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From reporter Hamish McNeilly:
A potential u-turn over Dunedin’s George St makeover has been stopped in its tracks.
A report to the Dunedin City Council’s Infrastructure Services Committee noted incorporating flexibility – from the current one-way proposal to a two-way – would result … View moreFrom reporter Hamish McNeilly:
A potential u-turn over Dunedin’s George St makeover has been stopped in its tracks.
A report to the Dunedin City Council’s Infrastructure Services Committee noted incorporating flexibility – from the current one-way proposal to a two-way – would result in increased costs of potentially up to $1m a month.
It comes after mayor Jules Radich called for “a mid-project review” late last year, as he was sceptical about the value of a more pedestrian-friendly space and wanted to “minimise future expense if modification is deemed necessary”.
The report to council found any changes could involve the removal of planter beds, relocation of signals, and a change to kerbs to separate vehicles from passengers.
Any change could also result in “reputational risk” for the council, the report noted.
Work on the retail quarter began in October 2021, with work completed on Frederick St, London St and the ‘Farmers Block’ of George St.
Meanwhile, work has begun on the ‘Golden Block’ of George St – the main retail shopping block of Dunedin.
The forecast spend for the George St upgrade, which is set to be completed in early 2024, was $51m, including $23m for Three Waters upgrades.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi was contributing $12m for work above ground.
The committee heard debate on how much it would cost to end that contract, to which council chief executive Sandy Graham replied it "would be costly".
Radich said the council’s report, which includes options for flexibility for the project, was "insufficient".
The majority of the redeveloped George St was designed to be a one-way shared space.
Josh von Pein, council project manager of major projects, said: “The work was a complex project complicated by what was encountered during excavation.
“We have known knowns and known unknowns.”
Councillor Jim O’Malley, the committee’s chairperson, noted 60% of the work had been completed, with delays costing up to $5m depending on how long those delays continued.
He noted the council’s argument was the same argument it was making against the Ministry of Health over potential cuts to the redeveloped Dunedin Hospital.
The project had already been debated and costed, and it was not financially prudent to call for changes now, O’Malley said.
Councillor David Benson-Pope said the efforts of some councillors, including the mayor, to delay the project were “appalling”.
He urged councillors to support staff and “get on” with the project.
Radich noted it was “critically important” for the council to have all the facts in front of them, given the scale of the project, and incorporating flexibility was not a major cost in the overall plan.
However, a request for an updated report that provides further information on the contract break costs, a 10km two-way option, minimal change from current design, pedestrianisation and a “do-nothing” option by February 28, was lost 9-8.
That meant the project was likely to continue as planned.
The team at NZ Compare hope everyone is keeping safe and snuggled up with their loved ones n this terrible weather. 🥰
We've got the down-low on the best shows to stream on rainy days, take a look!
Regional updates for February 15th, see the live Stuff updates.
14th February - 10:45am Update: National State of Emergency
Minister for Emergency Management, Kieran McAnulty, has confirmed a National State of Emergency this morning due to the widespread damage across the country due to … View moreRegional updates for February 15th, see the live Stuff updates.
14th February - 10:45am Update: National State of Emergency
Minister for Emergency Management, Kieran McAnulty, has confirmed a National State of Emergency this morning due to the widespread damage across the country due to Cyclone Gabrielle.
While many regions have already declared a local state of emergency, a National State of Emergency gives the National Controller legal authority to apply resources across the country in support of a national level response.
Here's what you need to know:
- Heavy rain red warnings are in place for Northland and Hawke's Bay, with red strong wind warnings also for Northland, Coromandel and Taranaki. Check all weather warnings on the MetService website.
- States of emergency have been declared in Northland, Auckland, Tairāwhiti, Ōpōtiki, Thames-Coromandel District, Waikato District, Hauraki District, Whakatāne District, Bay of Plenty, Napier and Hastings.
- There has been a landslide in Murawai with one firefighter missing.
- Gisborne is feared cut off and the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula. Residents are to take note of the Welfare Centres for Gisborne and Coromandel.
- A number of road closures are in place across the North Island. View these on the Waka Kotahi NZTA website.
- Fire and Emergency is urging people to only call 111 if life or safety is at risk after a surge in calls.
- In Auckland there are 27 shelters and civil defence centres where people can go in an emergency.
Stuff are posting live updates and have shared what you need in your 3-day emergency kit. Stay up to date with Civil Defence updates and track the storm here.
2pm Update for Hawke's Bay:
Multiple evacuations needed in Puketapu, Esk Valley, Rissington, Omahu, Waiohiki, Jervoistown and Meeanee and Waipawa.
Many remain trapped in cars and houses. Several bridges have been taken out with access between Hastings and Napier now cutoff. More than 20,000 people are without power and cellphone communication in and out of the region is patchy.
