Introducing our AMI Community Grant Finalists
This is the last daily showcase of two of our AMI Community Grant finalists, sharing a bit more about the great work that they're doing in Kiwi communities. You can help support these organisations by voting for them to win their share of $20,000.
Under the Stars - Homeless in Tauranga
We are a Charitable Trust feeding the homeless and needy. We supply hygiene necessities, blankets, and clothing for those in need. We are also fortunate to have a hairdresser occasionally on site who gives her services for free. Recently we have begun to hold a drop in afternoon every second Thursday, giving people the opportunity to have a light lunch and a chance to chat. We are hoping to develop this afternoon more by offering a variety of creative arts. The volunteers that commit time and energy towards our meals do so mostly out of their own funds.
VOTE NOW!
Proposed youth centre for Keith Street Wanganui central district
I propose the opening and running of a youth centre based in Keith street or Wanganui cbd. The benefits of having a youth centre in the community will bring together the younger and older generations, so we can learn from each others mistakes and experiences to enhance each other’s lives. We have a mixture of people from different cultures in our society in such a small radius that sometimes we forget about those who really are struggling with life, and they are the most vulnerable people in our society. I want to change that for the better, and help those people that are struggling to survive on the basic benefit or wages. VOTE NOW!
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
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.
Amberley’s new coastal defence delayed
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Efforts to protect a Canterbury beach community from the sea have been delayed a month, as resource conditions are met.
Hurunui District Council chief executive Hamish Dobbie last month said work to build a $750,000 coastal bund to protect the Amberley Beach village would be completed before Christmas.
But with the festive season fast approaching, the start date has been postponed until January.
Council staff, the Amberley Beach Residents’ and Ratepayers’ Community Association and contractor Ready Mix Concrete are working to meet consent conditions from Environment Canterbury.
Once work begins, it will take about a month to complete, Mr Dobbie said.
‘‘Given the amount of time the work will take, it was felt it was better to delay the project rather than start the work and then stop work for two weeks over Christmas.’’
A bund is a type of embankment which protects against the sea.
While the residents’ association looks forward to the work being completed, committee member John Manson rejected suggestions the rising sea level was the problem.
His biggest fear was the increased risk of severe storms leading to six to seven metre waves, due to climate change.
‘‘There is a sense of urgency because we have had a three to four year calm period.
‘‘The last series of major storms we experienced was during 2020-21.’’
The new bund will be larger than the existing embankment and will be built into the sand to make it more resilient in a storm, Manson said.
It is being built up to a culvert at a lagoon to the north of the village.
But the residents’ association would like it built a further 180m to the north to prevent stormy seas causing the lagoon to overflow, which has been allowed in the consent.
Councillor Vanessa McPherson said she is hopeful the council will look at extending the bund, once initial work is completed.
‘‘This is one of the most proactive communities I have been involved with and you can see it with what the residents are achieving.
‘‘It is such a beautiful place. I love this beach. It has got its own personality. It is wild and it is emotional.’’
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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