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By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Five landowners have already been contacted as Significant Natural Areas (SNA) are identified in Mid Canterbury.
The SNA process has been contentious in other parts of the country, particularly in Northland and the West Coast, as greater … View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Five landowners have already been contacted as Significant Natural Areas (SNA) are identified in Mid Canterbury.
The SNA process has been contentious in other parts of the country, particularly in Northland and the West Coast, as greater restrictions can be placed on designated land.
In Mid Canterbury the process is in its infancy, but is building on previous environmental provisions.
It is not known how many private properties could be affected, but five letters have already gone out to landowners in the region, the Ashburton District Council confirmed.
The council started a survey earlier this year of existing areas of significant nature conservation value (ASCV) that could be deemed SNAs.
Council compliance and development group manager Jane Donaldson said the move came in anticipation of the National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity (NPSIB), which has recently come into force.
This policy statement directed councils to have consistent approaches in their policies, plans and strategies to maintain indigenous biodiversity.
"The survey is currently an audit of existing SNAs, referred to as ASCV’s, but it also has crossover with council’s responsibilities under the NPSIB, and also council’s draft biodiversity strategy.”
The process of identifying SNAs was still under development, with the council required to identify SNAs by 2028, Donaldson said.
It was unknown how many landowners in Mid Canterbury are likely to be affected, she said.
“It is expected that affected owners will initially be contacted individually”.
So far five letters had been sent out, Donaldson said, noting that some additional land was within the conservation estate.
A copy of a letter to affected property owners provided by the council outlined how it was undertaking an initial assessment of the existing ASCVs and “has discovered some areas where further investigation is needed”.
“In some cases, this might be because of vegetation change, but in others, it might be because of errors in the initial creation of the overlay maps.
“There is the possibility that these might be creating unnecessary regulatory hurdles or risks for farming operations,” the letter stated.
The letter also explained that due to the NPSIB, the council “may have to take a district-wide look at biodiversity” to ensure its existing mapping is correct and accurate.
The preference is “for this to be a collaborative project between council and landowners.”
Eventually, a Resource Management Act process would need to be followed to seek any changes in the District Plan, Donaldson said.
The District Plan, adopted in 2014, has provisions regarding ASCVs – listing 67 sites across the district, but the current project and related work may result in changes, Donaldson said.
“But these are yet to be developed and would also require a Resource Management Act process to be considered”.
Local iwi have been briefed and approached for discussion about involvement in the process, but those discussions are yet to occur, Donaldson said.
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EXPLAINER: What is an SNA?
Significant Natural Areas are considered to be areas of New Zealand’s most important remnants of native habitat that must be protected to ensure the ongoing biodiversity of the country.
The Resource Management Act (RMA) 1991 requires that they are protected.
It refers to "the protection of areas of significant indigenous vegetation and significant habitats of indigenous fauna" - or SNAs.
The term 'significant' is not defined by the Resource Management Act, and its ambiguity has resulted in confusion among resource managers and users, as well as national disparity in approach to the identification of SNAs.
Councils around the country are responsible for identifying SNAs in their territory, and because of that issue around "significant", each council can apply different standards when assessing SNAs.
Part of the public concern about SNAs is that most are on private land, and those who own that land are worried about losing it, or the land itself losing its value and adding complications for owners.
Existing practices in or near SNAs will generally be able to continue, but restrictions will apply if a landowner wants to use the land for a new activity, and therefore need to apply for consent.
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Right now, kiwi families are facing some really big challenges and many find themselves struggling to make ends meet. For some, this will mean Christmas won't be a time to celebrate.
This Christmas, give the gift of hope. With a $40 donation, you have an opportunity to help those who need … View moreRight now, kiwi families are facing some really big challenges and many find themselves struggling to make ends meet. For some, this will mean Christmas won't be a time to celebrate.
This Christmas, give the gift of hope. With a $40 donation, you have an opportunity to help those who need it most. With Christmas Box, 100% of donations go to not only feeding a family with food essentials and treats but will also provide much-needed hope. Only together, can we bring hope to those in need all across Aotearoa. We can't do it alone.
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
A secondary school in Mid Canterbury is trialling sensors in a bid to smoke out vapers in the loos.
Mount Hutt College Methven principal Jack Saxon said the school is trialling a vape sensor in one of its toilet blocks.
The sensor, placed inside … View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
A secondary school in Mid Canterbury is trialling sensors in a bid to smoke out vapers in the loos.
Mount Hutt College Methven principal Jack Saxon said the school is trialling a vape sensor in one of its toilet blocks.
The sensor, placed inside the toilet block, triggers a camera at the hallway access to the toilet.
