Beach court delayed by sand shortage
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
A sandy sports court being installed outside the EA Networks Centre in Ashburton has been delayed due to a lack of sand.
The $30,000 project was scheduled to be completed by the end of June but it will now be carried over into the next financial year.
Council people and facilities group manager Sarah Mosley said contractors couldn't source the appropriate sand.
“A special beach-soft sand is required and that isn’t normally held by local quarries, hence the need to delay as the contractors have indicated this isn’t currently available to them.
“The project is working through the design and scoping stage, and will require boxing and a timber edge as well as some excavation.”
The court will be suitable for “beach sports” and be available for casual community use with bookings possible if the need arises, Mosley said.
To deter the sand court from becoming a community cat litterbox, there are plans for it to be covered when it's not in use, she said.
EA Networks Centre's new manager Richard Wood said the delay had a silver lining with it benefitting the investigation and planning for installing a new 18-hole mini golf course next to the sand court next year.
The up to $400,000 course – paid for from reserve contributions –will not be manned.
Balls and clubs will likely be available to rent from the EA Networks Centre but the public can bring their own ball and putter.
The court is not suitable for pétanque.
The Ashburton Petanque Club, which has been based at the MSA Bowling Club grounds, is on the lookout for a new home after the MSA's decision to sell the site.
Mosley said the council had spoken to the club last year and they had outlined its requirements would be for 15-20 piste – up to about 1200m2, and it hadn’t been included or requested in the 30-year master plan process.
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.
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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17.7% Hmm, maybe?
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9.7% Yes!
A riddle to start the festive season 🌲🎁🌟
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