Ashburton District newsletter
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Ryman’s Charles Upham Retirement Village resident Di is a former fashion designer, artist and self-confessed shoe hoarder who travels, still paints and has stamped her eclectic minimalist style on her apartment.
She gives us her top 3 design tips on how she’s turned her space into a … View moreRyman’s Charles Upham Retirement Village resident Di is a former fashion designer, artist and self-confessed shoe hoarder who travels, still paints and has stamped her eclectic minimalist style on her apartment.
She gives us her top 3 design tips on how she’s turned her space into a beautiful home.
Many public rubbish bins are being removed by councils due to the large costs of regularly emptying them. Do you think we can adapt and live without them?
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By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
There’s a big roof shout on the cards in Rakaia this week.
Project manager Mark Boag said the roof was set to go on this week for the $1.7 million-odd community-led recreation centre in the Rakaia Domain.
Construction began in January and was … View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
There’s a big roof shout on the cards in Rakaia this week.
Project manager Mark Boag said the roof was set to go on this week for the $1.7 million-odd community-led recreation centre in the Rakaia Domain.
Construction began in January and was tracking along nicely with all the framework and roof trusses in place, Boag said.
“The roof goes on this week and then I imagine things will look like they are slowing down as they start on the inside.”
The Rakaia Recreation Centre is on target to be completed in July.
“We won’t be in it for the rugby season but it might be ready for the end-of-season function.”
The old Rakaia Rugby Club changing rooms and public toilets facility were demolished to make way for the modern fit-for-purpose community facility.
The new single-story building will have clubrooms, with a commercial kitchen and bar that can fit up to 150 people, and it is elevated so spectators can view games from the wrap-around, covered deck.
“Being raised up like that will be ideal for watching rugby or anything that’s going on.”
It also had six changing rooms and two separate shower blocks so they could easily accommodate men’s and women’s rugby, Boag said.
The building would be available for the local sports club to use, and for the wider community to hire, he said.
The council funded the $351,000 replacement public toilets, a prefabricated toilet block incorporated into the end of the centre, near the car park.
The project has been led by the Rakaia Rugby Club and a community that has been raising funds for a new facility in the Rakaia Domain for a decade.
With the building under construction, the club uses the neighbouring Rakai Bowls Club for its aftermatch functions and has some containers set up as temporary changing rooms and showers.
“They seem to work well although things might be different in the middle of winter, but it’s only for one season.”
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Tinwald businesses which have only just seen the end of a sea of road cones have told Ashburton's council they don't want to see the orange markers return.
The shops along State Highway 1 had road cones from July until last month while … View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Tinwald businesses which have only just seen the end of a sea of road cones have told Ashburton's council they don't want to see the orange markers return.
The shops along State Highway 1 had road cones from July until last month while traffic signals were installed for the Tinwald corridor improvement project.
The Ashburton District Council had then planned to come in and resurface the main Tinwald car park.
Infrastructure and open spaces group manager Neil McCann said work has been deferred following some objections.
“We reached out to shop owners in the Tinwald shopping centre, and they said they would like a breather after the disruption caused by NZTA’s Tinwald traffic light installation and corridor improvements.
“We will check in with shop owners again to determine an appropriate time to commence the upgrade.”
Roading manager Mark Chamberlain said the resurfacing will wait “until there is a bit less going on, and maybe look at when it really needs the work”.
“I think it needs it now, but they are happy with just pothole patching and things like that.”
With the Tinwald carpark project being deferred, the $100,000 assigned to it will be used for another project on the council's list.
“We’ve brought forward the installation of around 200m of new footpath, and kerb and channel on Tinwald Westerfield Rd, from Lagmhor Rd to Tarbottons Rd,” McCann said.
“This section was in the original list approved but was left out of the contract because the estimated cost was more than the available budget.”
Another key project on the list is replacing the kerb and channel at the Ashburton Domain along Walnut Ave between SH1 and Oak Grove.
The only issue is the timing.
Councillors had previously raised concerns about the height and depth of the existing kerb and channel but mayor Neil Brown had noted the height was a deterrent to people being able to drive into the domain.
The current kerb height, about 50mm higher than the standard, WAs similar to the proposed replacement but has a dish channel rather than the proposed flat channel, which made it less accessible, McCann said.
But there is a potential timing issue, as the work could clash with the council’s major event in the domain.
The Glow in the Park light festival will be held in the domain at Kings Birthday weekend this year with thousands expected to attend over the three days.
The work did not have a scheduled start time yet, McCann said,
“It will be programmed and managed so that access and parking for Glow in the Park will not be adversely affected.”
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By local democracy reporter Jonathans Leask:
Dancers stood tall, and in big numbers, in their battle to save Ashburton's Balmoral Hall.
Dance teacher Charmaine Quaid put out the call for past and present students of her Dance Worx studio to assemble last Friday (April 5) in a show of … View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathans Leask:
Dancers stood tall, and in big numbers, in their battle to save Ashburton's Balmoral Hall.
Dance teacher Charmaine Quaid put out the call for past and present students of her Dance Worx studio to assemble last Friday (April 5) in a show of support for retaining the Balmoral Hall.
