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By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Cust’s water supply is expected to remain chlorinated for some time.
In preparing a response to Taumata Arowai’s draft residual disinfection exemption application report, the Waimakariri District Council accepts it may not make any difference.
… View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Cust’s water supply is expected to remain chlorinated for some time.
In preparing a response to Taumata Arowai’s draft residual disinfection exemption application report, the Waimakariri District Council accepts it may not make any difference.
The council applied for chlorination exemptions last year for its six urban drinking water supplies.
Taumata Arowai releasing its draft report in December, recommending the chlorine exemption in the Cust water supply be declined.
"We don’t expect this will change the decision, but we think this information should be made available to them," the council’s water asset manager, Colin Roxburgh, said.
He said council staff had been working constructively with Taumata Arowai to find a way forward.
The council has been chlorinating the Cust water supply since 2020 as a precaution after upgrading water tanks.
In its draft report, Taumata Arowai identified 15 factors that led to its recommendation to decline the exemption.
Those factors included issues with the water source and the council’s monitoring and modelling were "insufficient".
Roxburgh acknowledged the council had not provided information on its understanding of the viruses in the water supply or how it would treat them.
Taumata Arowai had concluded the ultra violet (UV) treatment proposed was "not a full treatment barrier for viruses".
But the council has highlighted evidence which it believed suggested UV treatment could be appropriate in certain circumstances.
Mayor Dan Gordon said he was disappointed not to be able to offer better news for Cust residents.
But said staff would continue to work on finding solutions to keep Waimakariri’s drinking water supplies chlorine free.
"We know our ratepayers do not want chlorinated water supplies and in our response we have again reinforced our commitment to work with Taumata Arowai to try to prevent that from happening."
Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey said he was disappointed the council had not found a way to meet Taumata Arowai’s requirements to remove chlorine from Cust’s water supply.
"It is clear Taumata Arowai has given a pathway forward and now it is up to Waimakariri to consult with its ratepayers on a plan to meet those requirements."
The council also has chlorine exemption applications for its other urban water supplies in Kaiapoi, Woodend/Pegasus, Rangiora, Waikuku and Oxford.
Primary, secondary and kindergarten teachers are striking this week as they look for a pay offer that meets inflation at 7.2% and makes concessions around staffing issues - in particular, student to teacher ratios.
A ratio of 1 teacher for 23 students applies for year 11 students, however … View morePrimary, secondary and kindergarten teachers are striking this week as they look for a pay offer that meets inflation at 7.2% and makes concessions around staffing issues - in particular, student to teacher ratios.
A ratio of 1 teacher for 23 students applies for year 11 students, however support staff can be counted as teachers so the reality is that class sizes can be much higher.
What do you think are the ideal sizes for classrooms?
Type NFP alongside your comments if you don't wish these to be shared in the We Say You Say column of the local paper.
The wool company Skeinz is helping the flood victims in the North Island and understandably cannot help everyone, and have turned our request for patronage down. I am asking for help for the a few of the millions of people displaced by the bombing in Ukraine. We have used up my large stash of … View moreThe wool company Skeinz is helping the flood victims in the North Island and understandably cannot help everyone, and have turned our request for patronage down. I am asking for help for the a few of the millions of people displaced by the bombing in Ukraine. We have used up my large stash of balls of pure wool and our Lions club and also our Ryman's knitters are crying out for more. These finished garments are really cute. If you have two or three balls of the same colour of pure wool we would appreciate your donations. Maybe we can mix ' match the colours. A ball band is necesary for translation into Ukrainian. Please we need help.
From reporter Tatiana Gibbs:
“It’s really hard to find a park,” is a sentence business owners Miles and Tracey Ashley believe they hear from every second customer.
The pair owns The Feed Shack – a pet supplies store – in Rangiora’s central township and are worried they could be … View moreFrom reporter Tatiana Gibbs:
“It’s really hard to find a park,” is a sentence business owners Miles and Tracey Ashley believe they hear from every second customer.
The pair owns The Feed Shack – a pet supplies store – in Rangiora’s central township and are worried they could be “out of business within weeks” because only a handful of car parks are available to customers.
