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This winter, we are celebrating the 2024 Olympics with our TV Guide readers with a chance to win 1 of 4 65” Panasonic 4K TVs worth $3,999 each.
Pick up a copy of the TV Guide each week starting from the June 1 - 7 issue, find the codeword, and follow the directions to be in to win! We’ve put… View moreThis winter, we are celebrating the 2024 Olympics with our TV Guide readers with a chance to win 1 of 4 65” Panasonic 4K TVs worth $3,999 each.
Pick up a copy of the TV Guide each week starting from the June 1 - 7 issue, find the codeword, and follow the directions to be in to win! We’ve put a codeword in each of the following three issues, so find them all for more chances to win. You’ll have until July 3 to enter online or mail in your codeword. T&Cs apply.
By local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
Flood-stricken landowners and the West Coast Regional Council are on tenterhooks on the promise of new funding for Franz Josef under $400m of new protection money announced in the Budget.
The council's Waiho River south and north banks project… View moreBy local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
Flood-stricken landowners and the West Coast Regional Council are on tenterhooks on the promise of new funding for Franz Josef under $400m of new protection money announced in the Budget.
The council's Waiho River south and north banks project has been named as "ready for" the first tranche of the Regional Infrastructure Fund initial allocation in 2024-25.
However, whether the council gets the $10m it has been seeking in the past year in ongoing discussions with Government officials is not yet clear.
Council chief executive Darryl Lew initially said on Friday a $6m allocation under the new fund was confirmed.
However, staff later contacted LDR and said they "might have jumped the gun".
Minister Shane Jones' office said they did not know the individual project details and were unable to confirm the West Coast project allocation beyond Thursday's sweeping budget statement.
Lew said he understood council was to get $6m from the fund, predicated on a 40% ($4m) contribution from the landowners across the Franz Josef Special Joint Rating District.
He said bolstering the existing protection on the Waiho River south side and installing a flood forecasting and warning system was the primary focus of their $10m scheme.
A portion would also add protection for the north bank Franz Josef sewage ponds site - pending a district council decision to move the ponds, Lew said.
The council assured Waiho River ratepayers in April it was still working to secure the release of $8.7m of money previously allocated for the area's flood protection.
The $8.7m was meant to be spent on fixing stop banks on the south side of the river at Waiho Flat after announcement of a broader $24m scheme for the area in 2020.
Subsequently the council announced its 10-year Waiho River Management Strategy in October last year after the previous Government asked for a more detailed case including retreat from the south bank.
Under the strategy, the council proposes better flood warning and protection initially before a retreat from the area in about 10 years.
Lew said the $8.7m had now "gone" and money under the Regional Infrastructure Fund was "new money".
"It is predicated on a 60/40 split," he said.
"The total budget will be $10m of which 40% has to be recovered locally."
He anticipated a special meeting of the joint committee being called first to test "their commitment" to co-funding.
Waiho Flat ratepayers spokesman Dale Straight said stressed landowners on the south bank were hanging for some good news - particularly in the wake of the October announcement.
"There's people there pretty bloody stressed and worried," he said.
If the new funding "comes to pass" then it would be a major boost.
"It's been a pigs ear in the way it's been handled," he said.
"It's got to be good news for the south side, and certainly some of the farms further down the valley that are not really covered by any protection at all."
However, Straight said ratepayers may not feel able to financially commit to co-funding given the drawn out process they had endured for years.
"We had that nearly $8.7m promised four years ago that then got 'unpromised'. This may go someway to replace that I suppose."
Straight said the promise of "money for nothing" still had a price which might be "a big noose around our necks".
"There's a bit of water to go under the bridge yet."
Lew said the new money was aligned with the first two prongs of the 10-year Waiho River Management Strategy.
That was to immediately bolster civil defence and flood warning for the people living there, and to bolster the existing protection banks.
It would still be to "buy time" before an eventual staged retreat from the river's south bank, as announced in October.
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Every year, thousands of New Zealanders are called up to serve as jurors in the High and District Courts, and it's an important way to contribute to your country.
But for some, jury service can be a huge disruption and a financial burden. Do you think changes could be made to our jury … View moreEvery year, thousands of New Zealanders are called up to serve as jurors in the High and District Courts, and it's an important way to contribute to your country.
But for some, jury service can be a huge disruption and a financial burden. Do you think changes could be made to our jury service system to address these challenges?
By local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
Transfer of a controversial Franz Josef flood bank into West Coast Regional Council ownership remains to be seen as engineers assess the extent of its leaks.
The Havill Wall was controversially authorised by former Westland mayor Bruce Smith and … View moreBy local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
Transfer of a controversial Franz Josef flood bank into West Coast Regional Council ownership remains to be seen as engineers assess the extent of its leaks.