It allowed the school to identify students who may need support with vape cessation programmes, Saxon said.
“We don't have a significant issue with vaping in our school, which stands in stark contrast to our inner-city cousins, but we are trying to stay ahead of the game around this.
“Bullying in toilets has not been identified as a significant issue in student wellbeing surveys so at this stage the camera trial is targeting vaping at school.”
The trial was tabled with the school's Board of Trustees before going ahead and the results of the trial will go back to the board to determine if the sensors are rolled out across the campus, Saxon said.
The growing youth vaping epidemic has left schools around the country grappling with ways to manage it.
Earlier this year, Rangiora High School principal Bruce Kearney said vaping had led to anti-social gatherings around bathrooms and the school was determined to stamp it out by introducing cameras and sensors across the school.
Other schools have been calling the Office of the Privacy Commissioner (OPC) asking about their options for using Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) in toilet blocks to deter negative behaviour such as vaping and bullying.
Privacy Commissioner Michael Webster said that bathrooms are highly sensitive zones for privacy and there are some clear points that schools need to consider first.
“Everyone, regardless of their age, has privacy rights,” he said.
Schools need to be open with their communities about using CCTV and have clear signage and notices of it, and focus cameras away from intimate activity.
Schools can't use audio recordings to pick up conversations without additional privacy assessments, he said.
Ashburton Intermediate principal, Brent Gray, said CCTV in or around the school's bathrooms was not something they are considering.
Ashburton College principal Ross Preece said the school’s new classroom blocks, as part of its $60m rebuild, will be fitted with cameras outside of toilet blocks.
“We are not looking at vape sensors but it is something the radar,” Preece said.
Every secondary school is dealing with the rise of vaping Preece said.
He said health authorities needed to be doing more to limit youth vaping, rather than schools installing preventative measures.
Statistics show a high number of students who have never smoked cigarettes are being introduced to nicotine, the highly addictive substance found in tobacco, via vaping.
The annual ASH Year 10 (15 and 16-year-olds) survey showed 39% of students in Canterbury reported ever vaping in 2022, and 41% in South Canterbury.
Vaping is not just an issue for secondary schools.
Rakaia School principal Mark Ellis said there were undoubtedly children giving vaping a go.
“I’m not seeing vapes often, once a year, maybe. About three times since it became a fad over the last three or four years ago.
“And some will be trying it on the weekends, inspired by their big brothers and sisters.”
In his 17 years teaching primary he had only experienced one incident of cigarettes in school.
Vaping is one of those “attractive things they see other people doing and want to try”, Ellis said.
Knowing how to deal with it at school is a bit of a grey area, he said.
“As school principal, I’ll deal with that with the tools that I have. If that means I have to stand a child down, I will.”
Sir Edmund Hillary was quoted with saying: "I think it all comes down to motivation. If you really want to do something, you will work hard for it"
This statement best applies to some incredible Canterbury village residents who walked the Godley Head Track on a chilly Christchurch … View moreSir Edmund Hillary was quoted with saying: "I think it all comes down to motivation. If you really want to do something, you will work hard for it"
This statement best applies to some incredible Canterbury village residents who walked the Godley Head Track on a chilly Christchurch morning.
The inter-village walk saw residents from Charles Upham and Ngaio Marsh villages walk together up, down and along the peninsula track.
Anthony Wilding residents’ van took a slight detour along Summit Road, so this group of walkers arranged to meet at a point along the track.
Click to read more.
Have you recently observed your broadband expenses creeping up?
According to our recent Neighbourly poll, a staggering 80% of respondents have remained loyal to the same broadband provider for over 5 years, and within that group, a whopping 80% have been with their provider for more than 10 … View moreHave you recently observed your broadband expenses creeping up?
According to our recent Neighbourly poll, a staggering 80% of respondents have remained loyal to the same broadband provider for over 5 years, and within that group, a whopping 80% have been with their provider for more than 10 years!
Staying loyal could be costing you money! By switching providers, you could save over $300 a year.
If you're currently under contract, here's a tip: set a reminder for the 11th month to compare your options. This way, you won't get automatically rolled onto higher pricing. It's your chance to keep more money in your pocket!
Don't let rising costs get the best of you. Explore your options and save big - check out Broadband Compare and Power Compare to compare different plans and providers!
We are Rugby MAD nation! We had an amazing turnout with over 965 entries from rugby fans to back their country for a chance to win a 3-month subscription to Sky Sport Now!
Now, the moment of truth – did you emerge as the lucky winner? CLICK below to find out! But hey, if you missed out on the… View moreWe are Rugby MAD nation! We had an amazing turnout with over 965 entries from rugby fans to back their country for a chance to win a 3-month subscription to Sky Sport Now!
