Westland District, Hokitika

2 hours ago

Wheelchair users have no public transport options in Greymouth

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

By local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:

The West Coast's largest town no longer has public wheelchair transport.

The inequality for disabled people was highlighted at a hearing of the region's draft regional public transport plan.

The subsidised service for Greymouth ended … View more
By local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:

The West Coast's largest town no longer has public wheelchair transport.

The inequality for disabled people was highlighted at a hearing of the region's draft regional public transport plan.

The subsidised service for Greymouth ended early in 2023 when the operator withdrew citing lack of use.

West Coast Disability Steering Group chair Michael Nolan said the town's residential care homes provided their own mobility transport – but it was not a licenced public service.

A community shuttle run by St John carried out some hospital transfers, "but at a huge cost of hundreds of dollars".

That meant, "there's actually nothing" for people carrying out their daily business in Greymouth, Nolan said.

The Total Mobility concession scheme is also the only public transport provision for disabled people in the region.

It is administered by the West Coast Regional Council, although the Westland and Buller district councils also subsidise local taxi services in Hokitika and Westport.

On March 13, Disabled Persons Assembly regional policy adviser Chris Ford said they accepted the difficulty posed by the West Coast covering such a large, sparsely populated area

"It poses significant challenges to access public transport," Ford told the hearing.

Those with a disability already faced "significant barriers" given the limited transport options currently in the region.

And its largest urban area, Greymouth, had lost its subsidised mobility service after the operator withdrew citing compliance and lack of use issues, Ford said.

Wheelchair capable taxi services remained in Hokitika and Westport at this stage.

It was also "disappointing and frustrating" disabled transport users from the region were excluded from a national card scheme under the Total Mobility scheme, he said. This was supposed to enable users to access transport across the country.

Ford said the Disabled Persons Assembly believed the council, which is charged with administering the region's public transport, was only partially meeting its obligations under the UN Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities.

The group wanted to see the council fully examine the need for more accessible public transport options "for everyone," Ford said.

Meanwhile, Nolan said the council's current chit books for Total Mobility users required a lot of explaining and planning to book mobility transport outside the region.

Nolan called for a more comprehensive approach to increase accessible transport in the region, which has been concentrated to the three main towns.

"This can hardly be improved if the initial service is not provided for and what can be quantified as 'lack of use'," he said.

Additionally, commercial transport providers in the region did not account for the disabled - with existing bus services to, from and within the region providing no disabled access, he said.

A consolidated effort was needed including making subsidies for private operators available to offer mobility transport, Nolan said.

He also called for the region's transport decision makers to invite disability advocates - including those "with lived experience of disabilities" - to the table to discuss solutions.

Regional council chief executive Darryl Lew said the issue of a national disability access card had been investigated for some time by central Government for years but nothing had landed yet.

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18 hours ago

We need your help !!

Rosalie Howard from PAWS Op Shop

To curb the influx of unwanted puppies and kittens at shelters, PAWS offers free dog desexing for the first 10 people with a Community Service Card who contact our Facebook page.
Cat desexing is available for $30, and adult cats are currently 50% off at $50 each.

We have around 40 cats and … View more
To curb the influx of unwanted puppies and kittens at shelters, PAWS offers free dog desexing for the first 10 people with a Community Service Card who contact our Facebook page.
Cat desexing is available for $30, and adult cats are currently 50% off at $50 each.

We have around 40 cats and kittens in need of homes, all desexed and vaccinated.

If you would like to help:
1. Adopt a cat or kitten
2. Donate decent quality clothes, household goods and especially furniture to our Kensington St, Putaruru shop, opposite the Police Station (Tue, Thur and Friday 10am - 2pm)
3. Donate cat and kitten food
4. Donate money (message the Kittens at PAWS page for how to do this), or donate cash at one of the shops

Thank you so much for any help you can provide
Meg
Facebook Link

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18 hours ago

Haven Falls Funeral Home Ki Rotorua

Haven Falls

Haven Falls are very blessed to be opening their new branch in Rotorua.

Located at 271 Old Taupo Road, Rotorua these facilities offer a large chapel, dining hall and extended off road parking.

We invite you at anytime to pop in and speak with one of our team members and have a look around … View more
Haven Falls are very blessed to be opening their new branch in Rotorua.