She was blown away by the response with about 300 people turning up to show their support.
“It was overwhelming,” Quaid said.
“It was quite emotional to see some people from way back, and people coming from out of town and long distances especially to support us.”
Quaid has run her dance school from the hall for almost 50 years but it is now in limbo.
The hall requires an estimated $1.3m of repairs to be brought up to standard.
In its draft long-term plan, the Ashburton District Council is proposing to sell the hall and land as the costs to maintain and operate both sites are expensive, and the income received doesn’t currently cover the costs.
Quaid wants the hall retained but is conscious of not overspending on it.
“We don’t need a million, we just need the maintenance,” she said.
If ratepayers were to stump up and fund the repairs, they would also have to continue topping up the hall to subsidise the users – who may also face higher fees to use the building.
The Dance Worx gathering was used to collect statements of support for a long-term plan submission to retain the hall.
“We had quite a few lend their support to our submission and plenty say that they would also be doing their own.
“If you don’t have your say you can’t complain.”
As part of its consultation engagement the council is hosting a BBQ at Baring Square East on Saturday (April 13) from 10am to 2pm, and has decided to open the Balmoral Hall to the public.
The council’s democracy and engagement group manager, Toni Durham, said on the back of requests from the community to look inside Balmoral Hall, it made sense to align it with the event at Baring Square.
“It's primarily a chance for those who are not familiar with Balmoral Hall to be able to get a better idea of what the building looks like from inside,” Durham said.
In a similar event last weekend, an estimated 150 people turned up at the Tinwald Domain on Saturday to get a close-up look at the state of the Tinwald Pool and discuss its future, with the council proposing to spend $3m on a new outdoor pool at EA Networks Centre.
Mayor Neil Brown was pleased with the turnout to the event to discuss the options.
“The Tinwald Pool needs major repairs and some definitely want it to stay, but others see that money better spent elsewhere.”
Submissions on the long-term plan close on April 28.
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By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Ashburton’s mayor is celebrating NZTA abandoning plans to install median barriers on State Highway 1 between Ashburton and Rakaia.
Median barriers have been proposed along SH1 from Ashburton to Rolleston since 2021.
An NZTA spokesperson said … View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Ashburton’s mayor is celebrating NZTA abandoning plans to install median barriers on State Highway 1 between Ashburton and Rakaia.
Median barriers have been proposed along SH1 from Ashburton to Rolleston since 2021.
An NZTA spokesperson said the change was in response to government priorities outlined in the draft Government Policy Statement on land transport.
It’s a decision that has pleased Ashburton mayor Neil Brown, who has long voiced his opposition to the “wire ropes down the middle of the road”.
Brown met with NZTA representatives earlier this week and was informed that the median barriers won’t be happening now.
“They’ll be looking at putting in the wider median strips instead.
“It’s a good common sense approach to it and I’m happy they are going to do that.
“They have some in already at Hinds following a recent upgrade and it looks good.”
In August last year, NZTA’s relationship manager James Caygill had discussed with the Ashburton District Council how the SH1 improvement plan was focusing on widening the existing road corridor as the first step, and then adding median barriers if required.
A change of government has caused a change in direction.
Rangitata MP James Meager and Waitaki MP Miles Anderson had written to Transport Minister Simeon Brown on March 23 regarding the median barriers.
Minister Brown responded on Monday informing them that, following a review, it had been determined that the Rakaia to Ashburton and the Timaru to St Andrews sections will no longer progress.
“These safety improvements projects will now progress with lower cost safety interventions, including wide centre lines, road widening and resurfacing,” Brown said.
Meager said the wire median barriers were “unnecessarily costly and didn’t address what the local community saw as the main safety improvements needed on our roads”.
“Widening roads and introducing painted medians seem like sensible approaches, giving separation of the traffic without blocking agricultural equipment, emergency services or requiring long, and unproductive detours.”
NZTA is planning to widen SH1 where possible from the Rakaia River Bridge to Ashburton, with the aim of 11.5 metres side to side, increased from the existing 7.5-9.5m.
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Be aware, pesky phone scammers’ latest move may be posing as Police officers seeking your financial details.
New Zealand Police are aware of reports emerging this month where Kiwis have been contacted on the phone by someone claiming to be an officer. The officer will claim to be from a … View moreBe aware, pesky phone scammers’ latest move may be posing as Police officers seeking your financial details.
New Zealand Police are aware of reports emerging this month where Kiwis have been contacted on the phone by someone claiming to be an officer. The officer will claim to be from a particular department, tell you that you have been a victim of fraud or scam, and begin to try and obtain further financial information from you. This is a scam.
Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Bolton, from Auckland City’s Financial Crime Unit, says there have been at least a dozen reports made to Police, and these scam calls are largely being made to landlines. “While Police do not have accurate numbers of how many of these scam calls have been received, it is important that the public are aware,” he says. “Police will make some enquiries into these calls, but our experience has shown that often phone-based scammers will be operating from overseas. “We appreciate the vigilance of those who have contact Police so far, as this will help us to make others in the community aware.”
