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By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
A “do it once” mentality meant extra work went into the recent $2.45 million Baring Square East upgrade in Ashburton, Canterbury.
During the redevelopment of the square in front of Te Whare Whakatere, the new library and civic centre, the … View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
A “do it once” mentality meant extra work went into the recent $2.45 million Baring Square East upgrade in Ashburton, Canterbury.
During the redevelopment of the square in front of Te Whare Whakatere, the new library and civic centre, the Ashburton District Council also completed additional work.
This included rubbish bin upgrades and new bike racks, which infrastructure and open spaces general manager Neil McCann said were “absorbed by existing budgets”.
The extras required some upfront expenditure from existing renewal or maintenance budgets but it had the benefit of “not having to come back and dig things up twice”, he said.
The extra projects included a $187,985 additional footpath, kerb and channel along East and Cameron streets, which was not part of the original upgrade plans.
As the footpaths were on the list to be upgraded in the future they were not included in the square upgrade, McCann said.
"Once work started on the project, it was evident that in removing the old concrete nib wall there would have been significant damage along the edge of the footpath that would have required repair by patching new asphalt alongside the old footpath.
“The decision was made to bring forward the footpath work from future years to blend in with the new project and avoid having to dig up repair work recently undertaken."
The work was funded from the subsidised roading and drainage budget, he said.
The only additional cost to the original scope of the $2.45m Baring Square upgrade was the $75,000 needed for the removal of coal tar from the new road in front of Te Whare Whakatere.
The coal tar removal was included in the 2023-24 unsubsidised roading project budget approved by the council in September 2023.
The reloctaion of the Boer War Memorial, which had stood in Baring Square East since 1903, across to Baring Square West was also part of the project but was funded by a $150,000 grant received by the council as part of the Three Waters Better Off funding package.
The final cost for the construction of Te Whare Whakatere remains unconfirmed.
It was initially budgeted at $56.7m when construction began in 2021 but before its completion the council signalled a forecast budget overrun in the region of 10%.
Council chief executive Hamish Riach has previously stated the final cost would be known after the “resolution of all matter between the council and construction and design contractors”.
The project also received $20m from the government’s shovel-ready infrastructure fund.
An official opening date is yet to be announced.
Hello! Are you a …
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We’re reaching out from the Tova show, the flagship weekly politics podcast on Stuff, as we prepare for our budget coverage and how it’s affecting … View moreHello! Are you a …
- A student/young professional renting
- A young family, renting or owning
- An older New Zealander/retiree/pensioner
We’re reaching out from the Tova show, the flagship weekly politics podcast on Stuff, as we prepare for our budget coverage and how it’s affecting Kiwis - we’d love to hear from you.
We need a few people who are available the week before the budget (Wednesday 22nd/Thursday 23rd May) and on the day of the announcement (Thursday 30th May).
Please email tova@stuff.co.nz or comment below if you’d like to share your perspective with us. We give you our commitment to treat your experience with sensitivity and care.
Type NFP if you don't wish your comments to be used.
It's NZ Music Month and New Zealand really has some beautiful songs from artists that we call our own.
Whether it's April Sun in Cuba, Don't Forget your Roots, or How Bizarre or Bic Runga's 'Sway' - songs have a way of unlocking memories and evoking old feelings.
… View moreIt's NZ Music Month and New Zealand really has some beautiful songs from artists that we call our own.
Whether it's April Sun in Cuba, Don't Forget your Roots, or How Bizarre or Bic Runga's 'Sway' - songs have a way of unlocking memories and evoking old feelings.
In honour of NZ Music Month, share a New Zealand song or artist that is special to you and explain why.
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.
Payment negotiable depending on time the job takes . If school student we welcome parent coming to negotiate payment and conditions. This will be needed until winter is over.
Phone Marion on 03 3187237 or text on 027 3187237.
Half of my message didn't appear... not sure why.
We need help with getting firewood ( twice per week ?) from shed to house and into the baskets. This could suit a school student. Payment and conditions all negotiable.
Green thumbs are being asked to watch out for a beautiful but toxic flower that could be growing in their backyards.
What you need to know:
- Every part of the plant is poisonous, and can cause gastroenteritis, thirst, paralysis, blindness, and heart and kidney failure.
- This plant is hardy … View moreGreen thumbs are being asked to watch out for a beautiful but toxic flower that could be growing in their backyards.
What you need to know:
- Every part of the plant is poisonous, and can cause gastroenteritis, thirst, paralysis, blindness, and heart and kidney failure.
- This plant is hardy and normal pest control efforts are often not enough to eradicate.