Located at 271 Old Taupo Road, Rotorua these facilities offer a large chapel, dining hall and extended off road parking.

We invite you at anytime to pop in and speak with one of our team members and have a look around the facilities offered.

We operate 24 hours 7 days a week.
0800 428366
Find out more

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18 hours ago

Greenpark Village & Terence Kennedy House

Greenview Park Village

Live life blissfully in a safe community where we provide comfort, security and freedom.

Greenview Park boasts a panoramic view of the Glengarry ridgeline and is set amidst tranquil, landscaped gardens. With indoor and outdoor facilities as well as planned group activities, you’ll find it easy… View more
Live life blissfully in a safe community where we provide comfort, security and freedom.

Greenview Park boasts a panoramic view of the Glengarry ridgeline and is set amidst tranquil, landscaped gardens. With indoor and outdoor facilities as well as planned group activities, you’ll find it easy to make friends! Here at Greenview Park Village, we’ve created a homely environment designed with you in mind.

With a total of 72 homes on-site, we have 15 apartments, 16 one-bedroom homes, and 41 two-bedroom villas, all including optional services. Terence Kennedy House is our on-site hospital providing holistic care to residents.
Find out more

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18 hours ago

Seeking a dependable vehicle dismantler?

Auckland Kiwi Car Parts

Auckland Kiwi Car Parts Ltd offers several advantages.

We provide immediate cash payments of up to $5000 for cars.

We purchase cars of all makes and models, regardless of their age or condition.

Most importantly, our service includes complimentary removal, saving you hundreds of dollarsView more
Auckland Kiwi Car Parts Ltd offers several advantages.

We provide immediate cash payments of up to $5000 for cars.

We purchase cars of all makes and models, regardless of their age or condition.

Most importantly, our service includes complimentary removal, saving you hundreds of dollars in removal costs.
Find out more

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1 day ago

Poll: What is your favourite flavour of sausage?

Taylorrdmeats

Free Meat Delivery to Your Door

Here at Taylor Rd Meats we offer a simple way to purchase and receive your meat.

Its as easy as jumping onto our website and selecting what you would like. We will then package your delivery and personally deliver your order to your door.

Free delivery is … View more
Free Meat Delivery to Your Door

Here at Taylor Rd Meats we offer a simple way to purchase and receive your meat.

Its as easy as jumping onto our website and selecting what you would like. We will then package your delivery and personally deliver your order to your door.

Free delivery is available for orders over $50 in Franklin and free for orders over $100 in Auckland.

Beautiful meat direct from our paddock to your plate.
Find out more

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What is your favourite flavour of sausage?
  • 50% Plain Beef
    50% Complete
  • 35.7% Merlot & Cracked Pepper
    35.7% Complete
  • 14.3% Garlic
    14.3% Complete
14 votes
18 hours ago

For a cleaner healthier home

The Team from Textile Cleaning Services

If you have been away enjoying the summer break, it's not too late to give your curtains a professional clean. Doing so will not only give them a facelift but having the mildew removed will also keep your home healthier.

Having cleaned thousands of curtains, drapes, blinds and roller blinds… View more
If you have been away enjoying the summer break, it's not too late to give your curtains a professional clean. Doing so will not only give them a facelift but having the mildew removed will also keep your home healthier.

Having cleaned thousands of curtains, drapes, blinds and roller blinds across Auckland, Textile Curtain Cleaning should be your first point of call for all your curtain cleaning needs - no matter how big or small.

Phone Textile Cleaning Services at (09) 473-5350 to arrange a free quote. Visit us at 5A Kaimahi Rd, Wairau Valley or go to www.textilecleaning.co.nz
Find out more

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18 hours ago

2024 Is your year to own a Pragma Home

Pragma Homes

Regardless of high interest rates and cost of living, investing in a Pragma Designer Homes property is an investment in your future.

Our team is here to guide you through the financial aspects, helping you navigate any challenges and find the best solution for your budget.

Hamilton is a … View more
Regardless of high interest rates and cost of living, investing in a Pragma Designer Homes property is an investment in your future.

Our team is here to guide you through the financial aspects, helping you navigate any challenges and find the best solution for your budget.