Omahu residents needing shelter can go to Hastings Sports' Centre. Taradale residents can head to St Joseph's Māori Girls' School.
Today is a day that celebrates love, yes, but it’s also Library Lovers' Day on February 14, dedicated to book lovers' across the globe.
It's a day to remember that our libraries are a place where we can get lost in a story, find an adventure we are seeking in a book, discover … View moreToday is a day that celebrates love, yes, but it’s also Library Lovers' Day on February 14, dedicated to book lovers' across the globe.
It's a day to remember that our libraries are a place where we can get lost in a story, find an adventure we are seeking in a book, discover more about an issue we feel passionate about, or learn something new!
Hi, I have two old candles suitable for melting down and remaking into another one. Am happy to give them away. Anyone interested?
From reporter Hamish McNeilly:
In a rubbish bin at a small Dunedin playground was a very big problem.
Inside the bin were hundreds of large monarch caterpillars. A few were able to crawl out before they were spotted.
Nat Russell said she was called to the Hocken St playground, in the … View moreFrom reporter Hamish McNeilly:
In a rubbish bin at a small Dunedin playground was a very big problem.
Inside the bin were hundreds of large monarch caterpillars. A few were able to crawl out before they were spotted.
Nat Russell said she was called to the Hocken St playground, in the suburb of Kenmure, after her sister’s children spotted the escapees.
The monarch enthusiast helped collect some of the caterpillars and then put a plea on social media to rehome them to anyone who had swan plants – a type of milkweed – where the butterflies like to lay their eggs.
She estimated there were “a good few hundred caterpillars” inside the bin.
People came from all over Dunedin to rehome the caterpillars.
“A few died, but almost all were rescued,” Russell said.
The caterpillars were large and entering their final moult, where they find a sheltered site, produce a tightly woven silk mat, and hang downwards until they become butterflies.
“The majority of them were only a few days off becoming monarchs.”
It appeared the caterpillars were dumped along with a container of food scraps, which was tied up in a jersey.
Jacqui Knight, who founded the Moths and Butterflies of New Zealand Trust almost two decades ago, said it was the first case of mass monarch caterpillar dumping she had heard of in New Zealand.
“I presume they had run out of food and [whoever had them] didn’t know what to do with them.”
While it was “wonderful” they were rescued, it was a shame they were dumped in the first place, she said.
A shortage of swan plants was often an issue for those with very hungry caterpillars, which could eat 2700 times their birth weight in just over a fortnight.
To counter that problem, Knight recommended people with an excess of either caterpillars or swan plants join the Monarchmatchmaker group on Facebook to “share the love”.
“It is a bit like Tinder, but for butterflies.”
Part of the issue was that some nurseries had stopped selling swan plants because some had been sprayed with pesticides.
Instead, people wanting to attract monarchs were encouraged to grow swan plants earlier in the season and let them get to full size in their garden.
Having monarchs, considered a native in New Zealand, helped show children the various stages of an insect’s life cycle and “feeds their curiosity”, Knight said.
From reporter Debbie Jamieson:
ZZ Top bass guitarist Elwood Francis delighted fans with an unscheduled stop at a Queenstown music shop this week.
Francis and band frontman Billy Gibbons are in Queenstown to perform at the Gibbston Valley Winery Summer Concert on Saturday.
Maya Music store… View moreFrom reporter Debbie Jamieson:
ZZ Top bass guitarist Elwood Francis delighted fans with an unscheduled stop at a Queenstown music shop this week.
Francis and band frontman Billy Gibbons are in Queenstown to perform at the Gibbston Valley Winery Summer Concert on Saturday.
Maya Music store owner Deo Bohn, himself a keen guitar and bass player, was surprised to see the distinctive rocker walk into his store early in the week.
“He just walked in the door with a roadie. They were looking at some instruments,” he said.
He had a chat with Francis, who shared some photos of the band’s concert in Taupō from the weekend, and grabbed a few photos.
Francis and Gibbons had stopped in a record store in Taupō and Bohn hoped Gibbons would call by his Queenstown store also.
Bohn had brought his copy of ZZ Top’s First Album into the store, just in case he could get it signed by Gibbons.
Gibbons has been with the band – famous for beards, hot rods and spinning guitars – since it formed in 1969.
Francis, previously the band’s guitar technician and famous in his own right for performing with a 17-string guitar, stepped into his role after the death of original band member Dusty Hill in 2021.
Queenstown man Andrew Wesney was having a guitar lesson when Francis called into the store.
“I was pretty stoked to see him and get to meet him in person. It was cool,” he said.
Bohn said it was not unusual for visiting musicians to call into the store, which was near Queenstown’s airport.
