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By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Bringing some healthcare decisions back into communities will help plug the gap in local accountability, say two North Canterbury mayors.
Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon and Hurunui mayor Marie said they were pleased Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand was … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Bringing some healthcare decisions back into communities will help plug the gap in local accountability, say two North Canterbury mayors.
Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon and Hurunui mayor Marie said they were pleased Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand was considering local solutions for healthcare, but wanted to know more details on the plans.
In a major shakeup of the health system in 2021, locally-elected district health boards were scrapped and replaced with the centralised Te Whatu Ora.
However, in an interview with RNZ in February, Health Minister Dr Shane Reti indicated some health decision-making would return to the regions.
Responding to questions from Local Democracy Reporter, Reti said he expected to receive advice from the Ministry of Health soon.
This included future operating and funding models for primary and community care.
‘‘Community involvement in health service planning, with local solutions to local health challenges will remain essential to the delivery of health services,’’ he said.
‘‘These local groups should be involved in the design and delivery of services, so the healthcare focuses on the needs of, and is effective for, the community.’’
Local primary health organisations (PHOs), such was the Waitaha Canterbury PHO, played a key role in supporting their local communities and were providing input into Health NZ’s primary care development programme, he said.
The Government has also signalled Iwi-Māori Partnership Boards will play a key role in supporting high-quality community-led health care.
Gordon said since the demise of the Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) there were gaps in ‘‘local accountability’’.
He is the council’s representative and deputy chairperson of the Waitaha Canterbury PHO board.
‘‘I have found since the centralsation of healthcare it has been a struggle to find local accountability. Even a local contact or authority to speak to.
This must be addressed.
Having a local voice close to the issues is vital.’’
The lack of a local board chairperson meant concerns would often be raised directly with the health minister, Gordon said.
‘‘The important thing for me is the patient and ensuring they are cared for and their needs are met, and if we have an issue, where do we go to get answers?’’
Black said retaining a local voice in healthcare was crucial, particularly for rural districts.
‘‘The important thing is we retain what we have and if we can increase health provision, that is where I would be lending my support.’’
She said the Hurunui District Health Services Group had been making good progress working with the former CDHB.
But this work had been on the backburner since the board was dissolved, ‘‘so whether there is the energy to reconsider this, I don’t know’’.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Come and join us at the Cheviot Village Matariki Market on Friday 28 and Saturday 29 June. Located in the Knox Community Centre Church building, cnr Hall and Reeves Street, Cheviot from 10am to 2.30pm both days. Great quality, local stalls, with parking close by and free entry. See you … View moreCome and join us at the Cheviot Village Matariki Market on Friday 28 and Saturday 29 June. Located in the Knox Community Centre Church building, cnr Hall and Reeves Street, Cheviot from 10am to 2.30pm both days. Great quality, local stalls, with parking close by and free entry. See you there!!
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Make this property your permanent residence, a holiday home, rent it or even sell it! Get your tickets today at heartlottery.org.nz.
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
North Canterbury’s three mayors are backing calls for a four-year council term.
Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) has established an electoral reform group to consider changes to increase voter participation and implement four-year terms.
It will… View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
North Canterbury’s three mayors are backing calls for a four-year council term.
Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) has established an electoral reform group to consider changes to increase voter participation and implement four-year terms.
It will be led by Nelson mayor Nick Smith, a former government minister.
Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon said his council supported moving from a three to a four-year term.
‘‘It is not the biggest priority, but it would certainly make a difference.
‘‘It has been long advocated for and the Future for Local Government Review panel recommended it.’’
He said elections were costly and by holding them less often, councils would have more time to implement their work programmes.
Long-term plans would also likely be moved to four-yearly, instead of every three years, which would take the pressure of council staff, he said.
Hurunui mayor Marie Black said she also supported four-year terms.
‘‘I never really agreed with it for a long time, but now I see the value, because it is costly to have elections and I think the volume of work and outcomes over a four-year term would be greater.’’
She said councillor remuneration would need to be considered, as four years would be a major commitment for councillors juggling other employment.
‘‘I first came in as a councillor working part-time for Plunket and I was able to juggle work around meetings.
‘‘But you’ve got to be able to do that, so it places some pressures on councillors.’’
Kaikōura mayor Craig Mackle said four-year terms were needed for central Government, but he also supported local government making the change.
LGNZ president Sam Broughton said a four-year term would ‘‘double the amount of usable time’’ for councils.
He said the first year after an election was spent getting systems in place and for new councillors learning their roles, while the second year was spent working work on long-term plans.
