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From local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
Voting for the Westland District Council Northern Ward by-election opens on Thursday (January 26) and it could be a close run.
The ward covers the entire rural area of Westland district south from the Taramakau River to Ross, including Otira, … View moreFrom local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
Voting for the Westland District Council Northern Ward by-election opens on Thursday (January 26) and it could be a close run.
The ward covers the entire rural area of Westland district south from the Taramakau River to Ross, including Otira, Kumara, Kumara Junction, Kaniere, Three Mile, Blue Spur, Kokatahi-Kowhitirangi and Rimu. It represents more than 50% of the rateable value for the entire district - which stretches south to Haast and Jacksons Bay.
The Northern Ward has burgeoned in the past decade, with a significant increase in rural subdivision and infill housing in the more historic rural settlements, driven by rising property values and the housing shortage in Hokitika.
Of note, in the northern part of the ward closest to Greymouth, the combined area of Kumara Junction, Kumara Tram and Kumara township now has a combined population of about 800 - with the junction now having a larger population than historic Kumara (about 360).
Likewise the traditional town boundary of Hokitika is stretching ever wider into the Northern Ward.
The surprise by-election was sparked by Lake Kaniere resident Ian Hustwick, who stepped down almost immediately after being elected in October.
Hustwick, previously a district councillor about a decade ago, said he could not in conscience be part of the new council which was delivered by the voters late last year.
That left the three-seat Northern Ward one short.
Candidate interest has been high, with seven nominations until former West Coast regional councillor Debra Magner withdrew from the race due to work commitments.
With six remaining, a split vote is on the cards - Charley Cowie, Jacquie Grant, Flow Ir Inn, Euan Mackenzie, Richard Osmaston and Patrick Phelps are all chipper about their chances.
Cowie, of Stafford, said he was running to give people "more choice," with fresh ideas, given that over 40 blank voting papers had been returned from the Northern Ward last time, indicating voters felt they had no real choice.
Flow Ir Inn said their focus was that the council was inefficient, with internal management issues and spending "that needs to be sorted" -- with the value of their information technology background to add to the table.
Grant, who missed election in the last elections, said she believed her chances were good and she would bring, logic, experience and "some common sense".
Mackenzie, now of Kaniere, said he could bring a needed fresh perspective to the council table as a relative newcomer to the district, after emigrating from Scotland 12 years ago.
The council needed a solid focus on its economic base to facilitate adequate housing in the area, for example, he said.
Perennial election candidate Richard Osmaston, who lives in the Tasman District, said he was standing to help lift the profile of his Money Free Party.
"We need a toehold," he said.
Phelps, of Hokitika and the Minerals West Coast manager, said he was standing to ensure the council operated in the best interests of the ratepayers and residents.
The council was there primarily to be "a rule book and a referee, to uphold people's property rights" and to ensure the right framework so people could go about their business, he said.
*Public interest journalism funded through NZ On Air
Fire and Emergency NZ has declared a prohibited fire season in the inland Buller area, as dry and hot conditions have reached the threshold for banning outdoor fires.
West Coast district manager Myles Taylor said the fire risk was very high due to the hot and dry conditions, and there was no … View moreFire and Emergency NZ has declared a prohibited fire season in the inland Buller area, as dry and hot conditions have reached the threshold for banning outdoor fires.
West Coast district manager Myles Taylor said the fire risk was very high due to the hot and dry conditions, and there was no significant rain forecast to bring relief.
The prohibited fire season came into effect Wednesday morning. It means all existing fire permits are suspended immediately and no new permits for outdoor fires will be issued.
The fire ban covers all of the inland Buller zone, from Ikamatua to Reefton and Inangahua, Maruia and Springs Junction.
The rest of the West Coast remains in a restricted fire season.
Live independently while your loved one is cared for in the same Ryman village.
A full life for Helen is one that is surrounded by family. When she first moved to the village, Helen’s husband John was being cared for elsewhere. Now that he is living at the same village, it brings Helen and … View moreLive independently while your loved one is cared for in the same Ryman village.
A full life for Helen is one that is surrounded by family. When she first moved to the village, Helen’s husband John was being cared for elsewhere. Now that he is living at the same village, it brings Helen and her family so much happiness and reassurance.
“All the family cried when he moved in. They were so happy because it was such a beautiful thing to have him close by.”
Get New Zealand’s cutest pets delivered to your inbox with Furry Friday.
Each Friday morning, editor Nick Barnett serves up your finest photos of your domestic friends. You’ll also receive exclusive content with pet-related stories and photos, as well as updates on the life of Riley, … View moreGet New Zealand’s cutest pets delivered to your inbox with Furry Friday.
Each Friday morning, editor Nick Barnett serves up your finest photos of your domestic friends. You’ll also receive exclusive content with pet-related stories and photos, as well as updates on the life of Riley, Nick’s own furry friend.
