $750,000 coastal bund to protect the Amberley … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Efforts to protect a Canterbury beach community from the sea have been delayed a month, as resource conditions are met.
Hurunui District Council chief executive Hamish Dobbie last month said work to build a $750,000 coastal bund to protect the Amberley Beach village would be completed before Christmas.
But with the festive season fast approaching, the start date has been postponed until January.
Council staff, the Amberley Beach Residents’ and Ratepayers’ Community Association and contractor Ready Mix Concrete are working to meet consent conditions from Environment Canterbury.
Once work begins, it will take about a month to complete, Mr Dobbie said.
‘‘Given the amount of time the work will take, it was felt it was better to delay the project rather than start the work and then stop work for two weeks over Christmas.’’
A bund is a type of embankment which protects against the sea.
While the residents’ association looks forward to the work being completed, committee member John Manson rejected suggestions the rising sea level was the problem.
His biggest fear was the increased risk of severe storms leading to six to seven metre waves, due to climate change.
‘‘There is a sense of urgency because we have had a three to four year calm period.
‘‘The last series of major storms we experienced was during 2020-21.’’
The new bund will be larger than the existing embankment and will be built into the sand to make it more resilient in a storm, Manson said.
It is being built up to a culvert at a lagoon to the north of the village.
But the residents’ association would like it built a further 180m to the north to prevent stormy seas causing the lagoon to overflow, which has been allowed in the consent.
Councillor Vanessa McPherson said she is hopeful the council will look at extending the bund, once initial work is completed.
‘‘This is one of the most proactive communities I have been involved with and you can see it with what the residents are achieving.
‘‘It is such a beautiful place. I love this beach. It has got its own personality. It is wild and it is emotional.’’
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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Craving a dessert that makes the most of spring's fresh produce? Look no further than Georgina's signature Rhubarb Crumble.
This delicious treat has become a favourite at Ryman’s Bert Sutcliffe Village, where the sweet and tangy aroma often wafts through the air, tempting neighbours … View moreCraving a dessert that makes the most of spring's fresh produce? Look no further than Georgina's signature Rhubarb Crumble.
This delicious treat has become a favourite at Ryman’s Bert Sutcliffe Village, where the sweet and tangy aroma often wafts through the air, tempting neighbours in for a taste. It’s also a hit with Georgina's 13-year-old granddaughter, Brooklyn, who loves serving it warm with gooey custard or a scoop of melting vanilla ice cream.
Click read more for the recipe.
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