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From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Councillors feel blindsided by a “flawed process” where the Department of Conservation denied a Wildlife Act Authority Application for the Ashton Beach enhancement project.
The plans were to construct a motorbike park on the donga (a … View moreFrom local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Councillors feel blindsided by a “flawed process” where the Department of Conservation denied a Wildlife Act Authority Application for the Ashton Beach enhancement project.
The plans were to construct a motorbike park on the donga (a steep-sided gully) area of an unused part of the Ashburton District Council’s Ocean Farm at the beach, and create a protected wildlife area around it.
DOC declined the application.
Lizard expert, Dr Mandy Tocher, independently reviewed the decision and said she “doesn’t understand why it was declined”.
“I was surprised, so was the DOC technical advisor, and the other herpetologist involved in the process,” Tocher said.
“This was a sound plan.
“[Council] has been the victim of a flawed process.”
Doc’s decision outlined that the proposal didn’t provide an adequate level of protection for lizards and a likely loss of lizards overall, Arowhenua didn’t support it, and it was inconsistent with the purpose of the Wildlife Act 1953.
Councillors shared their disappointment at the decision, with councillor Stuart Wilson describing the report as “disgraceful reading”.
Tocher stated that in her opinion, DOC staff may have failed to provide Arowhenua with accurate information and she felt the council had gone above and beyond to present a “well and truly adequate” proposal.
“Some strange information has been put in front of the decision maker, Duncan Toogood, who resigned the very next day,” she said.
In response to DOC’s decision, the council was presented with options to submit a revised application, appeal the decision, or accept the decision bringing an end to the project.
Instead, the council resolved to take its concerns over the handling of the application directly to the Conservation Minister, Hon Poto Williams, as well as conservation spokespersons from other parties, and Rangitata MP Jo Luxton.
They will also be seeking a sit down with DOC and Arowhenua to work through the issues that resulted in the decision, to see if it is worth resurrecting the project or starting from scratch elsewhere.
To date, the project has cost $17,420 +GST and the initial estimated total project cost was $55,000.
* Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air
The Cutest Pet Competition is back by popular demand! Show off your furry friend this October to see if you’ve got the cutest pet in the country. This year’s competition is sponsored by Wishbone, giving you the chance to win your share of $10,000 worth of pet food.
From 26 September, … View moreThe Cutest Pet Competition is back by popular demand! Show off your furry friend this October to see if you’ve got the cutest pet in the country. This year’s competition is sponsored by Wishbone, giving you the chance to win your share of $10,000 worth of pet food.
From 26 September, purchase a copy of your local Stuff newspaper, find our promo ad, and follow the link to submit a photo of your pet online. If your pet is selected, they’ll feature in our promotional adverts across all Stuff newspapers for a day, plus you will receive $50 worth of Wishbone pet food so you can spoil them rotten. For more information on the prizes and to view the T&Cs, click here!
The team at Stunday Star-Times
From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
The Rakaia community wanted to know if candidates would turn up for them if elected.
That question was posed at the Rakaia Community Association’s meet the candidates session where only three of the six invited candidates turned up to answer … View moreFrom local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
The Rakaia community wanted to know if candidates would turn up for them if elected.
That question was posed at the Rakaia Community Association’s meet the candidates session where only three of the six invited candidates turned up to answer it.
“It was a little disappointing that all the candidates couldn’t turn up,” association chairman Neil Pluck said.
Incumbent mayor Neil Brown, councillor Lynette Lovett, and newcomer Richard Wilson attended.
Eastern Ward candidates Rob Mackle and Keith Townshend were both unable to attend for personnel reasons, while mayoral candidate Jeff Swindley declined as he was holding his own self-titled “job interview sessions” in Ashburton.
Pluck was disappointed Swindley “didn’t bother when it was a good opportunity for the people of Rakaia to see him and ask him the same curly questions the other candidates were asked”.
Swindley was contacted for comment.
The trio that did turn up faced a grilling over some local issues and what they will do to avoid Rakaia “being the forgotten corner of the district”.
Lovett and Wilson spoke of making themselves available to be advocates for their communities, the Eastern Ward, and the district as a whole.
“You won’t need to worry about me forgetting about Rakaia just because I live in Hinds,” Wilson said.
Lovett, seeking a third term, said she actively tries to attend community meetings to hear concerns and issues to take back to the council.
Brown said he aims to lead the council as a team with all the councillors “united and working together on one page for the prosperity of the district”.
* Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air
Dear neighbours, in the October issue of NZ Gardener, you'll see the five finalists for our 2022 Ryman Healthcare Gardener of the Year competition. They've all done amazing things for their communities. You can read about their wonderful work here, and then vote for your favourite.
Dear neighbours,
Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are now on the hunt for new potato recipes, so send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by Oct 3, 2022.
Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Vegetable Growing… View moreDear neighbours,
Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are now on the hunt for new potato recipes, so send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by Oct 3, 2022.
Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Vegetable Growing Made Easy.
Retirement is an exciting time, filled with possibilities. Our fixed fee guarantee is one of the ways we provide financial certainty. Ryman residents love it as it helps them reduce rising living costs and surprise expenses.
Enjoy the quality amenities at every Ryman village and splurge a little… View moreRetirement is an exciting time, filled with possibilities. Our fixed fee guarantee is one of the ways we provide financial certainty. Ryman residents love it as it helps them reduce rising living costs and surprise expenses.
Enjoy the quality amenities at every Ryman village and splurge a little on yourself if you feel like it! Take up that hobby you’ve dreamed of or plan a holiday somewhere warm.
It’s easy to live life your way when you have freedom to do the things you enjoy. It’s another example of how we’re pioneering retirement living.
From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
The Ashburton district's only public transport service “needs more time” to have a chance to become viable.
Safer Communities Ashburton District chairperson, current deputy mayor Liz McMillan, says the Mid Canterbury connector service … View moreFrom local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
The Ashburton district's only public transport service “needs more time” to have a chance to become viable.
Safer Communities Ashburton District chairperson, current deputy mayor Liz McMillan, says the Mid Canterbury connector service isn’t worth scrapping just yet.
“I know it doesn’t look good now. Give us another year,” McMillan said.
“We are getting more and more people on it.
“It’s just that Covid, the people that would have used it are elderly people and they didn’t feel comfortable getting in a van and going somewhere.”
The connector is a volunteer-driven vehicle linking the likes of Methven and Rakaia to each other and Ashburton for a small fee, run by the Community Vehicle Trust network.
When it started it ran on certain days for certain locations but McMillan said after a review the feedback was for it to operate five days a week and to do so it sourced its own vehicle in February.
The connector is funded by Environment Canterbury and Waka Kotahi, about $10,000 annually, and is rated to every property outside the Ashburton township boundary at $1.17 per rating unit and is a total of $5000.
McMillan said it was a necessary service but had so far been affected by Covid.
“The main idea is to combat isolation so that those who can’t drive can get somewhere to visit friends or wander around the shops and see people rather than being stuck at home.
“We just need to encourage people to use it and get more people on board to make it viable.”
The service also relied on volunteer drivers and McMillan said they were always looking for more.
Most of the passengers are currently from Methven, using the service to travel into Ashburton for medical appointments or to visit the Bookbarn in Chertsey.
Councillor Leen Braam questioned if it was working or if an alternative should be looked at, and said the cost was “completely out of kilter”.
With no other public transport options available McMillan said the connector service just needed more time and now that Covid restrictions had been relaxed there would be a big push to grow patronage.
Those plans include a school holiday promotion encouraging rural-based people 14 and over to utilise the service to head into Ashburton, or between rural towns.
The Mid Canterbury Connector, is an on-demand service that people can book Monday to Friday, between 9am and 4.30pm for transport between rural locations and to and from Ashburton.
* Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air
Simple stripes create stunning results with these great craft ideas. Brighten up some old napkins (or plain new ones) with eye-catching designs inspired by traditional patterns using Resene paint. Plus paint your own height chart and Ti rakau.
Find out how to create your own.
From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Incumbent Ashburton councillor Rodger Letham has accused challenger Dame Lynda Topp of displaying “a lot of naivety” in a public candidates’ session.
The pair, vying for two council seats from the Western Ward, along with existing Ashburton… View moreFrom local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Incumbent Ashburton councillor Rodger Letham has accused challenger Dame Lynda Topp of displaying “a lot of naivety” in a public candidates’ session.
The pair, vying for two council seats from the Western Ward, along with existing Ashburton District Council deputy mayor Liz McMillan, crossed swords at the Grey Power meet the candidates meeting
It took place when Letham answered a question around the proposed Ashburton Airport 30-year development plan, which Topp fired back at, demanding existing councillors not rush things through during the election.
“We don’t know half of what’s going on with that plan,’’ she said.
