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From reporter Hamish McNeilly:
The man behind the country’s only covered stadium could only watch as booking after booking was cancelled.
In early 2020, about 500 events – ranging from community events to large concerts, some even yet to be announced – were cancelled at facilities … View moreFrom reporter Hamish McNeilly:
The man behind the country’s only covered stadium could only watch as booking after booking was cancelled.
In early 2020, about 500 events – ranging from community events to large concerts, some even yet to be announced – were cancelled at facilities managed by Dunedin Venues Management Ltd, including Forsyth Barr Stadium.
“Initially it was like, you are out of business, you are finished,” chief executive Terry Davies said.
“It has been a roller coaster, a brutal three years, and now we are into some interesting times.”
In February 2020, the stadium hosted both Elton John and Queen, attracting more than 65,000 fans. Within weeks, the global Covid-19 pandemic effectively shut down the event industry.
Davies said the company had to cut about 60% of its staff, “through no fault of their own”.
In January, the Red Hot Chili Peppers were the first international act to return to the stadium in three years, attracting 28,166 punters.
Davies said that number could have been even higher, but the concert was held before most students returned to the city for the academic year.
The concert, which included support from Post Malone, injected an estimated $10.52 million into Dunedin’s economy.
A survey found about 58% of concert goers came from outside of Dunedin – mostly from Canterbury.
The visitors stayed an average of 1.8 nights and spent about $660 per person – not including their concert ticket. Of those surveyed, 87% rated the concert experience highly, and 92% said they would attend more major events at the venue.
Major events are now returning in force. Local heroes Six60 recently played the stadium, while Rod Stewart and Cyndi Lauper are set to play on April 5. Pop star Pink’s March 2024 show had almost sold out already, Davies said.
Christchurch’s $683m Te Kaha stadium – due to be completed in April 2026 – would create a “bidding game” between the South Island’s two biggest cities for large international acts, but Dunedin was ready to compete, Davies said.
“If anyone in Christchurch thinks building a stadium will stop any content coming to Dunedin [they’re] delusional, because that is not going to happen.”
From reporter Hamish McNeilly:
Dunedin’s one way system looks likely to be retained as one of the country’s largest infrastructure project is built in the middle of it.
The Dunedin City Council will debate options for State Highway 1 through the city when councillors meet on Monday.
… View moreFrom reporter Hamish McNeilly:
Dunedin’s one way system looks likely to be retained as one of the country’s largest infrastructure project is built in the middle of it.
The Dunedin City Council will debate options for State Highway 1 through the city when councillors meet on Monday.
Two options are to be considered: retaining the existing one-way system – with enhancements – or creating a two-way option. A report to councillors recommends they endorse the former.
As work ramps up on the new $1.4 billion Dunedin Hospital project, the council was working alongside the likes of Waka Kotahi and the Otago Regional Council to manage the disruption to traffic.
Late last year, Waka Kotahi supported retaining the existing one-way network, while making safety and amenity improvements, but the city council supported the two-way option.
Both the council and the agency agreed to undertake more work looking at both options.
The council’s report noted there was an opportunity to improve the amenity of the existing one-way option by reducing parking and changing the width of the existing cycleways.
The two-way option would allow for significantly improved amenities, including tree planting and garden beds on the existing northbound one-way, and reduced parking. However, no amenity improvements could be made on the existing southbound route.
The two-way option would result in increased travel times, with modelling indicating that there was only capacity for about 85% of expected vehicle demand by 2028, which would possibly drive motorists onto other roads.
While both options were similar in terms of affordability and safety, the two-way option scored better for liveability, travel choice, connectivity and carbon zero goals.
Waka Kotahi would continue to own, operate, and maintain both the north and southbound lanes of the state highway network, but that would not be the case if Cumberland St became a local road.
Council staff requested flexibility in the design so the configuration of the state highway could be reconsidered in the future.
A report noted the northbound one-way lanes had 15,600 vehicle movements each day, of which 600 were trucks, while the southbound one-way lanes had 14,200 vehicle movements daily, including 500 trucks.
Retaining the one-way system was a key part of last year’s election campaign by mayor Jules Radich and his Team Dunedin ticket.
From reporter Debbie Jamieson:
Queenstown ratepayers are facing more leaky homes claims but none as large as those behind a proposed average 13.6% rate rise this year.
The Queenstown Lakes District Council – which covers Queenstown and Wānaka and surrounding areas – settled last year … View moreFrom reporter Debbie Jamieson:
Queenstown ratepayers are facing more leaky homes claims but none as large as those behind a proposed average 13.6% rate rise this year.
The Queenstown Lakes District Council – which covers Queenstown and Wānaka and surrounding areas – settled last year with the body corporate of the Oaks Shore apartments, which claimed $163 million for leaky building repairs.
The exact settlement figure was confidential, but the council was taking out a loan to pay the claim.
