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By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Local events are up for national awards, much to the delight of those who worked hard to make them happen.
The Ashburton District Council’s business of the year awards, run by Mid Canterbury event management and promotions company Rí Rá Events, … View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Local events are up for national awards, much to the delight of those who worked hard to make them happen.
The Ashburton District Council’s business of the year awards, run by Mid Canterbury event management and promotions company Rí Rá Events, has been shortlisted for best business event and best local government event at the New Zealand Events Association’s annual awards.
Council chief executive Hamish Riach was delighted that the business of the year awards have been recognised and said the council enjoyed partnering with Rí Rá to make them happen.
"It’s a good example of council and local businesses working together to promote innovation and celebrate the district as a great place to do business.”
The second running of the biennial awards had Ōpuke Thermal Pools and Spa crowned the supreme winner at the finals gala, held at the Ashburton Aviation Museum in February.
The event had just over 122 entries, a big jump from the inaugural event in 2022, across 14 categories.
The overall objective of the event is to promote the Ashburton District as a great place to do business, and Rí Rá Events have already started working towards the 2026 event.
Rí Rá Events is also a finalist for the best food, beverage or lifestyle event for its Twelfth Hour Gin experience, hosted at the Methven Trotting Club’s Christmas race meeting in December.
Rí Rá Events director Gary Manning was delighted by the events being shortlisted for the NZEA Awards.
“We believe it proves that Mid Canterbury can and does deliver great events.
“We’re passionate about delivering value for our event partners and a great customer experience.
“We have progressed plans to evolve the business beyond events in the coming 12 months so watch this space.”
Founded in 2019, Rí Rá Events is owned by two Irish Kiwis, Gary Manning and Colm McGrath, and it produces and promotes events predominantly in Mid Canterbury.
The winners of the events association’s awards will be revealed at a gala dinner on August 27 in Palmerston North.
Magnetic frames make it easy to change what’s on display – whether it’s wallpaper or works of art. Paint yours in Resene testpots to contrast what's on display and complement your home's décor.
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No, we haven't lost the plot! July 1st is International Joke Day and because laughter is good for your body, we want to get involved.
So, go on, jokers! Share your best joke below...
Christopher Luxon stood in the Ashburton Event Centre in May last year and pledged that if elected, National would start constructing a new bridge for Ashburton in its first term.
One year later, during his first visit to Ashburton as Prime Minister, he remained confident of fulfilling that … View moreChristopher Luxon stood in the Ashburton Event Centre in May last year and pledged that if elected, National would start constructing a new bridge for Ashburton in its first term.
One year later, during his first visit to Ashburton as Prime Minister, he remained confident of fulfilling that promise.
“Absolutely.
“We are in discussions with the [council] about the funding of that, which is being worked through right now.
“I can tell you we are very comfortable and confident we are going to get going on that shortly.
“We are doing it, it’s happening, and it’s going to get going this term for sure.”
The second bridge is a resilience project, providing a secondary crossing of the river with the existing bridge having closed twice in recent years due to flooding, cutting off the South Island.
It will also alleviate the congestion issues on State Highway 1.
The project is high on Minister of Transport Simeon Brown’s priority list, Luxon said
Brown unveiled the final Government Policy Statement on Land Transport at the end of June, which will be used by the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi in developing its National Land Transport Programme (NLTP), which is due out later this year.
Ashburton’s second bridge was flagged in the Policy Statement and now all eyes are on the release of the NLTP in September, which will confirm what projects will be funded over the next three years.
It will be an anxious wait for the Ashburton District Council, which has only budgeted a $7.5m contribution towards a project that is now estimated to cost $130m.
Chief executive Hamish Riach has confirmed the council is preparing an application to the Government’s $1.2 billion Regional Infrastructure Fund, which aims to boost infrastructure resilience and its ability to cope with population growth.
The second bridge “fits very well with the fund’s criteria” in the council’s view, he said.
Luxon’s visit to Ashburton began at Ashburton College, where principal Simon Coleman gave a tour of the ageing technology block that contrasted with the new built-for-purpose Rangitata block.
The second stage of the school's rebuild was added to the Ministry of Education value-for-money review list, along with 351 other building projects at 305 schools around the country.
Luxon then attended the RuralCo instore day event, which was an opportunity to see what was happening in the primary industry sector.
“Which of course is our most important sector and so critical for us to be able to continue to grow our country as we go forward," Luxon said.
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Councils were caught by surprise when the Government announced sweeping changes to housing development rules.
It remains to be seen if it will impact Ashburton as officials read through the details of the policy.
Housing Minister Chris Bishop on … View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Councils were caught by surprise when the Government announced sweeping changes to housing development rules.