Hamilton is a vibrant growing city and soon the real estate market will be booming again. By purchasing a Pragma property, you're not just buying a property; you're investing in a thriving community and positioning yourself for future growth and prosperity.

So, why wait? Take the leap and secure your slice of paradise by contacting us today. Let's turn your homeownership dreams into reality, together!
Find out more

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10 hours ago

UPDATE - owner of kayak located in Wellington

The Team from Wellington District Police

Wellington Police have identified the owner of the kayak found on Sunday morning in Seatoun.

The man was found on land safe and well following Police inquiries, and officers are returning his kayak to him today.

2 hours ago

Hanmer flyride attraction considered behind closed doors

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

The fate of a proposed flyride in Hanmer Springs is being considered behind closed doors in the Canterbury tourist town this week.

An Environment Court hearing got under way on Monday afternoon (March 18) in the Hanmer Springs Hotel ballroom, but local … View more
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

The fate of a proposed flyride in Hanmer Springs is being considered behind closed doors in the Canterbury tourist town this week.

An Environment Court hearing got under way on Monday afternoon (March 18) in the Hanmer Springs Hotel ballroom, but local residents are unable to attend.

Community leaders spoken to by Local Democracy Reporting on Monday said they were just hoping to get a final decision ‘‘one way or the other’’, after a drawn-out process.

The hearing was first held in February last year and was adjourned until November, when it was postponed due to illness.

It was transferred to Hanmer Springs due to a lack of capacity in Christchurch, with the closed door hearing getting under way this week before Judge Lauren Semple.

A consent was granted to the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa by a Hurunui District Council appointed commissioner nearly two years ago.

The resource consent application was to install and operate a gravity-based recreation activity at Conical Hill Reserve.

But it was appealed to the Environment Court by The Friends of Conical Hill Incorporated.

The hearing is expected to run throughout the week, hearing submissions from the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa, the council and the Friends of Conical Hill.

If successful, it would be the latest adrenaline venture for the Canterbury tourist town.

During the consent process, 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.

Supporters believed the venture would bring value and benefits to the Hanmer Springs community and the wider district, and promote the village as a fun, healthy and interactive place to visit.

■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

3 days ago

New Lottery, New Home ...

Heart Foundation Lotteries

For only $15 a ticket, you could be in to win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home located in stunning Taupō, worth just over $1 million.

Featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms and an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area, this home is waiting to be loved by its new owner.

View more
For only $15 a ticket, you could be in to win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home located in stunning Taupō, worth just over $1 million.

Featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms and an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area, this home is waiting to be loved by its new owner.

Make this property your permanent residence, a holiday home, a rental, or you can simply sell it! Get your tickets today at heartlottery.org.nz.
Buy tickets now

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1 day ago

Poll: Are Kiwis bad drivers?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Each country has its own idiosyncrasies when it comes to driving and New Zealand is no different.
With daily near-misses, people incorrectly indicating at roundabouts and a lack of stopping at stop signs, it begs the question: Are Kiwis actually not that good at driving?

Type 'Not For … View more
Each country has its own idiosyncrasies when it comes to driving and New Zealand is no different.
With daily near-misses, people incorrectly indicating at roundabouts and a lack of stopping at stop signs, it begs the question: Are Kiwis actually not that good at driving?

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

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Are Kiwis bad drivers?
  • 86.1% Yes, we are bad drivers
    86.1% Complete
  • 10% No way!
    10% Complete
  • 3.9% Other - I'll share below
    3.9% Complete
1230 votes
5 days ago

Blankets tell stories in new exhibition

Porirua City Council

The autumn season of exhibitions has opened at Pātaka Art + Museum, with one showing how history can be held in the threads of blankets.

Two other exhibitions signal the first solo exhibition for two artists working in different media.

Featuring work by Jeanine Clarkin, Noa Blanket Co and … View more
The autumn season of exhibitions has opened at Pātaka Art + Museum, with one showing how history can be held in the threads of blankets.

Two other exhibitions signal the first solo exhibition for two artists working in different media.

Featuring work by Jeanine Clarkin, Noa Blanket Co and Mataaho Collective, Paraikete Threads demonstrates how blankets hold many meanings in indigenous cultures.

