Ashburton District, Ashburton

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799 days ago

Minister acknowledges road funding hasn’t been good enough

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:

New Associate Minister of Local Government Kieran McAnulty admits we’re now “seeing the impacts’’ of roading funding cuts in Mid Canterbury.

The Wairarapa-based McAnulty, who also has emergency management, racing and transport in his … View more
From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:

New Associate Minister of Local Government Kieran McAnulty admits we’re now “seeing the impacts’’ of roading funding cuts in Mid Canterbury.

The Wairarapa-based McAnulty, who also has emergency management, racing and transport in his ministerial and associate minister portfolio, let his roading feelings known while in Mid Canterbury on Tuesday.

He knew roading was a hot topic, as it was in any other region, but especially in Ashburton and wider Canterbury.

“It’s an issue facing many rural councils in that they have a large geographical area, a lot of roads and a small population from which to fund it,” said McAnulty, who is completing a tour of all 55 rural and provincial councils.

Ashburton was stop number 41 for the Labour MP.

He had closed-door discussions with the Ashburton District Council in which he said they covered a lot of issues from emergency management, the future of local government, three waters, roading and transport, and the proposed second bridge.

But roading maintenance and funding was top of mind, with McAnulty admitting councils had been left in the lurch from a period of underfunding and it wasn’t good enough.

As a small roading financial booster, he said there was an additional almost $15 million of funding heading the Ashburton District’s way in the next three years to help.

He was also pleased to see progress being made with Ashburton’s proposed second urban bridge.

“The proposal is pretty strong,” said McAnulty, who knows the district well as his parents lived in Fairton for eight years.

“We know that from a resilience point of view, the recent weather event put that at the forefront of everybody’s mind.”

He was also aware of Environment Canterbury’s plea for $150m of Government funding over the next 10 years for nationwide flood protection funding. While that wasn’t something that has come across his desk, it is linked to work he has in progress.

“There is a need for a consideration around longer-term funding of flood protection,’’ he said.

“If you can invest in flood protection, it lessens the impact when there is a severe weather event. And we are kidding ourselves if we don’t recognise that these weather events aren’t going to become more frequent and severe.”

802 days ago

Market day stoush in Ashburton

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:

Key Ashburton retailers are opposed to a new CBD market day, saying further “restricted trading’’ is not what they need.

The proposed Ashburton Market Day would replace the now defunct Boulevard Day, but the application from organiser Carol … View more
From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:

Key Ashburton retailers are opposed to a new CBD market day, saying further “restricted trading’’ is not what they need.

The proposed Ashburton Market Day would replace the now defunct Boulevard Day, but the application from organiser Carol Johns would mean the temporary closure of East St, Burnett St, and Tancred St on Monday, September 26.

Her proposal has received three objections, which will now go before the Ashburton District Council, with Johns to front Wednesday's hearing.

Ashburton Paper Plus owner Terry McNabb said he doesn’t have a problem with a market day, but “I do have a problem with holding it on the street”.

“For a few years now, we have had these days where the roads in the CBD get closed off but all we are doing is inviting out-of-town stall holders to park up outside our doors for the day.

“That does not help any of the locally owned and operated businesses in that area.”

McNabb said his business has had nothing but disruption for two years from Covid, the CBD redevelopment, and now a new demolition next door.

He said he operated two essential service businesses inside Paper Plus, those being NZ Post and AA Driver & Vehicle licensing, which served a lot of elderly customers whose access would be impacted.

Bob McDonald, from Health 2000 in the arcade, has submitted an objection on behalf of 15 CBD businesses that, like McNabb, “believe another day with restricted trading is not beneficial for the CBD”.

Because of the CBD’s new one-way system, McDonald said closing East St would “effectively shut down the whole CBD”.

McDonald and Sue Cooper used to run the popular Boulevard Day, which was unable to be held in 2020 because of Covid-19 restrictions. It then had to be held in Ashburton Domain last year due to the CBD being a construction zone, which was the first time in 45 years it was held outside of the inner-city location.

He and Cooper hoped to find someone new to take over the running of Boulevard Day this year but that had not happened.

That’s why Johns, who has previously run events on the same day as Boulevard Day and who is standing for a seat on the council in the local election, has stepped up to fill the void.

