Saint James Range, Hanmer Springs

Borrow it!

Borrow it!

Wanting to use a tool but don't want to buy it? Ask your neighbours if they have it here.

131 days ago

A guide to retirement living

Ernest Rutherford Retirement Village

At Ryman you'll find a perfect blend of independence and community. To learn more, read our guides to introduce you to life at Ryman, showcase our independent and assisted living options, and give clarity around the costs.

Click below to access your free guides to retirement living.

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138 days ago

Last chance to enter!

Resene

Don't forget to enter a Bright Spot in your home, workplace or community for a chance to win one of ten amazing prizes! Whether it's a colourful fence, a mural in your office or a place in the community that makes you smile - we'd love to see it.

Share a Bright Spot today for a … View more
Don't forget to enter a Bright Spot in your home, workplace or community for a chance to win one of ten amazing prizes! Whether it's a colourful fence, a mural in your office or a place in the community that makes you smile - we'd love to see it.

Share a Bright Spot today for a chance to win one of ten prize packs worth $500.

And make sure you check out the entries so far too.
Enter now

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143 days ago

Canterbury Police release redesign proposal

The Team from Canterbury Police

Canterbury Police has been consulting internally with staff on a proposal to redesign its structure, says Canterbury District Commander Superintendent Tony Hill.

"Our goal is to deliver a better service to our communities by boosting core policing services and strengthening our ability to … View more
Canterbury Police has been consulting internally with staff on a proposal to redesign its structure, says Canterbury District Commander Superintendent Tony Hill.

"Our goal is to deliver a better service to our communities by boosting core policing services and strengthening our ability to meet demand, now and in the future.

We are focused on the safety of our communities and our Police team. As the proposal concerns changes that directly impact our staff, we have an obligation to consult with them first. We also acknowledge the importance of listening to our communities.


In a departure from our normal process in relation to operational decision-making, we are now sharing an external version of the proposal and inviting feedback from the public.

We haven’t reviewed our structure since 2017 and we want to get it right. We're not content to keep doing things the way we always have when we believe we can do better.

I stress that this is a proposal and no decisions have been made. I will be paying close attention to the feedback as it comes in."

If you would like to provide feedback on the proposed changes, please email canterbury.review@police.govt.nz

Feedback will be accepted up until 5pm, Monday 18 August.

The redesign proposal is available here.

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146 days ago

Choice News Tuesday: Conservation win in the Kaituna

Kia pai from Sharing the Good Stuff

Thanks to a generous gift, 730 Hectares in Kaituna Valley are now protected for everyone to enjoy

Four incredible donors have come together to gift 730 hectares of land in the Kaituna Valley to the nation — a multimillion-dollar contribution that will benefit generations to come.

This land,… View more
Thanks to a generous gift, 730 Hectares in Kaituna Valley are now protected for everyone to enjoy

Four incredible donors have come together to gift 730 hectares of land in the Kaituna Valley to the nation — a multimillion-dollar contribution that will benefit generations to come.

This land, which has now been protected and opened to the public, forms part of a much larger conservation area — nearly 2,400 hectares stretching from sea level at Whakaraupō/Lyttelton Harbour, up to the Summit Walkway, and back down into the Kaituna Valley.

Once used for farming, the land has now been cleared of livestock, and pest control efforts are underway to help native plants and wildlife thrive. The goal? A richer, more diverse ecosystem that everyone can experience and be proud of.

This is a powerful example of how the actions of a few can have a huge impact. Thanks to their vision and generosity, a precious piece of our natural heritage is now protected.

Read more about the Massive win for conservation and recreation in the Kaituna.

We hope this news brings a smile!

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143 days ago

Jamila

The Team from Humans of Christchurch Ōtautahi

“I was born in Afghanistan, I moved to Pakistan when I was a one year old as a refugee with my family.

I grew up in Pakistan and finished my school there. I learned English, I did computer classes, learned sewing and also I did makeup classes. I moved back to Afghanistan to continue my … View more
“I was born in Afghanistan, I moved to Pakistan when I was a one year old as a refugee with my family.

I grew up in Pakistan and finished my school there. I learned English, I did computer classes, learned sewing and also I did makeup classes. I moved back to Afghanistan to continue my studies, I did my bachelor in business and I got married.

Because of the situation, we couldn't stay there anymore, so we moved to Indonesia. The first year was very difficult for me. As refugees in Indonesia, you're not allowed to work, no study, nothing. Most of the people don't understand English, so you have to learn their language.

