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From reporter Lee Kenny:
A brand new preschool may never open because noise from a nearby road would be an “annoyance” to the children.
BestStart spent about $4 million on the land and building in Grey Way Rd, in Christchurch – which backs on to Yaldhurst Rd/State highway 73 – and a … View moreFrom reporter Lee Kenny:
A brand new preschool may never open because noise from a nearby road would be an “annoyance” to the children.
BestStart spent about $4 million on the land and building in Grey Way Rd, in Christchurch – which backs on to Yaldhurst Rd/State highway 73 – and a further $300,000 on equipment and fittings.
The firm submitted a licensing application to the Ministry of Education in October 2020, but it was declined over concerns about traffic noise, which at times exceeded 55 decibels.
The company then spent $250,000 following the ministry's guidance for remedial work, which included erecting a large canopy, adding acoustic panels to the exterior of the building and installing fencing with acoustic properties.
The noise was reduced from about 58 to 60 decibels to 56 or 57dB.
Under the ministry's licensing criteria for centre-based early childhood education services “all practicable steps (should be) taken to ensure noise levels do not unduly interfere with normal speech and/or communication, or cause any child attending distress or harm”.
BestStart hired two independent acoustic experts who said they had “taken all practicable steps to mitigate the noise” and it was at an acceptable level.
However, when the noise was measured against the World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines, a public health expert said the levels were still unacceptable.
The ministry's letter said the noise “was an annoyance”, rather than a health risk, said Fiona Hughes, deputy chief executive at BestStart.
“We can’t lodge another licence application because it has to include a clear Health Report,” she said.
“I requested a meeting with the MoE, but they declined saying I’d need to submit an application. So it’s going around in circles with one agency pointing to the other.”
Ministry of Education spokesperson Nancy Bell, said the ministry declined an application on January 21, 2021 as it did not meet licensing requirements. They had not received another application since.
They advised BestStart Riccarton Park on September 2 they needed an updated general report from Te Whatu Ora Health NZ Waitaha, which would include a noise assessment, before they submitted a new application, Bell said.
“This is because it is now nearly two years since the original health report which may be now out of date.”
The preschool now sits empty. Staff have been hired and there was a waiting list of almost 50 children aged between 3 months to 5 years old.
BestStart has more than 260 early childhood centres across the country and Hughes said they have “never had a challenge over noise” despite having many centres on busy roads.
“We do quite a robust due diligence process to make sure there is a need in the community, so we were quite well aware that there was,” she said.
“We were quite confident that this would be a good service to offer to the community.”
The company will now decide what to do with the site.
“We are at a crossroad,” Hughes said.
“Either we don't spend any more money, we've already sunk millions. Or we invest some more money and go down a legal route, or we find an alternative use for the building.”
Nourish the soil and the soil will nourish you! Healthy soil is at the very foundation of gardening success - and life itself - and this National Gardening Week Yates wants to help you grow good soil.
We’ve pulled together a bunch of ways to measure your soil health – how about planting a … View moreNourish the soil and the soil will nourish you! Healthy soil is at the very foundation of gardening success - and life itself - and this National Gardening Week Yates wants to help you grow good soil.
We’ve pulled together a bunch of ways to measure your soil health – how about planting a pair of undies to find out how healthy your soil is? Or try a quick “worm count” test, building a “compost jar” (great fun for kids) or do a food waste audit.
Plus we’ve easy to follow steps on how to turn your food scraps & garden waste into fabulous compost.
Sick of expensive veges from the supermarket? Purchase a subscription to the TV Guide for your chance to win 1 of 20 1-year seed subscriptions from Kings Seeds, worth $450. Delivered monthly to your home, what better way to go green and save money than growing your own food?
Purchase a 6 month, … View moreSick of expensive veges from the supermarket? Purchase a subscription to the TV Guide for your chance to win 1 of 20 1-year seed subscriptions from Kings Seeds, worth $450. Delivered monthly to your home, what better way to go green and save money than growing your own food?
Purchase a 6 month, 1 year, or 2 year subscription to the TV Guide before 31 October and you’ll automatically be placed in the draw to win. There are three different subscriptions to choose from to suit your needs; Vegetable seeds, Microgreen seeds, and Sprouting seeds. To view the T&Cs click here.
