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From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Take the money while resisting the source.
The Ashburton District Council plans to seek $4.2 million in the first tranche of the government’s Three Waters Better Off funding but it remains committed to its opposition to the planned reform.
… View moreFrom local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Take the money while resisting the source.
The Ashburton District Council plans to seek $4.2 million in the first tranche of the government’s Three Waters Better Off funding but it remains committed to its opposition to the planned reform.
It’s a conflicting situation and councillors asked for clarification that accepting the funding was not Three Waters support.
Chief executive Hamish Riach said accepting the money didn’t detract from the council’s opposition to the reforms but the council will be required to continue to cooperate.
The council is proposing a clause in its application, ensuring any opposition to the reforms was not a cause for termination of the funding, but Riach was not confident the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) would accept it.
It’s not what the council plans to spend the money on but the terms of the agreement will likely require further negotiation he said.
What the council planned to spend the money on was questioned by councillor Stuart Wilson, who suggested it was a prime opportunity to solve some roading issues rather than a slush fund for “something extra that is not that important”.
He asked if a further $200,000 for the new library was “the most pressing need for $200,000 on the approval rating we have got for roads and footpaths”.
Riach said the council had to comply with the conditions set out by the DIA in which the council can only seek funding for projects there are not in its long-term plan and it can’t be used for three waters projects.
The timing of the Fairfield Freight Hub meant it is not part of the LTP providing the opportunity to seek the council’s $2.3m loan funding contribution towards the $14m project- which is being led by the Wareing Group.
There are seven projects in total, including $150,000 to assist in the potential relocation of the South African War Memorial from Baring square East over to Baring Square West.
The council is eligible for a total of $16.8m of Better Off funding, with $4.2m available now and the second payment of $12.6m earmarked for 2024 - after next year's central government elections.
The council will also receive $437,000 of transition support funding to assist with the three waters transition work it is required to do.
Better off Funding projects
- Fairfield Freight Hub $2.3m
- Additional footpaths $900,000
- District playgrounds $200,000
- Ashburton Library & Civic Centre (equipment in specialist spaces) $200,000
- Water treatment & changing rooms at district swimming pools $200,000
- Digby Park Toilets $250,000
- South African War Memorial relocation $150,000
Flags across the city are being lowered to half-mast as Christchurch joins the rest of the Commonwealth in mourning the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
The Queen, the world’s longest serving monarch, died on Friday morning at Balmoral, Scotland, at the age of 96.
In Christchurch, which the … View moreFlags across the city are being lowered to half-mast as Christchurch joins the rest of the Commonwealth in mourning the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
The Queen, the world’s longest serving monarch, died on Friday morning at Balmoral, Scotland, at the age of 96.
In Christchurch, which the Queen visited nine times during her reign, flags are being flown at half-mast and condolence books are being opened at civic centres.
Mayor Lianne Dalziel said the Royal Family had been ardent supporters of the city, for which its residents would “always be grateful”.
Want your garden to be the talk of your neighbourhood?
NZ Gardener has all the step-by-step DIY projects you’ll need to achieve just that. As well as incredible photography, spectacular garden stories, recipes and more. Subscribe before 26 September and you’ll receive a $25 gift voucher to … View moreWant your garden to be the talk of your neighbourhood?
NZ Gardener has all the step-by-step DIY projects you’ll need to achieve just that. As well as incredible photography, spectacular garden stories, recipes and more. Subscribe before 26 September and you’ll receive a $25 gift voucher to spend online at Awapuni.
Just visit Mags4Gifts to purchase your subscription, or if you’d rather talk to one of our friendly staff members, call 0800 624 744. Offer valid for 1 and 2 year subscriptions at the normal rate.
T&Cs apply.
The team at NZ Gardener
Take your senses on a trip around the world! Enjoy performances, games, international stalls and food at Lincoln Domain this Sunday from 10am to 4pm.
The CultureFest celebrations continue at our two-week series of events. From dance classes, sport sessions, displays and art activities, there’s… View moreTake your senses on a trip around the world! Enjoy performances, games, international stalls and food at Lincoln Domain this Sunday from 10am to 4pm.
The CultureFest celebrations continue at our two-week series of events. From dance classes, sport sessions, displays and art activities, there’s plenty of events to keep you entertained.
Pick up a brochure from a Selwyn facility or check out the events online.
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From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
New Associate Minister of Local Government Kieran McAnulty admits we’re now “seeing the impacts’’ of roading funding cuts in Mid Canterbury.
The Wairarapa-based McAnulty, who also has emergency management, racing and transport in his … View moreFrom local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
New Associate Minister of Local Government Kieran McAnulty admits we’re now “seeing the impacts’’ of roading funding cuts in Mid Canterbury.
The Wairarapa-based McAnulty, who also has emergency management, racing and transport in his ministerial and associate minister portfolio, let his roading feelings known while in Mid Canterbury on Tuesday.
