Eyrewell Forest, West Eyreton

Happy new year, neighbours!

Happy new year, neighbours!

From us at Neighbourly, we're wishing you the best for 2026!

1436 days ago

North Canterbury school's long-awaited $10m upgrade set for end of year

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

From Adam Burns Local Democracy Reporter
:
------------------------
Multimillion-dollar upgrades at a North Canterbury school may finally be set in motion after the prospect of a burgeoning school roll forced a rethink.

The $10 million redevelopment of Oxford Area School was confirmed four years … View more
From Adam Burns Local Democracy Reporter
:
------------------------
Multimillion-dollar upgrades at a North Canterbury school may finally be set in motion after the prospect of a burgeoning school roll forced a rethink.

The $10 million redevelopment of Oxford Area School was confirmed four years ago by Education Minister Chris Hipkins and includes the replacement of 11 prefabricated classrooms, a new library and administration block and upgrades to other facilities.

It is the only school in the small Waimakariri town of Oxford. Several other schools in the North Canterbury region also received Government-backed improvements over the past few years.

Principal Mike Hart said construction was earmarked for the end of 2022, although this was a “best-case scenario”.

The previous few years had been marked by rebuild scopes, development of an education brief, and the completion of a long-term master plan last year.

It was previously hoped the build would begin early this year, but now the end of 2022 was considered more realistic.

Hart said catering to the potential growth of pupils during the planning phase had possibly slowed the project.

“A positive projection of the school roll made us think about the size and perhaps having something a bit bigger than we originally thought,” he said.

The predicted school roll for 2022 is 545, but the master plan accommodates for 800.

Detailed design is now the focus for school leaders as headway is sought on the project.

“About three quarters of the year will be spent on [detailed design],” Hart said.

He was hopeful of the build getting under way before the end of the year.

“Whether it is some demolition taking place because we have to remove some buildings to create the space,” Hart said.

“Hopefully some construction will take place by the end of this year. There's lots of factors that determine that.”

Oxford Area School, which caters for year 1 to 13 pupils, opened in 1978, replacing the 100-year Oxford District High School.

Most of the school's existing infrastructure dated back to the Bay Rd site's previous incarnation.

The school's principal agreed that some buildings were now out-of-date.

“They're really old and cost our school a lot of money to update them and keep them as fresh as we can,” Hart said.

Image
1438 days ago

Raspberry plants for sale - $20, $15, $10 each.

Richard from Rangiora

Raspberry plants for sale - $20, $15, $10 each.

All have been transplanted from existing Clutha, Heritage and Lewis plants.

The parent plants have been producing top quality raspberries for several years.

NOTE: A $50 spend will get you $60 worth of plants.

Message me with your phone … View more
Raspberry plants for sale - $20, $15, $10 each.

All have been transplanted from existing Clutha, Heritage and Lewis plants.

The parent plants have been producing top quality raspberries for several years.

NOTE: A $50 spend will get you $60 worth of plants.

Message me with your phone number to work out a pickup time - Rangiora pickup.

Concerned about growing Raspberries?
If you are concerned re how to grow raspberries and contain the roots,
read the attached doc - or ask for one on pickup.

1438 days ago

Supporting Children who are anxious using art.

Jane from Rangiora

Is your child starting to get a bit nervous about returning to school Are they worried about friendships, peer pressure and classwork? Did you notice that last year they had low self-esteem or showed signs of anxiety? If so we are here to help... Our Mindfulness art classes are a safe place for … View moreIs your child starting to get a bit nervous about returning to school Are they worried about friendships, peer pressure and classwork? Did you notice that last year they had low self-esteem or showed signs of anxiety? If so we are here to help... Our Mindfulness art classes are a safe place for your child to work through what is happening for them using art processes. Having this creative outlet helps them notice what they are feeling, understand why and then find ways to deal with it.
Book your child in for tomorrows session, and if they like it they can attend our weekly sessions.
$15 per session or $100 for all 10 classes, a saving of $50

message me on here, email me at info@sleepharmony.co.nz or book now at www.sleepharmony.co.nz...

Image
1438 days ago

COVID Red Update

The Sterling, Kaiapoi

Following the Government’s announcement yesterday, we are now in the RED category of the Traffic Light COVID-19 Protection Framework due to the community spread of Omicron.

You can read our full COVID-19 update by visiting the blog page on our website.

Image
D
1446 days ago

KN95 Protective Masks

Dianne from Rangiora

These masks are recommended by all the experts. I purchased two from our local pharmacy on Friday. Made in China.The warning on the back reads;- 1. The mask does not eliminate the risk of contracting any disease or infection. 2. Improper use may lead to illness or even death. 3. Some materials in … View moreThese masks are recommended by all the experts. I purchased two from our local pharmacy on Friday. Made in China.The warning on the back reads;- 1. The mask does not eliminate the risk of contracting any disease or infection. 2. Improper use may lead to illness or even death. 3. Some materials in direct contact with skin may cause allergic reactions or even anaphylaxis in sensitive individuals. 4. for adults only. Do not wash. Whaaaat?

1441 days ago

Exclusive Neighbourly offering!

Climate Insights

Hi Neighbours,

Download your Property Climate Risk Report today and receive a 20% discount! Simply insert this code SUMMER22 at checkout and find out how climate resilient your property is today.

The peak property buying and selling season is here and after the record-breaking warmth of … View more
Hi Neighbours,

Download your Property Climate Risk Report today and receive a 20% discount! Simply insert this code SUMMER22 at checkout and find out how climate resilient your property is today.

