Thank you for using Neighbourly
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Large retailers popping up outside Ashburton’s CBD have had little impact on spending in the town centre, according to a new report.
Infometrics was commissioned to analyse how major retailers operating outside the CBD zone were impacting central … View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Large retailers popping up outside Ashburton’s CBD have had little impact on spending in the town centre, according to a new report.
Infometrics was commissioned to analyse how major retailers operating outside the CBD zone were impacting central economic activity, and the wider Ashburton economy.
The report was in response to the Ashburton District Council recognising the potential impact of new retail developments on the CBD.
The developments include the River Crossing precinct, which opened at the end of 2022 with Kmart as the anchor tenant.
On the other side of SH1, Briscoes shifted out of the CBD to set up next to a new Rebel Sport in April, with a Chemist Warehouse opening next door.
Infometrics analysis found that, to date, the value of electronic card spending in Ashburton's CBD has been relatively consistent since October 2021.
“Given inflation over this period, this suggests a slight pullback in real spend per transaction, however, there is no clear effect associated with the opening of Kmart,” the report said.
Total spending, excluding fuel, grocery and alcohol, in Ashburton’s CBD rose 5.6% between the first half of 2022 and the first half of 2023, ahead of the national increase of 3.2%.
Infometrics also found there was little evidence that the introduction of new retailers outside of the CBD hurt overall retail employment.
As of February 2023, there were 1570 people employed in retail in central Ashburton (the CBD area and the fringe retail centres), up 60 people from February 2022.
The report suggested the rise was likely driven by Kmart's opening and associated hiring activity.
Kmart is understood to have added 100 jobs between February 2022 and February 2023, but the net growth being less, a net 55 jobs, “could suggest that other department stores and leisure retailers have either been unable to replace staff lost to Kmart or have otherwise reduced their staffing”.
The report concluded that spending had been similar to before big box retailers moved in.
“Overall the retail sector is under a degree of stress nationally, reflecting the cost of living pressures being borne by households, and the flow on effect to their spending.
“With spending eroded by still-high inflation, modest nominal growth in sales could translate to a decline in real sales.”
The report cost $4000, with data costing $2325.
A report on the impact on the wider Ashburton economy has not yet been received.
Thanks to our friends at Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment and the Ministry of Primary Industries, we're bringing Neighbourly members updates on recent recalls.Click on the item to get the full details.
Lisa’s brand Hummus Chargrilled Capsicum
Value brand Lemonade
… View moreThanks to our friends at Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment and the Ministry of Primary Industries, we're bringing Neighbourly members updates on recent recalls.Click on the item to get the full details.
Lisa’s brand Hummus Chargrilled Capsicum
Value brand Lemonade
Luv a Pie Butter Chicken pie
Clonbern Kitchen Truffle & Parmesan Beef Sausages
Magnetic Ball fidget toy
Oversized Kids Hoodie blanket
Tegel Chicken Sausages
New World NZ prime beef mince
Mr Beast Milk Chocolate Bar
The Original Paprika & Onion Kumara chips
Electric oil burner
This information is designed to help keep your home, family and friends safe.
Christmas is just around the corner and for most kiwis this means preparing our homes to host a nice warm meal, but for some this can be a really hard time of the year.
Filled with food essentials and Christmas treats, a Christmas Box is a much-needed addition to the table and also a … View moreChristmas is just around the corner and for most kiwis this means preparing our homes to host a nice warm meal, but for some this can be a really hard time of the year.
Filled with food essentials and Christmas treats, a Christmas Box is a much-needed addition to the table and also a much-needed reminder that people care. This year we will deliver 45,000 boxes to those in need but we need your help!
Help us bring hope to the table for those struggling by donating a Christmas Box for just $40 at christmasbox.co.nz.
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
An upgrade of Ashburton’s police station has been ruled out - for now.
In 2019, then Minister of Police Stuart Nash said police planned a major refurbishment or replacement of the existing Havelock St police station "for approximately … View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
An upgrade of Ashburton’s police station has been ruled out - for now.
In 2019, then Minister of Police Stuart Nash said police planned a major refurbishment or replacement of the existing Havelock St police station "for approximately 2025-26”.
Police have now confirmed there are no plans to redevelop the Ashburton station and that “it remains serviceable”.
“The plans were in the very early stages, and have not progressed to an approved concept, option, or business case.
“Police has portfolio planning work under way and the Ashburton station’s future will be considered as part of that.”
The council is in the middle of vacating the Havelock Street site this month, to move into Te Whare Whakatere Ashburton Library and civic centre, and put it on the market next year.
The possibility of the Ashburton police shifting 400m up the road resurfaced, only to be deemed a non-option by police.
Ashburton station’s future will be considered as part of a wider portfolio of planning work, police said.
In 2019, Nash said an analysis of the existing building and potential future site or redevelopment options were in a preliminary stage.
He later confirmed that an initial inspection of the Ashburton District Council's headquarters had been undertaken by police's regional property manager.
During 2020, then-Rangitata MP Andrew Falloon was on Nash’s case for progress updates, and if the council building was being considered as a potential site for a new police station.
Nash responded to Falloon’s enquiries that the police were “assessing options in relation to the current Ashburton police station site and its ability to accommodate future policing services for this community”.
An assessment of the existing station building and site were due to be undertaken and completed by end of 2020, but the timing was subject to change, Nash said.
Falloon then resigned in July 2020 and the dialogue around the future of Ashburton’s police station went quiet.
Council chief executive Hamish Riach confirmed there had been discussions with police.
