Mental health a priority: Vanessa Weenink, MP for Banks Peninsula
Improved services for mental distress calls are on the way, says Vanessa Weenink, MP for Banks Peninsula. Four new mental health co-response teams will soon be established to work alongside the police in responding to 111 mental health-related distress calls. This follows the Government’s $28 million investment in Budget 2025 to roll out […]
Jordan’s corner: Alistair Bean & Associates
Financial adviser Jordan Bean shares her top five habits for becoming a financially responsible woman. Hello. I’m Jordan Bean, and I’ve been with Alistair Bean & Associates – Financial Advisers since its beginning in 2013. I’ve worked hard behind the scenes for years while becoming a qualified financial adviser. Now, Alistair has asked […]
Talking rates
Some relief for Christchurch businesses as Council softens rates increases. Christchurch businesses are set to face smaller council rates increases than originally forecast, following refinements in the Christchurch City Council’s Annual Plan that aim to ease pressure on the local economy. Following public consultation and shifts in economic conditions, the adopted plan confirms […]
3 New workplace reforms
Sweeping payroll, privacy and KiwiSaver reforms are just some of the big changes facing Kiwi employers in 2026, writes employment lawyer Sanam Ahmadzadeh Salmani of Employment Hero, a recruitment and HR platform for businesses. From payroll reform to KiwiSaver increases and tighter privacy obligations, New Zealand employers are heading into one of the […]
Voices & views of North Canterbury
The new year invites a renewed sense of energy and vibrancy to our local towns. We asked six of North Canterbury’s influential businesspeople why 2026 excites them; what challenges the region needs to overcome, and where we might find them when off-duty. Michelle Anderton Founder, Re.clotheme, 2A Good Street, Rangiora I’m most excited […]
The power of presentation: Anthony Deyn
Looking to sell your house in 2026? Getting the best price is about preparation, not luck. It’s widely known that, overall, real estate in Canterbury is currently a buyer’s market. However, plenty of buyers are looking for their dream property, and a little strategic spending will add many thousands to the sale price. […]
FUTURE LOCAL LEADERS
Three outstanding leaders have been awarded a prestigious academic scholarship in recognition of their community impact and leadership potential. Rachel Elsy, Maree Lucas and Warren Poh have been named as 2025 recipients of the Gough MBA Leaders Scholarship, an award supported by Ben and Penny Gough, trustees of the Gough Family Foundation. The […]
Economic turn: Don’t pull the handbrake
Confidence has turned. Businesses that stay on the sidelines risk being left behind. After a long, cold stretch, the business community is finally seeing daylight. This time the shift is backed by hard data, not hope. The latest business surveys point to a dramatic surge in confidence. Sentiment is now at levels not […]
A call for elegant leadership
Effective leadership is built in the micro-moments and requires intentional self-reflection, writes leadership educator Kris Cooper. Leading is rewarding, but it’s also a tough gig. How often have you, or others, lamented a lack of leadership? Or worse, witnessed or complained about poor leadership? A lot? Because criticism is common, those with the […]
Events and tourism: Vanessa Weenink
Successful bids in Christchurch against a backdrop of Kiwi legends. The first round of the government’s major events funding showcases many exciting international and homegrown music acts, sports matches, arts, and cultural events kicking off this year, and I’m looking forward to more being added in the coming months. New Zealand’s economy is […]