Her Ashburton Market Day proposal now falls to the council, with the hearing taking place at 9am on Wednesday.

801 days ago

Finding mobile phone shopping hard work?

The Team from NZ Compare

We use our mobiles in almost every part of our life right?! They keep us up to date and connected with loved ones. They need to be fit for purpose!

So when it comes to choosing a new phone, it’s important to find one that meets your needs, including your budget. Don’t spend hours going from … View more
We use our mobiles in almost every part of our life right?! They keep us up to date and connected with loved ones. They need to be fit for purpose!

So when it comes to choosing a new phone, it’s important to find one that meets your needs, including your budget. Don’t spend hours going from site to site, shop to shop only to get stuck with a phone that really wasn’t what you wanted! Read PriceMe’s Mobile Phone buying guide for tips, then use PriceMe to compare all mobile phones and stockists without even leaving your couch. Easy right!
Read our guide

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801 days ago

Beef, ordered from here

McDonald's

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An ideal climate, lush pastures and innovative farming produces enough beef for Macca’s in New Zealand and around the world. Our patties are 100% quality beef, and all that’s added is a dash of salt and pepper when cooked.
View more
For delicious grass-raised beef New Zealand is the perfect combo.

An ideal climate, lush pastures and innovative farming produces enough beef for Macca’s in New Zealand and around the world. Our patties are 100% quality beef, and all that’s added is a dash of salt and pepper when cooked.

We partner with many Kiwi farmers who produce our beef, including those at the world-class Whangara Farms.
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805 days ago

Get super-duper fuel savings with Kora.

Kora

Kora saves the day with 13c off a litre!

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Kora is the Kiwi fuel payment card that saves you 10c a litre every day at Mobil and Waitomo.… View more
Kora saves the day with 13c off a litre!

In a world of rising fuel prices, a hero has come to save every day! Join Kora and save a super 13 cents a litre on every fill at Waitomo until 30th November.

Kora is the Kiwi fuel payment card that saves you 10c a litre every day at Mobil and Waitomo. Fill up when you want and pay later with weekly, fortnightly or monthly billing.

With prices flying high, now’s the time to save more with 13 cents off every litre at Waitomo until 30th November. Apply today!
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805 days ago

Ashburton Domain’s ‘adhoc’ playground not up to standard

The Team Reporter from The Press

From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:

Ashburton Domain's popular playground may have to be rebuilt because it’s been described as an adhoc setup - and its raised wooden edging may be dangerous.

Park Central, the national playground compliance specialists, have completed an … View more
From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:

Ashburton Domain's popular playground may have to be rebuilt because it’s been described as an adhoc setup - and its raised wooden edging may be dangerous.

Park Central, the national playground compliance specialists, have completed an audit of the Ashburton District Council’s playgrounds and they’ve recommended the entire Ashburton Domain playground be “reviewed and an overall plan/design is put in place”.

The report states that various playground items and equipment “have been added into the play space in an adhoc manner” and “the surfaces are scattered through the area without any cohesion”.

Its raised wooden edging was an accessibility issue, while the use of bark chip mulch was not a modern children’s landing option.

The Ashburton District Council’s 30-year Ashburton Domain redevelopment, signed off in 2020, already lays out plans for an overhaul.

“Staff are in discussions with the playground inspector and designers,” council community services group manager, Steve Fabish, said.

There’s no timeframe or budget because that would be part of the upcoming activity management plan and long-term plan processes, he said.

The audit would factor that planning into any changes, which could see the upgrade brought forward, he said.

“Possibly, but the overall priority status of general district-wide requirements in playgrounds shall influence the timeline.”

The Ashburton Domain was joined by nine other locations recommended for a full renewal, including the Methven, Rakaia, and Tinwald Domains.

The report assessed 229 individual play assets at 28 district sites, excluding the Lake Clearwater playground, which was unable to be accessed due to bad weather at the time.

The council’s playground assets were valued at $4,001,800 and all equipment was measured against various standards depending on when it was installed, with 93 items being non-compliant.

There were 139 maintenance issues requiring attention at an estimated cost of $40,710, which Fabish said would be addressed this year.