It remains to be seen if it will impact Ashburton as officials read through the details of the policy.
Housing Minister Chris Bishop on Thursday unveiled six major changes in a bid to boost housing growth by freeing up land and removing planning red tape.
It’s understood the changes are specifically for tier 1 and 2 councils, the major metropolitan centres, with the changes targeted at opening up land for development at the edge of the cities and housing density, Bishop said.
Ashburton District Council compliance and development group manager Jane Donaldson said that on first look, it appears the majority of the changes don't affect the Ashburton District, which is not classed as a tier 1 or 2 council.
“It will take us more time to look through the detail.
“We look forward to understanding more about how the Government’s growth initiative will be resourced and the impact it may have in Ashburton District.”
The announcement blindsided councils.
Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) said they met with the Bishop just last month to discuss how local and central government could work together to get more housing built.
LGNZ president Sam Broughton said local government wasn’t consulted on the changes announced on Thursday and is concerned about councils losing control of their planning.
“We are concerned at the increasing central direction on planning that we’ve seen through successive governments, especially given this Government’s commitment to localism.
“If we are serious about solving the housing crisis, we must change how growth is paid for.
“New housing requires roads, footpaths, green space, and services, which are currently really expensive for councils and ratepayers.”
Councils need to embrace growth by improving funding and financing mechanisms, Bishop said.
Infrastructure should generate enough revenue from service charges to cover its lifetime costs, ensuring growth benefits councils without burdening existing communities, he said.
“Existing communities should not have to subsidise the costs of growth.”
Bishop has argued the changes are needed to encourage building, increase housing supply, and improve affordability.
As the weather cools and cosy evenings become the norm, there’s nothing better than cranking up the heat and treating yourself to heartwarming comfort food. If you're craving a winter recipe that'll warm you from the inside out, look no further than Brent's irresistible slow-cooked… View moreAs the weather cools and cosy evenings become the norm, there’s nothing better than cranking up the heat and treating yourself to heartwarming comfort food. If you're craving a winter recipe that'll warm you from the inside out, look no further than Brent's irresistible slow-cooked pulled pork. Its smoky, aromatic scent often wafts from Brent’s apartment at Ryman’s Kevin Hickman Village, tempting taste buds and stirring appetites. With its tender meat and velvety sauce, this dish is every bit as delicious as it sounds – you’ll be reaching for seconds, thirds, and maybe even fourths!
Click read more for the full recipe.
Christchurch Police are urging the community to ensure children are properly restrained following a concerning vehicle stop in Harewood. About 11:30am yesterday, Thursday 4 July, Police stopped a vehicle travelling almost 20kmh above the speed limit on Harewood Road.
When Police came to the … View moreChristchurch Police are urging the community to ensure children are properly restrained following a concerning vehicle stop in Harewood. About 11:30am yesterday, Thursday 4 July, Police stopped a vehicle travelling almost 20kmh above the speed limit on Harewood Road.
When Police came to the window, four children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years were seen in the back and front passenger seats with their car seats incorrectly fitted.
The driver was issued a formal warning and an infringement notice. Police are working with the driver around the correct way to secure seats, secure the children, and making sure they have the right seat for their size.
Inspector Ash Tabb says, ensuring car seats are properly attached and kids are properly restrained is essential in reducing the risk of serious injuries or worse if a crash occurs.
“I am glad this didn’t result in more serious consequences; not only were the kids not properly restrained, but the vehicle was also travelling almost 20 kmh above the speed limit, two of four known crash and serious crash contributors, labelled RIDS (Restraints, Impairment, Distraction, and Speed).
"We understand parents, and caregivers may not know what the right seat is, or how to attach it correctly for your child. There are several services available to assist people with this, including child restraint technicians who can provide advice on what restraint may be needed. They can also help you fit them to your vehicle,” Inspector Tabb says.
Check out Whānau Āwhina Plunket website here.
Or the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi website here.
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From stunning sunsets to quirky murals - we're loving seeing the beautiful photos that members are sharing across the country. These local Bright Spots add a little colour and brighten the day.
Our Bright Spots campaign closes on Sunday, 15 July so time is running out to share yours. With … View moreFrom stunning sunsets to quirky murals - we're loving seeing the beautiful photos that members are sharing across the country. These local Bright Spots add a little colour and brighten the day.
Our Bright Spots campaign closes on Sunday, 15 July so time is running out to share yours. With 10 prizes of $250 Resene ColorShop vouchers and $250 Prezzy® cards up for grabs, do take a moment and share this happy place with us.
Enter your local Bright Spots pics here today and be in to *WIN*.
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Mid Canterbury farmer Ray Logan says he's fed up with the "over-the-top" use of road cones.
