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By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Roadworks completed on time have had some Ashburton businesses praising the contractors.
Businesses have suffered from lengthy road works in Mid Canterbury over the past few years, but it wasn’t the case in the Ashburton suburb of Netherby.
… View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Roadworks completed on time have had some Ashburton businesses praising the contractors.
Businesses have suffered from lengthy road works in Mid Canterbury over the past few years, but it wasn’t the case in the Ashburton suburb of Netherby.
Business owners located next to the Netherby roundabout on Chalmers Ave have praised Ashburton District Council contractors Fulton Hogan for their speed in completing the upgrade.
Netherby Meats owner Mike Hanson said they had been told it would take up to 10 days and the cones were removed on Monday morning after just seven days.
“A job done well and in quick time.
“Business was half the trade last week and it was back [to] flat out on Monday morning.
“The contractors were great, got in and got the job done and have done a good job, so [I'm] really happy.”
Four Square Netherby Owner Kim Woods was also thankful it was only a week of interruption.
“The roundabout needed to be done.
“It definitely impacted business for the short time it was being down, but thankful to Fulton Hogan got it done as quickly as they could.”
Woods couldn’t imagine how hard it was for the likes of the Tinwald businesses that dealt with road works for a year while the traffic lights were being installed on State Highway 1.
Council group manager infrastructure and open spaces Neil McCann said the thicker structural asphalt going down at the two roundabouts was designed to cope better with increased traffic volumes and heavy traffic.
“The road surface at both roundabouts should last for 20 years.”
The upgrades are future-proofing for the proposed second bridge, which will connect to the southern end of Chalmers Ave, and the two roundabouts are the main turn-off points towards State Highway 1.
The cost of the two roundabout improvements was $330,000.
91-year-old Dora is a rest home resident at Ryman.
Between family gatherings, bus trips and village activities, she certainly enjoys a full life. With the many friendships she’s made, the caregivers and village staff have become an extension of her family.
Hear about Dora’s experience … View more91-year-old Dora is a rest home resident at Ryman.
Between family gatherings, bus trips and village activities, she certainly enjoys a full life. With the many friendships she’s made, the caregivers and village staff have become an extension of her family.
Hear about Dora’s experience living in a Ryman community.
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By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
The cost to build Ashburton’s second bridge has leapt to $130 million as questions remain on how it will be funded.
The council has kept its contribution at $7.5m, despite the estimated price jumping by 15% in two years.
Ashburton Council chief… View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
The cost to build Ashburton’s second bridge has leapt to $130 million as questions remain on how it will be funded.
The council has kept its contribution at $7.5m, despite the estimated price jumping by 15% in two years.
Ashburton Council chief executive Hamish Riach provided councillors with an update on the second bridge after he recently met with Minister of Transport Simeon Brown.
The Government has made the bridge, a key State Highway 1 route in Canterbury, a national transport priority.
Minister Brown made it clear that the council would need to look for funding in the National Land Transport programme process, Riach said.
That will start with conversations between the council and NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi around “innovative funding mechanisms”.
After meeting, Riach and Mayor Neil Brown reached out to NZTA regional relationships director James Caygill about “actively getting on with those conversations with their funding people”.
The National Land Transport programme is an investment package for priority transport projects.
For a project to be included in the National Land Transport Programme it has to feature in a council’s long-term plan, Riach said.
The council has chosen to keep the $7.5m figure in its budget planning, even though the cost of the project has increased.
The business case prepared in 2022 estimated the project – a 360m-long bridge across the Ashburton/Hakatere River and new road infrastructure - would cost $113m.
An NZTA document prepared in November estimated the project will cost between $100-$200m.
A recent report from Infometrics, commissioned by Local Government New Zealand, found that over the last three years, costs have gone up significantly and bridges are 38% more expensive to build.
“We note the bridge is programmed to cost $130m and our share, at $7.5m, may or may not survive the whole funding process.
“A lot is going on in this space that is incredibly uncertain.”