He also said that improving accessibility in all playgrounds was a work in progress.

“Staff will implement changes when and where possible and in conjunction with other site works.”

806 days ago

Paint a kid's balance bike

The Team from Resene ColorShop Ashburton

Update a balance bike with a colourful new look with Resene paints so that it can continue to be enjoyed for years to come!

Find out how to create your own.

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J
806 days ago

North Canterbury Wearable Arts

Jane from Oxford

Tickets now on sale at the Rangiora Town Hall for this fabulous, family event on Saturday 17 September. Get a group together for a fun night out. Lots of gorgeous and creative costumes.

808 days ago

Luxury Cruising Virtual Information Sessions

The Luxury Cruising Co.

Join Pat from the Luxury Cruising Co this September to discover a unique collection of destinations and packages!

Sessions

Europe Session Tuesday 6th September 11am River Cruising
Land Journeys, Rail Journeys, Private Jet Tours, Small Ship Cruising, Luxury Yacht Cruising.

Canada/Alaska … View more
Join Pat from the Luxury Cruising Co this September to discover a unique collection of destinations and packages!

Sessions

Europe Session Tuesday 6th September 11am River Cruising
Land Journeys, Rail Journeys, Private Jet Tours, Small Ship Cruising, Luxury Yacht Cruising.

Canada/Alaska Session on Thursday 8th September 11am
Canadian Rockies with Alaska Cruise, Eastern Canada with New England Cruise, Rockies with Rail, Rockies with Calgary Stampede

Australia on Tuesday 13th September 11am
Kimberly Small Ship Cruising, 4WD Touring, Tasmania, Luxury Wilderness Camps, Discover a wide range of options available.

Asia Session on Thursday 15th September 11am
Discover Touring and River Cruises available in Vietnam, Cambodia, Japan and South Korea

Luxury Cruising on Tuesday 20 September at 11am
An overview of Luxury Cruising Worldwide and expedition cruising in Antarctica and the Arctic

Click here to register your interest or contact 0800 214 9925
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811 days ago

Expect the unexpected

Stuff

Generally Famous is Stuff's new podcast in which Simon Bridges finds out what makes his generally famous - but always interesting - guests tick.

So far, Simon's had Olympian Eric Murray and digital entrepreneur Lucy Blakiston in the hot seat. And there's … View more
Generally Famous is Stuff's new podcast in which Simon Bridges finds out what makes his generally famous - but always interesting - guests tick.

So far, Simon's had Olympian Eric Murray and digital entrepreneur Lucy Blakiston in the hot seat. And there's more exciting guests to come each Wednesday.
Listen now

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811 days ago

Good as gold!

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

These folks are 'salt of the earth' and deserve a gold medal for the joy they bring to their neighbourhoods.

Their neighbours have nominated them as Nice Neighbours recently, winning them a small prize and some recognition in the local papers.

If you are lucky enough to have a … View more
These folks are 'salt of the earth' and deserve a gold medal for the joy they bring to their neighbourhoods.

Their neighbours have nominated them as Nice Neighbours recently, winning them a small prize and some recognition in the local papers.

If you are lucky enough to have a Nice Neighbour, you can nominate them on our Nice Neighbour page. We can't wait to hear all about them!

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812 days ago

Don't forget Dad! Just one week to go Neigbours

The Team from NZ Compare

Whether he's a new dad, a super special father figure or a many times grandad, find the perfect present to spoil him with PriceMe.

Read our handy gift guide to get those last minute Father's Day shopping ideas, while PriceMe's easy to use cost comparison website will save you the … View more
Whether he's a new dad, a super special father figure or a many times grandad, find the perfect present to spoil him with PriceMe.

Read our handy gift guide to get those last minute Father's Day shopping ideas, while PriceMe's easy to use cost comparison website will save you the $$$!!

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813 days ago

Clever Cantamath competitors

The Team Reporter from The Press

Cantamath returned to Christchurch on Wednesday after being postponed two years in a row due to Covid restrictions.

The normally annual mathematics competition involves students in years 6 to 10.

The winners of this year's teams competition were:

- Year 7: 1st Cobham Intermediate, … View more
Cantamath returned to Christchurch on Wednesday after being postponed two years in a row due to Covid restrictions.

