Silver linings from severe storm
From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
A storm has proved the catalyst for an extension of the Methven cemetery and an upgrade to the walkway.
It is just over a year since strong winds decimated the treeline at the cemetery and the area has been reestablished including the section of the town’s popular walkway.
Methven Lions spokesman Mac McElwain said they had just completed a reseal of the shingle walkway along the cemetery edge only for it to be “completely wrecked”.
“All the trees came down and the roots ripped up so what we had laid 10 days earlier just disappeared,” he said.
The council cleared away the debris and the roots, a repair job estimated to cost about $70,000, enabling it to extend the cemetery area, future-proofing the site.
The Lions had to reinstate a new walkway path along the eastern edge of the cemetery which forms part of a loop track around the town that the Lions spent the last year reshingling.
What remained of the tree line has been transformed into a bund and the Lions also chipped in with a council-run planting day at the end of October.
“The whole thing has been a collaborative venture between lions and the council,” McElwain said.
About 2500 native species were planted on the newly created bund made from the rubble of the damaged tree extraction, while several Sequoiadendron giganteum (Wellingtonia) have been planted alongside the walkway.
A strip of native planting is planned for the inside of the reinstated track to separate it from the cemetery.
McElwain said the council and Lions plan to install a new track linkage from the bridge to the domain, along the rodeo arena fence line, and plant a new coniferous hedge adjacent to it.
The Lions also launched a special clean-up project for the headstones in the cemetery last year
“Since that storm and the necessary thinning out of all the trees, it's allowed a lot more light and wind through the cemetery itself, and with a bit of spray from us the effect on the headstones has been extraordinary.”
A memorial seat that was recovered from under the fallen trees has been repositioned in a new location and further seating is planned to be added once more planting is completed next winter where the council hopes to work with local schools.
Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.
Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔
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72.6% We work hard, we deserve a break!
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16.7% Hmm, maybe?
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10.8% Yes!
Brain Teaser of the Day 🧠✨ Can You Solve It? 🤔💬
How many balls of string does it take to reach the moon?
(Peter from Carterton kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Peter!)
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Poll: Pedestrian access is being extended to the Ōtakaro Avon River - good idea?
Pedestrian access from one of Christchurch’s favourite streets is being extended all the way to the Ōtakaro Avon River. This new 12m-wide pathway will give you a direct, easy route from the street to the river promenade ... perfect for a stroll, a coffee run, or just soaking up the riverside vibes.
We want to know: In your view, what makes a city people-friendly?
What else should our urban areas be doing to support better community connections?
Curious about the full plans? You can check them out here.
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91.4% Yes
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8.6% No
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