He knew roading was a hot topic, as it was in any other region, but especially in Ashburton and wider Canterbury.
“It’s an issue facing many rural councils in that they have a large geographical area, a lot of roads and a small population from which to fund it,” said McAnulty, who is completing a tour of all 55 rural and provincial councils.
Ashburton was stop number 41 for the Labour MP.
He had closed-door discussions with the Ashburton District Council in which he said they covered a lot of issues from emergency management, the future of local government, three waters, roading and transport, and the proposed second bridge.
But roading maintenance and funding was top of mind, with McAnulty admitting councils had been left in the lurch from a period of underfunding and it wasn’t good enough.
As a small roading financial booster, he said there was an additional almost $15 million of funding heading the Ashburton District’s way in the next three years to help.
He was also pleased to see progress being made with Ashburton’s proposed second urban bridge.
“The proposal is pretty strong,” said McAnulty, who knows the district well as his parents lived in Fairton for eight years.
“We know that from a resilience point of view, the recent weather event put that at the forefront of everybody’s mind.”
He was also aware of Environment Canterbury’s plea for $150m of Government funding over the next 10 years for nationwide flood protection funding. While that wasn’t something that has come across his desk, it is linked to work he has in progress.
“There is a need for a consideration around longer-term funding of flood protection,’’ he said.
“If you can invest in flood protection, it lessens the impact when there is a severe weather event. And we are kidding ourselves if we don’t recognise that these weather events aren’t going to become more frequent and severe.”
From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Key Ashburton retailers are opposed to a new CBD market day, saying further “restricted trading’’ is not what they need.
The proposed Ashburton Market Day would replace the now defunct Boulevard Day, but the application from organiser Carol … View moreFrom local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Key Ashburton retailers are opposed to a new CBD market day, saying further “restricted trading’’ is not what they need.
The proposed Ashburton Market Day would replace the now defunct Boulevard Day, but the application from organiser Carol Johns would mean the temporary closure of East St, Burnett St, and Tancred St on Monday, September 26.
Her proposal has received three objections, which will now go before the Ashburton District Council, with Johns to front Wednesday's hearing.
Ashburton Paper Plus owner Terry McNabb said he doesn’t have a problem with a market day, but “I do have a problem with holding it on the street”.
“For a few years now, we have had these days where the roads in the CBD get closed off but all we are doing is inviting out-of-town stall holders to park up outside our doors for the day.
“That does not help any of the locally owned and operated businesses in that area.”
McNabb said his business has had nothing but disruption for two years from Covid, the CBD redevelopment, and now a new demolition next door.
He said he operated two essential service businesses inside Paper Plus, those being NZ Post and AA Driver & Vehicle licensing, which served a lot of elderly customers whose access would be impacted.
Bob McDonald, from Health 2000 in the arcade, has submitted an objection on behalf of 15 CBD businesses that, like McNabb, “believe another day with restricted trading is not beneficial for the CBD”.
Because of the CBD’s new one-way system, McDonald said closing East St would “effectively shut down the whole CBD”.
McDonald and Sue Cooper used to run the popular Boulevard Day, which was unable to be held in 2020 because of Covid-19 restrictions. It then had to be held in Ashburton Domain last year due to the CBD being a construction zone, which was the first time in 45 years it was held outside of the inner-city location.
He and Cooper hoped to find someone new to take over the running of Boulevard Day this year but that had not happened.
That’s why Johns, who has previously run events on the same day as Boulevard Day and who is standing for a seat on the council in the local election, has stepped up to fill the void.
Her Ashburton Market Day proposal now falls to the council, with the hearing taking place at 9am on Wednesday.
We use our mobiles in almost every part of our life right?! They keep us up to date and connected with loved ones. They need to be fit for purpose!
So when it comes to choosing a new phone, it’s important to find one that meets your needs, including your budget. Don’t spend hours going from … View moreWe use our mobiles in almost every part of our life right?! They keep us up to date and connected with loved ones. They need to be fit for purpose!
So when it comes to choosing a new phone, it’s important to find one that meets your needs, including your budget. Don’t spend hours going from site to site, shop to shop only to get stuck with a phone that really wasn’t what you wanted! Read PriceMe’s Mobile Phone buying guide for tips, then use PriceMe to compare all mobile phones and stockists without even leaving your couch. Easy right!
For delicious grass-raised beef New Zealand is the perfect combo.
An ideal climate, lush pastures and innovative farming produces enough beef for Macca’s in New Zealand and around the world. Our patties are 100% quality beef, and all that’s added is a dash of salt and pepper when cooked.
… View moreFor delicious grass-raised beef New Zealand is the perfect combo.
An ideal climate, lush pastures and innovative farming produces enough beef for Macca’s in New Zealand and around the world. Our patties are 100% quality beef, and all that’s added is a dash of salt and pepper when cooked.
We partner with many Kiwi farmers who produce our beef, including those at the world-class Whangara Farms.