The normally annual mathematics competition involves students in years 6 to 10.

The winners of this year's teams competition were:

- Year 7: 1st Cobham Intermediate, 2nd Heaton Normal School, 3rd Middleton Grange.

- Year 8: four teams reached the golden 100 points 1st Rangi Ruru, 2nd Queenspark Primary School, 3rd Christ the King School, also to reach 100 points Cobham Intermediate.

- Year 9: 1st with 100 golden points St Andrew’s College Team 1, 2nd Burnside High School Team 3, 3rd Christ’s College Team 1.

- Year 10: 1st with 100 golden points Papanui High School Team 1 (pictured), 2nd Christ’s College Team 1, 3rd Burnside High School Team 2.

The overall winners of the Cantamath Displays Competition were Jessica Ritchie (year 8 from Christ the King School) for her dynamic model and Noah Palmer (year 7 from Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto) for his dynamic model.

Congratulations to the winners and all those involved.

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813 days ago

Getting flipping serious at Lake Clearwater

The Team Reporter from The Press

From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:

“The time for talking is over and that time for action is now”.

That is how Ashburton District Council strategy and policy manager, Toni Durham, summed up the view of those involved in the Lake Camp and Lake Clearwater 30-year plan.

The … View more
From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:

“The time for talking is over and that time for action is now”.

That is how Ashburton District Council strategy and policy manager, Toni Durham, summed up the view of those involved in the Lake Camp and Lake Clearwater 30-year plan.

The council has adopted the 30-year plan that aims to reverse the degradation of Lake Clearwater/Te Puna a Taka, protect the character of the area, and ensure collaboration to achieve it.

Reports show that Lake Clearwater/ Te Puna a Taka is currently in a fragile state and its water quality is declining to the point that it is at risk of flipping, meaning it could reach a point of degradation that is difficult to reverse.

If the lake flips, it will have severe impacts on biodiversity, and the overall environmental health and recreational values of the area.

The 30-year plan is focused on ensuring that doesn’t happen and Durham said the challenge is the conflicting issues of the various parties, but they all have one goal.

“You have different values from different stakeholders but that’s actually the complexity with the entire area,” Durham said.

“Everyone is using it for different purposes.

“But the ultimate long-term goal is to protect the water quality.”

The plan’s purpose is to ensure appropriate action is taken promptly and it will guide funding decisions for annual budgeting processes.

Four goals are outlined and the actions that are planned to be undertaken to achieve them.

In preparing the plan, the consultation process received 153 submissions, of which 53% were bach owners.

The development of the plan also utilised work undertaken by Ōtūwharekai (Ashburton Lakes) working group, which includes members from iwi, local and central Government departments, and surrounding landowners.

While the council has signed off its 30-year plan for Lake Camp/ Ōtautari and Lake Clearwater/Te Puna a Taka, the Ōtūwharekai working group is developing an action plan for Ōtūwharekai which is expected to be completed by June 2023.

The goals in the plan are:

1: Avoid further degradation and restore the mauri (physical and spiritual elements) of the natural area.

2: Recognise and protect the area’s special character.

3: Recognise and value the areas social importance.

4: Ensure collaboration with mana whenua and between key stakeholders to meet a collective vision.

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813 days ago

A free tassel throw worth $69.00, how good does that sound?

NZ House and Garden

Add a touch of luxury to your home with NZ House & Garden, Aotearoa’s favourite home and lifestyle magazine. NZ House & Garden celebrates the homes, lifestyles and creativity of New Zealanders. Subscribe before 19 September and you’ll receive a free French Country Collections tassel … View moreAdd a touch of luxury to your home with NZ House & Garden, Aotearoa’s favourite home and lifestyle magazine. NZ House & Garden celebrates the homes, lifestyles and creativity of New Zealanders. Subscribe before 19 September and you’ll receive a free French Country Collections tassel throw worth $69.00

Just visit Mags4Gifts to purchase your subscription, or if you’d rather talk to one of our friendly staff members, call 0800 624 744. Offer valid for 1 and 2 year subscriptions only at the new-subscriber rate. Standard T&Cs apply.

The team at NZ House & Garden
Find out more

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