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No, we haven't lost the plot! July 1st is International Joke Day and because laughter is good for your body, we want to get involved.
So, go on, jokers! Share your best joke below...
By local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
A controversial West Coast private landfill under Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) watch is being given more time to fix water issues following "adverse weather".
The EPA has granted Taylorville Resource Park (TRP) an extension of… View moreBy local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
A controversial West Coast private landfill under Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) watch is being given more time to fix water issues following "adverse weather".
The EPA has granted Taylorville Resource Park (TRP) an extension of a few weeks to meet the requirements of a three month abatement notice slapped on the site in March.
It came after the West Coast Regional Council asked the authority in February to take over its environmental compliance investigation of the Coal Creek landfill, 5km east of Greymouth.
The council was plagued with complaints about the landfill site throughout 2023.
These ranged from an overwhelming stench forcing neighbours to stay indoors, alleged asbestos generated dust, and water leaching from the site into a roadside drain.
After the authority took over investigations in February, it found leachate from the landfill had been allowed to spill from the site via an adjoining waterway.
Under the subsequent abatement, TRP were given three months to comply, ending June 14.
Investigations manager Jackie Adams said compliance officers have since visited the site and found TRP have made "significant progress".
However, the work required has not been completed due to "adverse weather conditions" during the abatement period, Adams said.
Because of this, the authority had yet to determine the final outcome of its investigation.
"Our officers will be returning to the site again in the coming weeks," Adams said.
"Once this inspection has been completed, we will determine if all the conditions of the notice have been met before considering any next steps."
LDR has asked the authority what type of weather factor was at play.
"We understand that there were poor weather conditions in April that affected TRP's ability to install the waterproof lining of the new storage pond," Adams said.
The authority recognised the future of the site as "an important issue for people in the region".
It continued to work with TRP to ensure compliance with the abatement, he said.
"Under the Resource Management Act, the EPA has specific enforcement functions to assist and intervene in an enforcement action of a council."
Adams said they will provide a further update when they have completed their follow-up inspection and confirmed any next step.
West Coast Regional Council Regulatory and Policy group manager Jocelyne Allen said they were keeping a watch on the site to ensure an "appropriate level of enforcement" in line with "the level of environmental effects".
Allen was asked to expand in what was meant by an appropriate level of enforcement.
She said the council was "using its discretion" while working through its enforcement strategy.
This was to ensure relevant treatment of the site from a compliance perspective, she said.
Allen said they expected an update from the EPA by mid-July.
The council had several options to consider, under the Resource Management Act, beyond the EPA's findings.
Those could include anything "from a warning right up to prosecution," Allen said.
The council also had the power to issue notices with conditions plus interim and enforcement orders.
Allen said they were constantly evaluating the best options, but the council had not yet taken action to say "it can't operate".
"We wouldn't just be able to shut the site down at this stage."
Allen said more recent consent applications from TRP may yet go to a public hearing, but council had to assess if the impacts were "more than a minor environmental effect" before making a hearing decision.
Allen said that could also be circumvented if the applicant themselves requested a public hearing.
TRP has been approached by LDR. Questions included if it anticipates meeting the extended abatement period, and if it would be happy for a public hearing.
As the weather cools and cosy evenings become the norm, there’s nothing better than cranking up the heat and treating yourself to heartwarming comfort food. If you're craving a winter recipe that'll warm you from the inside out, look no further than Brent's irresistible slow-cooked… View moreAs the weather cools and cosy evenings become the norm, there’s nothing better than cranking up the heat and treating yourself to heartwarming comfort food. If you're craving a winter recipe that'll warm you from the inside out, look no further than Brent's irresistible slow-cooked pulled pork. Its smoky, aromatic scent often wafts from Brent’s apartment at Ryman’s Kevin Hickman Village, tempting taste buds and stirring appetites. With its tender meat and velvety sauce, this dish is every bit as delicious as it sounds – you’ll be reaching for seconds, thirds, and maybe even fourths!
Click read more for the full recipe.
By local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
Earthworks should begin along Hokitika's Gibson Quay next week on a delayed flood bank build.
The clock has been ticking on the Hokitika River protection project since last December when West Coast Regional Council awarded a contract but then … View moreBy local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
Earthworks should begin along Hokitika's Gibson Quay next week on a delayed flood bank build.
The clock has been ticking on the Hokitika River protection project since last December when West Coast Regional Council awarded a contract but then had to wait on KiwiRail to sign the project off.
Council, in an extraordinary meeting on Thursday (July 4), approved extra costs in response to KiwiRail requirements above the original tender price.
Contractor Henry Adams was awarded the tender at the end of 2023 after last winter completing the first stage of the project, behind Westland Milk Products, and adjoining the river.
The new section runs along the railway line and Gibson Quay from Westland Milk Products down to the Hokitika Bridge.
