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By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Turning drivers towards an Inland Scenic Route could be a cost-effective way to boost the economy, Ashburton councillors have been told.
Council economic development manager Simon Worthington detailed the promotion of the route in the Economic … View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Turning drivers towards an Inland Scenic Route could be a cost-effective way to boost the economy, Ashburton councillors have been told.
Council economic development manager Simon Worthington detailed the promotion of the route in the Economic Development Strategy six monthly report last week.
The inland route, former State Highway 72, stretches from Amberley to Geraldine and runs the width of the Ashburton District from the Rakaia to the Rangitata River (as Arundel Rakaia Gorge Rd) along the foothills.
A working group of representatives from the Ashburton, Selwyn and Waimakariri district councils is exploring opportunities for the development and better promotion of the scenic driving route.
The group may also expand to incorporate the Timaru and Mackenzie councils so the route can link from Geraldine through the Mackenzie basin to Central Otago.
Mayor Neil Brown was curious about the economic benefit of promoting the inland scenic route.
“Beautiful drive, but what else is there economically?”
Worthington said there is evidence around touring routes being large economic generators.
Attracting more people to drive that route would result in more visitors to the attractions along the way, Worthington said.
“Methven is really logically situated for a night one stay of people doing the route,” he said.
“The idea being that you slow them down and make it sticky as they come through the district, and bring them into elements like Ōpuke [Thermal Pools] or jetboating on the Rakaia.”
Brown had another money saving option to slow tourists.
“If we didn’t spend as much money on that road, then that would certainly slow them down and make it sticky for them."
His tongue in cheek remark refers to the historic issue the council has had funding road maintenance of the busy former state highway.
Former councillor Stu Wilson constantly referred to it as a “tourist route”, arguing on numerous occasions that while NZTA decided to remove the highway status it didn’t remove the traffic volumes, but the council was lumped with paying for its maintenance.
The maintenance costs for the 57km Arundel Rakaia Gorge Road for the last five years is $1.18 million, with rehabilitation costs of $2.86m.
Deputy mayor Liz McMillan took a brighter approach, saying that promoting the route fitted in with linking the dark sky areas in Oxford and Tekapo, and the fact the council is looking into getting dark sky status for the Hakatere Conservation Park.
Dark sky has quite a following and adds another element to promoting the route, Worthington said.
“Another reason for people to stop in our district and stay the night."
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
The iconic Rakaia Salmon needs a facelift - and cash to fund it.
Ashburton District Council’s open spaces manager Ian Soper said a structural and maintenance assessment showed the 12m high statue needs a lot of work.
The good news is the work … View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
The iconic Rakaia Salmon needs a facelift - and cash to fund it.
Ashburton District Council’s open spaces manager Ian Soper said a structural and maintenance assessment showed the 12m high statue needs a lot of work.
The good news is the work can be done on-site, he said.
“The work can be done in situ so it won’t need to be cut down and transported.”
It will need scaffolding erected and plastic wrapped to contain the fibreglass work, he said.
The upgrade is unbudgeted work and once quotes have been obtained a report will come to the council “to see where that sits financially”.
The statue, built in 1991 with funding from the Rakaia Lions Club, was gifted to the council about 18 years ago.
The area around the salmon was redeveloped between 2020 and 2021.
The project received a $739,945 grant from the Tourism Infrastructure Fund, $20,000 from the Rakaia Lions, and the council funded the remaining $198,000.
The bulk of the project budget was spent on a new public toilet facility.
You are invited to join us for an exclusive afternoon of classical music with the Canterbury Quartet, hosted by Kevin Hickman Village.
The Canterbury Quartet are experienced professional musicians who have performed in some of the finest symphony orchestras around the world.
Don't miss … View moreYou are invited to join us for an exclusive afternoon of classical music with the Canterbury Quartet, hosted by Kevin Hickman Village.
The Canterbury Quartet are experienced professional musicians who have performed in some of the finest symphony orchestras around the world.
Don't miss this opportunity for a harmonious blend of exquisite string quartet music and complimentary refreshments. You are welcome to bring a friend along, and we look forward to seeing you there!
Click read more for more information.
In 2023, Apple amended its autocorrect function to allow Iphone users to freely use their intended word without mentioning 'ducks'. Is this a sign of the times? Are swear words no longer taboo in our communities or workplaces?