Driving past road works at the Ashburton Domain, where a new replacement kerb and channel is being installed, he said he couldn’t … View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Mid Canterbury farmer Ray Logan says he's fed up with the "over-the-top" use of road cones.
Driving past road works at the Ashburton Domain, where a new replacement kerb and channel is being installed, he said he couldn’t understand why the road cones stretch the entire length of the worksite “almost touching each other".
“It’s just excessive, and I see it as having no respect for the ratepayer's money,” he said.
“It’s already fenced on both sides, so really you only need a few dozen cones as the fence is the barricade but then you have this long line of I don’t know how many road cones.
“The number of cones is completely unnecessary.”
He said he had no problems with the work being done, as the kerb and channel needed replacing, and the health and safety aspects were part of that - “but it needs to be within reason”.
Roading contractors were wasting too much money on over-the-top safety measures, especially road cones, he said.
“It certainly needs to be looked at.”
Ashburton District Council contractors have been renewing the kerb and channel on Walnut Ave, between Oak Grove and West St/SH1 since May 20.
Council infrastructure and open spaces group manager Neil McCann said the project costs of $180,000 included about $4000 (2.2%) for cones, fencing, and temporary pedestrian crossings.
“Given that this work involves large heavy machinery, an open trench, and is also well used by Ashburton College, domain users and a rest home, the thorough safety measures to protect the public and the construction are appropriate and necessary.”
The work is being carried out in three segments, starting at the Oak Grove end in late May.
The new kerb and channel are not as deep as the old one, but will be higher than a standard kerb to make it difficult for vehicles to be able to drive up onto the Ashburton Domain, McCann said.
Logan's observations come after Transport Minister Simeon Brown put NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) on notice over the cost of its traffic management.
Brown told a Budget scrutiny select committee last month it was "unacceptable" that NZTA did not know the costs of what is spent on temporary traffic management.
On top of making NZTA start to measure the costs from September, a new less prescriptive code was coming in that should be more efficient, he told MPs.
"I've received advice that in some cases where traffic management's been proscribed, it's actually more dangerous putting out the road cones than it is actually doing the work," Brown said.
"So we actually just have to take a safety at a reasonable cost approach, rather than a safety at any cost approach."
He added a recent NZTA study found that, at many sites lots of road cones were being left out unnecessarily, frustrating motorists.
"There's been an infestation."
This warming Hāngi recipe, created by Joy from Murray Halberg Village, serves six people with plenty of leftovers to enjoy the next day. Serve hot and enjoy with family or friends on a chilly winters night.
Click read more for the full recipe.
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Hakatere Huts residents have been blindsided by a decision that was hailed by Ashburton councillors as a compromise.
A working group focusing on issues at the Upper Hakatere reserve in Mid Canterbury was set up after locals protested the closure of … View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Hakatere Huts residents have been blindsided by a decision that was hailed by Ashburton councillors as a compromise.
A working group focusing on issues at the Upper Hakatere reserve in Mid Canterbury was set up after locals protested the closure of the Upper Hakatere reserve to camping and the installation of bollards in February 2023.
Residents were shocked to discover the council recently made a decision on a recommendation they never agreed to.
Following questions from Local Democracy Reporting, Ashburton District Council chief executive Hamish Riach issued an apology, accepting a report to the council “contained a misstatement”.
“It stated that the working group had come to a recommended position on the bollards and camping ground at Upper Hakatere reserve and that I now know this isn’t true,” Riach said.
“The working group has thus far failed to reach a consensus point of view.
“Given council’s decision was based on the inaccurate report, we have decided to ask the working group to meet again and the outcome of that meeting will be relayed to councillors at a meeting in August.
“This will enable council to reconsider the current decision with full and accurate knowledge of the working group’s position.”
The council erected the bollards blocking vehicle access from the grassed area in February 2023.
Residents filed a petition earlier this year calling for the removal of the bollards and to restore the area as a campsite.
A working group - consisting of councillors Russell Ellis, Tony Todd, and Richard Wilson with Hakatere represented by Gary Clancy TJ Jonker, and Sheryl Hendriksen - met to find a solution and then held a site visit.
From those meetings, a recommendation to reposition the bollards to improve access to the picnic area but continue to prohibit camping was approved by the council last Wednesday.
The Hakatere trio that served on the working group were dumbfounded to learn the following day that a recommendation had even been tabled by the council.
Clancy said he was astounded to learn a decision had been made as the residents were under the impression the working group would meet again to finalise a proposal.
“We have been waiting for an invitation to another meeting so to learn of a decision is a bolt out of the blue.”
They had a verbal commitment they felt was “crystal clear” that there would be a follow-up meeting, but instead the process had been brought to a conclusion without their knowledge.