Unfortunately, scams can take many different forms and target victims on different platforms, Detective Senior Sergeant Bolton says. “Scammers are opportunistic and thrive off your trust and good-will. If you receive a call of this nature, do not hand over any personal details.”
New Zealand Police will never contact people seeking their banking details, card numbers, pin numbers or passwords. There are instances where legitimate Police officers will contact you as part of their duties. Police ask that the public remain vigilant.
𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿:
➡️Police will never ask for details about your bank cards, pin numbers or passwords over the phone.
➡️Trust your instincts. If something doesn't feel right, or is too good to be true, it probably is.
➡️If you are uncertain, ask for the officer’s details. Hang up, contact 105 and request the officer to contact you.
➡️Police aren’t in the business of offering prize money.
If you are in the unfortunate position of being a victim of a scam, please report the matter to Police.
Take the chance to upskill yourself on scam awareness, check for further information on the NetSafe website.
𝗘𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗺:
Police are also aware of an email scam that has re-emerged, that claims to be authorities from Police and other justice sector partners. This scam has been subject of previous advisories. We continue to advise people to be extremely cautious when receiving unsolicited emails. Do not reply an the email of this nature under any circumstances.
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
A proposed $200m equine stud and equestrian training centre at Lake Hood in Canterbury looks poised to get the green light - with several conditions.
Southern Parallel Equine Centre Limited (SPEC) faced a hearing with independent commissioner David … View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
A proposed $200m equine stud and equestrian training centre at Lake Hood in Canterbury looks poised to get the green light - with several conditions.
Southern Parallel Equine Centre Limited (SPEC) faced a hearing with independent commissioner David Taylor this week in a bid to gain consent for the project from the Ashburton District Council.
Submitters raised concerns about future development of the site, and the impacts of its activities on neighbouring properties.
At the end of the hearing, discussion focused on what conditions to impose on the consent, suggesting it was likely to get approved.
The development has already received consent approval from Environment Canterbury.
The applicants presented an updated list of consent conditions and submitters made some suggested amendments of their own for Taylor to consider.
Some conditions relating to traffic, odour, and noise will likely be reviewable.
In a submission against the proposal, John Skevington and Jo Ruane wanted stricter and clearer conditions imposed.
In their submission, the pair detailed how they had been in a land deal with the developers that had fallen through. They had concerns about the new proposal impacting their subdivision and other properties at Lake Hood.
Their submissions also raised concerns about the future redevelopment of the site by the applicant.
However, commissioner Taylor said any potential future development was “irrelevant to the application”.
Tim Read presented his family's submission raising concerns about the use of productive farmland and rural amenity value as the proposal “reads like an A&P show”.
He wanted conditions to be robust to clearly identify and define what could happen on the site.
Project director Catherine Stuart compared the plans to establishing something like Karaka, the home of the annual racehorse yearling sales, but for sport horses.
Stuart said only a small number of staff would be accommodated on-site.
“It’s an equine stud. Not a caravan park.”
The development is for the breeding and training of horses for sale - not a public access equestrian centre.
The plans are for between 20-40 staff to be on site, with up to eight living on-site, and around 100 horses in residence.
Other visitors will be by appointment only.
The proposal is for 25 event days allowed each year to cater for an annual sale event – with around 500 prospective buyers and up to 600 horses present, smaller sales events, and competition training days.
The management and removal of manure was also a focal point, with plans to remove it from the site daily.
A notable factor was the developer's plan to fully fund the connecting of the property to the town water supply and wastewater network.
Skevington questioned how a farming operation qualified for connection, something Taylor said was between the applicant and the council.
In its evidence, SPEC stated the water would not be for irrigation, as the site has access to existing consents used to irrigate, but will remove the pivot irrigation which is not suitable for horses.
ECan has consented to the use of a BioGill wastewater treatment system – which has three phases of treatment before passing through an ultra violet light system on its way to storage tanks where it is then pumped into drip irrigation.
Taylor adjourned the hearing to allow the applicants to prepare a right of reply before he could close it. He would then have 20 working days to make a decision.
The Press and The Post (Stuff) are collecting data on the cost of early childhood education in New Zealand. The data will be anonymised (unless you have opted-in to being contacted for a potential interview, via the last question).
If you have children in early childhood education, please help … View moreThe Press and The Post (Stuff) are collecting data on the cost of early childhood education in New Zealand. The data will be anonymised (unless you have opted-in to being contacted for a potential interview, via the last question).
If you have children in early childhood education, please help us out by completing a brief survey. Click here to find the survey. The results will be reported on thepress.co.nz and thepost.co.nz at a later date.
Attention NZ Streamers! As inflation takes its toll, major streaming services in NZ are increasing their prices.
Sitting back and watching your favourite movies will likely cost more money. So check them out! But don't worry, we've got tips to help you save without missing out on your… View moreAttention NZ Streamers! As inflation takes its toll, major streaming services in NZ are increasing their prices.
Sitting back and watching your favourite movies will likely cost more money. So check them out! But don't worry, we've got tips to help you save without missing out on your favourite shows! Stay tuned!
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