Some Kiwi artists such as The Black Seeds and Kora would book practice space at the shop before a gig.
“You never know who’s going to walk in the door in Queenstown,” he said.
Musicians Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo have also been in Queenstown during the week, posting a photo overlooking Lake Wakatipu, towards Cecil Peak, on their Facebook page on Monday.
Mora Wines and Artisan Kitchen posted a photo of the pair having lunch there on Thursday.
The Greenstone Summer Concert returned this year after being cancelled due to the difficulties of bringing in international artists under Covid-19 border restrictions last year.
ZZ Top is headlining the show, along with 90s grunge legends Stone Temple Pilots, four times Grammy Award winners Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, and Aussie rockers The Angels.
They performed at Taupō on Saturday but the Whitianga Summer Concert scheduled for Sunday was cancelled due to weather conditions.
About 15,000 people are expected at Saturday’s Gibbston Valley Winery Summer Concert in Queenstown, which starts with Wānaka band Powder Chutes at 11.30am.
Organisers said it was forecast to be a warm and sunny summer’s day, so people should stay hydrated and use sunscreen.
Hello, we're looking to purchase a 2nd hand floor console heat pump/air conditioning unit - prefer a larger size of 8-10kw. Please message if you know where we can get one, thanks!
Pop in and buy some goods, to support the Red Cross during these unfortunate natural disaster events. From the flooding in Auckland to the earthquakes in Syria and Turkey. Every little bit counts, thank-you.
Swap food for a FREE Resene testpot with Hunger for Colour!
Simply bring two cans of food into your local Resene ColorShop and swap them for one Resene testpot (60-80ml). We'll donate all food to The Salvation Army foodbanks.
By adding a little more colour to your life you can also help… View moreSwap food for a FREE Resene testpot with Hunger for Colour!
Simply bring two cans of food into your local Resene ColorShop and swap them for one Resene testpot (60-80ml). We'll donate all food to The Salvation Army foodbanks.
By adding a little more colour to your life you can also help those in need.
The newest addition to the NZ Compare suite of comparison brands has landed - Mobile Compare is the home of Kiwi Mobile Plans. A one stop shop for Neighbours everywhere!
Start 2023 right! Forget overspending and getting stuck with a plan that offers too much or too little.
Whether you’re … View moreThe newest addition to the NZ Compare suite of comparison brands has landed - Mobile Compare is the home of Kiwi Mobile Plans. A one stop shop for Neighbours everywhere!
Start 2023 right! Forget overspending and getting stuck with a plan that offers too much or too little.
Whether you’re after unlimited minutes and calling, endless data or flexible payment options to fit your budget, Mobile Compare has it all from your favourite providers. Plus, the website is super easy to use — you’ll find a fantastic deal in no time! Check it out today!
Jazz up a tired set of wicker chairs with eye-popping colours and Resene FX Metallic paint.
Find out how to add a little shimmer of your own with these easy instructions.
Dunedin residents are being urged to reduce water, or face possible compulsory restrictions.
Water levels were dropping throughout Dunedin’s catchment areas and residents were asked to voluntarily conserve water, Dunedin City Council Three Waters group manager David Ward said.
… View moreDunedin residents are being urged to reduce water, or face possible compulsory restrictions.
Water levels were dropping throughout Dunedin’s catchment areas and residents were asked to voluntarily conserve water, Dunedin City Council Three Waters group manager David Ward said.
“Dunedin’s reservoir levels are dropping, demand is increasing, and no significant rain is forecast for the next week. With the warm, dry summer we’re now experiencing, we need to work together to make sure we’re not using more water than necessary.”
Water use has steadily increased in Dunedin since the start of the year. On Sunday it hit 58 million litres per day. Demand is normally about 42 million litres per day.
While the restrictions were voluntary at this stage, the council would have to consider compulsory restrictions in places like Mosgiel if the current rate of demand continued.
“We’re asking people to use water wisely and achieve some simple savings that quickly add up across our area,” Ward said.
That included residents using a watering can or hand-held hose to water their garden or lawn, rather than a sprinkler. Ward also recommended watering only in the evening and early morning, when less water was lost due to evaporation.
Cars and boats could also be washed in the evening, while ponds and private swimming pools should be filled with a hand-held hose in the evening, and private fountains turned off.
More tips on conserving water can be found at www.dcc.govt.nz...
With rising inflation, the pressure is piling on councils this year to tighten their budgets to keep rates payments down for households across the country.
Overall, do you feel that your council and community board does a good job for your area?
If you don't wish for your replies to be … View moreWith rising inflation, the pressure is piling on councils this year to tighten their budgets to keep rates payments down for households across the country.
Overall, do you feel that your council and community board does a good job for your area?
If you don't wish for your replies to be used in the We Say You Say column, include NFP in your comment.
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