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From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
The $18m Fairfield Freight Hub is making steady progress towards being ready earlier than expected.
Wareing Group director Mark Wareing says that after five months of construction, things are tracking ahead of schedule thanks to a dry winter.
… View moreFrom local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
The $18m Fairfield Freight Hub is making steady progress towards being ready earlier than expected.
Wareing Group director Mark Wareing says that after five months of construction, things are tracking ahead of schedule thanks to a dry winter.
The completion date was October next year when construction began, based on the timing of doing the surface sealing after winter, he said.
“At this stage, we are on track to get that done before winter — so maybe April.”
That could mean the shunting yards could shift out of the centre of town early next year and out to the freight hub.
That was a pleasing progress report for the Ashburton District councillors and Rangitata MP Jo Luxton who were visiting the site.
The new rail siding, replacing and extending the old siding of the former Fairton freezing works, is nearing completion.
The only delay could be the installation of the new signals by KiwiRail, Wareing said.
Then the focus goes on preparing the 35,000sqm site for pavement sealing, which includes 1058m of kerb and channel around the outside.
The pavement is in two halves, truck only and container storage.
Contractors Fulton Hogan and Tarbotton Civil are working towards getting the truck-only side completed by the end of December.
The other half will then follow in the new year, followed by the construction of a storage shed and reefer towers.
“A reefer tower has power in it that you can keep a chilled or frozen container going.”
The hub will have the capacity for 120 containers to be kept chilled once all four reefer towers are completed.
Once operational the hub will process about 20,000 containers per year and moving the containers on rail will see a reduction of about 40,000 truck movements per year, Wareing said.
The installation of the Waka Kotahi’s weigh stations north of Rakaia could also be a boost for the hub Wareing said, with more operators looking to utilise rail.
The project is a tri-party commercial development led by the Wareing Group (which wholly owns Fairfield Freight Hub Ltd) with KiwiRail and the Ashburton District Council.
The council is contributing $2.3m to help fund the relocation of the rail yard from the town centre to the purpose-built facility at Fairton, which will be covered by funding from the Three Waters Reform Better Off Funding support package.
The Government is also chipping in with $2.5m from Waka Kotahi’s NZ Upgrade Programme.
Kia ora koutou, It’s Natalie here from Whakaata Māori (formerly Māori TV) and I’m excited to tell you about this fabulous new TV show called "West Coasters".
It's an intimate documentary series that gives us a peek into the lives of a Māori community here in the rugged Te… View moreKia ora koutou, It’s Natalie here from Whakaata Māori (formerly Māori TV) and I’m excited to tell you about this fabulous new TV show called "West Coasters".
It's an intimate documentary series that gives us a peek into the lives of a Māori community here in the rugged Te Tai ō Poutini region of the South Island. What sets it apart is its authenticity, showcasing their deep connection to the land and their dreams for the future. The Arahura River, flowing through their ancestral lands with its revered pounamu, plays a central role. It's a show that'll truly move you – don't miss it !
West Coasters – Mane Monday 7.30pm on Whakaata Māori or streaming on Māori+
We've randomly drawn five members to win our $100 petrol vouchers. Congratulations to:
Lucy Ye of Fairview Heights
Juan Smith of Invercargill
Charlotte Hassmann-Watts of Napier
Bob Sanders of Tauranga
Crystal Williamson of Christchurch
Winners, you can claim your prize here before … View moreWe've randomly drawn five members to win our $100 petrol vouchers. Congratulations to:
Lucy Ye of Fairview Heights
Juan Smith of Invercargill
Charlotte Hassmann-Watts of Napier
Bob Sanders of Tauranga
Crystal Williamson of Christchurch
Winners, you can claim your prize here before the 19th of September. Enjoy!
Goodbye electric blanket, hello picnic blanket! That's right, spring is finally here.
Nowhere else does spring like your own backyard and we want to prove it...
So show us a snap of spring in your neighbourhood whether it's of your vibrant garden or a photo of some adorable baby … View moreGoodbye electric blanket, hello picnic blanket! That's right, spring is finally here.
Nowhere else does spring like your own backyard and we want to prove it...
So show us a snap of spring in your neighbourhood whether it's of your vibrant garden or a photo of some adorable baby lambs - anything that captures the magic of spring for you. Share your snaps below!
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
She saved the town’s water fountain and now has her sights set on saving the Tinwald pool.
Christina Cox was shocked to learn the council’s decision not to open the Tinwald Pool this summer and launched a campaign to gather community support to … View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
She saved the town’s water fountain and now has her sights set on saving the Tinwald pool.
Christina Cox was shocked to learn the council’s decision not to open the Tinwald Pool this summer and launched a campaign to gather community support to ensure it’s only a temporary measure.
“I couldn’t believe they were even thinking about it.”
