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12 hours ago

Ratepayer takes stand against proposed Amberley cricket ground

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

An Amberley ratepayer says he intends to fight a plan to develop a cricket ground in the new Eastern Reserve.

John Weyers has asked to speak at a Hurunui District Council meeting on Tuesday, November 26, when the council is due to adopt its new reserve … View more
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

An Amberley ratepayer says he intends to fight a plan to develop a cricket ground in the new Eastern Reserve.

John Weyers has asked to speak at a Hurunui District Council meeting on Tuesday, November 26, when the council is due to adopt its new reserve management plan.

A proposal to develop a new cricket ground is included in the plan.

But Weyers said there is no need for a new cricket ground, as cricket is already played at the Amberley Domain.

‘‘If Amberley needs a cricket ground that is one thing, but they are talking about doing it in the only green space available in a residential area.’’

Weyers said he had heard of plans to build an international standard cricket ground in the reserve at a cost of more than $900,000.

‘‘The area is screaming out for a nice park for the community.

‘‘I am hoping to be able to speak at the meeting and I will be asking whether it is appropriate to use ratepayers funds when there is no evidence there is a need for it.

‘‘I will be considering what action to take if it passes.’’

Hurunui District Council chief executive Hamish Dobbie said a cricket ground was first mooted for the Eastern Reserve a decade ago.

While there has been interest in establishing an international standard cricket ground, it is not the council’s intention, he said.

‘‘The shape of this particular piece of ground is for a cricket ground, based on an agreement with the developer.

‘‘It was what the council decided it wanted to do, based on community feedback at the time.’’

The council entered into a sale and purchase agreement with the developer in 2014 and the land was vested in the council two years later.

Dobbie said funds have been set aside to develop the reserve, with 90% coming from development contributions.

‘‘We will be seeking to move forward with the reserve, but that is up for the council to decide.

‘‘We haven’t gone out for tender yet, but our engineers’ estimates are well below $900,000.’’

Dobbie said an area has been set aside for other sports and it will include a children’s play area and a pump track.

There was potential for tennis courts, croquet and other sports, as well as a modest sports pavilion.

The council consulted on its draft reserve management plan earlier this year, receiving nearly 200 submissions.

The Eastern Reserve attracted the most interest, with residents expressing a range of views on how they wanted the reserve to be developed.

Views varied from those in favour of a cricket ground and those opposed, while others advocated for outdoor areas for light exercise and fellowship for the growing elderly population.

The Amberley Cricket Club has played cricket at the Amberley Domain since the 1890s, but in recent years there had been a dispute due to the overlapping seasons with football.

■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

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4 hours ago

Tactile texture

Resene

Welcome texture into your room by using leftover Resene Anaglypta wallpaper to accentuate furniture and décor items. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions. Find out more

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3 days ago

What's your favourite tomato recipe?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to … View moreKia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.

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4 hours ago

Does Your Organisation Need New Flooring?

Carpet Court

Is the flooring at your school, early childhood, community or sports centre old and threadbare? Or perhaps you have a new space where there’s no flooring at all. Your organisation could be eligible to receive $2,000 + gst from the RhinoKids Flooring Fund to go towards new flooring. Plus, one … View moreIs the flooring at your school, early childhood, community or sports centre old and threadbare? Or perhaps you have a new space where there’s no flooring at all. Your organisation could be eligible to receive $2,000 + gst from the RhinoKids Flooring Fund to go towards new flooring. Plus, one lucky organisation will win a $20,000 flooring makeover!

Carpet Court is continuing its’ mission to help improve Kiwi kids’ learning environments by rolling out its’ nationwide fund for the fifth year in a row. Apply today!
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1 day ago

Cash for your wrecked and water damaged car!

AAA Auto Parts

Hi neighbours,

Do you have a vehicle that is taking up space and becoming an eyesore? At AAA Auto Parts we dismantle and wreck cars. We will pay top cash whether your car is dead or alive!

* $300 - $3000 for small cars
* $700 - $10,000 for 4x4 utes, vans, 4WD, trucks and buses
* Same day … View more
Hi neighbours,

Do you have a vehicle that is taking up space and becoming an eyesore? At AAA Auto Parts we dismantle and wreck cars. We will pay top cash whether your car is dead or alive!

* $300 - $3000 for small cars
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We will beat any prices in the market by 10%.

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Give us a call on ** 0800 50 00 01 ** and we will be happy to have a chat.
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3 days ago

Spring spruce up

Charles Upham Retirement Village

Spring is the season of new beginnings and the perfect time to declutter and refresh your home. Imagine stepping into a space that feels open, organised, and filled with only what truly matters. Whether you’re looking to simplify your life, want to downsize, or just enjoy a more comfortable … View moreSpring is the season of new beginnings and the perfect time to declutter and refresh your home. Imagine stepping into a space that feels open, organised, and filled with only what truly matters. Whether you’re looking to simplify your life, want to downsize, or just enjoy a more comfortable living space, decluttering is a great way to start.

With these expert tips from decluttering and organising specialist Peter Walsh, you can take small steps toward a clutter-free home that you’ll love spending time in.

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2 days ago

Keen to kickstart your career?

Northland Polytech

Higher qualifications can lead to better-paid and more stable jobs in a career you enjoy and give you greater job satisfaction. This helps you and your family by giving them access to more resources and less stress, long term.

NorthTec’s courses are designed to give you relevant, hands-on … View more
Higher qualifications can lead to better-paid and more stable jobs in a career you enjoy and give you greater job satisfaction. This helps you and your family by giving them access to more resources and less stress, long term.

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9 days ago

What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.

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