The exhibition also looks at how contemporary Māori artists are working with the stories, histories and knowledge systems embedded in the blanket.

From sustainable and upcycled fashion designs, luxury blankets and repurposing mink blankets as space for wānanga, Paraikete Threads considers how artists respond to the many threads of blanket history in te ao Māori and the new meanings produced through contemporary practice.

Also opening recently is Ahilapalapa Rands: Across the Sea, which explores the connections with Hawai’i across the expanse of the ocean.

All exhibitions are showing until 2 June.
Find out more

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18 hours ago

Resene ColourShop Vouchers

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Resene has kindly gifted us $100 ColourShop vouchers to give away to five lucky Neighbourly members. The winners were randomly drawn and shared below!

Miranda Cooper from Sockburn

Taukiwaho Patara from Rotorua

Michael Ostrog from Dunedin

View more
Resene has kindly gifted us $100 ColourShop vouchers to give away to five lucky Neighbourly members. The winners were randomly drawn and shared below!

Miranda Cooper from Sockburn

Taukiwaho Patara from Rotorua

Michael Ostrog from Dunedin

Sherryl Mance from Whangaparaoa

Joan Gaines from New Plymouth

Get in touch with our Helpdesk team before the 26th of March to claim your prize by heading here.

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5 days ago

Poll: ‘Transform your water straight from the tap!’

Kate Swain

Concerned about water quality?

Discover a solution that can save you money, improve your family’s health, and reduce household toxins and plastic waste!

To learn more, message me directly or on the email/number below.

Kate Swain

kateswain@btinternet.com
027 455 7896
Message

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‘Transform your water straight from the tap!’
  • 67.5% Yes
    67.5% Complete
  • 32.5% No
    32.5% Complete
40 votes
1 day ago

Have you got a great recipe for cabbage?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

We're looking for delicious cabbage recipes to feature in NZ Gardener's May issue. Send your family's favourite ways to eat this vege to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by March 31, 2024. Every published recipe wins a copy of the May issue of NZ Gardener.

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6 days ago

We've got March savings for you neighbours!

Resene

Refresh your interior, get wallpapering, finish your floor, do your deck, fancy up your fence or re-stain your exterior… or you can do them all!

Bring out the best in your home with 20% off Resene premium paints, stains, wallpapers and accessories, on now at Resene ColorShops! Come in and … View more
Refresh your interior, get wallpapering, finish your floor, do your deck, fancy up your fence or re-stain your exterior… or you can do them all!

Bring out the best in your home with 20% off Resene premium paints, stains, wallpapers and accessories, on now at Resene ColorShops! Come in and visit your local Resene ColorShop for expert advice and great savings.
Find out more

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2 days ago

Remarkable West Coast restoration completed

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

By local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:

The restoration of the 100-year-old home of a remarkable pioneering photographer who documented West Coast mining life has been formally opened.

The $100,000 project undertaken by the Department of Conservation has breathed new life into the home … View more
By local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:

The restoration of the 100-year-old home of a remarkable pioneering photographer who documented West Coast mining life has been formally opened.

The $100,000 project undertaken by the Department of Conservation has breathed new life into the home of Jos Divis who lived in the cottage from the 1920s until his death in 1967.

Members of Divis' family, including his great niece, travelled from the Czech Republic to formally cut the ribbon on Friday, March 15.

The celebration marked the culmination of a complex restoration by DOC over the past two years which brought the fragile wooden structure back from the brink - amid renewed interest in Divis' photographic legacy.

Born in 1885 in what is now the Czech Republic, he emigrated to the West Coast about 1909, first living in Blackball then following an itinerant life as a mine worker for several years before becoming a fixture of Waiuta.

There Divis worked in the large underground gold mine and documented the community in a startling record of the town which continues to lives on in his images.

As a keen amateur photographer, Divis, documented the mining workplace in often startling photography.

This often included the photographer himself posed within his photos as an early form of the 'selfie' by deploying self timer technology of the day.

Divis was widely published in the national newspapers until the late 1930s.

He also documented the demise of Waiuta as a town when the mine suddenly closed in 1951. At the time it had been the largest underground gold mine of its kind in the South Island.