Now, the moment of truth – did you emerge as the lucky winner? CLICK below to find out! But hey, if you missed out on the competition, don't worry! We've got a BONUS rugby family GIVEAWAY just for you. Check out our featured post here: www.facebook.com...
And here's the game plan: Stay connected with NZ Compare for the freshest broadband and power deals, along with exciting competitions. We're your money-saving champions! CLICK HERE to discover more: www.nzcompare.com...
We have about 40 white plastic containers with lids from the retailing side of our business. They are perfect for a range of uses including freezing and storing food, storing dry goods, kids toys, sewing items etc
Pick up from Charing Cross near Darfield or can be delivered by arrangement. … View moreWe have about 40 white plastic containers with lids from the retailing side of our business. They are perfect for a range of uses including freezing and storing food, storing dry goods, kids toys, sewing items etc
Pick up from Charing Cross near Darfield or can be delivered by arrangement. Text Sue on 022 0971 766 for more info
Maximise that awkward corner or otherwise inaccessible space with sleek fitted shelves painted in Resene paints.
Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
The Heart Foundation Lottery No. 144 is now open. For as little as one $15 ticket, you will be in the draw to win a brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home worth just over a million dollars in beautiful Whitianga. There are also other great prizes to be won, including overseas holidays, $10,000 … View moreThe Heart Foundation Lottery No. 144 is now open. For as little as one $15 ticket, you will be in the draw to win a brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home worth just over a million dollars in beautiful Whitianga. There are also other great prizes to be won, including overseas holidays, $10,000 cash and a new Toyota hybrid. Proceeds from all tickets help to fund life-saving heart research. Someone will win this incredible home on 30 November. Now that would make it a summer to remember!
Selling my beloved pride and joy as to not being able ride her anymore because of health reasons. In excellent condition 18,808 km ,fuel injected Rego on hold and i will put 3 months new Rego for buyer wof expires 17/3/2024.New battery last year, always stored under cover in garage. There are only… View moreSelling my beloved pride and joy as to not being able ride her anymore because of health reasons. In excellent condition 18,808 km ,fuel injected Rego on hold and i will put 3 months new Rego for buyer wof expires 17/3/2024.New battery last year, always stored under cover in garage. There are only 126 of these bike left in nz
Please contact Bill on 027 5204264
Mid Cantabrians will get to unwrap a $56.75 million Christmas present.
Ashburton’s new library and civic centre building is set to finally open on December 18.
Construction of Te Whare Whakatere began in early 2021 with an original completion date for the end of 2022.
It is now set to … View moreMid Cantabrians will get to unwrap a $56.75 million Christmas present.
Ashburton’s new library and civic centre building is set to finally open on December 18.
Construction of Te Whare Whakatere began in early 2021 with an original completion date for the end of 2022.
It is now set to open a year late, and will end up being over its $56.75 million budget.
The delays in the project were caused by Covid-related strains on the workforce and supply chain.
“We’re really excited to get to this point, because it’s been a tricky build at times with Covid and the shortages of staff and building materials," council chief executive Hamish Riach said.
“But this building is resilient and will serve our community well for 50 years or more, so we’re delighted.”
The public library will close on November 26 and reopen in the new building on December 18.
All other council services will be available during the three-week transition period, with a skeleton staff operating from the old administration building on Baring Square West up until close of business on December 14.
An official opening ceremony is planned for early 2024.
Meanwhile, the demolition of 255 Havelock St is scheduled for the end of October and is expected to take about a month to complete, Riach said.
The building will make way for a public car park to service Te Whare Whakatere.
October 14th is the last day for voting in the General Election 2023. And while there are some policies that are nice to have, there are other issues that are imperative to us. Where do your priorities lie this election? From the options below, choose what is swaying your vote the most.
Type … View moreOctober 14th is the last day for voting in the General Election 2023. And while there are some policies that are nice to have, there are other issues that are imperative to us. Where do your priorities lie this election? From the options below, choose what is swaying your vote the most.
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.
Ryman Healthcare is proud to champion the women's game like never before. We are committed to supporting initiatives that empower women and celebrate their achievements, showcased through our official partnership with the Black Ferns and Black Ferns Sevens.
Our partnership brings a host of … View moreRyman Healthcare is proud to champion the women's game like never before. We are committed to supporting initiatives that empower women and celebrate their achievements, showcased through our official partnership with the Black Ferns and Black Ferns Sevens.
Our partnership brings a host of benefits that contribute to the growth and development of women's rugby. Together, we aim to inspire the next generation of players and foster a vibrant community around the sport. Click here to learn more.
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