- The cape tulip, growing up to 90cm high with one strap-like leaf, was introduced to Aotearoa in the 1940s, the Ministry for Primary Industries’ manager for pest management John Sanson said. “Cape tulips, like many of these invasive weeds, are really attractive ornamental species ...but they escape over people’s backyard fences and into pasture, as these things often do,”
- It was classified as a noxious plant in the late 1970s after they were discovered to cause harm to livestock and humans, even killing animals when too much as ingested.
- The salmon-pink flowers bloom for about two days a year between June and December, and have previously been an ornamental species for keen gardeners.
Sanson urged people who believed they had the weed growing on their property to leave it untouched and contact Biosecurity New New Zealand’s Exotic Pest and Disease on 0800 80 99 66.
Once a site was confirmed, manual removal or chemical treatment would start.
Build a sturdy little box to keep your seed packets organised and easily accessible. Finish it in Resene Seaweed and Resene Aquaclear. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
With Mother’s Day just around the corner, we’ve got you covered. Enjoy up to 34% off 1-year magazine subscriptions and grab a gift for yourself or a mother figure that’ll last all year long!
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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.
Join us at our open days and experience why the Ryman lifestyle could be for you. Learn about our living and care options, tour our show homes and the wonderful amenities on offer.
We look forward to seeing you.
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
A speed limit drop to 50kph in the Canterbury town of Rakaia has been welcomed by the community, but concerns remain for pedestrians trying to cross the busy stretch of State Highway 1.
Rakaia Community Association chairperson Neil Pluck (pictured) … View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
A speed limit drop to 50kph in the Canterbury town of Rakaia has been welcomed by the community, but concerns remain for pedestrians trying to cross the busy stretch of State Highway 1.
Rakaia Community Association chairperson Neil Pluck (pictured) said he was thrilled to finally get a speed reduction through the township.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) has announced the long-awaited speed reductions will come into force on May 17.
The speed limit through Rakaia township will drop from 70kph to 50kph.
It’s the result the Rakaia community has seeking for years but doesn’t completely solve the town's connectivity concerns, Pluck said.
“It’s about time and reducing the speed to 50kph is good.
“There is some concern it might bunch traffic up making it a little bit trickier to get across the state highway.
“It still doesn’t solve the problem in terms of pedestrians, kids on bikes, mums and dads with prams, or elderly on their mobility scooters getting across."
Traffic volumes have increasingly risen through the township, which is split by SH1.
This has made it increasingly hazardous for locals to get across the highway, he said.
There is a traffic island used for crossing, “but jeepers you have got to be brave as getting caught standing in the middle is a bit hard on your nerves”.
The speed limit drop would make it easier to progress solutions like a pedestrian crossing or pedestrian-controlled traffic lights, Pluck said.
Meanwhile, the speed limit will drop to 80kph from Rakaia over Rakaia River Bridge and railway overpass to just north of Weavers Road.
A 60kph variable speed zone will also be introduced at North Rakaia Rd. This will change the speed limit heading south to up to the Rakaia River Bridge when people are turning out of North Rakaia Rd.
Most of that traffic will be due to the southbound commercial vehicle safety centre (CVSC), referred to as a weigh station, which is set to become operational later this year.
The controversial weight station has been opposed by road users and the Ashburton District Council, which believed it was an unsafe location for the heavy vehicles pulling off and onto the highway.
Construction of the northbound CVSC will start soon and is scheduled to open next year, and will include installing another intersection speed zone at Weavers Road.
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Methven’s reduction remains on hold
The handbrake remains applied to the speed reduction on State Highway 77 in Methven.
At the same time, NZTA consulted on the Rakaia speed reductions it proposed a reduction on SH77 in Methven, from 100kph down to 60kph past the Ōpuke Thermal Pools.
Deputy Mayor Liz McMillan said it was great news for the Rakaia Community that had been asking for the reduction, but it was shame the others remained on hold.
It's on hold because in December Minister of Transport Simeon Brown announced his plans to amend the speed limit rules, advising all road controlling authorities to stop work on any speed management plans until the new rule was in place.
An NZTA spokeswoman said that “in anticipation of the new rule, we have paused work on our speed management plans”.
“As we receive more information on the rule, we will work through what it means for our speed management activity, including the proposals within the Interim State Highway Speed Management Plan.”
It is understood that the speed limit reductions in Rakaia were progressed because they were associated with the weigh station.
While National had promised to reverse speed limit reductions, Rangitata MP James Meager supported the reduction in Rakaia as it “has been requested by the community for a while”.
“When communities want specific, targeted speed limit reductions for safety reasons, such as in Methven past the hot pools, we will support that.”
Neighbourly is aware that online safety is front of mind for members, and scams are getting more tricky to spot. So we thought we'd share some tips from Netsafe to keep you informed about what to avoid and where to get help.
Where do scams take place?