It was covering other claims also, including one for the neighbouring property Oaks Club Resort, thought to be about $50m.
The impact of the interest costs meant the claims contributed to nearly a third of the massive rates increase for the coming financial year, documents show.
If the claim was paid in a single year the rates increase would be “horrendous” and in the “hundreds of percents”, council finance manager Stewart Burns said during a council meeting on Thursday.
Councillor Esther Whitehead asked what assurances the council could provide that ratepayers would not face another increase due to leaky home claims.
Burns said the council was currently facing three or four claims, but none were on the scale of the two Oaks properties.
Properties caught in the leaky home legislation were built between 15 and 20 years ago.
Claims had to be made within 10 years of a property’s completion.
The council was reaching the end of that period, he said.
Council standards for building inspections and consents have improved in the last 20 years.
The building inspection and consent processes at the time of the construction of the affected buildings was also a contributing factor, he said.
“The standard we have to meet these days compared to 20 years ago is quite different, and we are audited regularly on those services.
“We certainly have got a lot of confidence that the way we operate now is appropriate.”
Draft annual plan documents show how increases in interest rates, depreciation expenses and record-high inflation have also contributed to the region’s rates increase.
To lessen the rates rise, the council is planning to defer $106.7m in projects, including a Wānaka water treatment plant, a new reservoir at Quail Rise, and a Queenstown water treatment plant at Two Mile.
Increases in some user fees such as building consents, animal registration, and sport and recreational services are also proposed.
The council is undertaking public consultation on the draft annual plan.
Our 2023 Local Business Hero Awards nomination phase closes on Sunday. Neighbours - you only have a few more days to nominate a favourite local business to give them a chance to win an incredible $10,000 package.
Show your support for your local today by nominating them to be this year's … View moreOur 2023 Local Business Hero Awards nomination phase closes on Sunday. Neighbours - you only have a few more days to nominate a favourite local business to give them a chance to win an incredible $10,000 package.
Show your support for your local today by nominating them to be this year's Prospa Local Business Hero!
Nothing is less predictable than the weather.
Ryman villages are designed to be safe havens, we prepare for adverse events, so you don’t have to. In an emergency, we’ll take care of everything, to ensure sure that you and those you treasure most have exactly what you need.
Rest assured, … View moreNothing is less predictable than the weather.
Ryman villages are designed to be safe havens, we prepare for adverse events, so you don’t have to. In an emergency, we’ll take care of everything, to ensure sure that you and those you treasure most have exactly what you need.
Rest assured, you’re in safe hands.
check out my trademe listings heaps of clothing homewares, antique items
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Increase your chances to win this brand-new, fully-furnished home located just north of Auckland in the stunning beachside town of Mangawhai.
Valued at over $1.4 million and built to perfection by Jennian homes, this brand-new home features three-bedrooms, two-bathrooms and boasts an open-plan … View moreIncrease your chances to win this brand-new, fully-furnished home located just north of Auckland in the stunning beachside town of Mangawhai.
Valued at over $1.4 million and built to perfection by Jennian homes, this brand-new home features three-bedrooms, two-bathrooms and boasts an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area.
Make this property your permanent residence, a holiday home, a rental or even sell it. Tickets only $15 – get in quick and purchase more tickets today.
Emergency services are responding to a crash on Police Street near the intersection with Crawford Street.
At around 7.55am this morning, Police were alerted that a truck had rolled and the road is now blocked. The badly damaged car is on the Princes St side of Police St and the truck, which … View moreEmergency services are responding to a crash on Police Street near the intersection with Crawford Street.
At around 7.55am this morning, Police were alerted that a truck had rolled and the road is now blocked. The badly damaged car is on the Princes St side of Police St and the truck, which crashed into a line of parked cars, is on the Cumberland St side.
The one-way is closed between the intersections of Andersons Bay Road and Jetty St with traffic being diverted down Vogel St.Traffic management is being put in place but there is already significant traffic build-up in the area.
Police are asking motorists to take alternative routes where possible and avoid the area around the crash.
Dunedin drivers using SH88, the highway to and from Port Chalmers, need to build in some extra time for getting through the roundabout near the stadium this long weekend.
Anzac Ave will be closed at the roundabout, which will be managed with traffic signals for all three days.
The highway … View moreDunedin drivers using SH88, the highway to and from Port Chalmers, need to build in some extra time for getting through the roundabout near the stadium this long weekend.
Anzac Ave will be closed at the roundabout, which will be managed with traffic signals for all three days.
The highway surface between the roundabout and Ravensbourne Lookout is being upgraded by Waka Kotahi crews working double shifts night and day.
The site would be under temporary traffic lights, 24 hours a day from Friday evening, March 17, to Tuesday morning after Otago’s Anniversary holiday on Monday,” Waka Kotahi Otago journey manager Nicole Felts said.