The council will adopt its LTP in June – including the $7.5m figure – before knowing what the NLTP entails, Riach said.
“It makes for a messy picture for this project in our formal plans and budgets.”
The minister acknowledged the need for the bridge - easing congestion and improving safety on SH1 - and as a result, the subsidy rate “needed to reflect the improvement to the state highway network”, Riach said.
“We took from that, that a subsidy rate ahead of our normal FAR (funding assistance rate) was entirely justified.”
Rather than a 51% FAR subsidy the business case suggested a 62%, but the question remains how to fill the gap between 62% and 100%, Riach said.
Mayor Brown said the minister also spoke of the Government looking at different ways of funding roading going forward.
This included the possibility of road tolls, Riach said.
“He reiterated that it is certainly his intention to review the way in which tolling is a mechanism for funding projects a little bit later in the year.”
***************************************************
No tolls without law change
Under legislation, tolls can only be placed on state highways, not on a local road, which is what the second bridge is considered to be.
It also prevents an NZTA toll from raising funds for a council project – so a toll on the existing SH1 bridge couldn’t be used to fund the new local road bridge.
A legislative change could see the possibility of introducing a toll on the existing SH1 Ashburton/Hakatere Bridge or on the second bridge to pay for the project.
There are currently only three toll roads in New Zealand – the Northern Gateway Toll Road north of Auckland, the Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road, and the Takitimu Drive Toll Road, both in Tauranga.
Turn old school chairs into a stylishly understated set with this simple DIY project and Resene finishes.
Find out more how to refresh your furniture with this handy advice.
Funerals can cost as much as $22,000 and the planning can be stressful especially at a time when loved ones are grieving. Some New Zealanders are re-imagining funerals by making their own coffin or having a relaxed ceremony at home. Would you want a less traditional funeral? Share your thoughts … View moreFunerals can cost as much as $22,000 and the planning can be stressful especially at a time when loved ones are grieving. Some New Zealanders are re-imagining funerals by making their own coffin or having a relaxed ceremony at home. Would you want a less traditional funeral? Share your thoughts below.
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
The old Ashburton Public Library building has sold, but what that means for ratepayers remains under wraps.
How much it sold for, who the new owners are, and what their plans are for the site remain sealed for now.
The building, on the corner of … View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
The old Ashburton Public Library building has sold, but what that means for ratepayers remains under wraps.
How much it sold for, who the new owners are, and what their plans are for the site remain sealed for now.
The building, on the corner of State Highway 1 and Havelock St, was home to the Ashburton library for nearly 60 years.
Ashburton District Council chief executive Hamish Riach said there were three offers on the property and the settlement date is May 10.
“The purchase price remains confidential at this stage.
“The new owner has asked for anonymity until they are ready to announce their plans for the site, and we will respect that.”
The funds from the sale of the old library are planned to be put towards paying off the construction of Te Whare Whakatere, the new library and civic centre, offsetting the impact on ratepayers.
The council also planned to sell the old administration building site but a decision has not yet been made, Riach said.
“The council is looking to conclude the long-term plan process before making that decision.”
The final build cost of Te Whare Whakatere is yet to be confirmed.
“Once that is confirmed we will advise publicly,” Riach said.
Riach previously stated the final cost would be known after the “resolution of all matters between the council and construction and design contractors”.
Initially budgeted at $56.7m, before its completion the council signalled an overrun in the region of 10%.
The project also received $20m from the government’s shovel-ready infrastructure fund.
While the plans for the old library site remain unknown, the fountain on the corner of the site will move to the Tinwald Domain.
Business support group manager Leanne Macdonald said the fountain is on the same title of land as the library and the council has been talking with the family that donated it about its future once the library was sold.
“The council is currently working with a local contractor to build a drinking fountain beside the playground at the Tinwald Domain and some parts of the library fountain, including the fish, will now form part of the new fountain.
“We think this is a great way to preserve a slice of its special history.”
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With over 50 titles to choose from, there’s something for everyone at mags4gifts.co.nz. To make your gift even more special, make sure to click the “This order is a gift” box to add a free personalised e-card to your order. Mother’s Day offers end at midnight on 11 May, so don’t miss out! T&Cs apply.
