Stronger powers sought for derelict buildings
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Stronger laws that encourage landlords to maintain the upkeep of commercial buildings have the support of Ashburton’s mayor.
Councils want stronger laws to allow them to take action on unoccupied buildings plaguing many cities and towns in New Zealand.
The push has been led by the Gisborne District Council and gained support from the Local Government NZ membership – including the Ashburton District Council.
Mayor Neil Brown said that support doesn’t guarantee changes will be made but that LGNZ will put pressure on the Government to take a look at it.
The Building Act 2004 allows a council to step in only once a building has become unsanitary or dangerous.
Councils want to be able to take proactive action on unoccupied or deteriorating buildings.
“There are those buildings all over the country, including here,” Brown said.
Gisborne had submitted images of its derelict buildings, including the Masonic Hotel which hosted the Queen in 1954.
“They are not as bad as one in Ashburton.
“It’s an eyesore in the middle of town. It’s not a good look.”
That building is likely the Bruce Printing building on Burnett St, which has been in a progressive state of demolition since the 2011 Christchurch earthquake.
The building owner was granted consent for the demolition in 2012 but it carries no enforceable deadline.
LGNZ president and Selwyn mayor Sam Broughton said the councils are collectively asking the minister for building and construction to investigate the issue and give councils more powers to do something about the buildings on behalf of the community.
“This isn’t the first time we have asked a government to take action on unoccupied buildings, but we hope this Government will take it seriously and make the necessary changes,” Broughton said.
*LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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Poll: Are quality products on the decline?
Gift-giving looks a lot different these days when you can pick up super-cheap goods made overseas. But do they last?
Do you have any old items like appliances, electronics or clothing that have stood the test of time? Share below!
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Kmart duvet recall
Kmart will be recalling a number of their Anko duvet sets.
What you need to know:
- The recall is involving Christmas-themed duvets: Mrs & Mrs Claus Reversible Queen Size Bed Quilt Cover Set and Christmas Elf Reversible Single Bed Quilt Cover Set
- A recall of the products began in Australia following health concerns from several families.
- One woman said she thought she was having a heart attack after using one of the products which smelt of diesel.
- One customer said she’d purchased the quilt covers and said they smelled like gas. Another mum said hers did not have that smell but claimed her son developed a rash that only went away when he stopped using the product.
- The product is no longer available for purchase on the Kmart website.
Regardless of whether you have experienced an issue, customers who have purchased this item may return the product to store for a refund.
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