Light Up the Night gets green light
From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
The Ashburton District Council’s 'Light Up the Night' Christmas event will go ahead as planned on December 2 after the road closure application was granted on Wednesday.
Support for the decision was underpinned by a belief among some councillors that businesses would benefit.
The council’s economic development team applied for a temporary road closure of East St (from Havelock St to Moore St and Burnett St/Tancred St) to hold the Light Up the Night ceremony that includes lighting the Christmas tree on East Street opposite the intersection with Burnett St.
The one objection was placed by Gareth and Jamie Cadogan who operate the Print Room night club and one ninety nine café within the CBD that are affected by the closure.
They said the timing and location of the event “will directly affect our trade” and they have bookings for Christmas functions on the day.
The councillors disagreed believing the event will bring people in to the town centre and boost business.
New councillor Tony Todd supported the closure.
“We need to look at the broader picture that this event is going to bring people into town anyway and those in the hospitality industry are all going to benefit from this event so I think we should be approving it.”
Mayor Neil Brown said the event “is something we should be doing”.
“It’s a great event and will bring people into town and businesses will do well out of it.”
Councillor Lynette Lovett said that after two years of disruption the community is looking for events.
“This is a great example for the town to come out, get together and start the festive season.”
The application was approved by majority.
The Ashburton Santa Parade has applied for a road closure for December 3, the day after Light Up the Night, which is being processed.
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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60% Yes, supporting people is important!
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25.7% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.3% ... It is complicated
Poll: Do you have a go-to adverse-weather checklist for your family? ☔⚠️
As reported in the Press, the same low-pressure system that lashed the North Island over the weekend is now making its way south, bringing heavy rain and strong winds with it. It’s a soggy start to the week for many of us.
With more wild weather on the cards, we’re curious: do you have a go-to adverse-weather checklist for your family? Or are you more of a “grab the torches and hope for the best” household?
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44.4% Yes - we like to be prepared
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38.9% Nah
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16.7% This is on my to-do list!
A Neighbourly Riddle! Don’t Overthink It… Or Do?😜
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!
If you multiply this number by any other number, the answer will always be the same. What number is this?
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