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By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Ashburton’s roading contractor is improving, but not enough for councillors to grant a two year extension to its contract.
Instead, the contract will be put up for tender at the end of 2025, a decision that split the council and required mayor … View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Ashburton’s roading contractor is improving, but not enough for councillors to grant a two year extension to its contract.
Instead, the contract will be put up for tender at the end of 2025, a decision that split the council and required mayor Neil Brown to use his casting vote.
“It puts the contractor on notice they need to lift the performance,” Brown said.
HEB was awarded the contract in 2020 and the five-year term ends on November 30, 2025.
A clause in the contract allows for a two-year extension if all parties agree and conditional on approval from NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).
HEB applied for the extension and it was approved by NZTA, but it failed to get a majority backing from councillors due to performance concerns.
The performance rating grade has shown a continued improvement – from a 58% score in the first year to 78% last year, but that wasn’t high enough for some.
“We are in year four and they are just achieving at 75%,” Brown said.
“It’s taking too long.
“Nowhere near 100% but we paid 100%. We haven’t been getting value for money.”
HEB has room to improve in their traffic management and efficiency, he said.
Chief executive Hamish Riach wanted the councillors to remain realistic in their expectations as a 100% performance score was “a myth” and unachievable.
Roading manager Mark Chamberlain said HEB came in fresh in 2020 and has now got a handle on the network.
“If it wasn’t improving, we wouldn’t be recommending a two-year extension.
“We are not dissatisfied with the work that HEB is doing, there are always some things in a maintenance contract that aren’t don’t quite as well as you want them to do and rework is needed.”
The contract extension was for an estimated $11m per year.
Councillor Rob Mackle said he was keen to take the gamble of going out for tender for an improved price, suggesting contractors were hungry for the work.
“I think it’s worth the risk.”
Councillor Russell Ellis urged caution on assumptions the tender will come in cheaper, as it could cost more.
Wilson put the motion for the contract to go out for tender next year, which was supported by Brown, Phill Hooper, Mackle, and Cameron.
Ellis, Tony Todd, Leen Braam, Lynette Lovett and Liz McMillan voted against the motion.
With the vote spit 5-5, mayor Brown used the casting vote to determine the contract will go out for tender as planned next year.
HEB will have the opportunity to retender.
Wilson said if they are “improving as well as we think they are, they’ll get the job”.
“We are not sacking them, we are just renegotiating what our expectations are.”
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Neil Brown has yet to decide if he will stand for a third term as Ashburton mayor.
A year out from the next local body elections, none of the elected members have confirmed their names will be on the ballot.
The next local body elections will be … View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Neil Brown has yet to decide if he will stand for a third term as Ashburton mayor.
A year out from the next local body elections, none of the elected members have confirmed their names will be on the ballot.
The next local body elections will be held on October 11, 2025, with candidate nominations opening on July 4 and closing on August 1.
Brown, who celebrated 20 years of service to the Ashburton District Council this week, said he is yet to decide on standing for a third term, but has a timeframe in mind.
“I haven’t made a decision yet.
“I will probably mull it over during the Christmas break and make a decision by early March.”
Making an announcement a few months before nominations open will help other potential candidates with their planning and decision whether to run, he said.
Only two of the other elected members indicated it was likely they would stand again, but they stopped short of confirming it.
Deputy mayor Liz McMillan said she has been thinking about it and “there is a high chance I’ll stand again”.
“A year is a long time and you never know what can change.”
Councillor Russell Ellis, in his third term on the council, said he was “90% sure I’ll be standing”.
With the effects of long Covid finally fading, councillor Leen Braam said he is bouncing back, and “there is a lot of things to do before making any decision” to stand again.
Councillor Lynette Lovett said she planned to make a decision early next year on whether to run for a fourth term.
It is the same for second-term councillor Carolyn Cameron and the four first-term councillors.
Rob Mackle said he is focused on the current tasks at hand at the council and joined Tony Todd, Richard Wilson, and Phill Hooper in saying it was something they hadn’t seriously thought about yet.
