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.
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Many New Zealand gardens aren’t seeing as many monarch butterflies fluttering around their swan plants and flower beds these days — the hungry Asian paper wasp has been taking its toll.
Thanks to people like Alan Baldick, who’s made it his mission to protect the monarch, his neighbours still get to enjoy these beautiful butterflies in their own backyards.
Thinking about planting something to invite more butterflies, bees, and birds into your garden?
Thanks for your mahi, Alan! We hope this brings a smile!
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Have you seen Rowena?
Police are urgently appealing for sightings of Rowena, 39, reported missing from Christchurch.
She was reported missing to Police on 22 October 2025, and was last seen on 14 August 2025. Rowena hasn’t been in contact with her children and her family are worried for her safety.
Police investigating her disappearance have identified her as being in Auckland, Tauranga and Christchurch in the recent months prior to her missing person report being made.
If you have seen Rowena, or have any information regarding her whereabouts, please contact us immediately.
You can contact us via 105 either over the phone or online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report” and referencing file number 251022/9026.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
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