It also adjoins the Wadeson Island and Hokitika River bank whitebaiting area.
Council chairperson Peter Haddock said the pressure is now on to finish the new flood bank within two months - with the local whitebaiting season due to start on September 1.
"It's been delayed and once again it's been a concern of council in getting through the project … I do understand that Kiwi Rail have to look after their asset," Haddock said.
In the meantime the community remained "vulnerable" to the river.
"The bulk of the works have got to be done before the whitebait season … that project will be underway immediately next week - that will be a good bit of protection works for Hokitika," Haddock said.
Dubbed '1B,' the project is the second of a suite of staged Kanoa approved flood resilience works costing several million dollars.
These will eventually improve protection to the entire Hokitika residential and business area from Kaniere to the CBD.
Haddock said KiwiRail had sought adjustment to the original contract scope.
"It had been let to Henry Adams Contracting subject to approval from KiwiRail, which has taken over nine months - because it was let before Christmas," Haddock said.
"They've finally come back and there's more work to do to protect their network."
The extraordinary meeting was required to tick off the cost of "more earthworks" and drainage in response to KiwiRail.
"There was a significant cost but it was below the budget that was allowed for the project," Haddock said.
This amounted to about $200,000 below their original budget contingencies.
"The contract is still under budget."
Haddock said the adjusted costs "were still competitive" and the council was satisfied with a staff recommendation on that basis.
Easily change the height and layout of the shelves any time as your plants grow or the items you want to showcase change with this handy pegboard finished in Resene Colorwood Whitewash.
Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
From Sat 6 July – Sun 21 July, we are waiving adoption fees for our long-stay residents for the right home.*
They might be older, shy, have only three legs or just need that extra bit of attention and care – but they all deserve a loving home. And they have been waiting for a long time for … View moreFrom Sat 6 July – Sun 21 July, we are waiving adoption fees for our long-stay residents for the right home.*
They might be older, shy, have only three legs or just need that extra bit of attention and care – but they all deserve a loving home. And they have been waiting for a long time for that Special Love!
Look for the ‘Special Love Needed’ tag on our adoption profiles, check you can provide what they need to flourish & apply online at www.spca.nz....
*The offer applies to animals looking for homes for more than 40 days; our usual adoption criteria and processes apply.
From stunning sunsets to quirky murals - we're loving seeing the beautiful photos that members are sharing across the country. These local Bright Spots add a little colour and brighten the day.
Our Bright Spots campaign closes on Sunday, 15 July so time is running out to share yours. With … View moreFrom stunning sunsets to quirky murals - we're loving seeing the beautiful photos that members are sharing across the country. These local Bright Spots add a little colour and brighten the day.
Our Bright Spots campaign closes on Sunday, 15 July so time is running out to share yours. With 10 prizes of $250 Resene ColorShop vouchers and $250 Prezzy® cards up for grabs, do take a moment and share this happy place with us.
Enter your local Bright Spots pics here today and be in to *WIN*.
This warming Hāngi recipe, created by Joy from Murray Halberg Village, serves six people with plenty of leftovers to enjoy the next day. Serve hot and enjoy with family or friends on a chilly winters night.
Click read more for the full recipe.
It’s NZ House & Garden’s 30th birthday, and to celebrate they’ve put together a great offer that’ll light up your home. Purchase or gift a 1 or 2-year subscription to NZ House & Garden and receive a Living Light luxury soy candle worth $56.90 for FREE*.
Enjoy inspirational home … View moreIt’s NZ House & Garden’s 30th birthday, and to celebrate they’ve put together a great offer that’ll light up your home. Purchase or gift a 1 or 2-year subscription to NZ House & Garden and receive a Living Light luxury soy candle worth $56.90 for FREE*.
Enjoy inspirational home & garden content, convenient monthly home delivery, exclusive subscriber-only discounts, up to 27% off retail, and a Living Light luxury soy candle worth $56.90 when you become part of the NZ House & Garden community. *T&Cs apply.
Times have changed and perhaps so has our societal rules around taking off hats when indoors. What are your thoughts?
Delve back into that garage or wardrobe! It's time to sell your gently-loved goods at The Neighbourly Winter (online!) Garage Sale
On Saturday 6th July, members will be online checking out the goods on offer so it's a great time to get rid of your winter clutter.
Maybe it's … View moreDelve back into that garage or wardrobe! It's time to sell your gently-loved goods at The Neighbourly Winter (online!) Garage Sale
On Saturday 6th July, members will be online checking out the goods on offer so it's a great time to get rid of your winter clutter.
Maybe it's time to realise that you're never going to use that snowboard or ski jacket, and that you really do have one too many heaters. Whatever it is, take a picture and put it on Neighbourly for locals to see.
These items have been recalled this month. If you have one of these items at home, click on the title to see the details to ensure it is not a risk to your household.
