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The Blood Service says it needs 40,000 new donors in the next 12 months to ensure it can meet demand of those needing plasma and blood. Suggestions have been made to pay people for donating, however there are concerns about the dangers of that. Do you think we should pay people for these … View moreThe Blood Service says it needs 40,000 new donors in the next 12 months to ensure it can meet demand of those needing plasma and blood. Suggestions have been made to pay people for donating, however there are concerns about the dangers of that. Do you think we should pay people for these donations?
"We just dodged another bullet.”
Ashburton mayor Neil Brown wasn’t mincing words when he renewed calls for Ashburton’s second bridge, hours after it had reopened following a second flood-related closure in two years.
The South Island was essentially cut in half for almost 12 hours … View more"We just dodged another bullet.”
Ashburton mayor Neil Brown wasn’t mincing words when he renewed calls for Ashburton’s second bridge, hours after it had reopened following a second flood-related closure in two years.
The South Island was essentially cut in half for almost 12 hours after Waka Kotahi closed the State Highway 1 Ashburton/Hakatere River Bridge due to a build-up of debris on Sunday night.
It was an ‘I told you so’ moment and Brown didn’t hesitate.
“We need to do something.
“We had almost a third of our annual rainfall in 24 hours. The river got to half the flow it was two years ago and we got away lightly this time, but it may not happen next time.
“We need to build some resilience into this river to keep the South Island connected.”
During the 2021 floods, the river raged at 1500 cumecs and the bridge was closed for days after a pier slumped and needed to be repaired.
The river flow peaked at 723 cumecs at the Ashburton/Hakatere SH1 bridge at 4pm on Sunday, with Waka Kotahi officially closing the 90-year-old bridge at 7pm. It reopened at 6am on Monday.
The closure was warranted, Brown said.
“It was a precautionary measure.
“They had to monitor that debris that is building up in front of the piers of the bridge and they could not do that in the dark.”
It also highlighted the need for a second river crossing in Ashburton.
The council has done all the work on the second bridge project, with its $113.6m business case sitting with Waka Kotahi.
Former Minister of Transport Michael Wood had asked the council and Waka Kotahi to discuss ‘innovative funding options’ for the project.
“We were about to present those to him but he resigned.
“We have a new minister of transport and we will be working with him to push this case further ahead.”
Government MPs, including Rangitata MP Jo Luxton and Local Government Minister Kieran McAnulty, are aware of the situation, Brown said.
“They just haven’t come out and said how they are proposing to solve the problem."
Luxton was on annual leave on Monday and deferred to McAnulty's office, as did Minister of Transport David Parker.
McAnulty said a decision on the potential funding of a second Ashburton Bridge is a work in progress.
Decisions would be made as part of the development of 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP), he said.
"Waka Kotahi is continuing to work with the Ashburton District Council to explore potential funding options and to progress the business case for a second Ashburton bridge."
National has already pledged to build a second bridge in Ashburton in its first term if elected, but has stopped short of locking in the proposed Chalmers Avenue option.
*Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air
Meeting an ever increasing need in our communities, Christmas Box provides more than just food, it brings a reminder that people care. By alleviating some of the pressure families feel, especially in the time of inflation and cost-of-living, a Christmas Box sparks hope that goes beyond Christmas.
… View moreMeeting an ever increasing need in our communities, Christmas Box provides more than just food, it brings a reminder that people care. By alleviating some of the pressure families feel, especially in the time of inflation and cost-of-living, a Christmas Box sparks hope that goes beyond Christmas.
Don’t wait for December, it’s time to start thinking about how you can help today!
For just $40 a box, you can give the gift of hope and 100% of your donation will go to families who are doing it tough this year. Your generosity makes a difference.
Have you ever tried to look for a new power plan to end up stuck, super confused by all the specific lingo that’s used? Things like kWh, standard vs. low users, or free hours of power? Don’t get us started on controlled and anytime meters!
If you’re unsure of some of these terms, it … View moreHave you ever tried to look for a new power plan to end up stuck, super confused by all the specific lingo that’s used? Things like kWh, standard vs. low users, or free hours of power? Don’t get us started on controlled and anytime meters!
If you’re unsure of some of these terms, it really won’t help you feel confident in comparing different plans. We don’t want to see our Neighbours get tripped up and stuck with a big bill this chilly season!
So to help you, we’ve put together a list of all the power terminology that you need to know!
Combine paint and a vinyl adhesive to great effect.
Find out how with these easy step by step instructions.
The government's Road to Zero project seeks to set speed limits at 30kph in suburban streets across New Zealand. Do you think this is a good idea?
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Finishing touches are being made to the designs for the new Rakaia Recreation Centre before the project goes out for tender next month.
Rakaia rugby club's past president Mark Hanrahan says things are finally set to go from concept to concrete,… View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Finishing touches are being made to the designs for the new Rakaia Recreation Centre before the project goes out for tender next month.
Rakaia rugby club's past president Mark Hanrahan says things are finally set to go from concept to concrete, to community centre.
“Next year will be a big year for our club and the Rakaia community,” Hanrahan said.
The club is preparing to tear down the out-of-date changing room facility in the Rakaia Domain and replace it with a fit-for-purpose building with clubrooms, changing sheds, and public toilets.
The club has been fundraising for 10 years towards the project and is close to reaching an initial target for a ballpark figure for the build, “but we won’t know the total cost of the project until we find out the final price”.
The construction timeline is also unknown, he said.
“In an ideal world, it would be ready for the next rugby season, but it’s a maybe, and it really won’t matter.”
