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By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
A lack of regulation makes it difficult for councils to manage their weed spraying programmes, Environment Canterbury (ECan) science director Dr Tim Davie says.
Responding to concerns raised by Kaiapoi resident Michael Bate, Davie said the Parliamentary… View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
A lack of regulation makes it difficult for councils to manage their weed spraying programmes, Environment Canterbury (ECan) science director Dr Tim Davie says.
Responding to concerns raised by Kaiapoi resident Michael Bate, Davie said the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment and the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) lacked the necessary clout to offer guidance to councils.
Bate tabled two Radio New Zealand articles from last year, at a Waimakariri Zone Committee meeting last week about the lack of mechanisms to govern chemical use.
‘‘The EPA, as it stands, is meant to have oversight around chemical use, but there’s very little legislative requirements and there’s no requirement to report it,’’ Davie said.
‘‘If the EPA had a mandate and was properly funded we would have standards to respond to.’’
Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment Simon Upton presented a report to Parliament last year raising concerns about the regulations around chemical use.
The report identified consequences such as lakes overloaded with zinc, too much antibiotics in wastewater and harm to bees from insecticide-dipped seeds.
It recommended expanding the EPA’s powers to require more data to be collected from chemical importers, manufacturers and sellers.
But more funding was needed.
Davie said it was important for the PCE to highlight those issues.
‘‘But he can’t enforce it and the government hasn’t responded.’’
ECan managed 59 river rating and drainage districts.
Weed management was essential to keep communities safe from flood risks and to protect biodiversity.
Waterways were vulnerable to infestations of exotic pest plant species which choked braided rivers and restricted natural functions.
Davie said spraying was ‘‘the nasty compromise’’ to manage weeds and the spread of gorse around riverbeds.
Glyphosate was widely used in New Zealand and other countries as a general-purpose herbicide and was considered safe by the EPA.
‘‘In an ideal world we would rather not spray,’’ Davie said.
‘‘Glyphosate is a spray which is reasonably short lived. It is a compromise and it is a really difficult thing to manage.’’
The Waimakariri District Council is preparing a report on spraying practices and chemicals used in the district.
■ Waimakariri Zone Committee chairperson Michael Blackwell and deputy chairperson Arapata Reuben both stepped down at last week’s meeting.
Carolyne Latham was elected chairperson, with Erin Harvie elected deputy chairperson.
Former Rangiora High School student Ruby Gill-Clifford was appointed as a youth rep to the zone committee.
Ruby served three years on ECan’s Youth Rōpū and was deputy chairperson last year.
She is studying for a science degree at Canterbury University.
*Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air
Hi Neighbours
I am taking appointments for Reiki with Rae in Rangiora
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This Triple Power bracelet was created for high energy, abundance and protection. This captivating mix of Blue, Red and Yellow Tigers Eye will ignite the fire within and dissipate anything that is holding you back.
Harnessing the power of the Sun and Earth, Tiger Eye is a stone for protection, … View moreThis Triple Power bracelet was created for high energy, abundance and protection. This captivating mix of Blue, Red and Yellow Tigers Eye will ignite the fire within and dissipate anything that is holding you back.
Harnessing the power of the Sun and Earth, Tiger Eye is a stone for protection, power, and perseverance working to fill the aura with a fiery confidence to pursue your dreams. Its frequency brings mental clarity by balancing the body's hormones to release any unneeded tensions on the journey to success. It is known as one of the most powerful crystals to attract wealth and abundance. Highly recommended to entrepreneurs, business owners, and creators of any kind.
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Join our Leve 2 fee's free course* at Christchurch Campus. Over 13 weeks you’ll learn crucial skills that will help you with your career in the hospitality industry such as:
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… View moreJoin our Leve 2 fee's free course* at Christchurch Campus. Over 13 weeks you’ll learn crucial skills that will help you with your career in the hospitality industry such as:
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Swap food for a FREE Resene testpot with Hunger for Colour!
