Ashburton developers want ruling to ‘dispose’ of park
From local democracy reporter Adam Burns:
Councillors will decide in the coming days as to whether it will allow the disposal of a small neighbourhood park, smoothing the road for a planned subdivision.
A request by developers for the Ashbury Grove subdivision to "dispose" Tinwald's Grove Street Park was reviewed at an extraordinary Ashburton District Council meeting on Wednesday.
The bid to discard the 880-square-metre council-owned park was so road access could be built to the subdivision. More than 30 property sections on land adjoining Grahams Rd and Groves St would be established if the development goes ahead.
Ashbury developers GS Holdings Ltd have previously come in for criticism around the council table for advertising sections to the public before a sub-division consent had been granted.
GS Holdings have proposed a bigger park for the planned development and are prepared to contribute $100,000 of playground equipment.
Ashbury Grove project manager Andrew Mason again defended how the process had unfolded at this week's meeting, in response to a suggestion by councillor Stuart Wilson that the firm was "presumptious".
"It's quite common and council have received a plan as part of our subdivision consent application that shows an alternate design," Mason said.
"On balance we thought this was a better outcome for the community."
About 80 per cent of a total 45 submissions backed the move to discard the park. Seven of 18 submitters from the Tinwald area were opposed, four of whom lived next door to the park.
The developers have previously said subdivision plans would continue if council blocked the proposal.
A decision on the proposal will be made at Wednesday's council meeting.
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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59.3% Yes, supporting people is important!
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26.2% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.5% ... 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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42.9% Yes - we like to be prepared
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46.4% Nah
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10.7% This is on my to-do list!
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
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