The Havill Wall was controversially authorised by former Westland mayor Bruce Smith and his close ally, former councillor Durham Havill, following an April 2016 storm.
The event saw the Waiho (Waiau) River overtop an existing stopbank at the northern entrance to Franz Josef and wipe out the sewage treatment site.
It also ruined the now abandoned Scenic Group Franz Josef Mueller Wing hotel complex.
Transfer of the wall's ownership to the regional council is included in its 2024-34 long-term plan (LTP) as it moves to complete a $12.5 million stop bank improvement scheme in the area.
But during the recent formal LTP hearing, council chief executive Darryl Lew said the underlying engineering integrity of the Havill Wall still needs to be better understood.
Councillor Peter Ewen said he still felt uneasy about the Havill Wall and wanted to see how it coped with "a real southerly storm".
Councillor Andy Campbell, chair of the Franz Josef Joint Rating District, said the wall as it was, "may never stop leaking".
Lew said the regional council knew full well of the Havill Wall's "seepage" issue.
But at this stage council needed to fully understand to what extent that seepage compromised the structure's flood protection value.
Lew said all flood banks administered by council across the region to some extent "have seepage" and were never entirely "impervious flood barriers," he said.
It was if the degree of seepage was "acceptable to its viability", with that aspect currently under engineering investigation.
Lew said if the seepage was assessed as acceptable without compromising the protection value of the wall, "then that's fine".
If not, then it would not be acceptable to take on ownership.
Lew also noted the Government money for the north bank scheme had included future mitigation of the Havill Wall.
Ewen asked if the ownership transfer idea also extended to an emergency extension built at the end of the wall by the district council, following the January 2024 weather event.
The district council built the small extension amidst fears that, with the Waiho River having swung north into the neighbouring Tatare Stream, it might eventually take out the Franz Josef sewage ponds on the same side.
Lew said what the district council had done was "really an isolated" piece of work and the regional council did not intend to take it on.
The Havill Wall was controversially thrown up without regional council consent.
In 2017 Westland District got a grilling from the Office of the Auditor General over its actions, and the wall subsequently got retrospective consent.
The regional council has already undertaken work on the Havill Wall under its $12m Waiho northern bank protection scheme - which aims to increase resilience for the tourist hotspot of Franz Josef.
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By local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
West Coasters could pay a universal rate for flood protection assets in future - regardless of where they live.
The West Coast Regional Council will consider various options as part of a rating district review due by 2027.
Currently, 23 special … View moreBy local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
West Coasters could pay a universal rate for flood protection assets in future - regardless of where they live.
The West Coast Regional Council will consider various options as part of a rating district review due by 2027.
Currently, 23 special rating districts pay targeted rates to maintain river stop banks or coastal protection walls in their area.
The rating district setup, on behalf of local communities, includes the three main towns of Greymouth, Westport, and Hokitika, the tourist hotspots of Punakaiki and Franz Josef, and multiple farming communities along the region's 650km length.
A report to councillors for the 2024-34 long-term plan (LTP) said the rating district review was included in consultation to indicate it "was required".
The way individual rating districts were founded had resulted in "a range of different rating scenarios" and constitutional arrangements.
It left "a level of complexity and inefficiency" in the gambit of what each rating area was for.
Haast submitter Vance Boyd said the benefit of rating districts was viewed differently within particular communities and it was a potentially divisive issue.
At the same time small communities struggled to raise the necessary capital to add protection.
Boyd said the council should rate across "the whole district" rather than relying on individual rating for particular areas.
Councillor Peter Ewen said the "bigger picture" of wider community benefit from protection assets had to be highlighted.
This was relevant for those outside a particular rating area who gained the benefit of accessing a service centre like Greymouth for example.
"The whole community benefits from those rating districts, it doesn't matter where they are," he said.
Long-time Westport surveyor Chris Coll also said the special rating district net should be thrown for the widest community benefit.
He estimated up to 15% of the town of Westport could fall "outside" the projected flood protection scheme for his area, yet all residents in the area would benefit from it.
Council chief executive Darryl Lew noted Westport was "a greenfield scheme" at this point and identifying the tangible benefit was yet to be worked through.
But the question of direct and indirect benefit would be assessed as the scheme design was finalised in the next couple of months.
Lew also noted Southland had now gone to "one targeted rate for all its special rating districts".
Councillor Brett Cummings said having one targeted rate might impact council's ability to tap external funding for new protection projects and that needed investigation.
Ewen noted one submitter viewed a universal approach to special rating areas as potentially penalising them for choosing to live "in less risky areas".
However, it was always on property buyers to be aware of the risk in the first place, he said.
James Sutherland, for Federated Farmers, said the proposed review should go out for full consultation given 6500 ratable properties across the region were not currently within a special rating area.
The report noted rating district asset management as "crucial to support the region" because it:
* protects economic productivity,
* reduces natural hazard risk to communities,
* promotes safety and wellbeing.
