Debate over meeting room names in Ashburton’s new library and civic centre
From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Naming meeting rooms in the new library and civic centre after primary schools better represents the district than “overused” rivers and lakes, councillor Richard Wilson says.
The Ashburton District Council was considering options for naming the 27 meeting spaces in the new library Te Pātaka o kā Tuhituhi and civic centre Te Waharoa a Hine Paaka.
The rooms will have an alpha-numeric naming system – signifying the floor level and room number – as well as a name, with both English and te reo Māori names wherever possible.
The recommendation was that the ground floor meeting rooms be named after the district’s rivers and lakes, the only meeting room on level one be named after the largest mountain, Mt Hutt/Ōpuke, and the level two meeting room theme be local flora and or fauna.
Wilson proposed an alternative option of naming rooms after local primary schools rather than the “common” usage of rivers and lakes.
“That would be a way of acknowledging all of the district.”
Assigning the names could be arranged by roll size and room size, he said, and would be “a great way to engage every school in the district” into the new library.
Mayor Neil Brown also wanted something reflecting the smaller areas of the district “which don’t get a mention anywhere” and as the schools are scattered across the district, he supported the suggestion.
There are 19 primary schools which would leave eight rooms requiring other names – with Mt Hutt/Opuke still an option for the level one room.
Councillor Lynette Lovett disagreed, believing the waterways run through district, providing the connection to all the communities.
The council moved to consider names of rivers, lakes, flora and fauna, mountains, and primary schools and will now engage with Te Rūnanga o Arowhenua for a final list of names for approval- a conversation that will occur alongside approval for other internal signage in te reo.
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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60% Yes, supporting people is important!
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25.7% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.3% ... 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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33.3% Yes - we like to be prepared
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50% Nah
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16.7% This is on my to-do list!
A Neighbourly Riddle! Don’t Overthink It… Or Do?😜
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!
If you multiply this number by any other number, the answer will always be the same. What number is this?
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