Between the parking situation and roadworks to improve water infrastructure, put down new paving, and install street furniture and lighting, the Ashleys say their store is barely accessible.
The three-month revamp has wiped out 90% of their usual trade, but the couple said it’s only been the tip of the iceberg, because the car parking spots meant for customers have been taken up by staff and employees in the CBD area for years.
“If a customer can't park within a reasonable distance... they’ll go elsewhere,” Miles said
Their pet store has been on Good St since 2019, and early into their ownership Miles noticed a significant number of the free two-hour parking spots on their road and neighbouring Blake St were taken up by the same cars each time.
He has since worked out that they're used by nearby workers.
“I can point out cars that are employees from the New World, or employees from a café, [and] they're not there just some of the time. They’re there virtually five days a week, all day, in a two-hour car park consistently.”
Tracey said they drive into work and park a 5-10 minute walk away from the store to not be “a part of the problem”, and “allow customers the potential to get out of their vehicle to spend”.
But when she gets to work before opening time at 9am, the “bulk” of the car parks have already been taken before potential customers get a chance, which she said puts “tremendous stress” on their ability to get people in the door.
More than three years on and multiple emails asking for more regular ticketing patrolling later, it’s only gotten worse, said Miles, because “the enforcement actions from the council were abysmal”.
Responses to their emails informed them the Waimakariri District Council enforcement staff have the entire wider region to cover.
“Where's the action if it’s a priority?” Tracey said. “No results in three years is just failure.”
The Waimakiriri District Council said there are 96 limited time zone car parks available on Blake St, that adjoins Good St, and regular monitoring suggests that there haven’t been any changes to the number of notices issued in this car park recently.
“Several complaints were raised about over stayers at the Blake St car park in 2020, which resulted in increased monitoring, and all nearby businesses were informed about the use of the car park at the time,” a council spokesperson said.
Tracey said it was only a “short term improvement” then, and has remained an ongoing issue.
“They’re not ticketing enough to turn over those car parks meant for customers.”
The pair urge employees in the area to abide by parking zone limits, claiming each car park unusable is potentially thousands of revenue for the township’s central businesses lost.
“Simply car parking just isn't available and now there's shops on the street struggling,” Miles said.
Further roadworks on Blake St have “reduced” on street parking while a water main is replaced, which is expected to be finished by the end of the month, the council said.
We can see you're paying a lot for your broadband each month (we'll have some helpful advice on that soon)! Now let's shine the spot light on Power! The other BIG bill Kiwis are juggling.
We know usage can fluctuate quite a bit meaning so would your bill but to keep it simple, … View moreWe can see you're paying a lot for your broadband each month (we'll have some helpful advice on that soon)! Now let's shine the spot light on Power! The other BIG bill Kiwis are juggling.
We know usage can fluctuate quite a bit meaning so would your bill but to keep it simple, how much does your power bill usually come to?
Know the friendliest barista around? Does your mechanic always go the extra mile? Got a lawn-mowing legend? Hairdresser hero?
Give your favourite local business the recognition they deserve by nominating them in the 2023 Prospa Local Business Hero awards.
There's been hundreds of … View moreKnow the friendliest barista around? Does your mechanic always go the extra mile? Got a lawn-mowing legend? Hairdresser hero?
Give your favourite local business the recognition they deserve by nominating them in the 2023 Prospa Local Business Hero awards.
There's been hundreds of incredible entries already but don't forget to nominate your local this week. The recognition will make their day (and they're in with a chance to win a $10,000 package!).
Share a few words about your favourite local now.
Your home is your sanctuary, and that’s why Ryman villages are designed to be safe havens.
We’ve prepared for adverse events, so you don’t have to.
Your safety and your family’s peace of mind are our priority. Every Ryman village has staff available 24/7 and backup generators for … View moreYour home is your sanctuary, and that’s why Ryman villages are designed to be safe havens.
We’ve prepared for adverse events, so you don’t have to.
Your safety and your family’s peace of mind are our priority. Every Ryman village has staff available 24/7 and backup generators for emergencies. If something happens, you’re in safe hands.