“We understand that any change or update to their existing premises is not scheduled until 2029.
“This effectively rules them out of any serious consideration for the existing administration building site."
It still begs the question, the same one repeatedly asked by Falloon back in 2020, if the soon to be vacated council site is a viable option for an upgraded justice precinct given its location next to the courthouse.
Under the Policing Act 2008, the operational and administrative decisions including decisions on the use of police resources are matters for the police commissioner, not the Ministry of Justice.
Find the new Chemist Warehouse in Ashburton, next to Noel Leeming.
With the biggest range of all your health and beauty essentials at the lowest prices and Free Prescriptions* - the team are ready to help 7 days a week!
Don't worry if you can't make it in-store, you can … View moreFind the new Chemist Warehouse in Ashburton, next to Noel Leeming.
With the biggest range of all your health and beauty essentials at the lowest prices and Free Prescriptions* - the team are ready to help 7 days a week!
Don't worry if you can't make it in-store, you can shop online 24/7!
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Chemist Warehouse - Great Savings, Every Day!
For many people, the thought of downsizing and moving to a new house can be pretty daunting, especially if you’ve lived in the family home for the last 20 to 30 years. But if you take the plunge, it can open the door for you to truly expand your life.
There are two things to consider when … View moreFor many people, the thought of downsizing and moving to a new house can be pretty daunting, especially if you’ve lived in the family home for the last 20 to 30 years. But if you take the plunge, it can open the door for you to truly expand your life.
There are two things to consider when you’ve decided to sell up – how to present your home so it’s appealing to buyers and packing up your home for the physical move.
Before you jump into renovations to make the place look shiny and new, think carefully about the value they will add to the house and whether you’ll recover that cost in the sale price. Renovations can be costly, stressful and time-consuming, so they’re only worth making if they’ll add significant value to your house sale.
Click to read more.
Get into the festive spirit with homemade gifts crafted by your little ones!
Our list of the top 5 DIY gifts for kids is here to spark their creativity and spread joy. Check it out now!
Struggling to find the perfect small Christmas present? For just $15 each, you can buy Heart Foundation Lottery tickets for family, friends or even good neighbours. Not only will they have the chance to win a stunning Jennian home in Clarks Beach, Auckland, but you are also supporting the … View moreStruggling to find the perfect small Christmas present? For just $15 each, you can buy Heart Foundation Lottery tickets for family, friends or even good neighbours. Not only will they have the chance to win a stunning Jennian home in Clarks Beach, Auckland, but you are also supporting the life-saving work of the Heart Foundation.
If you have a furry friend at home, be sure to submit your entry for this year's Santa Paws campaign - a celebration of the cutest Christmas pets in town!
There's ten great prizes of $100 Prezzy® cards up for grabs - but only a few days left to enter so move fast!
… View moreIf you have a furry friend at home, be sure to submit your entry for this year's Santa Paws campaign - a celebration of the cutest Christmas pets in town!
There's ten great prizes of $100 Prezzy® cards up for grabs - but only a few days left to enter so move fast!
Check out the fantastic entries received so far and don't forget to share your photo today!
Sale now on at Resene ColorShops! For a limited time only save the GST value on Resene premium paints, wood stains, wallpaper and decorating accessories at Resene ColorShops.
Hi All, recently went down to the waimak river on Downs road, turned right at the end of Downs road and veered right further along. Was puzzled to come across literally hundreds of pink ribbons tied to bushes for some 100m or so. Does anyone have any idea as to why someone spent lots of time doing … View moreHi All, recently went down to the waimak river on Downs road, turned right at the end of Downs road and veered right further along. Was puzzled to come across literally hundreds of pink ribbons tied to bushes for some 100m or so. Does anyone have any idea as to why someone spent lots of time doing this??
Many of us love to transform our home in December to bring in the Christmas spirit. But perhaps you feel you've gone the extra festive mile? We are looking high and low for NZ’s Merriest Home. Is it yours? Let us decide!
Share just one photo below of your house (inside or out) to … View moreMany of us love to transform our home in December to bring in the Christmas spirit. But perhaps you feel you've gone the extra festive mile? We are looking high and low for NZ’s Merriest Home. Is it yours? Let us decide!
Share just one photo below of your house (inside or out) to go into the draw to win the title of NZ's Merriest Home.
The Neighbourly team will choose the finalists but you, our Neighbourly members will vote on the ultimate winner who'll receive the prize of a $600 Prezzy® Card and the title of NZ's Merriest Home. So, go ahead! In the comments below, share your one festive photo to enter.
It's been a cool summer, but hopefully, warmth will soon embrace us! We're overjoyed to announce a whopping 1100 responses from all you wonderful folks, spreading those delightful summer vibes!
Thanks for sharing your awesome summer holiday plans for a chance to WIN 1 of 2 $100 Prezzy … View moreIt's been a cool summer, but hopefully, warmth will soon embrace us! We're overjoyed to announce a whopping 1100 responses from all you wonderful folks, spreading those delightful summer vibes!
Thanks for sharing your awesome summer holiday plans for a chance to WIN 1 of 2 $100 Prezzy Cards! And now, the moment you've been waiting for – did you hit the jackpot as the lucky winner? Find out now!
If this round didn't bring you the big win, no worries! Keep up with NZ Compare for all the scoop on future contests and cool deals! We're here to brighten up your budget and make things fun.
Repurpose an old pallet and decorate in Resene paints to make a luxurious garden swing.
Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
© Neighbourly 2024
Loading…