‘‘And then the following January you start thinking about the next election.’’
Broughton said indications were the Government was considering having a referendum on four-year terms, which would likely include changing central government terms as well.
‘‘It is unusual around the world to have a three-year term.
‘‘Most countries have a four-year or even a five-year term.’’
The electoral reform group will focus on increasing voter turnout, transitioning to four-year terms, considering the ways people can vote, who should administer local elections and how they are best run.
Local Government Minister Simeon Brown said the Government was preparing a Bill on four-year terms, but a final decision would be subject to a binding referendum.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
A phone scam is re-emerging with cold calling swindlers claiming to be Police officers.
New Zealand Police are advising the public to be vigilant, after a handful of reports have been made in recent days. Unfortunately, at least two elderly Aucklanders have been conned out of tens of thousands … View moreA phone scam is re-emerging with cold calling swindlers claiming to be Police officers.
New Zealand Police are advising the public to be vigilant, after a handful of reports have been made in recent days. Unfortunately, at least two elderly Aucklanders have been conned out of tens of thousands of dollars.
Waitematā CIB’s Detective Senior Sergeant Ryan Bunting says scammers are cold calling, mainly on landlines, and claim to be a Police officer.“They will also provide a fake ID or badge number to make their call seem legitimate,” he says.“This person will carry on and provide a reason for their call: either they are investigating fake bank notes, or that your credit card has been cloned.
“As part of this scam, they will ask you to withdraw money from a nearby bank to be collected or ask you to provide further financial or banking information to aid their investigation.”
Be aware: this is a scam call.
Police are investigating two reports this week, in south Auckland and the North Shore, where two people have fallen victim to the scam. “Both victims withdrew cash from a bank and handed this over to someone who arrived at their door to collect it under the fake cover story,” Detective Senior Sergeant Bunting says.“These victims have had their good-will and trust trodden on by these scammers.”
Investigation staff have ensured there is support available for the victims. Detective Senior Sergeant Bunting says: “Scammers have no ethics whatsoever and will take any opportunity to try and con you.“These scams take many forms, and the offenders trick people under a variety of guises or storylines.”
There are occasions where legitimate Police officers will contact people as part of their duties, he says.
Police are asking the community to be aware and take the opportunity to spread the word amongst friends and family members. “We are particularly keen to ensure elder family members are aware of what is happening,” Detective Senior Sergeant Bunting says. “If anyone receives a call of this nature, hang up.
“If you have had the unfortunate position of being a victim to this scam and have not reported this, we encourage you to report this to Police.”
Please remember:
- Police will never call to ask you for bank details, pin numbers or passwords
- Police do not offer prize money
- Police will not ask you to go to a bank to withdraw money
- If you receive a call out of the blue of a similar nature: challenge the caller to identify themselves, ask for their details.
- Hang up, contact 105 to verify the ID and request the officer to contact you
- If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Central Government funding to assist with flood resilience has been welcomed by Environment Canterbury.
The regional council has received cash from the new regional infrastructure fund as part of Budget 2024.
Environment Canterbury acting chairperson… View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Central Government funding to assist with flood resilience has been welcomed by Environment Canterbury.
The regional council has received cash from the new regional infrastructure fund as part of Budget 2024.
Environment Canterbury acting chairperson Craig Pauling said the new co-funding arrangement ‘‘is a great start’’.
‘‘Co-investment is something we’ve been pushing for a long time, along with the rest of Te Uru Kahika – Regional and Unitary Councils Aotearoa.
‘‘Flooding is the country’s most common natural hazard, and urgent action is needed to ensure our communities are resilient"
The country’s regional councils have been advocating for central Government support for river resilience projects for several years.
It led to the 'Before the Deluge' report, which was released just before Cyclone Gabrielle struck parts of the North Island last year.
Pauling said Environment Canterbury identified seven priorities for the region, which were put forward in the report.
‘‘We will continue to work with the Government to progress projects to help safeguard lives, property and vital infrastructure across Waitaha, as well as help us with overall river resilience including biodiversity and biosecurity outcomes.
‘‘I am looking forward to keeping the conversations with the Government going and getting these initial pieces of work started.’’
Included in the initial funding round will be upgrades to critical and aged flood management infrastructure across the region to make it more resilient to the changing climate.
Further work on the Rangitata flood resilient programme and projects in South Canterbury will also be funded.
The Government is still working through the amount of support which will be offered to each project.