Hi Neighbours!
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DO YOU HAVE A GUINEA PIG ?
if so bring it along to a PET GUINEA PIG SHOW.
this SUNDAY 22nd to 38 Rangiora Woodend Road.
Entries taken 10-10.30. $5 per animal.
Dress up theme " Summer "
Doors open 10am … View moreDO YOU HAVE A GUINEA PIG ?
if so bring it along to a PET GUINEA PIG SHOW.
this SUNDAY 22nd to 38 Rangiora Woodend Road.
Entries taken 10-10.30. $5 per animal.
Dress up theme " Summer "
Doors open 10am - 2pm. Donation entry.
Health checks - Teeth, Claw cutting, Drenching, $5 each.
Demonstration on bathing and grooming, Raffle
Animal sales. Enquiries ring Jenny 012 1457245.
Check us out on Facebook.
NORTH CANTERBURY GUINEA PIGS.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced she will resign as prime minister before February 7.
With this year's general election scheduled for Saturday, October 14, discussions surrounding the new leader of the Labour Party are in progress.
Share your thoughts below (include Not For … View morePrime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced she will resign as prime minister before February 7.
With this year's general election scheduled for Saturday, October 14, discussions surrounding the new leader of the Labour Party are in progress.
Share your thoughts below (include Not For Print if you don't wish for your comments to be published)
From reporter Steven Walton:
The West Coast might be considered the wettest area in the country, but some of its residents using too much water may soon have to endure short bursts without it.
The Grey District Council says two of its communities are facing a “serious situation” and … View moreFrom reporter Steven Walton:
The West Coast might be considered the wettest area in the country, but some of its residents using too much water may soon have to endure short bursts without it.
The Grey District Council says two of its communities are facing a “serious situation” and residents there must reduce their water usage “in every way possible” to avoid the water being shut off for temporary periods.
The communities being urged to conserve water are Blackball and greater Greymouth, an area that covers Greymouth, Cobden, Blaketown, Boddytown, Karoro, South Beach, and Paroa.
“We don't want to impose water stoppages but may be forced to if we cannot bring our usage down,” the council said.
The warning has come just a week after the council said its water network was under “significant pressure” due to “the long spell of hot dry weather and increased demand”.
“We experience supply issues when demand for the water starts to exceed our ability to draw water from the ground.”
The council has shared water saving tips online, which include not flushing your toilet at night, taking a small bath instead of a shower, and not using your dishwasher as often.
Sprinklers or irrigation systems have been banned.
“What we’re hoping is if people do conserve water, then we’ll be fine, if everybody does their bit,” Grey District mayor Tania Gibson said.
Gibson said if usage decreased, water shutdowns would be unlikely.
If it was shut off, it would only be for an hour or so across different zones, she said.
The council was also looking at adding chlorine to one water plant, which would allow it to feed water to Runanga “and take pressure off the Grey [supply]”, she said.
Gibson urged everyone to save water and suggested people could turn their taps off when brushing their teeth, only put the washing machine on with a full load, and reuse shower water to water plants.
She said council gardens were now being watered with water from the council fountain.
“My kids wanted to go out on the trampoline with the hose the other night, they were very put out [that they couldn’t],” she said.
“If everybody does their bit and tries hard to conserve it, but still goes about their everyday life and enjoys the sunshine we’re having, it shouldn’t get to [water shutdowns],” she said.
Gibson said the West Coast was “very blasé” about water usage.
“We’ve had it very good and [conserving is] not something that we always have to do.”
The council recently posted two graphs on Facebook that showed each community’s total daily water usage and whether it was considered moderate, high or extreme.
For greater Greymouth, most days have fluttered in high to extreme usage, with only about three days of moderate usage.
Meanwhile, Blackball has not had a day of moderate usage since Christmas.
Both water supplies are fed through underground bores.
Last week, the council said the bores at Coal Creek, which is the source of water for Greymouth, had dropped 0.7 metres in a week. The total water level was 1.7m and it was still falling, the council said at the time.
The council said on Monday that with no significant rain forecast in the next 10 days, the water supply would remain under strain.
The West Coast is historically the wettest area of New Zealand.
By local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon
No toxic algal blooms have been detected in shellfish off the West Coast this summer, despite the warmer ocean temperatures caused by the marine heatwave.
Long stretches of the northern West Coast shoreline were closed to shellfish gathering for … View moreBy local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon
No toxic algal blooms have been detected in shellfish off the West Coast this summer, despite the warmer ocean temperatures caused by the marine heatwave.
Long stretches of the northern West Coast shoreline were closed to shellfish gathering for much of the first half of the 2000s due to periodic algal blooms.
MetService has said surface temperatures may reach 6C higher
than normal off the West Coast this
week.
However, algal blooms have not been detected off the West Coast for about five years.
Staff at both the West Coast Regional Council and West Coast Community and Public Health said regular testing was now being conducted via MPI.