Over the phone, via text message, via… View moreNeighbourly is aware that online safety is front of mind for members, and scams are getting more tricky to spot. So we thought we'd share some tips from Netsafe to keep you informed about what to avoid and where to get help.
Where do scams take place?
Over the phone, via text message, via email, online or even in person.
What red flags should you be looking out for? Ask yourself these questions...
- Were you expecting this message? or was it out of the blue?
- Are they saying there's a problem which you didn't anticipate?
- Are you having to give money over?
- Are you being rushed?
- Are you being told to click on a link or go to an unfamiliar website?
- Are you being asked to share personal info or passwords?
- Are you being asked to pay in a strange way like wire transfer, gift cards, etc
- Does something not feel right? Do you feel confused?
If you answer yes to any of these questions, it's best to stop communicating and seek support. But if you've already given over money, contact your bank immediately.
You can check if it's a scam by contacting |Netsafe|:
- Toll-free on 0508 NETSAFE (0508 638 723) or +6496660840 if calling from outside New Zealand
- Emailing help@netsafe.org.nz
If you're pretty sure it's a scam, make a report at netsafe.org.nz
Remember Neighbourly is a free service for neighbours so we won't ask you for money or for your password. All emails will come from noreply@neighbourly.co.nz - so feel free to get in touch if you're unsure of something!
Hope this helps you, neighbours!
This Mother’s Day enjoy up to 32% off when you subscribe to NZ House & Garden magazine for 1 year PLUS go in the draw to win one of 90 Antipodes serums worth $56 each! This silky-light hyaluronic serum offers up to 72 hours’ hydration to quench skin and foster a fresh, dewy appearance.
… View moreThis Mother’s Day enjoy up to 32% off when you subscribe to NZ House & Garden magazine for 1 year PLUS go in the draw to win one of 90 Antipodes serums worth $56 each! This silky-light hyaluronic serum offers up to 72 hours’ hydration to quench skin and foster a fresh, dewy appearance.
Gift a subscription today at mags4gifts.co.nz and add a personalised e-card to your order to make your gift even more special. Offer ends at midnight on 19 May, so don’t miss out! T&Cs apply.
This Mother's Day treat yourself or a loved one with the ultimate Sunday self-care gift.
Purchase a discounted subscription to Sunday Star-Times before 12 May, and receive a FREE Antipodes Maya Hyaluronic 72-Hour Hydration Serum worth $56*. Find out more below.
Gifting a subscription? … View moreThis Mother's Day treat yourself or a loved one with the ultimate Sunday self-care gift.
Purchase a discounted subscription to Sunday Star-Times before 12 May, and receive a FREE Antipodes Maya Hyaluronic 72-Hour Hydration Serum worth $56*. Find out more below.
Gifting a subscription? Add a personalised e-card to your order to make your gift even more special. Offer ends next week so don’t miss out! T&Cs apply, promo code must be applied.
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
A lack of investment remains a concern as Environment Canterbury backs the region’s transport plan.
The regional council voted to adopt the 2024-34 Canterbury Regional Land Transport Plan at a council meeting on Tuesday afternoon.
But councillors … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
A lack of investment remains a concern as Environment Canterbury backs the region’s transport plan.
The regional council voted to adopt the 2024-34 Canterbury Regional Land Transport Plan at a council meeting on Tuesday afternoon.
But councillors expressed concerns at a perceived lack of funding from central Government and a potential funding shortfall.
The Canterbury Regional Transport Committee, comprising the region’s 10 mayors, gave its approval to the plan at a meeting on April 18.
Councillor Deon Swiggs said the there had been under-investment in transport and infrastructure in the South Island for too long.
‘‘It is a relatively good plan, but we need to get on top of the funding because we are getting behind in Canterbury and in the entire South Island.’’
He was also concerned at the lack of a timeframe set out for the implementation of the proposed mass rapid transport for Greater Christchurch.
Environment Canterbury principal strategy advisor Clare Pattison said the regional transport plan set out priorities for transport in the region.
But the timings would ultimately be set by Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency and the regional council.
She said the council could refer questions back to the regional transport committee if there were concerns.
Councillor Grant Edge said if the council did not adopt the plan by the June deadline, it would put at risk funding for Canterbury’s roading projects.
Councillor Vicky Southworth said funding was issue which ‘‘continues to be raised’’.
‘‘Hopefully something changes, but we have to put our best foot forward and hope we get the support.’’
The plan proposed an investment of $10.8 billion over 10 years, which would double the region’s transport investment.
But it will require a $4.6b contribution from central Government.
Key projects include the proposed Woodend Bypass and a second Ashburton bridge.
The plan also includes public transport improvements for Greater Christchurch, which are dependent on Government support.
It will now be submitted to Waka Kotahi to be included in the National Land Transport Plan.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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.
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