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In October, the fine for parking in a designated mobility car park without a permit has jumped from $150 to $750—a 400% increase!
The goal is to keep these spaces open for those who truly need them. Do you think this big increase in the fine is fair? Share your thoughts below.
Venetian plaster finishes are on-trend at the moment, so why not recreate this look at home and cover that unsightly rangehood at the same time?
Find out how to create your own with Resene Sandtex and these easy step by step instructions.
Hamilton city councillors have taken tangible steps towards a new water regime that will see a charge based on their property’s capital valuation in their rates bill for the first time next year.
The council voted unanimously on Thursday on a series of direction-setting decisions in relation … View moreHamilton city councillors have taken tangible steps towards a new water regime that will see a charge based on their property’s capital valuation in their rates bill for the first time next year.
The council voted unanimously on Thursday on a series of direction-setting decisions in relation to the 2024-2034 Long-Term Plan Amendments.
Rental prices on Trade Me have dropped but Hamilton seems to have missed the memo with city property managers saying that’s not what they are seeing.
The latest Trade Me rental price index shows prices have fallen to an eight month low, with the median cost of a rental in the Waikato at $580 -… View moreRental prices on Trade Me have dropped but Hamilton seems to have missed the memo with city property managers saying that’s not what they are seeing.
The latest Trade Me rental price index shows prices have fallen to an eight month low, with the median cost of a rental in the Waikato at $580 - down 0.9%.
If you're renting, what are you seeing? Tell us about it in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).
Where is the only place where today comes before yesterday?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
Want to stop seeing riddles in your … View moreWhere is the only place where today comes before yesterday?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Retailers want market stalls banned from Ashburton’s CBD streets as they say the road closures are hurting local shops.
Ashburton's central streets are closed on South Canterbury Anniversary Day each year for the market day, which is a … View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Retailers want market stalls banned from Ashburton’s CBD streets as they say the road closures are hurting local shops.
Ashburton's central streets are closed on South Canterbury Anniversary Day each year for the market day, which is a normal work day in Mid Canterbury.
Jolene Laxton of retailer Sparrows spoke to the Ashburton District Council on behalf of the CBD retailers this week, asking to end the all-day road closure in the central area.
The local businesses want the council to “consider the impact that closing the central town access roads during business hours has on our local businesses within the area”.
When the CBD is closed off, the majority of businesses suffer financially she said.
“Trading is down between 30% to 50% on these market days.”
She also alleged a spike in shoplifting on the market days.
“A number of businesses are reporting a dramatic increase in theft on these days.”
Businesses didn’t bother reporting it because it wasn’t worth the recovery cost she said.
A police spokesperson said it “isn’t something our local staff were immediately aware of” after this year’s event.
The Ashburton Market Day, which replaced Boulevard Day, is an all-day market on East St.
The road closure of the four blocks of the CBD for the event was advertised 48 days in advance but “not everyone reads the paper” Laxton said.
They were also issued a reminder notice seven days before the event.
The market day events bring people into town but “do not bring customers into our local business that work hard to support our local community”.
“We are closing our roads and limiting our access to run an event that has more out-of-town stall holders than it does local stall holders, and is held on a public holiday for another district.”
“The main street of our town is not the prime position for these activities anymore.”
The retailers are suggesting Baring Square or the Ashburton Domain as better locations to hold the market days.
Originally asking for all road closures to be off the table, making the CBD a no-event zone, the retailers agreed some “community events” were still welcome.
Short-term events held in the evenings or weekends had less of an impact Laxton said.
“Any community event that is for our community, that brings our community together is a positive.”
The market day is a private event and “most of the money on that day goes out of our community”.
Boulevard Day had run on Ashburton’s main street for 45 years before the CBD was a construction zone in 2021 so was held in the Domain.
That event then folded and Carol Johns started her market day to take its place in 2022.
The CBD retailers had opposed the road closure with the council deciding to grant it, with a raft of conditions.
Johns was gutted the retailers were again trying to block her market day going ahead.
“I’ve fought and fought to bring this event that brings thousands of people to our town.
“They are trying to stop anyone from doing anything in the CBD.
“Do the retailers have that right?”
She was swift to denounce some of the claims by the retailers, as he hadn’t heard of any shoplifting or seen any police reports corroborating the claims.
Johns said she had followed all the processes to secure the road closure, which was publically notified without objection.
With the town centre upgrade changing Burnett and Tancred streets into one-way streets, a road closure on East Street effectively closes the whole CBD.
“And that wasn’t my doing.”
The market day is utilised by several Ashburton Community Groups to fundraise and this year about 50 of the 115 sites were run by locals, she said.
If the traditional section of East St is to become a no-go zone then Baring Square just down the road could work she said.
The domain wasn’t an option because part of the event is the “creating the atmosphere and vibe of being in the centre of town”.
The council has requested an issues and options report to be prepared.
Chief executive Hamish Riach said the report will look at what issues and any options around road closures under the legislation and bylaws.
The report is expected to take about a month he said.
Treat yourself and your loved ones to a delightful festive buffet in our beautifully decorated venue! Enjoy a complimentary glass of sparkling wine on arrival, adding a touch of sparkle to your celebration.
With a mouthwatering selection of dishes, our buffet will delight every palate.
… View moreTreat yourself and your loved ones to a delightful festive buffet in our beautifully decorated venue! Enjoy a complimentary glass of sparkling wine on arrival, adding a touch of sparkle to your celebration.
With a mouthwatering selection of dishes, our buffet will delight every palate.
Booking is essential, so make your reservations today to secure your place in this joyous celebration. We look forward to welcoming you to Acacia for a memorable day filled with festive cheer!
Email: H3060-SB3@ACCOR.com
Ph: 09 529 9090.
Love gooseberries? Share your favourite way to enjoy them. We're looking for our readers' favourite family recipes for this delicious crop. Send yours to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the magazine, you will receive a free copy of our December 2024 issue.
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