River resilience was a major focus in the consultation for Environment Canterbury's latest long-term plan.
About three-quarters of submitters supported the council increasing its spending on flood protection, and pest and weed control.
The council is proposing to invest $25 million a year, over the next 10 years, to boost flood protection.
It also plans to introduce a district-wide rate for river resilience in Selwyn, and is considering similar options for the Ashley Rakahuri River and rivers in South Canterbury.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Simply visit your local Resene owned ColorShop, choose your favourite green testpots and for each one you buy Resene will donate $1 to the New Zealand Trees That Count programme.
Offer applies to all Resene green 60 mL testpots (excludes metallic and wood stains) purchased by retail customers … View moreSimply visit your local Resene owned ColorShop, choose your favourite green testpots and for each one you buy Resene will donate $1 to the New Zealand Trees That Count programme.
Offer applies to all Resene green 60 mL testpots (excludes metallic and wood stains) purchased by retail customers between 1-30 June 2024 at Resene owned ColorShops.
Trees That Count are an environmental charity on a mission to plant millions more native trees throughout New Zealand. Trees That Count runs the country’s only marketplace which provides a place for anyone to fund or gift native trees. This support is matched with planters throughout the country who are restoring, and growing, precious wildlife corridors or pockets of native forest, turning small projects into mighty ones.
To find your nearest Resene ColorShop, click here.
For more information on Trees That Count, visit us.
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Volunteers are ‘‘truly our heroes’’, say North Canterbury’s mayors.
As they look ahead to National Volunteer Week next week, Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon and Hurunui mayor Marie Black have given a shout-out to those who give up countless hours… View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Volunteers are ‘‘truly our heroes’’, say North Canterbury’s mayors.
As they look ahead to National Volunteer Week next week, Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon and Hurunui mayor Marie Black have given a shout-out to those who give up countless hours to serve their communities.
Gordon said some organisations have been serving their communities for 150 years or more.
The Rangiora Volunteer Fire Brigade celebrated its 150th anniversary at Queen’s Birthday Weekend, while its Kaiapoi counterpart marked 150 years in 2020.
Both urban and rural fire brigades in North Canterbury relied entirely on volunteers.
‘‘They just do an amazing job. They attend much more than fires, they attend medical emergencies and are first responders,’’ Gordon said.
‘‘They are truly our heroes.’’
It was estimated volunteers contributed more than one million volunteer hours to the Waimakariri district.
‘‘We just couldn’t do what we do without it,’’ Gordon said.
Black said her district was ‘‘full of amazing people’’.
Firefighters left farms and businesses at a moment’s notice to respond to callouts.
The Hurunui Volunteer Rural Fire Brigade has responded to 40 call-outs in the last five months.
‘‘It is so important to acknowledge our volunteers and what they contribute,’’ Black said.
‘‘We have so many committees, sports clubs, church groups and emergency service volunteers.
‘‘It is a real value add to our district.’’
Like firefighters, St John and Civil Defence volunteers responded to call outs ‘‘at a drop of a hat’’, Black said.
Organisations like the North Canterbury Rural Support Trust supported people in a time of need.
National Volunteer Week runs from June 16 to 22, with the theme of Whiria Te Tangata – Weave the people together.
The Big Shout-out campaign, to celebrate volunteers, was also running throughout the month of June.
---------------------------------------------------------
Photo one: Hurunui mayor Marie Black, right, pictured with deputy mayor Vince Daly, says volunteers add value to the district. (By David Hill/LDR)
Photo two: Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon (right), pictured with deputy mayor Neville Atkinson, says volunteers contribute more than one million volunteer hours to the district.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Big news in our community!
Ryman has been voted New Zealand’s Most Trusted Brand in Aged Care & Retirement Villages for the 10th time! So we want to say Thank You Aotearoa, for your continued trust and support. Together, we’ll continue building vibrant communities where everyone can … View moreBig news in our community!
Ryman has been voted New Zealand’s Most Trusted Brand in Aged Care & Retirement Villages for the 10th time! So we want to say Thank You Aotearoa, for your continued trust and support. Together, we’ll continue building vibrant communities where everyone can thrive.
Here’s to 10 more years of trust and excellence!
Click read more for more information.
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Golfers will soon learn where a new road will carve out future access to the Amberley Beach Golf Course amid the threat of erosion due to see level rise.
The Hurunui District Council will decide between a proposal from the Amberley Beach Golf Club to … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Golfers will soon learn where a new road will carve out future access to the Amberley Beach Golf Course amid the threat of erosion due to see level rise.