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Road, off-road, and even a rail crossing - a new bike park in the Ashburton Domain wants to have it all.
The concept plans for the learn-to-ride cycling facility were approved by the Ashburton District Council on Wednesday.
The construction of … View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Road, off-road, and even a rail crossing - a new bike park in the Ashburton Domain wants to have it all.
The concept plans for the learn-to-ride cycling facility were approved by the Ashburton District Council on Wednesday.
The construction of the bike skills park will be paid for by the local service clubs and community organisations driving the project.
The Bike Skills Park Working Group, a combination of the clubs, organisations, and council representatives, produced the concept design that has three separate but interconnected areas.
Group spokesperson Walter van der Kley said it will be a great asset for the community.
“We have good community support for the project.”
The council approved the domain as the location, incorporating the existing pump track, in July last year.
The pump track will be reformed in roughly the same location but slightly larger and will include an elevated lookout and seating area.
A flat street circuit, a 3m wide asphalt ‘road’ with line marking to enable two-way traffic, will feature a range of road signs and crossings reflecting common Ashburton traffic features – including a rail crossing.
A train track will lead to a train station shelter, with the plan to incorporate a handcar or jigger that can move out from the shelter and across the street.
"Half the children in Ashburton cross the rail line to go to school," van der Kley said.
There will also be an off-road woodland trail circuit, located around the existing trees, connecting to the street circuit over a cattlestop – “a lesson that needs to be taught”, van der Kley said.
A footpath will link to a central picnic and viewing area.
There is some room to scale some things back and construction won’t start until the project is fully funded, van der Kley said.
The report to the council stated the design is estimated to cost around $454,000 to build and the working group is optimistic about raising that amount, van der Kley said.
Now the concept design has council approval, the group will begin working on obtaining resource consent, consulting the public on the plans, and then the detailed design – which will include a second cost estimate.
The construction of the park will be covered by the local organisations and groups but once it is built and vested to the council.
Open spaces manager Ian Soper said the estimated maintenance costs, based on the worst-case scenario, will be in the vicinity of $650,000 over 30 years, or about $21,744 a year.
The maintenance includes keeping the paths and tracks free of weeds and debris, repainting the line markings every five years, and maintaining the structures, and keeping other items such as signs, level crossing lights and traffic lights in working order.
An annual vandalism cost of $5000 was also factored into the figures, Soper said.
*LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
A group wanting to create a native bird sanctuary in Methven will be ready to go as soon as they have access to the proposed land.
The Methven Birdsong Initiative is a two-phase project that is making steady progress on both fronts, spokesperson Mac… View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
A group wanting to create a native bird sanctuary in Methven will be ready to go as soon as they have access to the proposed land.
The Methven Birdsong Initiative is a two-phase project that is making steady progress on both fronts, spokesperson Mac McElwain said.
“I’m a bit impatient so things can never happen quickly enough but it’s not going to happen overnight.
“The whole thing has really picked up some momentum.”
The Methven Lions launched the project at the end of last year and already the trap library is building financial backing to begin removing predators from the area.
Discussions about the permission to use the proposed site are also advancing.
The vision is to create a native habitat on the vacant council-owned land behind the Garden of Harmony – an area of council land already turned into a planted area with walkways.
The Birdsong Initiative is waiting on the “statutory ducks to be in a row” before they can make a start, McElwain said.
The Methven Community Board and the Ashburton District Council are working on the birdsong initiative’s request for access to the land.
A report to the community board stated one of the leaseholders has agreed to temporary access for construction of the project and another has said they would surrender their lease in April 2025, as they have stock on the property.
Discussions are still to be held with the third lessee.
If they are granted access to the site, the birdsong initiative will be ready to make a start, McElwain said.
Earlier this year the community board granted $10,000 to help establish the trap library that will help households to trap pests and predators in their backyards.
They also went to the Ashburton Water Zone Committee seeking funding and received $7306 to go towards planting the site.