“It’s not fair that people, who are standing now as new candidates, are going to inherit things this council is trying to push through in a rush.”
Letham took umbrage to her comments, outlining the process of the proposed development plan. That plan was due to come back to the council on October 5, which would be the current council’s last week on the job.
“There’s a lot of naivety there in the comments that have been made,’’ Letham said.
The public – including any potential candidates – had the opportunity to submit on the plan during the consultation process, he said.
There were 109 submissions received, with many of those speaking at the hearing.
“Those submissions will be taken into account and a new plan, including the submissions that were made, will be put before the council on October 5,” Letham said.
“To say that incoming councillors, or possible incoming councillors, haven’t had an opportunity is not true.
“Everybody in this district has had equal opportunity to have made a submission and have a look at the development plan.
“With all due respects to Lynda, there is a little bit of naivety there, jumping the gun.”
Earlier, Topp used her stage presence to deliver a passionate speech, calling herself “the new cow gal for the western ward”.
She criticised the council spending money on the beautification of Ashburton when the roads and footpaths were in dire need. She even quoted some sage advice from her 93-year-old mother.
“There is no point in having a fancy garden if you can’t get to it.’’
Topp came out swinging, saying the time was up for some existing councillors and “what we need is some new blood”.
“I’m the new blood in the Western Ward.”
* Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air
From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Ashburton's two mayoral candidates faced off for the first time without a shot being fired.
Neil Brown and Jeff Swindley both attended Greypower’s meet the candidates event on Monday and while it was the first time the two candidates … View moreFrom local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Ashburton's two mayoral candidates faced off for the first time without a shot being fired.
Neil Brown and Jeff Swindley both attended Greypower’s meet the candidates event on Monday and while it was the first time the two candidates shared the stage there was no debate or exchange - just two candidates with different approaches.
Incumbent mayor Brown used the platform to outline how he has navigated a tumultuous first term, while Swindley’s first public appearance was an introduction that fell short on policy.
Swindley used his time to shed light on his background and reasons for standing but ran out of time to touch on any policy.
He said his decision to run for mayor was based on his opposition to the government’s “unlawful” traffic light system.
He said he has been a Christian for over 35 years “so my way of life has always been based on the bible”.
“When I see an injustice and things like that, I actually make a stand.”
He said he was “ridiculed by the community” for his open stance on the traffic light system.
“So I started my society and I got ridiculed for that, but all the time it’s about the community and where I stand in my walk as a Christian, as a businessman, as a father, as a husband.
“Integrity is what I stand on.”
Just as Swindley started to ramp up into some policy, talking about the “vast amount of legal acts that are coming down”, his time was up.
When his opponent had his turn, Brown rattled off his successes in what has been a troublesome first term as mayor dealing with the Covid pandemic, historic floods, and three waters reform.
He also touched on some highlights but said he hasn’t achieved anything on his own, leading the council as a team “to achieve prosperity for the district”.
Brown outlined the challenges that lay ahead for the council in the next term as completing the library and civic centre, Te Pātaka a kā Tuhituhi and Te Waharoa a Hine Paaka, contesting Three Waters reform, lobbying the government to fund the second urban bridge, and to do better with the roading network.
“I’ve proved capable, reliable and ready for challenges – whatever they are,” Brown said.
“Let’s keep going.”
* Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air
Dear neighbours,
Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are now on the hunt for new potato recipes, so send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by Sept 25, 2022.
Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Vegetable … View moreDear neighbours,
Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are now on the hunt for new potato recipes, so send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by Sept 25, 2022.
Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Vegetable Growing Made Easy.
From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
A sneak peek inside Ashburton’s new library and civic building, Te Pātaka a kā Tuhituhi and Te Waharoa a Hine Paaka, has only increased the anticipation.
Chief executive Hamish Riach said the shapes are starting to form after taking a tour of … View moreFrom local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
A sneak peek inside Ashburton’s new library and civic building, Te Pātaka a kā Tuhituhi and Te Waharoa a Hine Paaka, has only increased the anticipation.
Chief executive Hamish Riach said the shapes are starting to form after taking a tour of the construction site last week.
Riach said councillors have been visiting the site regularly to monitor progress and with each visit the excitement builds as it takes shape.
“It feels like building your own house and waiting on completion to move in.”
The $56.75 million project remains on track for the revised completion of mid-2023.
Riach said the project was still on budget but it was very tight and there was a lot of pressure due to ongoing supply chain issues.
There would be visible progress for the public soon with the building facade in production to go up in the next few weeks.