During formal LTP deliberations, Cummings said the review was not just about rates but the constitution of the rating districts.
Lew agreed, saying a lot of the submitters had focused only on benefit.
But all aspects of the current rating schemes needed to be reviewed including that some were rated based on land value, others on capital value.
The question of council back-office costs for individual districts also had to be assessed, he said.
Nationwide protests are taking place today (Thursday) having been organised by Te Pāti Māori and other connected to Toitū Te Tiriti movement.
There is likely to be some traffic disruptions so Waka Kotahi are closely monitoring the situation. Below are the locations of these gatherings across … View moreNationwide protests are taking place today (Thursday) having been organised by Te Pāti Māori and other connected to Toitū Te Tiriti movement.
There is likely to be some traffic disruptions so Waka Kotahi are closely monitoring the situation. Below are the locations of these gatherings across the country.
Northland:
Whangārei, Farmer’s car park, 9am.
Kaitāia, Commerce St, 9am.
Auckland:
West Auckland, BP Hobsonville, 6.30am.
South Auckland, Z Petrol station, 6.30am.
North Auckland, Palmers Albany Garden Centre, 6.30am.
Central Auckland, Aotea Square, 11am.
Waikato:
Hamilton, Kirikiriroa Marae, 7.30am.
Matamata, Matamata Woolworths, 6.45am.
Te Puaha, Weraroa Marae, 8.30am.
Hauraki, Victoria Park, 12pm.
Waiariki:
Tauranga, Whareroa Reserve, 8am.
Whakatāne, SH30, 7.30am.
Ōpōtiki, Waioweka bridge, 7am.
Taupō, Lake Terrace, 8am.
Tūrangi, Tūrangi town centre, 9am.
Rotorua, Lake Rd intersection, Old Taupō Rd, Fenton St and Sala St, 7am.
Ikaroa-Rāwhiti:
Tūranganui a Kiwa, Heipipi Park, 7am.
Hastings, Hastings Clock Tower, 7am.
Wairarapa, Masterton Town Hall, 12pm.
Te Tai Hauāuru:
Hāwera, Hāwera Netball Courts, 10.30am.
Palmerston North, Te Marae o Hine, 7.15am.
Tokoroa, Leith Place, 8am.
Wellington:
A hīkoi to Parliament 12pm.
South Island:
Christchurch, Bridge of Remembrance, 11am.
Nelson, Church steps, 12.30pm.
Dunedin, Queens Gardens, 12pm.
These items have been recalled, some in the last few days. If you have one of these items at home, click on the title to see the details to ensure it is not a risk to your household.
Food recalls:
Pams plant based creamy tomato pasta bake
Mrs Rogers Naturals brand gluten free batter mix
… View moreThese items have been recalled, some in the last few days. If you have one of these items at home, click on the title to see the details to ensure it is not a risk to your household.
Food recalls:
Pams plant based creamy tomato pasta bake
Mrs Rogers Naturals brand gluten free batter mix
The Collective brand Suckies strawberry probiotic yoghurt
Product recalls:
Country Road two-tone demm mug
Postie Little Kids adventure pants
Fortis heavy duty weight bench
Honda outboard marine engine
Quincy Mae baby/kids nightwear
Ryobi airwave stapler/nailer
Puretec Filtration
Grabstore pruning saw / chainsaw
Full Speed Ahead crankset
We hope this message was helpful in keeping you and your family safe.
It might not be making quite so many headlines these days, but unfortunately, Covid is still here. If you’re 65 or over, taking care of yourself is just as important as ever.
The good news is, keeping up to date with the Covid vaccine can help protect you from serious illness. It’s free. And… View moreIt might not be making quite so many headlines these days, but unfortunately, Covid is still here. If you’re 65 or over, taking care of yourself is just as important as ever.
The good news is, keeping up to date with the Covid vaccine can help protect you from serious illness. It’s free. And recommended for you and many others as long as you haven’t had the vaccine, or Covid, in the last 6 months.
To book your vaccination, or talk to your healthcare provider.
By local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
Large areas of West Coast land have been tagged in its proposed new district plan for mining despite not holding current mining licences or permits.
A further hearing for the proposed combined district's Te Tai o Poutini Plan will begin on … View moreBy local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
Large areas of West Coast land have been tagged in its proposed new district plan for mining despite not holding current mining licences or permits.
A further hearing for the proposed combined district's Te Tai o Poutini Plan will begin on Tuesday in Westport where the proposed planning criteria for the mineral rich region will be examined.
TTPP consultant planner David Badham, in his opening Resource Management Act report to the hearing panel, has flagged an issue with the "disconnect" between the mining zones proposed in the plan as opposed to what is currently permitted for mining purposes in the identified areas.