The Hurunui District Council will decide between a proposal from the Amberley Beach Golf Club to extend a road through a wetland, or a staff proposal to extend road access to the north.
Situated alongside Amberley Beach in Canterbury, the area is at risk of coastal erosion and with the existing access the 18-hole course under threat.
The Amberley Beach Golf Club made a submission to the council’s long-term plan (LTP) hearings last month to remind the council of its commitment in August last year to investigate extending Grierson Ave through the narrowest part of a wetland.
This proposal would secure access to the club’s course and clubhouse, as well as mahinga kai areas in the Waimaiaia Reserve, and the Waipara River mouth.
Club president Bruce Yates said he had expected provision to be made in the LTP.
But mayor Marie Black said the process was complex and took time.
Council staff have held pre-consent discussions with Environment Canterbury to determine what would be involved in applying for a consent through the wetland.
‘‘I think it needs to be recognised these systems are lengthy and we, as councillors, can’t always influence it,’’ Black said.
‘‘But I do acknowledge it has felt very frustrating for our golfers, but we need to consider the whole impact across the community.’’
A report to last week’s council meeting said a pre-application meeting was held on April 23 with Hurunui District Council staff, Environment Canterbury staff and members of the golf club.
The consent process would require an assessment of environmental effects, an ecological assessment and a hydrological wetland assessment.
If lizards were present, a lizard management plan would also be required.
The construction of a road through a natural inland wetland was also likely to be a non-complying activity under the National Environmental Standards for Freshwater.
Council staff estimated it would cost $1.155 million to meet the consenting requirements to build the road.
The alternative option was linking Webbs and Hursley Terrace roads with Golf Links Rd from the northern end.
This option would secure access to most of the golf course, but not the clubhouse and would reduce the course to 16 holes.
It would also secure access to the Waimaiaia Reserve and the Waipara River mouth.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
The skies might be grey but there's colour in our communities - and we want to see it!
Resene and Neighbourly have teamed up this winter to bring you Bright Spots - a celebration of the brightest and most colourful spaces in our neighbourhoods. We want you to snap and share all those spots… View moreThe skies might be grey but there's colour in our communities - and we want to see it!
Resene and Neighbourly have teamed up this winter to bring you Bright Spots - a celebration of the brightest and most colourful spaces in our neighbourhoods. We want you to snap and share all those spots in your neighbourhood that bring a smile to your face and add a little colour to your day.
There are 10 prizes of $250 Resene ColorShop vouchers and $250 Prezzy® cards up for grabs so you can create your own Bright Spot!
Enter your local bright spots pics today and be in to *WIN*.
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Transforming Aotearoa into a dark sky nation could attract stargazing international tourists, creating huge economic benefits, Tourism Minister Matt Doocey says.
The Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand believes New Zealand could become a dark sky … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Transforming Aotearoa into a dark sky nation could attract stargazing international tourists, creating huge economic benefits, Tourism Minister Matt Doocey says.
The Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand believes New Zealand could become a dark sky nation, an idea Doocey says he supports.
To become a dark sky nation the country would need to cut light pollution, such as outdoor lighting, to allow for greater stargazing and astronomy.
Tourism New Zealand research indicated more than 70% of people thinking about visiting New Zealand were interested in stargazing, he said.
The best times for stargazing were during the off-peak and shoulder seasons for tourism, which meant protecting New Zealand’s night skies could provide an economic boost when tourist towns were otherwise quiet.
"It is something I am keen to encourage," Doocey said.
‘‘We want to grow tourism because we know it brings jobs to rural New Zealand.
‘‘Tourism is very seasonal, so we need to be looking at how we can market and promote New Zealand during those shoulder and off-peak periods.’’
The Waimakariri MP said an economic impact report commissioned by Enterprise North Canterbury last year showed a dark sky trail would provide an economic boost in the region.
The report said a dark sky reserve could generate $4.6 million of visitor spending in Waimakariri and create up to 24 jobs.
The Oxford Dark Sky Group obtained dark sky park status in January for the Oxford Forest Conservation Area from the Dark Sky International.
Oxford Dark Sky president Raul Elias-Drago said there was no cost to the group, thanks to support from the community, the Waimakariri District Council, Oxford-Ohoka Community Board and Government agencies such as the Department of Conservation.
The group was now planning to apply for dark sky reserve status, which would incorporate the town of Oxford.
Doocey said the Oxford example showed how communities coming together could achieve economic benefits at little cost.