The elected members aren’t the only ones tossing up their future next year, with chief executive Hamish Riach coming to the end of his contract in September 2025.
Riach said it was too far away to consider if he'll reapply.
“I’ve been focused on the work at hand at the moment.”
Riach became the chief executive in September 2018, after 17 years at the helm of the Crusaders super rugby franchise.
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Here are some items that have been recalled during September - October. Click on the blue title to learn more details about the recalled product.
Food recalls:
Farro Kitchen pulled lamb shank ragu (product may contain glass!)
ABC sweet soy sauce
Kelp & Seaweed Products (elevated level of … View moreHere are some items that have been recalled during September - October. Click on the blue title to learn more details about the recalled product.
Food recalls:
Farro Kitchen pulled lamb shank ragu (product may contain glass!)
ABC sweet soy sauce
Kelp & Seaweed Products (elevated level of arsenic!)
On The Go chip products
Pams cracked pepper salmon & Origin salmon
All Good Barista Oat Milk
Product recalls:
Toyota Pruis model years 2022-2024
Brompton t line bike
John Deere 1023ev tractor
Suzuki GSX1300RRQ model years 2020-2024
UVC Disinfection Unit Purifier
Kia EV9 model years 2024-2025
Polaris xp kinetic ranger
Cummins diesel engine
Mazda models years 2013-2020
We hope this update was helpful to you and your whānau.
Ryman villages across the country are open every Wednesday in October and November.
Experience the Ryman lifestyle and learn about our living options, tour our showhomes and discover the wonderful amenities on offer.
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By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is gearing up to complete 10km of reconstruction and 68km of resurfacing of the state highway network in Mid-South Canterbury over summer.
Journey manager Simon Harty says to expect more high-vis road crews and… View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is gearing up to complete 10km of reconstruction and 68km of resurfacing of the state highway network in Mid-South Canterbury over summer.
Journey manager Simon Harty says to expect more high-vis road crews and traffic managers repairing and re-sealing highways around Mid Canterbury from now into the new year.
In the South Canterbury and Mid Canterbury area, NZTA has scheduled 10 lane kilometres for full reconstruction (equivalent to 5km of two-lane highway) and 68 lane kilometres for resurfacing.
In Mid Canterbury, the major project will take place in Ashburton in March.
It will involve upgrading the structural asphalt on SH1 between the Ashburton Bridge and Dobson St and resurfacing from Dobson to Moore streets.
Pre-reseal pavement repairs to SH77, the Methven Highway, start this month with chipseal resurfacing of sections to be completed in November.
Then in November, there will be one week of resurfacing on SH77 near Winchmore, between Ashburton and Methven.
Pre-reseal pavement repairs on SH1 in places between Rakaia and Longbeach will start in late October and early November, with chipseal resurfacing to sections of the highway to be completed in January.
Between Ashburton and Timaru there will be ongoing work on the SH1 Rangitata River Bridge, with intermittent night closures in mid-to-late November.
In the new year, NZTA will start its resurfacing programme on sections of SH1 between Rakaia and Timaru.
Asphaltic concrete surfacing is also planned for some Ashburton township areas as well as re-surfacing the Hinds and Rangitata River Bridge decks.
All the work is funded through the State Highway maintenance and pothole prevention activity classes in the National Land Transport Programme (NLTP).
Harty said most road maintenance can only happen over the summer months, as the increased daylight hours, warmer temperatures, and dry air are needed for the chip seal surfacing to stick to the pavements below.
”Our crews – contractors and sub-contractors – have a tight schedule, working through extremely variable conditions over summer.”
Heading into the busy road construction period, road users need to consider the extra travel time to reduce stress when the highways are getting busy, he said.
The Ashburton District Council will rehabilitate 8.5km and reseal 60km of local roads for a cost of $5.4m this summer - Separate to the NZTA road programme.