Kora saves the day with 13c off a litre!
In a world of rising fuel prices, a hero has come to save every day! Join Kora and save a super 13 cents a litre on every fill at Waitomo until 30th November.
Kora is the Kiwi fuel payment card that saves you 10c a litre every day at Mobil and Waitomo.… View moreKora saves the day with 13c off a litre!
In a world of rising fuel prices, a hero has come to save every day! Join Kora and save a super 13 cents a litre on every fill at Waitomo until 30th November.
Kora is the Kiwi fuel payment card that saves you 10c a litre every day at Mobil and Waitomo. Fill up when you want and pay later with weekly, fortnightly or monthly billing.
With prices flying high, now’s the time to save more with 13 cents off every litre at Waitomo until 30th November. Apply today!
From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Ashburton Domain's popular playground may have to be rebuilt because it’s been described as an adhoc setup - and its raised wooden edging may be dangerous.
Park Central, the national playground compliance specialists, have completed an … View moreFrom local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Ashburton Domain's popular playground may have to be rebuilt because it’s been described as an adhoc setup - and its raised wooden edging may be dangerous.
Park Central, the national playground compliance specialists, have completed an audit of the Ashburton District Council’s playgrounds and they’ve recommended the entire Ashburton Domain playground be “reviewed and an overall plan/design is put in place”.
The report states that various playground items and equipment “have been added into the play space in an adhoc manner” and “the surfaces are scattered through the area without any cohesion”.
Its raised wooden edging was an accessibility issue, while the use of bark chip mulch was not a modern children’s landing option.
The Ashburton District Council’s 30-year Ashburton Domain redevelopment, signed off in 2020, already lays out plans for an overhaul.
“Staff are in discussions with the playground inspector and designers,” council community services group manager, Steve Fabish, said.
There’s no timeframe or budget because that would be part of the upcoming activity management plan and long-term plan processes, he said.
The audit would factor that planning into any changes, which could see the upgrade brought forward, he said.
“Possibly, but the overall priority status of general district-wide requirements in playgrounds shall influence the timeline.”
The Ashburton Domain was joined by nine other locations recommended for a full renewal, including the Methven, Rakaia, and Tinwald Domains.
The report assessed 229 individual play assets at 28 district sites, excluding the Lake Clearwater playground, which was unable to be accessed due to bad weather at the time.
The council’s playground assets were valued at $4,001,800 and all equipment was measured against various standards depending on when it was installed, with 93 items being non-compliant.
There were 139 maintenance issues requiring attention at an estimated cost of $40,710, which Fabish said would be addressed this year.
He also said that improving accessibility in all playgrounds was a work in progress.
“Staff will implement changes when and where possible and in conjunction with other site works.”
Update a balance bike with a colourful new look with Resene paints so that it can continue to be enjoyed for years to come!
Find out how to create your own.
Tickets now on sale at the Rangiora Town Hall for this fabulous, family event on Saturday 17 September. Get a group together for a fun night out. Lots of gorgeous and creative costumes.
Join Pat from the Luxury Cruising Co this September to discover a unique collection of destinations and packages!
Sessions
Europe Session Tuesday 6th September 11am River Cruising
Land Journeys, Rail Journeys, Private Jet Tours, Small Ship Cruising, Luxury Yacht Cruising.
Canada/Alaska … View moreJoin Pat from the Luxury Cruising Co this September to discover a unique collection of destinations and packages!
Sessions
Europe Session Tuesday 6th September 11am River Cruising
Land Journeys, Rail Journeys, Private Jet Tours, Small Ship Cruising, Luxury Yacht Cruising.
Canada/Alaska Session on Thursday 8th September 11am
Canadian Rockies with Alaska Cruise, Eastern Canada with New England Cruise, Rockies with Rail, Rockies with Calgary Stampede
Australia on Tuesday 13th September 11am
Kimberly Small Ship Cruising, 4WD Touring, Tasmania, Luxury Wilderness Camps, Discover a wide range of options available.
Asia Session on Thursday 15th September 11am
Discover Touring and River Cruises available in Vietnam, Cambodia, Japan and South Korea
Luxury Cruising on Tuesday 20 September at 11am
An overview of Luxury Cruising Worldwide and expedition cruising in Antarctica and the Arctic
Click here to register your interest or contact 0800 214 9925
Visit https://luxurycruising.co.nz/
Generally Famous is Stuff's new podcast in which Simon Bridges finds out what makes his generally famous - but always interesting - guests tick.
So far, Simon's had Olympian Eric Murray and digital entrepreneur Lucy Blakiston in the hot seat. And there's … View moreGenerally Famous is Stuff's new podcast in which Simon Bridges finds out what makes his generally famous - but always interesting - guests tick.
So far, Simon's had Olympian Eric Murray and digital entrepreneur Lucy Blakiston in the hot seat. And there's more exciting guests to come each Wednesday.
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