I was trying to find a way that I could learn the language easily. I started watching dramas on YouTube. So then I learned Bahasa from that and a friend, and she learned English from me. Then I was speaking five languages. After a while, I was working as an interpreter and for a short time, I found a job at an international school as a teacher.

We were on the shortlist to go to America. You know, sometimes God wants to put you somewhere. We got a call from the sponsor group that wanted to help us come to New Zealand. How is it possible? We waited there for six years through UNHCR. I can say we were lucky. I have been here for one year, and with the sponsor group, we are like a family now.
I first went to Share Kai for the Ōtautahi Welcome Dinner. I said, ‘this is my place’. when I am among the people and talking with people it gives me energy. When we went there, we met different people. Now I have lots of friends from different countries.

When we heard that there's an opportunity for the Riccarton Sunday Market, I said, I will do it!

My food stall is called ZJ kitchen. Z is for my husband, and J is for Jamila, for me. The story for the ZJ is that we are a ZJ family. When we got married, we decided that when we have kids, we'll put the name starting with Z or J. So now I have two sons, their names start with Z, and I have one daughter who starts with J.

I believe that food is something that everyone needs every day. What I do means a lot to me. When I'm at the market, if someone eats the food they ask, do you have a restaurant? I tell them about Share Kai.

I am one of the leaders at the Cooks Collective, we run the Share Kai Cafe which is open for lunch on the first Friday of every month at WEA. We talk, we laugh and we enjoy the food. I hope one day everyone knows about Share Kai.”

- Jamila

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143 days ago

Applications for our Love to Dance grants are now open!

Ernest Rutherford Retirement Village

Whether it's pre-schoolers or seniors, Scottish dancing or salsa, kapa haka or Kathak, breakdance or ballet - if you're encouraging people of all ages and abilities to keep moving through dance, we have three $5000 Love to Dance grants up for grabs.

Click read more to nominate your … View more
Whether it's pre-schoolers or seniors, Scottish dancing or salsa, kapa haka or Kathak, breakdance or ballet - if you're encouraging people of all ages and abilities to keep moving through dance, we have three $5000 Love to Dance grants up for grabs.

Click read more to nominate your community dance group.

Applications close 31 August 2025.

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150 days ago

Love broccoli? Share your recipe

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Kia ora neighbours. We're on the lookout for broccoli recipes! We will give away free copies of the October 2025 issue to readers whose broccoli recipes are used in our magazine. To be in the running, make sure you email your family's favourite broccoli recipe to us, at: … View moreKia ora neighbours. We're on the lookout for broccoli recipes! We will give away free copies of the October 2025 issue to readers whose broccoli recipes are used in our magazine. To be in the running, make sure you email your family's favourite broccoli recipe to us, at: mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by August 15, 2025.

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144 days ago

Central Ashburton Retail Hub

JAXX

JAXX acquired this large-scale retail complex in Central Ashburton with a vision to give it a significant facelift. After modernising the former Briscoes building, we’re excited to offer this commercial property for lease. With flexible tenancies ranging between 100-1000m², this prime location … View moreJAXX acquired this large-scale retail complex in Central Ashburton with a vision to give it a significant facelift. After modernising the former Briscoes building, we’re excited to offer this commercial property for lease. With flexible tenancies ranging between 100-1000m², this prime location offers 130 customer car parks and benefits from established tenants like City Fitness and Number One Shoes. We’re actively seeking retail or office tenants to join this vibrant hub – contact us today. Visit jaxx.co.nz

JAXX has a passion for property and an eye for opportunity. We transform overlooked properties into exceptional commercial spaces that drive success for our tenants.
Find out more

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145 days ago

There's still time...

Resene

Does your home have a bright pink front door? Know a secret rainbow-coloured park bench? Is there art in your office that makes you smile every time you walk past it? If it's bright - we need to see it!

Bright Spots is back for a third year - a celebration of the crazy colourful places in … View more
Does your home have a bright pink front door? Know a secret rainbow-coloured park bench? Is there art in your office that makes you smile every time you walk past it? If it's bright - we need to see it!

Bright Spots is back for a third year - a celebration of the crazy colourful places in our communities and homes. Share a pic today and you could win one of ten prize packages worth $500!

