Methven community weighs in on reserve development
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
There is growing community interest to develop a tract of unused land in Methven.
The Methven Community Board held a public meeting this week to gauge community interest in the council reserve land behind the Garden of Harmony.
Board chairperson Kelvin Holmes said there was no plan for the site other than it being home to the historic RDR pipeshed.
The community board were after some community direction to see if there was a desire to develop it, and what that could entail.
The Methven Lions have already proposed to turn the site into a native bird sanctuary, launching the Methven Birdsong Initiative.
Spokesperson Mac McElwain said the vision is to create a new native habitat on the vacant council-owned land behind the Garden of Harmony – an area of council land already turned into a planted area with walkways.
They have set about gauging public interest and had 340 responses to a survey with 95% support, he said.
“Unless the community is onside and participating, we shouldn’t do it.
“We need to be certain the community will be on board as it has to be community run and maintained.”
The Methven Community Board will discuss it further and how to progress at its meeting on Monday.
There was also a pest control workshop held in Methven on Thursday as part of the process of establishing a trap library ahead of establishing the native sanctuary, McElwain said.
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?
-
59.8% Yes, supporting people is important!
-
25.9% No, individuals should take responsibility
-
14.4% ... It is complicated
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?
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.
Loading…