A 500m section of Ashburton Staveley Rd, near Walkhams Rd, and another 760m section of Ashburton Staveley, between Walkhams Rd and Ashburton Forks, have already been rehabilitated.
Another site on Ashburton Staveley Rd is under way, while works have also started on a 1.2km section of Forks Road and 1.3km of Pudding Hill Rd, either side of the intersection with Dip Rd and Longs Ford Rd.
Two sites on Beach Rd East are scheduled to be completed before Christmas, while work on Seafield Rd and Maronan Rd will be completed by April 2025.
NZTA major Mid-South Canterbury roadworks:
Ashburton 2024 and 2025
- Pre-reseal pavement repairs on SH1 between Rakaia and Longbeach start late October and November, with chipseal resurfacing to sections of the highway to be completed in January.
- Pre-reseal pavement repairs to SH77 start this month (October) with chipseal resurfacing to sections of the highway to be completed in November.
- Structural asphalt upgrade of SH1 between the Ashburton Bridge and Dobson St, along with resurfacing from Dobson to Moore streets in March 2025
Ashburton to Methven, SH77
- From November, one week of resurfacing on SH77 starting near Winchmore.
Ashburton to Timaru, SH1
- Ongoing work on the SH1 Rangitata River Bridge with intermittent night closures mid to late November.
Timaru to Glenavy
- From October 16, six weeks of road reconstruction over two sites south of Studholme, SH1, with temporary 30kph speed limitsand traffic signals running 24/7.
- From October 21, a week’s worth of resurfacing in the same area at three places on SH1: near Pareora, the SH82 turnoff (Nosh Roadside Gourmet corner) and through Glenavy township.
- The crew then moves onto SH82, the Waimate highway, for another week around Elephant Hill and Ikawai in November.
Timaru to Fairlie, SH8
- From October 30 through to the end of March, three sites will be reconstructed in succession on SH8 near Winscombe Hill/Coal Stream between Fairlie and Albury under temporary 30kph speed limits and traffic signals running 24/7.
Waimate to Ikawai, SH82
- From November 1, eight weeks of reconstruction through the Waimate Gorge. SH82 will be closed and an alternative route used.
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As we age, mobility and health issues can affect daily routines and independence. It’s natural to want to step in when a loved one faces challenges with tasks they once managed easily. However, instead of taking over completely, finding a balance that offers support while still encouraging … View moreAs we age, mobility and health issues can affect daily routines and independence. It’s natural to want to step in when a loved one faces challenges with tasks they once managed easily. However, instead of taking over completely, finding a balance that offers support while still encouraging independence is key.
Chris Sinclair, Ryman's Community Liaison Leader, shares helpful tips for families and caregivers on how to promote independence and support overall wellbeing.
Click read more for the full article.
It’s a lot of fun (and easy) to turn a terracotta plant pot and saucer into your very own toadstool table with Resene Poppy and Resene Alabaster paint.
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By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Ashburton’s new library and civic centre cost $62.1 million to build.
Te Whare Whakatere opened to the public in January, and this week the Ashburton District Council announced the final construction cost, two weeks after holding an official … View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Ashburton’s new library and civic centre cost $62.1 million to build.
Te Whare Whakatere opened to the public in January, and this week the Ashburton District Council announced the final construction cost, two weeks after holding an official opening ceremony.
Ashburton mayor Neil Brown said the final tally included construction costs, specialist advice, and project management and was reduced by building delay penalties in the construction contract.
“We’re pleased to have reached an agreement with builders Naylor Love and other partners we’ve worked with,” he said.
“It was a difficult time to build during and post-Covid and we said last year we expected an overrun of about 10% over the budgeted $56.7m, and it’s come in at 9.5% over.
“We’re disappointed it has cost more than the original budget, but grateful for the $20m shovel-ready project grant from the Government which offsets the ratepayer contribution.”
The original library and civic centre project budget, set after public consultation in 2019, was $51.6m.