The peak property buying and selling season is here and after the record-breaking warmth of 2021, it is time to consider how our climate could impact your home.

Let's plan together to keep your home cooler, drier and more liveable.
Find out more

Image
1447 days ago

Raspberry plants for sale - $15, $10 each.

Richard from Rangiora

Raspberry plants for sale - $15, $10 each.

All have been transplanted from existing Clutha, Heritage and Lewis plants.

The parent plants have been producing top quality raspberries for several years.

NOTE: A $50 spend will get you $55 worth of raspberries.

I also have some tomato … View more
Raspberry plants for sale - $15, $10 each.

All have been transplanted from existing Clutha, Heritage and Lewis plants.

The parent plants have been producing top quality raspberries for several years.

NOTE: A $50 spend will get you $55 worth of raspberries.

I also have some tomato plants going cheap.

Message me with your phone number to work out a pickup time - Rangiora pickup.

Concerned about growing Raspberries?
If you are concerned re how to grow raspberries and contain the roots,
read the attached doc - or ask for one on pickup.

1441 days ago

Do you have a great eggplant recipe?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Dear neighbours,

Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are now on the hunt for eggplant recipes, so send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz before January 30, 2022.

Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Homegrown … View more
Dear neighbours,

Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are now on the hunt for eggplant recipes, so send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz before January 30, 2022.

Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Homegrown Recipes.

Image
1445 days ago

Sign up for Quick Charge - our new EV newsletter

The Team Reporter from Stuff

Electrification of the motoring industry is not only inevitable, it is happening at a far faster rate than most people were probably expecting.

Our new weekly newsletter Quick Charge makes it easy to be informed and entertained, bringing you all of the biggest EV news, as well as regular updates… View more
Electrification of the motoring industry is not only inevitable, it is happening at a far faster rate than most people were probably expecting.

Our new weekly newsletter Quick Charge makes it easy to be informed and entertained, bringing you all of the biggest EV news, as well as regular updates on our various long-term tests and other bits and pieces that have caught our eye.

Sign up (it's free!) here.

Image
1441 days ago

Sunday magazine launches (free) weekly newsletter

The Team Reporter from Stuff

Wake up on Sunday morning to a treat in your inbox from the team at Sunday magazine.

As well as the weekly cover story, Sunday's free newsletter delivers the latest on food (including delicious recipes from our resident chef Sam Mannering), fashion, design, beauty and well-being direct to … View more
Wake up on Sunday morning to a treat in your inbox from the team at Sunday magazine.

As well as the weekly cover story, Sunday's free newsletter delivers the latest on food (including delicious recipes from our resident chef Sam Mannering), fashion, design, beauty and well-being direct to your inbox.

Sign up here and we'll see you on Sunday!

Image
1442 days ago

Bagged Pinecones

Mandy from Swannanoa - Ohoka

Large sacks of dry pinecones, ready to burn now, shed stored.
$4 per large sack of pinecones.
message or call Nida 0211603810

1442 days ago

Your daily dose of good news

The Team Reporter from Stuff

The 98-year-old painter who saved a village and a cat who hitched a ride to a charity shop in an old chair feature in today's Antidote - your much-needed dose of positivity to remind you that there's inspiration, kindness and quirkiness even in these unusual times. … View moreThe 98-year-old painter who saved a village and a cat who hitched a ride to a charity shop in an old chair feature in today's Antidote - your much-needed dose of positivity to remind you that there's inspiration, kindness and quirkiness even in these unusual times. Sign up here to get The Antidote delivered to your inbox (it's free!)

Image
P
1442 days ago

Tree Felling

Paul from Swannanoa - Ohoka

Hi, I'm looking for someone come out and cut down 2 large trees urgently, as they are to close to our house. Thanks

1443 days ago

Beer, wine and BBQ events fill the South's summer lineup

Jake Kenny Reporter from Community News

Hey neighbours,

Summer in the South Island is in full flow as upcoming events are welcomed by improving weather.

Ōtautahi Smoke, the first festival of its kind in the South Island, promises a mix of barbecue food from the best grill operators in the country, music from Kiwi favourites, and … View more
Hey neighbours,

Summer in the South Island is in full flow as upcoming events are welcomed by improving weather.

Ōtautahi Smoke, the first festival of its kind in the South Island, promises a mix of barbecue food from the best grill operators in the country, music from Kiwi favourites, and drinks. It’s the newest of a range of beer, wine and food events to look forward to in the coming months.

The South Island Wine and Food festival, North Canterbury wine and food festival, Christchurch Vegan Expo and the Great Kiwi Beer festival form a lineup of events sure to attract eager foodies, drink connoisseurs and curious punters to the Garden City.

Click 'Read more' below for the full story.

Image
1443 days ago

Husband for sale (and other happy things) in today's Antidote

The Team Reporter from Stuff

We live in unusual times. It all gets a bit much some days. So we're bringing you a much-needed dose of positivity to remind you that there's inspiration, kindness and quirkiness out there too.

Sign up here to get The Antidote delivered to your inbox each day.

Today: … View more
We live in unusual times. It all gets a bit much some days. So we're bringing you a much-needed dose of positivity to remind you that there's inspiration, kindness and quirkiness out there too.

Sign up here to get The Antidote delivered to your inbox each day.

Today: The story of a husband for sale on Trade Me, a skipper with a digger, kiwi chicks in the skies and many, many beers for Betty White.

Image
Top