"There's no issue at this stage but they are investigating," West Coast Regional Council science team leader Jonny Horrix said.
"I guess the assumption is no news is good news."
They would act on any adverse test results showing danger to human health from consuming affected shellfish.
New Zealand Food Safety deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle said they currently had two regular shellfish sampling sites on the West Coast — both linked to popular gathering spots.
This was where mussels were collected and tested for toxins resulting from algal blooms.
"Cape Foulwind and Twelve Mile Beach have been in operation for some time and were chosen due to their location and popularity for shellfish gathering along this stretch of coast," he said.
Testing is done fortnightly all year round and the mussels are analysed for diarrhetic shellfish toxins and paralytic shellfish toxins.
"There have been no elevated test results recently."
Arbuckle said should toxins be detected above the regulatory limit, NZ Food Safety would issue a public health warning, advising against the gathering of shellfish in the relevant area.
"Warning signs will also be erected along the affected coastline."
* Public interest journalism funded through NZ On Air
Whether your pet likes taking an afternoon nap or leaping that gap (that’s a little too big for them), you can relax knowing they’re covered by a trusted pet insurer.
Sign up with Southern Cross Pet Insurance today.
Many high schools report that vaping is a growing issue despite the 18+ legal smoking age and this has been associated with the proximity of schools to vaping retailers.
Recent amendments have been made to The Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Amendment Act to limit nicotine in … View moreMany high schools report that vaping is a growing issue despite the 18+ legal smoking age and this has been associated with the proximity of schools to vaping retailers.
Recent amendments have been made to The Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Amendment Act to limit nicotine in products and cease supply to those born in/after 2009. Less retailers are to be approved and product packaging made less appealing.
Until March 15, public submissions will accepted regarding these changes, especially around the location and quantity of retail stores as well as the appeal and addictiveness of smoked tobacco products.
Following the 4th October recall of all Pam's berries due to the risk of Hepatitis A, an error has been made and affected product was released again for sale to the public on the 15th of January.
If you have bought Pam's berries over the weekend or have Pam's berries in your … View moreFollowing the 4th October recall of all Pam's berries due to the risk of Hepatitis A, an error has been made and affected product was released again for sale to the public on the 15th of January.
If you have bought Pam's berries over the weekend or have Pam's berries in your freezer, we urge you to check the use by date and return the product if affected.
The affected product has a use by date stating 14/08/2024 and include:
Pams brand Mixed Berries 500g
Pams brand Two Berry Mix 1kg
Pams brand Two Berry Mix 750g
Pams brand Smoothie Berry Mix 500g
Pams brand Raspberries 500g
Pams brand Raspberries 350g
The products are sold at Trents Wholesale and Raeward Fresh stores throughout the South Island and in Pak’n Save, New World and Four Square stores throughout New Zealand.
If you have consumed these products with the stated use by date and feel unwell, seek medical help immediately. If you have any questions about the products you have bought you can contact Foodstuffs Ltd on 0800 245 114.
Did you know you can enjoy a cooler finish with Resene CoolColour Planning to use a dark coloured paint or wood stain on your home?
Choose a Resene CoolColour finish that will help reflect more heat and keep your place cooler.
Available in a wide range of colours and products from your … View moreDid you know you can enjoy a cooler finish with Resene CoolColour Planning to use a dark coloured paint or wood stain on your home?
Choose a Resene CoolColour finish that will help reflect more heat and keep your place cooler.
Available in a wide range of colours and products from your local Resene ColorShop.
Ryman provides comprehensive care options in a community where caregivers become family.
Joyce is a resthome resident at Logan Campbell Village. Between regular walks with lifestyle coordinator Ramon, participating in village activities, family visiting and keeping them up to date via email, … View moreRyman provides comprehensive care options in a community where caregivers become family.
Joyce is a resthome resident at Logan Campbell Village. Between regular walks with lifestyle coordinator Ramon, participating in village activities, family visiting and keeping them up to date via email, 92-year-old Joyce certainly enjoys a full life.
With the many friends she has made and the special bond she shares with her caregivers, the village has become an extension of Joyce’s family.
Grab a copy of your local Stuff newspaper between today and 29 Jan and participate in the Great Kiwi Quiz! The questions are based on our beautiful country so test your skills and see if you know New Zealand as well as you think you do.
Each correct answer will get you one entry into the draw to… View moreGrab a copy of your local Stuff newspaper between today and 29 Jan and participate in the Great Kiwi Quiz! The questions are based on our beautiful country so test your skills and see if you know New Zealand as well as you think you do.
Each correct answer will get you one entry into the draw to win a $200 Prezzy Card, with a total of $10,000 worth of Prezzy Cards to give away. The more correct answers you enter, the higher chance you have of walking away with a Prezzy Card this summer. For more information and to submit your answers, click here.
The team at Stuff and Sunday Star-Times
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