Food recalls:
Hubbards brand BeMighty granola blueberry & seeds
Leslies Clover chips bbq flavour
… View moreThese items have been recalled this month. If you have one of these items at home, click on the title to see the details to ensure it is not a risk to your household.
Food recalls:
Hubbards brand BeMighty granola blueberry & seeds
Leslies Clover chips bbq flavour
Sabres fresh & frozen ready meals
Pams plant based creamy tomato pasta bake
Product recalls:
Farmers brand girls jockey singlet
Vitamix container and blade bases
Crocs Jibbitz
Digital Notepads
City Beach novelty light
LED strip light
Hansa Chipper
Kawasaki Spartan mower
We hope this message was helpful in keeping you and your family safe.
Maddie Davidson made history by being the first female trampolinist to represent New Zealand at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, held in 2021. Last week she wowed the residents of Kevin Hickman Village as she talked through some of her preparation ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics.
It is only six … View moreMaddie Davidson made history by being the first female trampolinist to represent New Zealand at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, held in 2021. Last week she wowed the residents of Kevin Hickman Village as she talked through some of her preparation ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics.
It is only six weeks until Maddie departs and two months until she jumps onto the trampoline in Paris. She told the Kevin Hickman residents she has her heart set on competing to her best level, while showing off her past international performances.
Click read more for the full story.
By local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
The West Coast Regional Council today adopted its new 10-year plan and with it a 27% rates rise in the first year.
In 2023 council ratified a 16.4% general increase and under its 2024-34 long-term plan projects a 12% increase in 2025-26, followed … View moreBy local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
The West Coast Regional Council today adopted its new 10-year plan and with it a 27% rates rise in the first year.
In 2023 council ratified a 16.4% general increase and under its 2024-34 long-term plan projects a 12% increase in 2025-26, followed by rates increases annually of no more than 7%.
Council chairperson Peter Haddock prefaced proceedings on June 25 by noting "eight long workshops" from April 2023. They were to set the LTP consultation document before the draft was released for public scrutiny in April.
It attracted just 25 submissions.
The council voted on Tuesday, six to one, to adopt the LTP including the rates increase.
However, the formal rates setting has been delayed for the latest rating valuation for Westland district, the outcome of the annual Greymouth Floodwall meeting, and confirmation of regional flood assets values.
Disaffected former chairperson Allan Birchfield was the sole dissenter.
He said the council, with its return to inhouse capacity - away from a reliance on external contractors - was "getting too big".
Staff numbers are up to about 80 full-time equivalent this year from about 60 in previous years.
"I think we've increased too much in size.
"I think council needs to restructure downwards," Birchfield said.
In response, Haddock asked Birchfield how many workshops he had contributed his time to develop the LTP.
"None," Birchfield replied.
Birchfield also defended his absence from the LTP submissions hearing last month due to surgery.
Rebuilding in-house capability by lessoning the council's reliance on consultants as it embarks on major flood work across the region was an underlying focus in the new plan.
But councillor Brett Cummings also sounded a warning:
The council had to consider when "the tap of Government money is turned off", he said.
It risked being left bearing full-time employees costing "$300,000 a year" - the equivalent of the consultants council sought to avoid.
Cummings said the true cost of returning inhouse needed to be transparent for all to see.
"That's what people are going to be asking me. (Otherwise) it's like Shane Jones - it's all puff and wind," Cummings said.
Chief executive Darryl Lew said the 10-year plan formal start on July 1 marked a revitalised staff with a full leadership team for the first time in years.
The organisation had been "realigned" in anticipation of that.
"This plan positions itself to tackle those (challenges) for our community," Lew said.
"I'm particularly pleased that we have developed a financial strategy over the next 10 years that sees us return to surplus in year four."
New internal investment was gratifying to see including a full inhouse engineering team, Lew said.
Risk and Assurance chairperson Frank Dooley said the past 12 months signified a major turn for council with the LTP an example of what "has been achieved".
He said he felt like "clapping" for Lew.
"I think we owe a debt of gratitude to our CEO. He walked in here just on 12 months ago to a broken organisation," Dooley said.
"I'm excited as a councillor where we've come from 18 months ago to where we are today."
Haddock said council had "rebuilt a broken entity".
It could now achieve significant community outcomes, including the $22.9m flood resilience scheme for Westport.
While Birchfield questioned the 27% increase, Dooley was "impressed with the level of information" council had in order to ratify the LTP.
"Councillors who have participated in the eight or nine workshops are fully conversant today," he said.
Acting corporate services manager Aaron Prendergast confirmed a 27% increase in both the Uniform Annual General Charge and the general "rates requirement".
Councillor Peter Ewen said council had faced other significant pressures aside from lack of staff including external cost impositions due to new central government policies.
"The reset we've done is facing that reality," he said.
"As far as having too many staff, being top heavy, going back in-house is one way of doing it. You can't have it both ways."
© Neighbourly 2024
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