Simply bring two cans of food into your local Resene ColorShop and swap them for one Resene testpot (60-80ml). We'll donate all food to The Salvation Army foodbanks.
By adding a little more colour to your life you can also help… View moreSwap food for a FREE Resene testpot with Hunger for Colour!
Simply bring two cans of food into your local Resene ColorShop and swap them for one Resene testpot (60-80ml). We'll donate all food to The Salvation Army foodbanks.
By adding a little more colour to your life you can also help those in need.
I have some beautiful Aviary Budgies that I am selling. These have been in a lovely Aviary with plenty of flight span, so preferably they would be best suited for an Aviary. Some in the pictures are not for sale but because it's so hard to get them singled out. I have just put most of them in … View moreI have some beautiful Aviary Budgies that I am selling. These have been in a lovely Aviary with plenty of flight span, so preferably they would be best suited for an Aviary. Some in the pictures are not for sale but because it's so hard to get them singled out. I have just put most of them in pictures. They are selling for ($20 each) and they are up to a year old. Pickup Kaiapoi p.s. I also have goldfish (Orange) for sale ($8 each) 03-3276606 Please leave us a message
The newest addition to the NZ Compare suite of comparison brands has landed - Mobile Compare is the home of Kiwi Mobile Plans. A one stop shop for Neighbours everywhere!
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Whether you’re … View moreThe newest addition to the NZ Compare suite of comparison brands has landed - Mobile Compare is the home of Kiwi Mobile Plans. A one stop shop for Neighbours everywhere!
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As new condition and only used a few times.
Adjustable foot and backrest.
Rain cover included
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
The presence of chlorine in the Kaiapoi north drinking water supply is causing confusion among residents.
Some have taken to social media to vent their frustrations over it.
The Waimakariri District Council began chlorinating the Kaiapoi north supply… View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
The presence of chlorine in the Kaiapoi north drinking water supply is causing confusion among residents.
Some have taken to social media to vent their frustrations over it.
The Waimakariri District Council began chlorinating the Kaiapoi north supply last year as a precaution, after routine testing showed increased levels of organic materials in it.
Specialist equipment has been ordered and is expected to arrive in February or March, a council spokesperson said.
The council has applied for chlorine exemptions for the water supplies in the district’s six urban areas, including Kaiapoi.
The first draft decision, on the Cust water supply chlorine exemption application, was received just before Christmas and indicated that application was likely to be declined.
‘‘While this decision is draft only and does not directly apply to Kaiapoi, it does highlight how challenging it is to gain approval for a supply to operate without chlorine,’’ the spokesperson said.
‘‘The council is continuing to supply unchlorinated water where we have a high level of confidence, while our exemptions are being processed.
‘‘For north Kaiapoi this means the council must take a precautionary approach and continue with temporary chlorination until we have a higher level of confidence.’’
Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air
Jazz up a tired set of wicker chairs with eye-popping colours and Resene FX Metallic paint.
Find out how to add a little shimmer of your own with these easy instructions.
I have a house load of second hand carpet to be laid, is there anyone who can do this please?
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Hanmer Springs has a new fun, family activity - and it’s free.
A nine-hole disc golf course opened at Brooke Dawson Reserve last month and it has already caught the attention of visitors and enthusiasts for the game.
‘‘It has only been open for… View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Hanmer Springs has a new fun, family activity - and it’s free.
A nine-hole disc golf course opened at Brooke Dawson Reserve last month and it has already caught the attention of visitors and enthusiasts for the game.
‘‘It has only been open for a couple of weeks, but there is a lot of people going through and the word is getting out,’’ local resident Graham Frith said.
‘‘I’ve had people from Christchurch, Nelson and the West Coast ringing to find out when we will have this course and now I can tell them to come.
‘‘My vision was to have it so everyone staying in the village could do it for free and eventually if we have some guns come here, even better.’’
Frith came up with the idea for a disc golf course while serving on the Hanmer Springs Community Board.
It came at a cost of $7500 to buy the baskets, which were used instead of tees and were installed by volunteers.