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to… View moreIn 2023, Apple amended its autocorrect function to allow Iphone users to freely use their intended word without mentioning 'ducks'. Is this a sign of the times? Are swear words no longer taboo in our communities or workplaces?
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.
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A phone scam is re-emerging with cold calling swindlers claiming to be Police officers.
New Zealand Police are advising the public to be vigilant, after a handful of reports have been made in recent days. Unfortunately, at least two elderly Aucklanders have been conned out of tens of thousands … View moreA phone scam is re-emerging with cold calling swindlers claiming to be Police officers.
New Zealand Police are advising the public to be vigilant, after a handful of reports have been made in recent days. Unfortunately, at least two elderly Aucklanders have been conned out of tens of thousands of dollars.
Waitematā CIB’s Detective Senior Sergeant Ryan Bunting says scammers are cold calling, mainly on landlines, and claim to be a Police officer.“They will also provide a fake ID or badge number to make their call seem legitimate,” he says.“This person will carry on and provide a reason for their call: either they are investigating fake bank notes, or that your credit card has been cloned.
“As part of this scam, they will ask you to withdraw money from a nearby bank to be collected or ask you to provide further financial or banking information to aid their investigation.”
Be aware: this is a scam call.
Police are investigating two reports this week, in south Auckland and the North Shore, where two people have fallen victim to the scam. “Both victims withdrew cash from a bank and handed this over to someone who arrived at their door to collect it under the fake cover story,” Detective Senior Sergeant Bunting says.“These victims have had their good-will and trust trodden on by these scammers.”
Investigation staff have ensured there is support available for the victims. Detective Senior Sergeant Bunting says: “Scammers have no ethics whatsoever and will take any opportunity to try and con you.“These scams take many forms, and the offenders trick people under a variety of guises or storylines.”
There are occasions where legitimate Police officers will contact people as part of their duties, he says.
Police are asking the community to be aware and take the opportunity to spread the word amongst friends and family members. “We are particularly keen to ensure elder family members are aware of what is happening,” Detective Senior Sergeant Bunting says. “If anyone receives a call of this nature, hang up.
“If you have had the unfortunate position of being a victim to this scam and have not reported this, we encourage you to report this to Police.”
Please remember:
- Police will never call to ask you for bank details, pin numbers or passwords
- Police do not offer prize money
- Police will not ask you to go to a bank to withdraw money
- If you receive a call out of the blue of a similar nature: challenge the caller to identify themselves, ask for their details.
- Hang up, contact 105 to verify the ID and request the officer to contact you
- If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Ashburton's aspirations for public transport will need to be formed for a sales pitch early next year.
The district missed the boat for the coming financial year but there is hope it can prepare a proposal to take to Environment Canterbury … View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Ashburton's aspirations for public transport will need to be formed for a sales pitch early next year.
The district missed the boat for the coming financial year but there is hope it can prepare a proposal to take to Environment Canterbury (ECan) for consideration next year.
The Ashburton District Council, in collaboration with Safer Mid Canterbury, commissioned research earlier this year on a possible public transport service for the Ashburton township, with the research report presented to the council last week.
Roading manager Mark Chamberlain presented the report as a way of seeking guidance for “where we go with this next”.
“There is no current funding for it so if it’s a trial we have to determine what that trial is, what the cost would be and then how it would be funded.”
The report stirred conversations around the cost, funding, and length of any trial, as well as the weight of the research and its statistical significance.
The council decided to hold a workshop with the researchers that prepared the report, which mayor Neil Brown said would be the opportunity “to have more discussion and look at pathways forward”.
He then reminded councillors that any option would have to wait until next year for funding.
When Brown presented the council’s submission to ECan's long-term plan at the end of April it included a request to investigate public transport.
ECan councillors had asked if Ashburton was ready to submit something to consider but Brown had to reply they were not.
“They were possibly hoping from the councillors that we had something ready for this long-term plan of theirs but it wasn’t so it will have to be their annual plan [next year].
“They are watching what happens with public transport here.”
Councillor Richard Wilson pointed to the ongoing MyWay on-demand bus trial in Timaru that he calculated carries an $11.53 subsidy per passenger - with an adult passenger paying $2.50 and under 18s paying $1.50.
“To do it costs a phenomenally large amount of money so we need to think of that as we discuss it.”
Councillor Lynette Lovett was one of the councillors who was cautious of the research and considering the high costs of public transport she felt “more work needs to be done”.