“It’s very disappointing and disgraceful the way the council had reneged on that commitment and gone ahead and decided without the courtesy of even letting us know a decision was being made”.
As far as the actual decision, the resolution was not what the majority of the residents were hoping for, he said.
The petition, signed by 94 residents, wanted the removal of the bollards and reinstatement of camping at the reserve.
“A reposition isn’t removal so we haven’t got anything we asked for.
“Vehicle access to the grass was the whole point.”
The resident's representatives on the working group were “never mandated to negotiate a compromise”, he said.
Following the decision on Wednesday, Ashburton mayor Neil Brown said the working group achieved its role of finding a solution, “which is always better than the alternative of no solution”.
Councillor Phill Hooper agreed it was “a fair compromise”.
Wilson said it was a difficult process but they knew they needed to come to a decision and he hoped the community could accept the resolution as “a good outcome”.
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
“You can’t manage what you don’t measure” is the underlying message from a report on the water meter trial in Methven.
And what comes next will be examined in depth at a council workshop in August.
The Ashburton District Council was … View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
“You can’t manage what you don’t measure” is the underlying message from a report on the water meter trial in Methven.
And what comes next will be examined in depth at a council workshop in August.
The Ashburton District Council was presented with the initial results of the water metering pilot trial in Methven on Wednesday, along with a recommendation to re-prioritise the work programme to accelerate pipeline renewals on the town’s water supply.
Mayor Neil Brown moved to leave the item on the table and “pick it back up after we have had a workshop on the report”.
“There is a lot of information in there we would like to get a better understanding on, and we just haven’t got the time today."
Deputy mayor Liz McMillan supported the motion.
“There is a lot of information in there and I think it’s going to be really beneficial to work through it quite slowly and go through everything.”
She also requested the Methven Community Board be invited to the workshop.
Chief executive Hamish Riach said that as the report was presented at an open public meeting, the workshop would also be open to the public.
The council had allocated $1 million for a pilot water meter trial in Methven 2021, which was identified as the scheme with the highest water loss.
After some Covid- related delays in the supply chain, most of the 1213 water meters were installed by the end of 2022.
The trial aimed to analyse the benefits of universal water metering for asset and demand management, without plans for future volumetric charging, in anticipation of a future rollout of meters in Ashburton and Rakaia.
That rollout was not included in the long-term plan as the data from the Methven trial wasn’t available in time.
The report tabled on Wednesday concluded that most water loss in Methven occurs in the public network and highlighted the need for regular leak detection and rep
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
A Canterbury school near a busy road is hoping fears over vehicle speeds will be addressed when the council reviews school speed zones later this year.
Tinwald School's board of trustees raised safety concerns about the stretch of Graham St … View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
A Canterbury school near a busy road is hoping fears over vehicle speeds will be addressed when the council reviews school speed zones later this year.
Tinwald School's board of trustees raised safety concerns about the stretch of Graham St bordering the school, particularly between Thomson and Harland streets, with the Ashburton District Council earlier this year.
Board presiding member Chris Hill raised the safety concerns in April.
“There has been a significant increase in the volume of traffic that travels this stretch of road. And as a result, has caused a heightened level of anxiety and safety concerns,” Hill told councillors at the time.
An “informal review” by the school had estimated a conservative figure of between 90 and 160 cars travelling along Graham St during school pick-up and drop-off times.
Council data shows that the average speed on Graham St is 47kph with over 2000 vehicles daily.
The council had introduced permanent 30kph urban school speed zones in July last year, but in February determined that the speed limits would become time-restricted as soon as the Government amended rules governing the setting of speed laws.
The minister of transport’s redrafted rule is out for public consultation and is scheduled to be changed by the end of the year.
Tinwald School wants Graham St added to its existing 30kph zone, and the council’s road safety co-ordinating committee has recommended it be included when the time restrictions are introduced.
Hill told the Local Democracy Reporting he was pleased to see the concerns were being addressed by the council.
“There has been positive communication with the council and hopefully we get to a resolution to improve the safety of our children.”
Roading manager Mark Chamberlain previously stated that Graham Street was not initially included when the council introduced the speed reduction because there is no access to the school off the street.
The logical solution will be a variable speed limit being considered when the council revisits speed zones following the law changes, Chamberlain said.
Tinwald School’s concerns also included the crossing points on Graham St, suggesting relocating the pedestrian crossing.
The council met with the school’s board on Thursday afternoon to discuss installing better pedestrian crossing signage and the possibility of the school running a crossing patrol at the Graham St crossing.
The recent Tinwald corridor upgrade included the creation of a safe route to Tinwald School that encourages pupils walking or biking to school to use the new traffic signals, and the shared paths on Agnes and Thompson streets that lead to the Graham St pedestrian crossing.
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