He specifically flags the Buller Coal Field Zone(BCZ) and the Minerals Extraction Zone (MINZ).
"My overall observation is that there appears to be a significant disconnect between the notified spatial extent of the MINZ and the BCZ, and the proposed criteria used to identify the zone," Badham said.
"Specifically, there appears to be large areas of land that have been included … with no evidence or link to current (mining licence) authorisations.
"As such, there appear to be a number of areas proposed and notified as MINZ and BCZ that do not currently have a defendable basis to be included."
He also touches on a key submitter concern from the region's largest coal miner, Bathurst, on the legal impact of the proposed plan's rules on the 'existing use rights' of miners already operating.
The proposed TTPP will also allow mining in other rural and 'open space' zones across the region outside the MINZ and BCZ.
Badham also said concerns had been raised about the proposed "lawfully established" definition for mining.
This would apply to existing coal mining and ancillary coal mining licences issued under the Coal Mines Act of 1979.
Badham said he understood the definition will need to be more specifically addressed by the hearing panel but in his opinion, existing use definitions within the TTPP do raise "legal issues".
"This primarily relates to the status of existing (mining) licences, and whether or not the rights provided under those licences extend beyond their expiry."
He makes two key recommendations:
* Mine and minerals zoning criteria objectives and policies in the proposed plan should be "a key consideration" for the hearing panel because the wording and approach to these policies will impact the future approach to mine rezoning requests.
* The proposed indigenous biodiversity policies applying to the minerals and mining chapter be deleted.
Badham says while changes to the National Policy Statement on Indigenous Biodiversity (NPS-IB) have been signalled by the current Government, "they have not yet been made".
"As such, I understand that the wording of the NPS-IB must be considered as it is currently worded, not as it may be amended by central government, possibly in the near future."
He is also proposes amendments to,
* permitted activity rules for mineral prospecting and exploration,
* mineral extraction and processing,
* activities ancillary to lawfully established mineral extraction and processing.
*LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air
Ryman is proud to be recognised as New Zealand’s Most Trusted Brand in Aged Care & Retirement Villages once again! So we want to say THANK YOU Aotearoa, for your continued trust and support. Together, we’ll continue building vibrant communities where everyone can thrive.
Here’s to 10 … View moreRyman is proud to be recognised as New Zealand’s Most Trusted Brand in Aged Care & Retirement Villages once again! So we want to say THANK YOU Aotearoa, for your continued trust and support. Together, we’ll continue building vibrant communities where everyone can thrive.
Here’s to 10 more years of trust and excellence! #Ryman #MostTrusted #Community
Click read more for more information.
Winter is knocking at the door and the cost of living has already made itself at home. So let's help each other out by sharing your meal ideas that don't break the bank.
Comment below with your go-to meals that are delicious and affordable.
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish… View moreWinter is knocking at the door and the cost of living has already made itself at home. So let's help each other out by sharing your meal ideas that don't break the bank.
Comment below with your go-to meals that are delicious and affordable.
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.
These members have been drawn as our winners of the $100 petrol vouchers. Congrats to:
Sheryl Thompson from Hamilton
Tane LcLeay from Three Kings
Sandeep Kaur from Hastings
… View moreThese members have been drawn as our winners of the $100 petrol vouchers. Congrats to:
Sheryl Thompson from Hamilton
Tane LcLeay from Three Kings
Sandeep Kaur from Hastings
Sarah Bolton from Thorndon
Not a winner? Good luck next time!
Winners can get in touch here or by emailing helpdesk@neighbourly.co.nz before 4th June.
A huge congratulations to mother and son duo, Mary and Sam Danielson from The Puketapu Hotel.
The votes for all finalists have been tallied and they have been chosen by Neighbourly members across the country as the Prospa Local Business Hero of 2024.
The Puketapu Hotel was nominated by a … View moreA huge congratulations to mother and son duo, Mary and Sam Danielson from The Puketapu Hotel.
The votes for all finalists have been tallied and they have been chosen by Neighbourly members across the country as the Prospa Local Business Hero of 2024.
The Puketapu Hotel was nominated by a local called Margaret and the nomination reads:
'On Feb 14, 2023, Cyclone Gabrielle flooded many of the rural areas. Puketapu Hotel went under perhaps half a meter of water. However, immediately Mary Danielson and her son, Sam Danielson, along with their loyal staff pulled it together to cook copious amounts of food that without electricity would have been wasted. Throughout the years many of us have been treated with a pub gathering where we can reconnect and a free meal. At Christmas there was Santa, games, gifts for kids, donated patchwork for adults, an ice cream truck and lots of camaraderie.
This February on the cyclone anniversary, they again pulled out the stops to give hundreds of us a special night. We are all tired of the cyclone cleanup and they understood that it was needed.'
Such a deserving business and team, well done Mary and Sam. And thank you to all those who voted!
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