1499 days ago

Hanmer Springs desperate for summer staff as shortage leaves operators cutting hours

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

Tourism hotspot Hanmer Springs is calling for a fresh supply of workers over summer, with retail, tourism and hospitality venues all desperately seeking staff.

A housing shortage and transient workers have meant several operators have needed to reduce their hours, despite being fully booked for the upcoming season.

Alan McNabb owns and operates five venues in the village – Monteith’s Brewery, Finn’s Irish Pub, Roasted Bean Cafe, Fire and Ice Restaurant and the Alpine Village Inn.

He said despite last summer setting record visitor numbers in the tiny North Canterbury tourist town, they can’t find return workers.

“It’s horrific. I’ve lost 13 staff over the last three weeks and am about to lose another three chefs. We’ve cut opening hours so we can give the few staff we do have breaks.

“I need at least another 10 to 15 staff to get through this summer, but I have nowhere for them to stay either.” Read more here.

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4 days ago

Poll: Do you set New Year’s resolutions?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

🎉 2026 is almost here!

We’re curious ... how do you welcome it?
Do you set resolutions, follow special traditions, or just go with the flow?

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Do you set New Year’s resolutions?
  • 9.9% Yes! New Year, New Me
    9.9% Complete
  • 19.3% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
    19.3% Complete
  • 70.7% Nah - not for me
    70.7% Complete
895 votes
16 days ago

Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’

If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.

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15 hours ago

The Summer Kiwi Quiz is back by popular demand

Summer Kiwi Quiz - 2026

Grab a copy of your local Stuff newspaper between 1 Jan - 28 Jan and participate in the Summer Kiwi Quiz! Test your knowledge, answer the daily New Zealand based questions, and find out how well you know our beautiful country!

Each correct answer will get you one entry into the draw to WIN 1 of 5 Ooni Karu 2 Portable Pizza Oven bundles, valued at $1024! Each bundle includes: an Ooni Karu 2 Multi-Fuel Portable Pizza Oven, Ooni Karu 2 Carry Cover, Ooni 12" Perforated Peel, Ooni Digital Infrared Thermometer and an Ooni Cookbook: Cooking with Ooni. The more answers you enter correctly, the higher your chance of winning. For more information and to submit your answers, click here

The Team at Stuff
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