Construction began in January 2021 and an additional $5m contingency was added due to the uncertainties around the impacts of Covid.
Originally slated for completion by the end of 2022, the build was besieged by delays, driven by the impacts of the Covid pandemic and extreme weather events.
That meant it opened in January this year, just over 12 months later than planned.
The delays coupled with inflationary pressures pushed the final cost out to $62.1m.
With the $20m of Government shovel-ready funding, it reduces the final cost to ratepayers $42.1m.
Then taking off the proceeds of building sales will further reduce the cost.
The old public library sold for $1.1 million in May, two relocatable buildings were sold for $160,000, and the sale of the old council administration building by the end of this year will likely drop the cost below $40m.
The balance of the cost will be met by debt.
As Brown stated last year when announcing the budget overrun, “the ratepayer will be paying no more than what we consulted on when we started the project”.
Reducing stigma starts with the words we use, and shifting the way we talk about dementia is a powerful step forward. This World Alzheimer’s Month, Ryman is highlighting the importance of reducing the discrimination caused by stigma surrounding people living with dementia.
Caroline Bartle, … View moreReducing stigma starts with the words we use, and shifting the way we talk about dementia is a powerful step forward. This World Alzheimer’s Month, Ryman is highlighting the importance of reducing the discrimination caused by stigma surrounding people living with dementia.
Caroline Bartle, Ryman’s Dementia Care and Innovations Lead, says that using appropriate language when referring to people with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia can foster a more inclusive society. This not only benefits those experiencing cognitive decline but also their families and the wider community.
Click read more for the full article.
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Removing cell phones from schools is a positive step, but Sport Canterbury says something has to “fill the void" or students will potentially fill it with trouble.
Sport Canterbury’s sector support manager Megan Harlick said the removal of… View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Removing cell phones from schools is a positive step, but Sport Canterbury says something has to “fill the void" or students will potentially fill it with trouble.
Sport Canterbury’s sector support manager Megan Harlick said the removal of phones has created a void.
“Unless there is something there to activate them, they will find their own trouble.
“It’s critical we don’t leave this void that is then filled by something else.”
She said Sport Canterbury’s programmes in primary and secondary schools, which aim to keep schoolchildren active, are one way to fill that void.
Mid Canterbury community adviser Alice Breading said using phones and other devices at home can become normal behaviour, and the phone ban is an opportunity to “remind them play is out there”.
“Kids need to remember and re-learn sometimes how to play.
“They don’t have to grow up too fast, which is a big piece of the play work we are doing in primary school ... to enjoy playing, climbing trees, enjoy using the playgrounds in different ways.
“Kids don’t tend to find trouble when they are having fun and keeping busy.”
Sport Canterbury recently presented its annual report to the Ashburton District Council, which granted $67,600 for 2024-25 as part of the council’s ongoing support of the organisation.
The report detailed how Sport Canterbury has supported Ashburton College to access $360,000 over three years from Sport New Zealand’s Active As programme.
“It’s all around the enhancement of well-being through physical education,” Breading said.
It’s a student-led programme aimed at increasing physical activity at school but also extended outside the school gate by connecting with local sports groups and the EA Networks Centre.
Then there is healthy active learning facilitator Anna Holland who is working across 10 primary schools in the district around “what quality PE looks like” for the pupils.
One of the popular sessions is “chalk bombing”, where an activity circuit is created using chalk instructions around the school playground.
Breading and Holland presented a case study of what they have achieved at Ashburton Intermediate this year following a playground mapping exercise that identified some barriers and possible improvements to make at the school.
Rather than children wandering around with nothing to do, which can lead to behavioural issues, the goal was to provide more options and opportunities to keep them active, Breading said.
The process gained traction due to the support from the school and a few small changes will make a big impact over time Holland said.
“It will take longer than a term but it will become the new norm.”
I'm sure you've seen it while doing your weekly shop... In fact, it may have even been you.
What do you think about people heading to the supermarket in their pyjamas?
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