When the council had planned to relocate the town centre water fountain in 2019, Cox started a petition to help halt the plan.
Now she has started a similar campaign for the pool.
“I’d love it to be saved.”
Members of the community feel the same with her online petition already closing in on 500 signatures.
Cox used to be on a Tinwald pool committee when her children were younger, spending plenty of time poolside and has started taking her grandchildren to the pool.
The domain has had recent upgrades adding in a basketball court and now plans for a disc golf course, but is taking away the pool, she said.
“It doesn’t make sense.”
The pool has a series of problems that has caused the council the close it for the summer, but they are solvable problems, Cox said.
“I don’t know about the solution but considering it’s the only outdoor pool in town that’s open to the public, they should be coming up with solutions.”
It’s leaking 17,000 litres a day from unknown locations and the ageing treatment equipment that is close to failing requires a significant and costly rebuild.
The pool had a $66,000 loss in the 2021-22 season which had its highest patronage.
The pool had limited operating hours last summer due to a staffing shortage, with a lack of lifeguards also impacting the hours at EA Networks Centre pools.
The combination of issues caused the councillors to make the difficult decision to close the pool this summer and will consider the options for the pool, including an estimated $3m rebuild, in the long-term plan.
In the meantime, Cox hopes the pool gets enough community support to convince the council the pool needs to be retained.
The closure means that Ashburton will be without an outdoor pool this summer unless the council strikes up a deal with Hampstead School.
Otherwise, the option is the EA Networks Centre’s pools or a drive out of town to one of the other district pools at Hinds, Mayfield, Ruapuna, Mt Somers, Rakaia, or the non-council pools like in Methven.
Is there anyone near Oxford that can prune my apple trees and a small hazel nut hedge . Can pay at a reasonable hourly rate .
Cheers
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If you have family who have been feeling cold in their home through winter, help may be at hand to make their home warm, dry, and healthy.
They might be eligible for Warmer Kiwi Homes, a government grant offering 80% - 90% of the cost of ceiling and underfloor insulation, and up to 80% off an … View moreIf you have family who have been feeling cold in their home through winter, help may be at hand to make their home warm, dry, and healthy.
They might be eligible for Warmer Kiwi Homes, a government grant offering 80% - 90% of the cost of ceiling and underfloor insulation, and up to 80% off an energy-efficient heater, like a heat pump.
In August, the eligibility criteria were extended so over 50,000 more homes are eligible for insulation grants. It gets better - there are lots of community organisations offering extra funding to reduce the cost further.
Go to our website to check their eligibility, today.
NZ House & Garden is giving your family the chance to win an iconic Heirloom Legacy Pan worth $399 thanks to Ironclad Pan Co. Each pan comes with your family name stamped on the base to make sure it’s cherished for generations to come.
To be in to WIN, … View moreNZ House & Garden is giving your family the chance to win an iconic Heirloom Legacy Pan worth $399 thanks to Ironclad Pan Co. Each pan comes with your family name stamped on the base to make sure it’s cherished for generations to come.
To be in to WIN, purchase a 1 or 2-year NZ House & Garden subscription before midnight on 17 September and you’ll automatically go in the draw. Returning subscribers can also enter by renewing at the advertised rate. T&Cs apply.
The team at NZ House & Garden.
Christchurch City Council needs a new way to manage green bin organics. Residents say odours from the Organics Processing Plant in Bromley are affecting their health and quality of life.
A permanent solution won’t be up and running for another three to five years. Something is needed sooner, … View moreChristchurch City Council needs a new way to manage green bin organics. Residents say odours from the Organics Processing Plant in Bromley are affecting their health and quality of life.
A permanent solution won’t be up and running for another three to five years. Something is needed sooner, so five short-term options are being considered.
This change affects everyone, to learn more and give your feedback.
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From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
It leaks 17,000 litres a day, has a failing plant and staffing issues so the Tinwald Pool will not open this summer to avoid being a drain on the ratepayers.
The future of the pool will be decided in the upcoming long-term plan (LTP) process.
… View moreFrom local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
It leaks 17,000 litres a day, has a failing plant and staffing issues so the Tinwald Pool will not open this summer to avoid being a drain on the ratepayers.
The future of the pool will be decided in the upcoming long-term plan (LTP) process.
Graham Ackroyd, a Tinwald resident all his life and on the Tinwald Reserve Board for 20 years, understands the motives behind the closure of the pool but said it will still come as a shock to the community.
“If you can’t staff something and it needs a lot of maintenance, it’s pretty hard.
“It’s a great asset and it would be a shame to see it close completely.
The pool's issues weren’t insurmountable but would need community support to get the funding it needs, he said.
The outdoor pool has been leaking about 17,000 litres a day each season, its plant is failing, and a rebuild of the 50-year-old pool is estimated to cost at least $3m.