Councillor Carolyn Cameron agreed that it does need review and discussion but noted “we are not committing to one form of public transport of another, so the costs are totally unknown”.
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By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Central Government funding to assist with flood resilience has been welcomed by Environment Canterbury.
The regional council has received cash from the new regional infrastructure fund as part of Budget 2024.
Environment Canterbury acting chairperson… View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Central Government funding to assist with flood resilience has been welcomed by Environment Canterbury.
The regional council has received cash from the new regional infrastructure fund as part of Budget 2024.
Environment Canterbury acting chairperson Craig Pauling said the new co-funding arrangement ‘‘is a great start’’.
‘‘Co-investment is something we’ve been pushing for a long time, along with the rest of Te Uru Kahika – Regional and Unitary Councils Aotearoa.
‘‘Flooding is the country’s most common natural hazard, and urgent action is needed to ensure our communities are resilient"
The country’s regional councils have been advocating for central Government support for river resilience projects for several years.
It led to the 'Before the Deluge' report, which was released just before Cyclone Gabrielle struck parts of the North Island last year.
Pauling said Environment Canterbury identified seven priorities for the region, which were put forward in the report.
‘‘We will continue to work with the Government to progress projects to help safeguard lives, property and vital infrastructure across Waitaha, as well as help us with overall river resilience including biodiversity and biosecurity outcomes.
‘‘I am looking forward to keeping the conversations with the Government going and getting these initial pieces of work started.’’
Included in the initial funding round will be upgrades to critical and aged flood management infrastructure across the region to make it more resilient to the changing climate.
Further work on the Rangitata flood resilient programme and projects in South Canterbury will also be funded.
The Government is still working through the amount of support which will be offered to each project.
River resilience was a major focus in the consultation for Environment Canterbury's latest long-term plan.
About three-quarters of submitters supported the council increasing its spending on flood protection, and pest and weed control.
The council is proposing to invest $25 million a year, over the next 10 years, to boost flood protection.
It also plans to introduce a district-wide rate for river resilience in Selwyn, and is considering similar options for the Ashley Rakahuri River and rivers in South Canterbury.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
We've pulled four names this week of members across the country. The winners of the $100 Prezzy® cards are:
Sheena Bond from Napier
Ralph Dixon from Rotorua
Katie Johnston from Invercargill
… View moreWe've pulled four names this week of members across the country. The winners of the $100 Prezzy® cards are:
Sheena Bond from Napier
Ralph Dixon from Rotorua
Katie Johnston from Invercargill
Samantha Sanderson from Beckenham
Winners can get in touch here or by emailing helpdesk@neighbourly.co.nz before 18th June.
Simply visit your local Resene owned ColorShop, choose your favourite green testpots and for each one you buy Resene will donate $1 to the New Zealand Trees That Count programme.
Offer applies to all Resene green 60 mL testpots (excludes metallic and wood stains) purchased by retail customers … View moreSimply visit your local Resene owned ColorShop, choose your favourite green testpots and for each one you buy Resene will donate $1 to the New Zealand Trees That Count programme.
Offer applies to all Resene green 60 mL testpots (excludes metallic and wood stains) purchased by retail customers between 1-30 June 2024 at Resene owned ColorShops.
Trees That Count are an environmental charity on a mission to plant millions more native trees throughout New Zealand. Trees That Count runs the country’s only marketplace which provides a place for anyone to fund or gift native trees. This support is matched with planters throughout the country who are restoring, and growing, precious wildlife corridors or pockets of native forest, turning small projects into mighty ones.
To find your nearest Resene ColorShop, click here.
For more information on Trees That Count, visit us.
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Ashburton mayor Neil Brown is welcoming a significant funding boost for local roads as the Coalition Government is delivering on its pothole fund commitment.
Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced last week that the NZ Transport Agency Board … View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Ashburton mayor Neil Brown is welcoming a significant funding boost for local roads as the Coalition Government is delivering on its pothole fund commitment.
Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced last week that the NZ Transport Agency Board confirmed indicative funding levels in the National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) which will deliver on the Government’s commitment to significantly increase funding for road maintenance.
“NZTA has confirmed that over the next three years the agency will deliver a record $2.07 billion for state highway pothole prevention and $1.9 billion for local road pothole prevention.