It’s easy to transform a tired timber fence into a stylish feature with Resene Lumbersider. Find out how to create your own.
9 Peebles Drive, Hei Hei.
4 Family, Saturday 15 Oct 8am-11/12pm.
Box of free stuff too.
Write it down and come!
Dear neighbours,
Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are now on the hunt for nasturtium recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by Oct 16, 2022. Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Vegetable Growing Made… View moreDear neighbours,
Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are now on the hunt for nasturtium recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by Oct 16, 2022. Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Vegetable Growing Made Easy.
The Auckland inner-city suburb of Kingsland has been named one of the world’s ‘coolest’ neighbourhoods in the annual survey from Time Out.
The UK media outlet received thousands of contributions from around the world and compiled the top 51 alongside local writers and editors. Kingsland … View moreThe Auckland inner-city suburb of Kingsland has been named one of the world’s ‘coolest’ neighbourhoods in the annual survey from Time Out.
The UK media outlet received thousands of contributions from around the world and compiled the top 51 alongside local writers and editors. Kingsland came in 43rd and was praised for its quirky shops and eclectic food scene.
Read more here.
But is it really the best ‘burb in the country? Tell us what your top pick is and why in the comments below.
Any hen breed considered, but would prefer Wyandotte or Shaver Brown
We have this seasons walnuts for sale…in the shell $8 kilo
Also, 2 year old walnuts for $5
Hey guys just seeing if there is any interest in my caravan very regretful sale however I don't have time to do her up, her vin number is somewhere on the A Frame the coupling I have for her is to small however you can weld steel on and bolt it on viewing would be Hei Hei and price is Ono She … View moreHey guys just seeing if there is any interest in my caravan very regretful sale however I don't have time to do her up, her vin number is somewhere on the A Frame the coupling I have for her is to small however you can weld steel on and bolt it on viewing would be Hei Hei and price is Ono She would be a beauty with time 😊
In one picture it looks like water damage but I can confirm is just from me ripping up the flooring 1 broken window but have the boarder for it.
CHRISTCHURCH PAEONY club have been invited to have a PAEONY display for HERITAGE WEEK at the Christchurch Chinese Association rooms 22 St Asaph St 9 - 4 Saturday 15th October. FREE Entry.
Please message me as I need to secure bottles to display the blooms. Could be on a borrow basis. :D Early … View moreCHRISTCHURCH PAEONY club have been invited to have a PAEONY display for HERITAGE WEEK at the Christchurch Chinese Association rooms 22 St Asaph St 9 - 4 Saturday 15th October. FREE Entry.
Please message me as I need to secure bottles to display the blooms. Could be on a borrow basis. :D Early Blooms would be great too if you have any. Many thanks.
Through Ryman’s bespoke model of dementia care, myRyman Life, our villages aim to challenge perspectives on dementia and to create inclusive communities where staff receive cutting-edge training, families can feel reassured, and residents can thrive.
At Ryman villages our focus is on … View moreThrough Ryman’s bespoke model of dementia care, myRyman Life, our villages aim to challenge perspectives on dementia and to create inclusive communities where staff receive cutting-edge training, families can feel reassured, and residents can thrive.
At Ryman villages our focus is on experience-based care rather than processes, enabling residents to live in the moment and to feel kindness, love and security.
Most of all, Ryman residents living with dementia are supported to continue doing the things that bring them joy so they can live fulfilled lives.
Gone now
Could do with a waterblast. Out the front of 26 Gainford st Avonhead
Monthly AEA Web Events
The AEA Web Event is a monthly online meeting where AEA members from all over the world come together to share their experience, strength and hope. Three members speak for 10 minutes each, followed by member sharing.
The AEA Web Event is held on the 3rd Sunday of … View moreMonthly AEA Web Events
The AEA Web Event is a monthly online meeting where AEA members from all over the world come together to share their experience, strength and hope. Three members speak for 10 minutes each, followed by member sharing.
The AEA Web Event is held on the 3rd Sunday of each month which is this Sunday 16th October at 9.00am.
ALL NEWCOMERS WELCOME.
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