Disc golf is like ordinary golf, except you throw a frisbee or disc and aimed to get into the baskets in as few throws as possible.
All you need is a frisbee and some mates, or your family, Frith said.
‘‘The other day three of us went down there with one frisbee. We just took turns throwing it and walked around and had a great chat.’’
Frith has been behind several initiatives in recent years, including the Hanmer Springs food forest and Music and Arts Hanmer Springs.
He was also working on developing mountain bike trails around Mt Isobel.
‘‘I just like to stir things up. If you are not going forward you fall off your bike.’’
Frith says the ideas tend to flow when he is out on his bike.
With a five month cycling tour in Central America planned from next month, more ideas were sure to follow.
‘‘We are travelling through Mexico and I will no doubt see something and think ‘that will work in Hanmer Springs’.’’
The Brooke Dawson Reserve, in Bath Street, Hanmer Springs, has a toilet block and picnic area, making it the ideal spot for families.
There was the option of extending it to an 18-hole course if it proved to be popular.
A map of the course is available on the Hanmer Springs app and on Facebook.
*Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air
With rising inflation, the pressure is piling on councils this year to tighten their budgets to keep rates payments down for households across the country.
Overall, do you feel that your council and community board does a good job for your area?
If you don't wish for your replies to be … View moreWith rising inflation, the pressure is piling on councils this year to tighten their budgets to keep rates payments down for households across the country.
Overall, do you feel that your council and community board does a good job for your area?
If you don't wish for your replies to be used in the We Say You Say column, include NFP in your comment.
Our February issue of our Seniors Newsletter is out now. In this issue we're keeping you in the know how on copper withdrawal and how that may affect you, plus lots more.
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Government reform was on top of the agenda at a Waimakariri District Council meeting on Tuesday, February 7.
Councillors debated submissions on the draft future of local government report, and two Three Waters reform bills.
In a draft submission … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Government reform was on top of the agenda at a Waimakariri District Council meeting on Tuesday, February 7.
Councillors debated submissions on the draft future of local government report, and two Three Waters reform bills.
In a draft submission prepared by senior policy analyst Temi Allinson, the council advocated for five year long term plans, supported the concept of ‘‘citizen-led participatory democracy’’, called for stronger relations between central and local government, and reiterated concern for ‘‘unfunded mandates’’.
The council chose not to give feedback on the proposal to lower the voting age to 16 in its submission.
‘‘We decided it was a matter we didn’t need to have a view on,’’ mayor Dan Gordon said.
‘‘It is before the courts, and really it is a matter for the government.’’
The Water Services Legislation Bill and the Water Services Economic Efficiency and Consumer Protection Bill caused considerable discussion with councillors raising a number of concerns.
Cr Joan Ward questioned how creating additional bureaucracy would led to lower costs.
She said the council needed to re-enforce its opposition to the proposed reforms, and she expressed concerned about the lack of transparency in the draft legislation.
She noted there was no reference in the bills requiring the new entities to be audited by Audit New Zealand.
Cr Jason Goldsworthy questioned whether the Commerce Commission was the right body to have oversight over the new Three Waters entities, as proposed in the legislation.
He noted the Commerce Commission had found concerns with the supermarket duopoly model, so how could an entity with a monopoly over three waters be subject to market competition?
Deputy mayor Neville Atkinson said the Commerce Commission was not the right body to have oversight of Three Waters.
‘‘It needs to have the Auditor-General over the top of it.’’
Cr Niki Mealings noted there was no guarantee for drinking water to be supplied in the proposed legislation, if it was to be treated like other utilities such as power or phone.
‘‘Will people get their water cut off if they can’t pay their bill?’’
Cr Philip Redmond noted the proposed legislation did not address the question of ownership of water.
‘‘Is that a deliberate omission? There are differing views on what ownership of water means and I wonder if this bill is opening the way for an alternative to come in.’’
Submissions on the draft future of local government report close on February 28, while the Three Waters reforms submissions close on February 12.
■ Public interest journalism is funded by New Zealand on Air.
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