Anzac Avenue would be closed at the roundabout and Parry St East will be closed at SH88.
“Drivers from Port Chalmers heading to Dunedin will be managed with Stop/Go at the Ravensbourne end of the site. When released, they will travel through the site, enter the roundabout and exit onto SH88 behind the stadium to continue towards the city. They will not be able to travel around the roundabout to the third exit onto Anzac Ave," Felts said.
“Traffic heading from Dunedin towards Port Chalmers will use SH88 behind the stadium, enter the roundabout at the temporary traffic lights and exit onto SH88 heading towards Ravensbourne and Port Chalmers. Anzac Avenue will be closed.
“Drivers on Parry St East will need to give way to traffic entering the roundabout from Port Chalmers (as per normal road rules) and then must exit the roundabout onto SH88 heading south towards Dunedin.
“Any drivers from Parry St East wanting to travel towards Port Chalmers will have a signed detour route via Ward St, which will bring them back onto SH88 to head towards Port Chalmers.”
Emergency services would be prioritised through the site as efficiently and safely as possible.
The work has been timed for this long Otago anniversary weekend to avoid times when there is other work under way on SH88. Limiting the roundabout’s exit and entry points will help keep wait times down.
There is likely to be work continuing on Tuesday, March 21 under this or a similar traffic management set-up but it will be limited to off peak hours (9am to 3pm).
Primary, secondary and kindergarten teachers are striking this week as they look for a pay offer that meets inflation at 7.2% and makes concessions around staffing issues - in particular, student to teacher ratios.
A ratio of 1 teacher for 23 students applies for year 11 students, however … View morePrimary, secondary and kindergarten teachers are striking this week as they look for a pay offer that meets inflation at 7.2% and makes concessions around staffing issues - in particular, student to teacher ratios.
A ratio of 1 teacher for 23 students applies for year 11 students, however support staff can be counted as teachers so the reality is that class sizes can be much higher.
What do you think are the ideal sizes for classrooms?
Type NFP alongside your comments if you don't wish these to be shared in the We Say You Say column of the local paper.
We can see you're paying a lot for your broadband each month (we'll have some helpful advice on that soon)! Now let's shine the spot light on Power! The other BIG bill Kiwis are juggling.
We know usage can fluctuate quite a bit meaning so would your bill but to keep it simple, … View moreWe can see you're paying a lot for your broadband each month (we'll have some helpful advice on that soon)! Now let's shine the spot light on Power! The other BIG bill Kiwis are juggling.
We know usage can fluctuate quite a bit meaning so would your bill but to keep it simple, how much does your power bill usually come to?
Know the friendliest barista around? Does your mechanic always go the extra mile? Got a lawn-mowing legend? Hairdresser hero?
Give your favourite local business the recognition they deserve by nominating them in the 2023 Prospa Local Business Hero awards.
There's been hundreds of … View moreKnow the friendliest barista around? Does your mechanic always go the extra mile? Got a lawn-mowing legend? Hairdresser hero?
Give your favourite local business the recognition they deserve by nominating them in the 2023 Prospa Local Business Hero awards.
There's been hundreds of incredible entries already but don't forget to nominate your local this week. The recognition will make their day (and they're in with a chance to win a $10,000 package!).
Share a few words about your favourite local now.
Internet is something we need these days for work, study, keeping in touch with loved ones or just to watch a movie! It's another bill to manage right?!
With the cost of living rising, we want to know how much your broadband bill is setting you back each month?
Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are still on the hunt for amazing and inventive jerusalem artichoke recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by March 26, 2023. Every published recipe wins a copy of the May issue of NZ … View moreEvery month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are still on the hunt for amazing and inventive jerusalem artichoke recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by March 26, 2023. Every published recipe wins a copy of the May issue of NZ Gardener.
When you think weddings, you think pampering, gloss and fuss.
You probably don’t imagine a seven-hour slog uphill, sweat and nachos.
But that is exactly what one couple chose for their big day when they hiked to the remote Lake Wilson, off the Routeburn Track.
The Valley of the Trolls, … View moreWhen you think weddings, you think pampering, gloss and fuss.
You probably don’t imagine a seven-hour slog uphill, sweat and nachos.
But that is exactly what one couple chose for their big day when they hiked to the remote Lake Wilson, off the Routeburn Track.
The Valley of the Trolls, complete with swampland and thick tussocks, doesn’t necessarily sound all that romantic either, but for bride Luana Schramme the tramp through the valley to her stunning wedding spot was “magical”.
Schramme, 27, and her husband Bernardo Araujo, 29, weren’t alone for their wilderness wedding – they had seven friends, a photographer and a celebrant join them on the 34km trip for the unusual ceremony.
Read the full story from reporter Olivia Caldwell here. Congratulations to the newlyweds!
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