Divis' remarkable legacy of thousands of photographs is still being discovered amidst a resurgence of interest in his legacy with three current exhibitions including an opening at the National Library in Wellington this week.

Simon Nathan, the maker of a recent documentary on Divis, said the historic legacy of Divis is pure gold.

"One of the things that has been fascinating is, I keep on finding Jos Divis' photographs," he said on Friday.

This included Divis' descendants recently sharing fresh material buried in a family album of his early days on the West Coast, Nathan said.

Divis' work is also contained within many hidden personal albums of families with Waiuta links.

While there is an extensive archive of Divis' work in the National Library of NZ, along with that of Waiuta families links, his commercial post card work was also beginning to come to light, Nathan said.

World Heritage Site evaluator and DOC heritage adviser Paul Mahoney said he did not believe Divis' legacy had been given enough credit yet in New Zealand.

"I don't think there's anyone else in New Zealand who has documented a work place and a community in such a way. He was away ahead of his time," Mahoney said.

Heritage NZ deputy chief executive Nic Jackson paid tribute to DOC and the Friends of Waiuta who in an unique partnership had ensured the fabric of the Waiuta Tohu Whenua site continued to be enhanced, namely through the Divis cottage restoration.

"Here at Waiuta we can say a picture paints a thousand words, with thousands of pictures taken by Jos of life on the West Coast," Jackson said.

The Waiuta township site is one of six Tohu Whenua sites on the West Coast.

While Waiuta is now a ghost town the images taken by Divis of a town which was "a hive of bustling life" was unique, Jackson said.

"Much of the town's physical life has gone but Jos brings it to life for us."

7 days ago

Raiha St / Kenepuru Drive intersection upgrade

Porirua City Council

We're replacing the temporary roundabout at the Raiha St / Kenepuru Drive intersection with permanent features.

Construction work is generally taking place from 7am to 6pm Monday to Saturday and 7pm to 6am Sunday to Thursday (with the more disruptive work happening overnight).

Traffic … View more
We're replacing the temporary roundabout at the Raiha St / Kenepuru Drive intersection with permanent features.

Construction work is generally taking place from 7am to 6pm Monday to Saturday and 7pm to 6am Sunday to Thursday (with the more disruptive work happening overnight).

Traffic management measures are in place to ensure the safety of our workers and of road users, so where possible please use alternative routes and expect delays.

This project is expected to be completed by the end of winter 2024.
For more information

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3 days ago

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

The Team from NZ Compare

Thinking about going green this St. Paddy's?

Discover the different types of sustainable energy sources and how they combat climate change.

Don't forget to COMPARE your power bill with Power Compare - it's the easiest way to save money!

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7 days ago

Come support the Phoenix THIS SATURDAY!

Wellington Phoenix

Hi Auckland! It’s the @Wellington Phoenix team here! We are coming to Auckland This Saturday to play Sydney FC! We are fighting for the top of the table spot so we need your support to secure the win!

We’re asking Auckland to cheer us on to victory. Bring your friends, kids, whanau and … View more
Hi Auckland! It’s the @Wellington Phoenix team here! We are coming to Auckland This Saturday to play Sydney FC! We are fighting for the top of the table spot so we need your support to secure the win!

We’re asking Auckland to cheer us on to victory. Bring your friends, kids, whanau and neighbours to get your football fix! Tickets are on sale now starting from $12 for kids. You can take the whole family to the game for just $65!

We can’t wait to see you in the stands! Get your tickets now!
Find out more

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4 days ago

Ryman residents tempted with exciting menus

Yvette Williams Retirement Village

The feel-good factor around a sumptuous meal served up professionally in the village dining room can help Ryman residents’ overall sense of wellbeing. Eating well and with pleasure will also help their health.

That is the view of Ryman’s Food Team and village Senior Lead Chefs who have been… View more
The feel-good factor around a sumptuous meal served up professionally in the village dining room can help Ryman residents’ overall sense of wellbeing. Eating well and with pleasure will also help their health.

That is the view of Ryman’s Food Team and village Senior Lead Chefs who have been planning mouth-watering recipes and food selections that will make up autumn, winter, spring, and summer menus for 2024.

Menu Development Chef Matt Orr alongside the Chefs Panel are working tirelessly to create a menu for all seasons.

Click read more for the full article.

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