Need inspo? Check out the entries so far.
Share a Bright Spot now

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146 days ago

Ryman Village Open Days

Ernest Rutherford Retirement Village

Friday 15 & Saturday 16 August, 10am - 2pm.

Experience the award-winning lifestyle at a Ryman village.

Join us at our open days and explore our lifestyle and care options, tour our show homes and see the premium amenities on offer.

We look forward to seeing you.

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153 days ago

Choice News Tuesday: Dog adoption numbers rise

Kia pai from Sharing the Good Stuff

Have you seen James Gunn's 'Superman' yet?

The new movie stars Krypto, Superman's capable and floofy sidekick. Following the movie release, online searches for dog adoption surged globally! Krypto is based on Gunn's own rescue dog, Ozu. The Neighbourly team is sure that … View more
Have you seen James Gunn's 'Superman' yet?

The new movie stars Krypto, Superman's capable and floofy sidekick. Following the movie release, online searches for dog adoption surged globally! Krypto is based on Gunn's own rescue dog, Ozu. The Neighbourly team is sure that Gunn is pleased that his own rescue pup may lead to more fluffy adoptions!

Looking to match with your own super pet? The SPCA is spotlighting animals waiting for their new and committed families.

We hope this news brings a smile!

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150 days ago

Savour the moments that matter with Ryman

Ernest Rutherford Retirement Village

Some of the best moments are shared over food. That’s why we’re giving you 10,000 New World Dollars when you sign up to an independent apartment or townhouse by 30 September 2025.*

We’ll cover the grocery bills, so you can spend less time worrying about what’s in the trolley and more … View more
Some of the best moments are shared over food. That’s why we’re giving you 10,000 New World Dollars when you sign up to an independent apartment or townhouse by 30 September 2025.*

We’ll cover the grocery bills, so you can spend less time worrying about what’s in the trolley and more time enjoying who’s around the table.

And because life at Ryman means less home maintenance, you’ll have even more time for the things you love.

*Participating villages only, promotion terms and Clubcard terms and conditions apply.

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160 days ago

Choice News Tuesday: Little spotted kiwi rediscovered on mainland Aotearoa

Kia pai from Sharing the Good Stuff

Kiwi pukupuku (the little spotted kiwi) have been rediscovered in the wild on mainland Aotearoa New Zealand for the first time in five decades!

The pukupuku is the smallest and one of the most vulnerable kiwi species. Only around 2000 birds remain on offshore islands and predator-free … View more
Kiwi pukupuku (the little spotted kiwi) have been rediscovered in the wild on mainland Aotearoa New Zealand for the first time in five decades!

The pukupuku is the smallest and one of the most vulnerable kiwi species. Only around 2000 birds remain on offshore islands and predator-free sanctuaries, and are the descendants of just 5 birds which had been translocated to Kapiti Island from South Westland in 1912.

The March discovery in the remote Adams Wilderness Area, on the West Coast, is definitely choice news.

Ka pai to the amazing investigation team: DOC biodiversity ranger Iain Graham and his conservation dog, Brew!

We hope this news brings a smile!

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163 days ago

Village pooch Maggie provides pet therapy for fellow residents

Ernest Rutherford Retirement Village

Moving into William Sanders Village provided Graham and Karrin Byrnes with the perfect chance to give back to a community that was right on their doorstep, with beloved pet Maggie being the key to their success.

The couple heard about the St John therapy pets programme not long after moving into… View more
Moving into William Sanders Village provided Graham and Karrin Byrnes with the perfect chance to give back to a community that was right on their doorstep, with beloved pet Maggie being the key to their success.

The couple heard about the St John therapy pets programme not long after moving into Ryman Healthcare’s Devonport village in 2021, and now take Maggie to visit residents in the village care centre three times a week.

Click read more to read about Maggie's pawsome work.

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158 days ago

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealander of the Year Award – Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau!

Ernest Rutherford Retirement Village

This is a great way to celebrate our seniors who are leaving an amazing legacy for future generations. Let’s give a shoutout to those who have made a positive contribution to Aotearoa later in life, and who are still actively making the world around them a better place, following their careers in… View moreThis is a great way to celebrate our seniors who are leaving an amazing legacy for future generations. Let’s give a shoutout to those who have made a positive contribution to Aotearoa later in life, and who are still actively making the world around them a better place, following their careers in any service, sector or field.

Take a moment to nominate the deserving individuals in your life who are making a difference every day, either in our villages or in the wider community.

Follow the link below, and let’s make their stories known!

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