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From local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
A landslip on conservation land that risks triggering a massive washout at Barrytown is just "nature taking its course".
West Coast Regional Council chief executive Heather Mabin relayed the response she had from the Department of … View moreFrom local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
A landslip on conservation land that risks triggering a massive washout at Barrytown is just "nature taking its course".
West Coast Regional Council chief executive Heather Mabin relayed the response she had from the Department of Conservation (DOC) to the council this week following a meeting about a slip above the Granite Creek bridge on State Highway 6.
Barrytown resident Roger Reid has previously raised concern about the slip potentially having a major impact on both the highway and the settlement of Barrytown downhill of the bridge.
Reid's property is being eaten away by Granite Creek after a slip on DOC reserve into the creek behind his property a few years caused the creek to alter course.
He feared that if nothing were done the creek could either overtop his property or bypass the bridge and run down through the township.
Cr Brett Cummings raised a similar question at the council's Resource Management Committee meeting this week.
He asked who would be responsible if a tree on DOC land fell into a watercourse, dammed it, diverted it away from any stopbank and then affected adjoining private occupiers.
Mabin said she had sought clarity of that point with DOC.
"I had a conversation with [Western South Island director] Mark Davies of DOC around this particular issue, to do with Granite Creek and the fact that upstream there is a slip on DOC land that has diverted the creek.
"Eventually there's going to be a massive washout of debris ... that's going to go across the NZTA infrastructure, and the creek [bed]below the road is so high. The response was it was 'nature taking its course' and that DOC has numerous kilometres of creeks that border private land and infrastructure."
Mabin said the council approached DOC to try to get traction on the Granite Creek problem and the "pending situation" of the creek breaking out.
"I would suspect it would be much the same response to a tree falling on a stopbank," she said.
Davies was approached for further comment but declined.
Dear neighbours,
NZ Gardener together with Ryman Healthcare is once again looking for greenfingered good sorts – individuals or groups who use their gardening skills to help others. Tell us about the great gardeners doing right by your community, and they could be one of five finalists who will… View moreDear neighbours,
NZ Gardener together with Ryman Healthcare is once again looking for greenfingered good sorts – individuals or groups who use their gardening skills to help others. Tell us about the great gardeners doing right by your community, and they could be one of five finalists who will feature in the October magazine!
There are some amazing prizes up for grabs, so if you know a homegrown hero who is using their gardening skills for the greater good, nominate them now for Ryman Healthcare 2022 Gardener of the Year!
Enjoy the flexibility to do what you want and be more in control of your finances. Our fixed base weekly fee means Ryman residents can relax and make confident financial choices. And as living costs continue to rise, our fixed fee guarantee is more important than ever.
Ryman residents say that … View moreEnjoy the flexibility to do what you want and be more in control of your finances. Our fixed base weekly fee means Ryman residents can relax and make confident financial choices. And as living costs continue to rise, our fixed fee guarantee is more important than ever.
Ryman residents say that this financial security helps them plan ahead for large expenses like holidays while still enjoying themselves today. Because fewer responsibilities mean that you can live on your own terms. It’s one of the ways we’re pioneering retirement living – so you can embrace life and blaze a new trail in retirement.
Are you overdue a getaway? You could win a 13-day Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer South Island Rail & Coach tour by participating in Neighbourly’s 8th birthday celebration.
To enter the competition, just tell us what you love about your neighbourhood. It could be your favourite spot, a … View moreAre you overdue a getaway? You could win a 13-day Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer South Island Rail & Coach tour by participating in Neighbourly’s 8th birthday celebration.
To enter the competition, just tell us what you love about your neighbourhood. It could be your favourite spot, a beautiful view, or something that makes you smile. You could be in for a once-in-a-lifetime getaway!
Popular ice cream brand Häagen-Dazs has recalled a specific batch of their product due to a low level chemical (ethylene oxide) contamination
The ice cream product is the Häagen-Dazs brand Classic Collection Mini Cups (4x95mL) with the Best Before dates from the 04.07.2022 up to and including … View morePopular ice cream brand Häagen-Dazs has recalled a specific batch of their product due to a low level chemical (ethylene oxide) contamination
The ice cream product is the Häagen-Dazs brand Classic Collection Mini Cups (4x95mL) with the Best Before dates from the 04.07.2022 up to and including 21.07.2023.