Enterprise North Canterbury has been working with other regional tourism organisations (RTOs) to develop a Canterbury dark sky trail.
The Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve was established in 2012, while the Kaikōura Dark Sky Trust is about to apply for dark sky sanctuary status and interest is growing in other Canterbury communities.
‘‘I would encourage RTOs to think about whether dark skies should be part of their destination management plans,’’ Doocey said.
‘‘There is real potential for a ground up approach and I would be really supportive of that.’’
Elias-Drago, who is also the Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand (RASNZ) secretary, said a national approach was needed, perhaps led by the Department of Conservation.
‘‘The Department of Conservation has been very supportive regionally,’’ he said.
‘‘The Rangiora office supported our application and other regional offices have supported other applications, but every time each regional office is doing the same thing.
‘‘If the work was done nationally, we wouldn’t have to replicate the work in every region.’’
Doocey has accepted an invitation to speak at the New Zealand Starlight Conference in Tekapo in October, which is organised by RASNZ and the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve board.
‘‘We are hoping to use the conference as a springboard to advance the discussion around becoming a dark sky nation,’’ Elias-Drago said.
Niue became the world’s first whole country to become an International dark sky nation in 2020.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
“I am a reader. I didn’t grow up with siblings, I had a lot of free time. From my childhood, I read lots of books. One of my favourite authors, she’s Enid Blyton. I grew up reading Famous Five, Secret Seven, Malory Towers – they constituted a big part of my world. The first thing I did when… View more“I am a reader. I didn’t grow up with siblings, I had a lot of free time. From my childhood, I read lots of books. One of my favourite authors, she’s Enid Blyton. I grew up reading Famous Five, Secret Seven, Malory Towers – they constituted a big part of my world. The first thing I did when I came to New Zealand was to hunt down libraries nearby.
I usually visit Tūranga. Lot of events happen there. Being inside four walls doesn’t light up your mood, so I come out to Tūranga and spend my time there surrounded by people. It makes me calm. I borrow books and go for a walk around the city. That’s my way of getting to know Christchurch. I just close my Google Maps and explore. So far, I haven’t got lost! It’s very easy to find my way around. In Christchurch city, everything connects.
I earned my Bachelor’s in Environmental Science. I am also passionate about conservation, which made me join Conservation Volunteers. One of the first things that I did when I came to Christchurch was to call them and ask how I could participate.
Moving to a new city could be intimidating. But these volunteering events have helped me a lot to put myself out there and talk to people. People are usually nice and warm. When I say I’m new to Christchurch, they ask about, like, how are you doing? Settling down? How do you find Christchurch? I found a lot of people who are like-minded as well, a lot of people who do conservation work like working outdoors. I also get to go to new places, like Amelia Rogers Reserve and McCormack’s Bay.
And I’m enjoying it very much, that’s the most important thing. When you’re volunteering you should enjoy and really kind of get into what you’re doing. So, I’m happy. I’m learning a lot. I’m getting to know a lot of new people, new environments.
I’m grateful that we moved to Christchurch; it’s one of the best decisions that we have made. I feel welcome in New Zealand, in Christchurch, particularly.”
- Shamla
View more stories, or nominate someone: @humansofchch
www.humansofchch.org...
This winter, we are celebrating the 2024 Olympics with our TV Guide readers with a chance to win 1 of 4 65” Panasonic 4K TVs worth $3,999 each.
Pick up a copy of the TV Guide each week starting from the June 1 - 7 issue, find the codeword, and follow the directions to be in to win! We’ve put… View moreThis winter, we are celebrating the 2024 Olympics with our TV Guide readers with a chance to win 1 of 4 65” Panasonic 4K TVs worth $3,999 each.
Pick up a copy of the TV Guide each week starting from the June 1 - 7 issue, find the codeword, and follow the directions to be in to win! We’ve put a codeword in each of the following three issues, so find them all for more chances to win. You’ll have until July 3 to enter online or mail in your codeword. T&Cs apply.
Don’t miss out! For only $15 a ticket, you could be in to win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home located in gorgeous Papamoa, worth just over $1.1 million.
Featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms and an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area, this home is waiting to be loved by … View moreDon’t miss out! For only $15 a ticket, you could be in to win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home located in gorgeous Papamoa, worth just over $1.1 million.
Featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms and an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area, this home is waiting to be loved by its new owner.
Make this property your permanent residence, a holiday home, rent it or even sell it! Get your tickets today at heartlottery.org.nz.
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