Once complete, the library will be a major upgrade, both in size and modernity, from the existing library on Havelock St, which is considered an earthquake risk.
Riach said a library was not all about books anymore and the new site would include a sound studio, wet and dry areas, big screen and event space.
The cafe would be more like an expresso bar, with the lease yet to be taken up, similar to Te Ara Atea, the Selwyn District’s library in Rolleston.
One unique aspect of the build is incorporating the Historic Pioneer Hall into the building.
The new three-storey building will engulf the 106-year-old hall, which will become part of the children’s library.
It will be encapsulated by a large glass atrium spanning between the two main buildings and people walking between the main and secondary building will be able to look down on the space.
A time capsule is also to be placed in the new building.
The council received $20m from the Government’s shovel-ready project scheme for the building.
Brighten up a tired concrete wall with Resene Lumbersider. Find out how to brighten up your wall.
From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Students from Longbeach School told councillors in no uncertain terms they need a speed reduction outside their rural Mid Canterbury school.
They will likely finally get their wish.
The student leaders told the councillors their principal, Neil … View moreFrom local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Students from Longbeach School told councillors in no uncertain terms they need a speed reduction outside their rural Mid Canterbury school.
They will likely finally get their wish.
The student leaders told the councillors their principal, Neil Simons, had requested a speed reduction back in 2009 and the school was still waiting, which was “not OK”.
“It’s now 2022 and the speed limit past our school remains at 100kph,” Addison Griffiths said.
The students wanted to know why other schools have had speed reductions while their road “remained a significant danger to the children who cross this daily”.
Their presentation was soon followed by the Ashburton District Council approving an interim speed management plan to go out for public consultation that focuses on reductions around schools -including Longbeach School.
Roading manager Mark Chamberlain said as a category 2 rural school, it’s eligible for a 60kph variable speed limit.
“It hasn’t been enabled to have a lower speed limit under previous rules and guides, and getting approval from Waka Kotahi for a reduction,” he said.
“Longbeach, along with other rural schools, have actually got the ability to reduce the speed limit on those [roads] now.”
The rules also extend to more than just the school frontages he said, it’s the route to schools which is why some of the proposed changes extend a bit further.
Chamberlain said the council had about $600,000 to install the variable speed signs.
Once the consultation for the interim speed management plan is completed, the proposed changes will go before the council for final approval.
Chamberlain said the hope was to have the school changes in place for the start of the new school year.
Reducing speeds around schools is an important safety measure Chamberlain said, but it’s not where the fatalities happen.
“The big discussion is what we are going to do with our rural roads.”
“We are doing our schools and everyone says ‘schools that’s great, that’s easy’ but that’s not where we are having our crashes and our fatalities.
“Our fatalities are on rural roads and rural intersections in particular, and yet they seem to be the ones we want to do the least work on and that’s part of the discussion we still have to have.”
That discussion will help form the regional speed management plan for 2024-27.
Proposed School speeds:
Category 1 with 30kph permanent speed limit:
Allenton School, Ashburton Borough School, Ashburton Christian School, Ashburton College, Ashburton Intermediate School, Ashburton Netherby School, Chertsey School, Fairton School, Hampstead School, Hinds School, Lauriston School, Mayfield School, Mt Somers Springburn School, Rakaia School, St Joseph's School, Tinwald School.
Category 2 with 60kph variable speed limit:
Carew Peel Forest School, Dorie School, Lagmhor School, Longbeach School, Wakanui School.
Category 1 with 30kph permanent or variable speed limit treatment:
Methven School, Mt Hutt College, Our Lady of the Snows School.
(Frontage shared with the state highway therefore will be affected by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency’s speed management plan).
Kia ora Christchurch......or shall I say, Ōtautahi?
You've likely already heard, but this week is Māori Language Week - Te Wiki o te Reo Māori - and we'd like nothing more than to encourage your kōrero with some kai.
We have some delicious Whittaker's tiakarete (chocolate) … View moreKia ora Christchurch......or shall I say, Ōtautahi?
You've likely already heard, but this week is Māori Language Week - Te Wiki o te Reo Māori - and we'd like nothing more than to encourage your kōrero with some kai.
We have some delicious Whittaker's tiakarete (chocolate) to give away, so whether it's naming the days of the week, sharing your pepeha, or just a cheery kia ora - it's all about giving it a go.
Share any kōrero or kupu in the comments below to be in to win. Kia kaha, Ōtautahi!
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