Ethylene Oxide has been found in the vanilla cup. This chemical is normally used as a fumigant for controlling post-harvest insects, moulds, and pathogens in a variety of food however there is low risk from ingesting this amount.
This product is sold in Pak'n Save, New World, Four Square, and Gilmours stores throughout the North Island and can be returned to these stores for a full refund.
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It’s easy to create this simple planter using a couple of terracotta pots and some Resene testpots.
Find out how to create your own.
The West Coast's four councils have secured $900,000 of funding to defer construction and demolition waste from landfill.
The Buller District Council, Grey District Council, Westland District Council (WDC), and the West Coast
Regional Council (WCRC) secured the funding from the Waste
… View moreThe West Coast's four councils have secured $900,000 of funding to defer construction and demolition waste from landfill.
The Buller District Council, Grey District Council, Westland District Council (WDC), and the West Coast
Regional Council (WCRC) secured the funding from the Waste
Minimisation Fund (WMF).
WCRC consents and compliance manager Colin Helem said the focus was primarily on the recovery, reuse, and reprocessing of construction materials such as timber and steel to cut down the significant volumes of building waste entering landfills.
"It is not about building a landfill for construction and demolition waste.”
WDC operations manager Erle Bencich said consultant company Tonkin + Taylor would complete a feasibility study to test the project’s market viability. The results were expected at the end of the year.
“We target January 2023 to review the outcome of the feasibility study and decide how to proceed," Buller District Council solid waste management coordinator Juliana Ruiz said.
The WMF supports projects in New Zealand that increase the reuse, recovery, and recycling of materials. The WMF was set up by central government and is financed out of waste disposal levies.
Have you read our June Seniors newsletter? In this issue we discuss the Older Workers Employment Action Plan, Budget 2022 and hear from Equal Employment Commissioner Saunoamaali'i Karanina Sumeo. Read it here now: bit.ly...
Help Kiwis in need this winter by giving through the Trade Me Kindness Store. Trade Me has teamed up with three awesome Kiwi charities - KidsCan, RainbowYOUTH and Women’s Refuge. The Kindness Store’s virtual shelves are stocked with small things that make a big difference to the Kiwis these … View moreHelp Kiwis in need this winter by giving through the Trade Me Kindness Store. Trade Me has teamed up with three awesome Kiwi charities - KidsCan, RainbowYOUTH and Women’s Refuge. The Kindness Store’s virtual shelves are stocked with small things that make a big difference to the Kiwis these charities help.
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The chilly, gum boot wearing, kettle on, soup season has moved into town! Don’t get stung by your winter power bill neighbours, start shopping around now - even if you’re on a contract.
We asked neighbours why they’re not switching power providers and found out for many it feels a bit … View moreThe chilly, gum boot wearing, kettle on, soup season has moved into town! Don’t get stung by your winter power bill neighbours, start shopping around now - even if you’re on a contract.
We asked neighbours why they’re not switching power providers and found out for many it feels a bit baffling with so many options and not enough help. Read why Kiwis aren’t switching and the easy steps to get your power sorted before bill shock hits.
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From local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
The West Coast Regional Council has increased rates by 10%.
But it has excluded a planned inflation adjustment of 2.3% as signalled in the long-term plan.
Last year rates went up 30%.
Faced with an overall 12.3% increase this year, chief executive… View moreFrom local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
The West Coast Regional Council has increased rates by 10%.
But it has excluded a planned inflation adjustment of 2.3% as signalled in the long-term plan.
Last year rates went up 30%.
Faced with an overall 12.3% increase this year, chief executive Heather Mabin told councillors it was not too late to amend the budget and revert "to a true 10%".
Cr Peter Ewen said the council needed to keep faith with the ratepayers.
"That to me is a public contract."
The council needed to address rising costs, which included compliance costs that were "a Government imposition" and directly affected ratepayers.
"There are some other things there we have got to address. It's never easy to cut costs but it's something we've got to get used to," Ewen said.
