The worm squirms on the berm
26 November, 2024
A social media poll by Horowhenua District Council that 524 residents participated in found 65 percent were against the decision to stop mowing berms, 25 percent were in favour and 10 percent were unsure.
Ceasing berm mowing to save $240,000 annually was one of several community cost-cutting measures included as options during Long Term Plan (2024-2044) consultations, and came into effect on 1 July this year.
A decision that is being re-visited around the Council table on November 27 at 11am in response to community opposition.
An exception to stopping berm mowing is a decision to maintain reserves, "created as a result of growth, which has a budget of $150,672 this year," said parks and property manager Lacey Winiata in a 32 page report included in the agenda.
The report stated Foxton and Shannon residents were concerned about "higher maintenance and costs" because their berms were much larger than berms in Levin.
"Some of the enquiries have touched on the perceived health and safety risks associated with berm mowing. For some in our community their homes and.. berms, are next to 70 kilometre an hour roads."
87 residents who contacted council between August 22 and November 18 expressed concerns ranging from:
Confusion or dissatisfaction about who should have responsibility, health and accessibility issues for residents unable to manage berms due to physical limitations and, aesthetic concerns of unkempt berms impacting on the visual appearance of the district.
In response to Council's suggestion that residents ask for help from social development agency WINZ, one respondent said WINZ does not fully cover lawn maintenance expenses, "and any partial assistance from them is insufficient to meet the remaining costs."
The report stated residents also contacted elected members and council officers directly, and sent emails.
Between 1 June and 14 November a further 130 enquiries were also logged.
It is the second time the council has revisited decisions made since the Long Term Plan was adopted after local land transport budgets for footpaths, cycleways and roading improvements were also recently slashed due to government priorities that favour expressways.
If the Council voted in favour of "partially or fully" reinstating berm mowing it would cost between $40,000 to $120,000 for the remaining eight months of the 2024-2025 financial year.
Secure your homes over summer
Police are reminding people to keep their homes secure during the summer months.
Inspector Glenda Barnaby, Christchurch Area Prevention manager, says daytime burglaries are just as common as nightime burglaries.
“Burglaries can be committed at any time of the day, and coming into warmer months there is more opportunity for thieves."
"Although a majority of burglaries involve forced entry through windows and doors, we are starting to see more incidents at insecure premises. Police deal with cases where burglaries are committed in broad daylight, sometimes even while the victim is at home. Good weather means open doors and windows, which makes homes more vulnerable to burglars.”
Inspector Barnaby says there’s a few things people can do to reduce their changes of a burglary being committed.
⚠️ If you’re going outside for gardening, relaxing in the sun, or working in the garage, take a moment to lock your doors and secure your windows first.
⚠️ Do the same at night when you go to bed - keep your doors and windows secure and close your curtains. Fitting window stays means you can get a breeze coming through, while keeping your windows secure.
⚠️ Get to know your neighbours - let them know if you’re going away and look out for one another.”
If you see any suspicious activity, people or vehicles in your neighbourhood, don't hesitate to contact Police.
If you witness or suspect any illegal activity, please call 111 if it is happening now, or make a report through 105 either online or over the phone, if it is after the fact.
Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.
Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔
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72.7% We work hard, we deserve a break!
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16.3% Hmm, maybe?
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11% Yes!
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