The club already sold the clubrooms that were on the other side of town and has been utilising the neighbouring Rakaia Bowling Club as temporary clubrooms for the last two seasons, Hanrahan said. That arrangement can continue until the new facility is completed.
As part of the project, the Ashburton District Council is funding the replacement public toilets in the new facility, as the current public toilets are part of the existing facility that will be demolished.
It committed $351,000 towards the toilets in the 2022-23 annual plan, and will likely carry that forward to the 2023-24 budgets to cover its portion of the build.
Acting chief executive Jane Donaldson said the council has already procured the prefabricated toilet block which is to be incorporated into the facility.
The council committed to funding the toilets in June last year and at that point in time the rugby club had initially hoped to have the project completed by now.
Things didn’t quite pan out that way but the silver lining was another 12 months to fundraise, Hanrahan said.
With the project now set to go out for tender, the Rakaia Domain is set to finally have its new facility.
Back in 2015, the Rakaia Stadium Trust had pitched to the council the idea of backing a new sports complex at the Rakaia Domain, but as the EA Networks Centre was readying to open, the council balked at the $1.5m funding request towards the estimated $5m proposed facility.
The new Rakaia Recreation Centre is a rugby club-led project but will be a community facility, Hanrahan said.
*Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air
Reconnect with the simple things, slow down and discover the quiet beauty of our nature in the cooler months. Be refreshed and reinvigorated by walking the trails in our green hills, indulge in some boutique retail therapy and be warmed by the welcome from our locals, sharing their homegrown … View moreReconnect with the simple things, slow down and discover the quiet beauty of our nature in the cooler months. Be refreshed and reinvigorated by walking the trails in our green hills, indulge in some boutique retail therapy and be warmed by the welcome from our locals, sharing their homegrown creativity and hospitality.
Soak in our thermal springs, be inspired by our artists and artisans, breathe in the scent of our great outdoors or savour our homegrown flavours. However you do it, come and winter our way.
Hello neighbours! Want to help put a big smile on little faces? Buy any red testpot (60 mL) from your local Resene owned ColorShop between 13-31 July 2023 and Resene will donate $1 to Cure Kids.
The more red testpots you buy, the more will be donated!
Countdown is recalling certain batches of its Woolworths brand Pickled Onions as the product may contain foreign matter (glass).
What you need to know:
- The product is sold at Countdown, SuperValue and FreshChoice stores throughout New Zealand.
- The affected product has the Best Before date … View moreCountdown is recalling certain batches of its Woolworths brand Pickled Onions as the product may contain foreign matter (glass).
What you need to know:
- The product is sold at Countdown, SuperValue and FreshChoice stores throughout New Zealand.
- The affected product has the Best Before date of 23/11/2024, 24/11/2024 and 25/11/2024
- If you have purchased this product, do not consume. You can return the product to this store for a full refund.
You can see past product recalls here.
There's still time to submit your recipe to win the September issue of NZ Gardener! Every month, we run a series of reader recipes using a seasonal crop. This month, we're on the hunt for spring salad recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by July 23, 2023. Every … View moreThere's still time to submit your recipe to win the September issue of NZ Gardener! Every month, we run a series of reader recipes using a seasonal crop. This month, we're on the hunt for spring salad recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by July 23, 2023. Every published recipe wins a copy of the September issue of NZ Gardener.
A new era of living for over 50’s has arrived at Ravenswood, Woodend! Freedom Lifestyle Villages has officially opened the doors to seven show homes.
Come and explore the many advantages of residing in a Freedom Lifestyle Village while learning about the remarkable benefits our unique capital… View moreA new era of living for over 50’s has arrived at Ravenswood, Woodend! Freedom Lifestyle Villages has officially opened the doors to seven show homes.
Come and explore the many advantages of residing in a Freedom Lifestyle Village while learning about the remarkable benefits our unique capital gain’s structure can provide for you.
Stage 1A – Selling Now! Starting from $345,000
Show Homes Open 7 Days A Week
Mon-Fri 10 am-4 pm
Sat-Sun 11 am-3 pm
Visit us at 30 Bob Robertson Drive, Woodend
www.youtube.com...
Emergency services are responding to a serious crash involving a car and a truck.
What you need to know:
- The crash occured at the intersection of Hackthorne Road and Maronan Valetta Road, Ashburton.
- The collision was reported around 9:45am and initial indications suggest serious injuries.… View moreEmergency services are responding to a serious crash involving a car and a truck.
What you need to know:
- The crash occured at the intersection of Hackthorne Road and Maronan Valetta Road, Ashburton.
- The collision was reported around 9:45am and initial indications suggest serious injuries.
- The road is currently blocked while emergency services attend the scene.
- Motorists are advised to avoid the area.
You could win this fully furnished home in South Island’s stunning Wānaka! Buy your tickets today for a chance to make the snow-topped mountains and crisp, clear lake your very own backyard with a home in the heart of Wanaka!
Worth over $1.5 million this Jennian Homes build features four … View moreYou could win this fully furnished home in South Island’s stunning Wānaka! Buy your tickets today for a chance to make the snow-topped mountains and crisp, clear lake your very own backyard with a home in the heart of Wanaka!
Worth over $1.5 million this Jennian Homes build features four bedrooms, two bathrooms and boasts a stylish open-plan kitchen, living and dining area for year-round entertainment.
Make this property your permanent residence, a holiday home, rent it or even sell it – it could be all yours for only $15! Be in to win by purchasing your tickets today.
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