The group also sought funding towards the trap library but it was suggested they could work with the Staveley Camp Forest community possum trap library which received $15,000 from the water zone earlier this year.
“The only barrier between the two trap libraries working together is distance,” Mcelwain said.
It was raised at the water zone committee meeting that there have been a number of trapping projects funded over the years and it could be a worthwhile exercise to see if those projects were still using the traps or if they could be redistributed.
It was World Book Day on the 23rd of April, so what better time to celebrate some of our talented residents who have published books.
They range from children’s books, to poems, from non-fiction to a first novel - and all are proof that there is no age limit when it comes to creativity!
… View moreIt was World Book Day on the 23rd of April, so what better time to celebrate some of our talented residents who have published books.
They range from children’s books, to poems, from non-fiction to a first novel - and all are proof that there is no age limit when it comes to creativity!
Click read more for the full story.
By local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
A new hut being built at an old skifield aims to bring visitors back to Mt Potts in Canterbury for skiing.
Alpine Huts Limited is building an eight-bunk hut on Mt Potts in a bid to boost local ski tourism.
Alpine Huts director Tom Evatt hopes to… View moreBy local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
A new hut being built at an old skifield aims to bring visitors back to Mt Potts in Canterbury for skiing.
Alpine Huts Limited is building an eight-bunk hut on Mt Potts in a bid to boost local ski tourism.
Alpine Huts director Tom Evatt hopes to have the hut ready for public use this winter.
“I’ve imagined it more for ski touring but it’s a hut at the end of the day and will be used by anyone who wants to head into the mountains for hunting, hiking, or skiing.”
Evatt was motivated by the demand created by similar alpine huts on Glenmore Station in the Cass Valley, out the back of Lake Tekapo.
“As ski touring’s popularity has grown the demand for accommodation has increased because it’s pretty hard-core winter camping.”
Mt Potts is an ideal location and viable as a backcountry ski area, Evatt said.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) approved a concession application in September last year for the hut and associated structures for accommodation at the Erewhon Park skifield on Mt Potts, which had been established in 1964, for recreational backcountry ski touring.
The site is listed as a ski area in DOC’s conservation management strategy and was used by a heli-skiing company until 2011.
However, it has been abandoned as a ski area.
In his application, Evatt stated it would be “uneconomic to open and operate a traditional skifield at Mt Potts”.
“There is an opportunity to reinvent Mt Potts as a backcountry ski area destination for ski touring and split boarding with minimal investment and infrastructure.”
Snow sports opportunities “are increasingly under threat due to the effects of climate change and the failing economics of existing club fields”.
“A fresh approach needs to be taken to continue to provide snow sport opportunities which is precautionary in so far as any infrastructure maybe ultimately be removed and is light in terms of its environmental footprint.”
He has been granted the lease for the construction of one permanent hut – a 19m2 structure with an additional 2.2m2 deck, as well as two seasonal temporary winter yurts, toilet facilities, and a storage shed.
The yurts will be erected on permanent timber decks in the autumn for the winter and removed in the spring.
The storage shed will house the temporary accommodation in the summer, as well as firewood and hut supplies.
The accommodation is for public use and will use a website, also under construction, for online bookings and paying the hut fee, Evatt said.
There is an existing access road which allows people to access the area on foot or using e-bikes, or people can be lifted in by helicopter, he said.
It's clear that small businesses can really be the backbone of a community. It’s been a joy to read the Prospa Local Business Hero nominations from around the country and we’ve now decided upon eight finalists.
With $10,000 worth of prizes up for grabs, it's up to you to decide who… View moreIt's clear that small businesses can really be the backbone of a community. It’s been a joy to read the Prospa Local Business Hero nominations from around the country and we’ve now decided upon eight finalists.
With $10,000 worth of prizes up for grabs, it's up to you to decide who deserves the title of 2024 Prospa Local Business Hero.
So have a read of the nominations below and cast your vote...
Mary & Sam Danielson - The Puketapu Hotel
Hawkes Bay
'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.'