As an example, the council should be claiming back from the Government the full costs of formulating the combined district plan for the region, as it was now a national pilot.
"If we roll over and take it, why are we here? I don't mind being the guinea pig [but] it's another version of being set up to fail because the rates are going to be so high."
Cr Debra Magner said the council had to consider the risks in not cost adjusting, with projects and statutory obligations looming.
"It isn't just a matter of saying we can cut [2.3%] out without consequences."
Cr Stuart Challenger said he was mindful of the impact on ratepayers but the council had to meet its obligations.
"My concern is if we didn't have rate rises, and all of a sudden we have to make up for it. We need to cut our costs but we need to make sure we are doing what we're supposed to do."
Ewen asked what the 2.3% would represent in a budget adjustment.
Mabin said it was close to $95,000.
Ewen said that coincidentally represented the lease revenue for the council's Rolleston property (a 1080 factory), which might be reviewed to help the budget.
Cr Laura Coll-McLaughlin said the council, like everyone else, was at the "sharp end" with inflation.
It needed to budget for the unexpected while weighing the impact on ratepayers but without leaving the council financially vulnerable.
Carpet been in home for 60 years in good nick. No memory marks. Must be gone by 17th July. 65 meters square. Made of pure wool. Created in the Riccarton Mill when operated there, Was made in 690mm (27") runs known as Panel Persian. View by appointment only. Open to Offers
Are you overdue a getaway? You could win a 13-day Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer South Island Rail & Coach tour by participating in Neighbourly’s 8th birthday celebration.
To enter the competition, just tell us what you love about your neighbourhood. It could be your favourite spot, a … View moreAre you overdue a getaway? You could win a 13-day Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer South Island Rail & Coach tour by participating in Neighbourly’s 8th birthday celebration.
To enter the competition, just tell us what you love about your neighbourhood. It could be your favourite spot, a beautiful view, or something that makes you smile. You could be in for a once-in-a-lifetime getaway!
From local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
An assurance Ziman House at Reefton will not be permanently closed by the successor to the West Coast District Health Board has been affirmed by management after a final debate as the DHB wound up this week.
Veteran West Coast health advocate Peter … View moreFrom local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
An assurance Ziman House at Reefton will not be permanently closed by the successor to the West Coast District Health Board has been affirmed by management after a final debate as the DHB wound up this week.
Veteran West Coast health advocate Peter Neame took the board's management to task, and eventually got an assurance when chairman Rick Barker stepped in, asking for a simple "yes or no" answer.
The board as superseded today by the rollout of the new Health NZ and Maori Health Authority. The West Coast, however, one of nine regions selected for a 'locality' pilot which means the community will be consulted on the shape of the new structure and West Coast-specific service delivery.
Neame, an elected board member and retired psychiatric nurse, launched into management at the start of the meeting.
He said the public perceived the DHB's stated plan to reopen the Reefton facility was not genuine.
"There's general perception by the public that there is no intention of this board or a future authority that it would reopen (Ziman House)," he said.
The argument by the board that staffing was behind the temporary closure of the facility was something he "never, ever accepted".
DHB general manager Phillip Wheble repeated that aged residential care on the West Coast was "significantly challenged" at present due to the national nursing shortage and that meant reopening Ziman House was also a challenge.
The issue of staffing was regardless of the mix of private and public aged residential care in the region, he said.
"We've got to look at how we can provide a sustainable service that provides the outcome we want."
Neame replied: "I'm only getting a bureaucratic answer".
Wheble repeated that the board needed to be "innovative".
It was at this stage Barker stepped in.
"Is there a commitment to reopen Ziman House -- yes or no? Let's hear it, without all of the other things," he said.
DHB chief executive Peter Bramley responded with a simple "yes".
Wheble said the full-time equivalent of 5.6 registered nursing staff would be needed for "hospital level care" based on eight patients at Reefton.
Bramley, just appointed as interim South Island manager for Health NZ, repeated his affirmation that the Reefton care facility would open again.
"There is absolute commitment that we reopen Ziman House," he said.
However, that was "on the proviso" of providing a safe level of nursing care.
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