We’ll take care of everything and make sure that you have what you need.
If you or a loved one are over 70, Ryman has a range of options from emergency accommodation through to townhouses or apartments available to purchase.
I don't seem to be able to make a comment on the broadband poll.
My husband had a very pertinent question.
For how long does the lower price plan last? The reason I ask is because it has always been a short term contract and then you have to pay full price again usually at 12 months. … View moreI don't seem to be able to make a comment on the broadband poll.
My husband had a very pertinent question.
For how long does the lower price plan last? The reason I ask is because it has always been a short term contract and then you have to pay full price again usually at 12 months. Considering the amount of use it gets ie: news, email, movies, youtube etc. you really need a consistently low price as pensioners are on the minimum wage and our pay increase was just below the cost of inflation.
Why is the Government trying to rush new RMA legislation through before the election? What’s happened to democracy? It’s sad that unelected people will have a say on new planning proposals without the right of appeal. Why aren’t people kicking up a fuss about it? Are we so complacent that all… View moreWhy is the Government trying to rush new RMA legislation through before the election? What’s happened to democracy? It’s sad that unelected people will have a say on new planning proposals without the right of appeal. Why aren’t people kicking up a fuss about it? Are we so complacent that all we want to is sit at home and watch the telly? Wake up NZ
Internet is something we need these days for work, study, keeping in touch with loved ones or just to watch a movie! It's another bill to manage right?!
With the cost of living rising, we want to know how much your broadband bill is setting you back each month?
Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are still on the hunt for amazing and inventive jerusalem artichoke recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by March 26, 2023. Every published recipe wins a copy of the May issue of NZ … View moreEvery month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are still on the hunt for amazing and inventive jerusalem artichoke recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by March 26, 2023. Every published recipe wins a copy of the May issue of NZ Gardener.
From local democracy reporter David Hill:
Rangiora High School principal Bruce Kearney is hailing a return to ‘‘normality’’.
After three years of Covid-19 disruption, schools are able to get back to doing the things they used to do - like field trips, school camps, sports, school … View moreFrom local democracy reporter David Hill:
Rangiora High School principal Bruce Kearney is hailing a return to ‘‘normality’’.
After three years of Covid-19 disruption, schools are able to get back to doing the things they used to do - like field trips, school camps, sports, school assemblies and parent-teacher interviews.
‘‘We are re-focusing away from wellbeing and getting back into teaching and learning,’’ Kearney said.
‘‘For three years we were focused on whether teachers were well enough to come to school and whether students were well enough to learn.
‘‘We were literally sitting in school and thinking, ‘crikey, are we going to be able to open tomorrow’.’’
The ever present threat of staff and student illness and government interventions now seemed to be in the past, he said.
Participation numbers in sport was high and Rangiora Pasefika students had joined forces with Kaiapoi High School to compete in Polyfest.
Rangiora High School now had 50 international students from seven countries, with its international programme back in full swing.
‘‘I’m not saying Covid has gone, but we are changing the way we deal with it,’’ Kearney said.
‘‘And we are seeing the change with our young people.
‘‘They are far more optimistic, which is important because they have so much going on in their lives like social media and facing climate change.
‘‘If you ask the kids what they want, it is sports tournaments, school balls and stage competitions like ShowQuest and the Sheilah Winn Shakespeare Festival.’’
All of these things are back in 2023, while a school production was also planned.
For the vast majority of young people, school was the only time they got to experience those things, Kearney said.
The school was also busy conducting a review of its teaching and learning and its large open learning space, the Rakahuri building.
Kearney said a report was due to come out at the end of the term.
A second review was being conducted of the school farm, with a stocktake of the farm being completed this term.
The stocktake would help to inform some recommendations of what the farm could become in the future.
Kearney said the farm had shearing sheds which were not being used for shearing, so it opened up the possibility of offering a shearing course.
Alternatively, the school may decide not to have animals on the farm.
‘‘We are facing some pressure as residential housing is starting to close in on us and people buying properties on our fence line may not want to go to sleep at night to the noise of farm animals.
"But I will not be the principal who sells the farm.’’
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