“We have ringfenced this record investment in the pothole prevention fund to resealing, rehabilitation, and drainage maintenance works to ensure that NZTA and councils get our state highways and local roads up to the safe and reliable standards that Kiwis expect.”
The funding boost represents a 91% increase in funding for state highway pothole prevention and a 50% increase in the total funding for local road pothole prevention, he said.
Mayor Brown said the significant increase is a much-needed investment in local roads.
“It’s certainly needed and we’ve been calling for this for years,” he said.
How the allocation of the pothole fund impacts funding in Ashburton will become clearer when the NLTP is released in full later this year.
The Ashburton District Council already increased its road funding in the long-term plan, looking to spend $67.6 million over the next ten years on road upgrades.
Those figures are “lining up” with what NZTA will fund, Mayor Brown said.
“It’s matching up.
“We submitted ours through the regional land transport plan and it's coming out pretty close.
“We aren’t gaining much headway though. We will be getting more work done but inflation gobbles up a lot of the extra dollars.”
The council also included funding towards restoring the 105-year-old historic railway footbridge and NZTA has indicated it will also fund that work, Brown said.
Local Government New Zealand president Sam Broughton reacted to the announcement by reiterating calls for more investment and greater local decision-making in transport.
“The state of roads and the needs of each region vary greatly, and councils are best placed to make investment decisions, not Wellington,” Broughton said.
“We’re concerned there is a growing level of Wellington-decided ringfencing of how councils can invest in local transport needs.
“We will see better and cheaper outcomes by empowering those decisions to be made at a local level.
“We look forward to seeing the rest of the decisions on the National Land Transport Fund align with these principles.”
* LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
We think there are unspoken rules for bin day, but are we adhering to the same ones?
Do you think twice about dragging your bin to the pavement in the early hours? Do you mind if neighbours put excess rubbish in your bin? Share your bin day etiquette and let's compare notes!
Type … View moreWe think there are unspoken rules for bin day, but are we adhering to the same ones?
Do you think twice about dragging your bin to the pavement in the early hours? Do you mind if neighbours put excess rubbish in your bin? Share your bin day etiquette and let's compare notes!
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Methven's community board will lose an elected member while some households will switch wards under boundary changes proposed in Ashburton District’s representation review.
The Ashburton District Council is undertaking its mandated six-yearly… View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Methven's community board will lose an elected member while some households will switch wards under boundary changes proposed in Ashburton District’s representation review.
The Ashburton District Council is undertaking its mandated six-yearly representation review, which ensures residents have a fair number of elected members for their region.
The initial proposal, which will go out for public consultation, largely maintains the status quo except for proposing to reduce the number of elected members on the Methven Community Board from five to four.
There would also be changes to the Methven Community Board, and the Ashburton and Eastern Ward boundary.
The proposal is to retain the nine council members elected from three wards, plus the Mayor. The wards are as follows:
The boundaries for Ashburton and Eastern Wards will be adjusted to include the new development around Trevors Rd in the Ashburton Ward due to the urban development of the area.
The Methven Community Board will reduce from five to four elected and two appointed members - the two Western Ward councillors, while its boundary will extend to include properties on the periphery of the town accounting for recent development.
Public consultation on the initial proposal will take place from June 13 to July 21.
A hearing will consider any submissions and any potential amendments before adopting a final proposal for the representation arrangements for the next triennial election, scheduled for October 11, 2025.
Proposed population representation:
- Ashburton Ward: Ashburton town and Lake Hood. 21,220 residents, five members (ratio 4,244:1).
- Western Ward: The inland rural area of the district including Methven. 7640 residents, two members (ratio 3,820:1).
- Eastern Ward: Covers the seaward rural area of the district including Rakaia and Hinds. 7,860 residents, two members (ratio 3,930:1)
Big news in our community!
Ryman has been voted New Zealand’s Most Trusted Brand in Aged Care & Retirement Villages for the 10th time! So we want to say Thank You Aotearoa, for your continued trust and support. Together, we’ll continue building vibrant communities where everyone can … View moreBig news in our community!
Ryman has been voted New Zealand’s Most Trusted Brand in Aged Care & Retirement Villages for the 10th time! So we want to say Thank You Aotearoa, for your continued trust and support. Together, we’ll continue building vibrant communities where everyone can thrive.
Here’s to 10 more years of trust and excellence!
Click read more for more information.
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