Waimate electrician backs herself in business
When it comes to electrical work, Waimate electrician Laura Peterson has one priority - keeping people safe in their homes. The owner of Wire and Watt Electrical talks about her journey from Perth to starting her own business, and why electrical safety matters so much to her.
Making memories for the next generation
What started as a conversation over coffee has become one of Waimate’s favourite Christmas traditions. Meet the volunteers behind the Christmas Parade and Family Fun Fair, discover why keeping the fun free for children matters so much, and find out how to be part of this year’s celebrations.
Fire brigade marks 150 years with a tōtara at Bushtown
There's an interesting connection between Waimate's early bushfires and the Volunteer Fire Brigade's 150th anniversary celebrations.
This weekend, past and present firefighters gathered at Bushtown to mark the milestone in a particularly fitting way – while thousands turned out to celebrate their service to the community.
Waimate Menzshed creation heading to India
A beautifully crafted macrocarpa presentation box made by the Waimate MenzShed is heading to India this weekend, carrying a special gift to mark an international business relationship.
Have a crack and I’ll back you
More than 30 years after someone gave Brent (Red) and Libby Cunningham the backing they needed to have a crack at owning a plumbing business, they're now helping another couple take that next step.
Keeping kids safe online focus of school holiday session
Among the new activities at Waimate District Library these holidays is Gaming with Kate - a gaming session for children with a serious message behind the fun.
Latest library initiative puts seeds on the shelves
Books, computers… and now seeds. Waimate Library’s latest initiative is getting the community growing, sharing and saving seeds.
Art set to supercharge The Waimate Trail
Creatives across Waimate District are being brought together on an ambitious project to “supercharge” The Waimate Trail – Te Ara Waimatemate.
Large-scale murals, a giant bicycle, a ghost-like moa, 100 butterflies and stone carvings are among the artworks planned for Footsteps of Our Ancestors, the trail's outdoor sculpture project.
New facilities become community hubs
Waimate’s investment in two modern community facilities is proving its value to the community.
They are busy community hubs, with new activities bringing people of all ages through their doors.
Meet the teams making it happen - including one unicorn and a badly behaved dinosaur.
Young people asked to speak up in regional survey
Young people from Mid Canterbury to North Otago are being asked what life is really like for them in 2026 - and they could win one of 15 $100 Prezzy Cards for taking part.
District Life is heading into print
District Life is going into print, with the first edition of a new monthly community paper launching in September.
New family business blends ice cream and creativity
Another new business has opened on Waimate’s main street, blending art with ice cream.
The Old Tin Shed Ice Cream and Art Emporium was officially opened on Sunday, with a crowd gathering in the winter sunshine to eat ice cream, get arty and watch the ribbon cutting
Council Chief Executive announces resignation
After nearly a decade serving as Chief Executive of Waimate District Council, Stuart Duncan has announced his resignation.
Mr Duncan said the decision had been made after considerable reflection and was driven by a desire to ensure the Council is well positioned for the future.
What we learnt at Waimate's property investment seminar
Plenty of practical tips were shared at a free property seminar on Tuesday night.
The message was clear - Waimate's property market remains active, supported by a steady stream of people choosing to make the district home.
Read on for some of the key takeaways from the event.
New orienteering course opens in Waimate
A new permanent orienteering course officially opens at Knottingley Park and Arboretum on Saturday, adding another free outdoor activity for locals and visitors to enjoy.
Led by The Rotary Club of Waimate, the project has been developed with support from Waimate District Council, local businesses, volunteers and specialist course designers from Christchurch.
Don’t dump it - donate it instead
They’re part treasure hunt, part recycling centre, part community support network.
Our local charity stories, The New Zealand Red Cross Shop and The Salvation Army Store, are packed with quality second-hand goods at low prices. From clothing and linen to kitchenware, books, games, gifts and the occasional unexpected find.
The community building a trail set to supercharge Waimate’s economy and lifestyle
Something’s been brewing in Waimate over the past few years - and it has the potential to become an economic game changer for the district and wider region.
The Waimate Trail - Te Ara Waimatemate is an ambitious community-led project.
We caught up with some of the people behind the scenes and looked at what the trail could mean for the district’s future.
Turn your clutter into cash, not landfill
Waimate has firmly established itself as a second-hand shopping destination.
Over the past few years the number of stores has multiplied.
New Zealand’s second-hand market is now estimated to be worth $5.5 billion, with stores helping reduce landfill, strengthen local economic resilience and attract visitors to small towns.
Most of us know how to shop in them but how can we interact with the local stores to keep our clutter out of landfill?
Free seminar aims to simplify buying property in Waimate
Buying property can feel complicated. Add in national headlines about housing affordability, and it’s easy to assume home ownership is out of reach altogether.
But local property professionals say Waimate is a bit different.
They’ve organised a free seminar next month aimed at helping people better understand the local market, finance and home-buying process.
Waimate weighs future under Government amalgamation push
The Waimate District Council called an urgent public meeting at the Waimate Event Centre on Thursday night following the Government’s announcement of the “Head Start” programme, giving councils just 90 days to develop amalgamation proposals.