The pool has also been a drain on ratepayers.
The pool’s highest patronage in any one season of 3050 in the 2020-/21 season resulted in a financial loss of $66,000.
On top of the leaks, failing plant, and financial constraints, the pool has been hampered by staffing issues with a lifeguard shortage.
All of the factors combined for the Ashburton District Council to decide not to open the pool this summer and to consider its future LTP.
Councillor Tony Todd said the closure was “a sound business decision over the emotional side of it".
“We have a pool that’s losing 17,000 litres a day which probably isn’t a good look.”
Staff issues, low patronage and the “true cost is $22 per head” means a replacement facility needs consideration in the LTP, he said.
“And if a new pool is actually needed.”
Deputy mayor Liz McMillan suggested changing to a pool key system that doesn’t require lifeguards like at rural community pools.
As Tinwald has the potential to have up to 300 swimmers, and the key system model is more suited to lower usage, people and capability general manager Sarah Mosely said.
It also wouldn’t solve the leaking issues or financial constraints, she said.
Reduced opening hours were an option but as that retained fixed costs and is at the whim of the weather it was overlooked.
Hampstead School’s pool is a possible option as a temporary alternative but the issue of staffing “doesn’t stop by going to another pool”, Mosely said.
The pool closure was disappointing but with the EA Networks pools residents are not missing out, mayor Neil Brown said.
“Maybe slightly disadvantaged if you live in Tinwald, but you still have an option to still keep swimming”.
Step into a world of nostalgia and charm at our enchanting Vintage Fair Join us for a delightful journey back in time, where treasures from yesteryears come alive. Immerse yourself in a tapestry of vintage fashion, antique collectibles, and timeless home decor, curated with love and care. Lose … View moreStep into a world of nostalgia and charm at our enchanting Vintage Fair Join us for a delightful journey back in time, where treasures from yesteryears come alive. Immerse yourself in a tapestry of vintage fashion, antique collectibles, and timeless home decor, curated with love and care. Lose yourself in a maze of stalls, each offering a unique blend of forgotten stories and enduring beauty. Whether you're an avid collector, a lover of all things retro, or simply seeking inspiration, our Vintage Market promises an unforgettable experience. So mark your calendar, gather your friends, and get ready to embark on a captivating adventure into the past, where every find has a tale to tell.
All stall holder fees are to be donated to Riding for the Disabled - North Canterbury for October’s Vintage Fair
Refresh your outdoor spaces with Resene Lumbersider and Resene Walk-on with these easy ideas.
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Methven locals will be able to sleep soundly next time it starts raining without worrying about boil water notices.
The $9.4 million Methven water supply upgrade is in the final phase of testing and could be online next week, Ashburton District … View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Methven locals will be able to sleep soundly next time it starts raining without worrying about boil water notices.
The $9.4 million Methven water supply upgrade is in the final phase of testing and could be online next week, Ashburton District Council’s infrastructure and open spaces group manager Neil McCann says.
“So no more boil water notices.”
The end to the troublesome boil water with the new membrane treatment plant coming online will be a big relief to the community, including Methven resident and deputy mayor Liz McMillan.
“We’ll be able to sleep now when it starts raining,” McMillan said.
Methven Community Board chairperson, Kelvin Holmes, said it’s a good result.
“It’s a lot of expense and let’s hope it does what it’s supposed to do.”
What it is supposed to do is solve the turbidity [cloudiness issues that have plagued the town’s water supply during heavy rainfall.
The new membrane treatment plant will use ultrafiltration technology, providing a barrier that removes 99.9% of micro-sized contaminant, McCann said.
The water will then be disinfected with UV light and chlorine, and fluoride added, before being stored in the new reservoirs and distributed via the town’s drinking water supply pipe network.
“We hope to be able to use the two reservoirs this week and we hope to be producing from the new treatment plant in the next week or so.
Commissioning of the new plant is expected to be completed this week with full operational testing and fine-tuning of the plant will starting on Monday, and it could then start servicing Methven by Wednesday, McCann said.
An official opening is planned for October 6 followed by a public open day on October 7, McCann said.
The old concrete reservoir tank structural integrity is being investigated but it doesn’t look like it will be worth retaining, McCann said.
“It’s not looking like we’ll be able to use that.
“The amount of money to fix it up is just not economically viable.”
Dear neighbours, we're looking forward to spring and summer, and strawberries! Well, right now particularly we are looking for strawberry recipes for the magazine. Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by September 17, 2023. Every published recipe wins a copy of the November issue of… View moreDear neighbours, we're looking forward to spring and summer, and strawberries! Well, right now particularly we are looking for strawberry recipes for the magazine. Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by September 17, 2023. Every published recipe wins a copy of the November issue of NZ Gardener.
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