Ian Harvey (& Des Banks) - Flower Bazaar
Christchurch
'I'd like to nominate my local florist, Ian and Des at Flower Bazaar on Innes Rd, Chirstchurch. The friendliest guys you could meet, always supporting their fellow retailers in the area and going above and beyond for their customers. They know my family well, and when my mother sadly passed away last July they even went out of their way to close the shop and come to her memorial service. With cost of living issues for a lot of us nowadays, it can't be easy for small businesses, especially those not selling everyday essentials. It's important we support each other and keep these little guys afloat. I can't sing their praises enough. I hope they win something, they really do deserve it.'
Vivienne Shepherd - The Glass Button Tailor
Whangārei
'The proprietor of this business is so kind. She will come to your home or business to discuss your need for repairs alterations or bespoke requirement. As it is often impossible to give a quote for work to do with tailoring she will give a guesstimate, if her time exceed this figure, she will charge that figure no more. But if the work takes less time, this will be the figure. Also, a client who eventually came to Vivienne had taken, a dress she very much liked, to another repair and alteration business who messed it up. Vivienne adjusted to fit well, straightened the one to straight back seam as well as other adjustments. She spent hours on it but charged well less than this time, due to empathy for the disappointment created by the bad job. Vivienne Shepherd is truly focused on doing the best by her clients. She definitely pursues excellence.'
Aaron Hickmott - Master of Gingerbread
Palmerston North
'He consistently turns out a wide range of biscuits on the shelves in both standard AND gluten free versions - he's our go-to when we need a treat to take to dinner at a longtime friend's place who requires gluten free food. His specialty is gingerbread of course and he sells Gingerbread House kitsets to people all over NZ!
The shop is small but inviting and he keeps loyalty cards for regular customers, bonus treats! I only found out recently that he struggled with dyslexia and left school early, but is a born baker and has gone from strength to strength. Long may he practice his craft!'
Alicia Sinclair & the Team - Atawhai Industries
New Plymouth
'Definitely Atawhai Industries New Plymouth. Great crew and management. Prompt service, experienced skilled workers who are cheerful and polite. I was very impressed with the dangerous job they had to do for me and will definitely be calling them for future work. They do so much for the community and help get work for people who would otherwise have difficulties.'
Jitesh Patel - Creswick Foodmarket
Wellington
'I'd like to nominate Jitesh & Hine at Creswick Foodmarket, Northland. Their tidy shop has everything one might need. And if what I am looking for is not there, they consider bringing it in for me. This avoids a lot of travelling across town for me. They also are very community-minded, contributing quietly to events and kids club. I'm glad they are in my community.'
Nicola Read, John Read & Team - Read Bros - Hardware
Thames
'I'd like to nominate Read Bros in Thames. The staff are so knowledgeable and helpful. If it's not in stock they will order it in for you. There you get treated as a person, rather than a number.'
Paul Ayers - Ayers Shoes Repairs
Dunedin
'I'd like to nominate Ayers Shoe Repairs in Hillside Road of Dunedin. They repair many things, not just shoes. Paul does a great job at a very reasonable price. They rang me as soon as my job was ready to collect. They are friendly and helpful.'
Vote for your pick in the poll below...
Hi neighbours - to those of you taking part in the opening weekend of duck season, or beyond, the team at Te Tari Pūreke – Firearms Safety Authority hope you will stay safe. We’ve got some simple hints, tips and useful links on our hunter safety page.
Make this duck season a great one by … View moreHi neighbours - to those of you taking part in the opening weekend of duck season, or beyond, the team at Te Tari Pūreke – Firearms Safety Authority hope you will stay safe. We’ve got some simple hints, tips and useful links on our hunter safety page.
Make this duck season a great one by following the seven rules of firearms safety. We urge duck hunters to treat every shotgun in the maimai as loaded, and to save the drinks until after firearms have been safely locked away for the day. Remember, it takes more than luck to bag a duck.
Mike McIlraith – Director of Partnerships
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