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From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Rakaia’s rugby club president says it’s an exciting time after receiving council backing for a new community facility in the Rakaia Domain.
The rugby club is leading a project to demolish the existing outdated facility at the Rakaia Domain and … View moreFrom local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Rakaia’s rugby club president says it’s an exciting time after receiving council backing for a new community facility in the Rakaia Domain.
The rugby club is leading a project to demolish the existing outdated facility at the Rakaia Domain and build a new one that will serve as a community recreation centre.
The council, in the annual plan, resolved to fund public toilets in the new facility and to offer an up to $200,000 commercial loan to support the club’s fundraising efforts, none of which impacts rates.
“It’s an exciting time for us to now have the council on board with the public amenities and also the financial backing,” club president Mark Hanrahan said.
“The contribution from the council is a significant step towards the total package.
“It’s exciting for the club and the community.”
The rugby club completed its design and cost estimates in March 2021 and is making progress to secure funds, and Hanrahan said the timeline was still focused on completion by the second quarter of 2023.
Back in 2015, the Rakaia Stadium Trust had pitched to the council to back a new sports complex at the Rakaia Domain. But as the EA Networks Centre was readying to open the council balked at the $1.5 million funding request towards the estimated $5m facility.
Hanrahan, who was part of the project team for the stadium, said the current plan is fit for purpose.
The project first went before the council in December when the club was advised to submit its requests for financial support to the annual plan.
In the annual plan the council committed to $351,000, loan funded, for new public toilets in the facility, as the current ones are part of the existing facility that will be demolished.
The rugby club has sold its clubrooms that were on the other side of town and is currently utilising the neighbouring bowling club as a temporary clubrooms.
The Rakaia Reserve Board’s Bruce Perry told the council in December that the board supported the project as the existing facilities were past their use-by and most likely did not meet earthquake building standards. An assessment had not been undertaken.
Hanrahan said as well as the reserve board they had the support of other sporting codes and now the annual plan has been adopted it has council support.
Are you overdue a getaway? You could win a 13-day Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer South Island Rail & Coach tour by participating in Neighbourly’s 8th birthday celebration.
To enter the competition, just tell us what you love about your neighbourhood. It could be your favourite spot, a … View moreAre you overdue a getaway? You could win a 13-day Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer South Island Rail & Coach tour by participating in Neighbourly’s 8th birthday celebration.
To enter the competition, just tell us what you love about your neighbourhood. It could be your favourite spot, a beautiful view, or something that makes you smile. You could be in for a once-in-a-lifetime getaway!
From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
An Ashburton councillor is furious at the intention of spending more money on “tourist roads”.
Councillor Stuart Wilson slammed the proposed direction of the Ashburton District Council’s $1.7 million of additional roading funding, saying it was… View moreFrom local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
An Ashburton councillor is furious at the intention of spending more money on “tourist roads”.
Councillor Stuart Wilson slammed the proposed direction of the Ashburton District Council’s $1.7 million of additional roading funding, saying it was all going on just two roads.
“I’m very disappointed with where you are spending the money,” Wilson told the council's roading manager Mark Chamberlain.
“You are spreading $1.7m on [Arundel Rakaia Gorge Rd], which is a damn tourist road.
“I know it’s a busy road but I thought we put $1.7m in to be spread across the district.
“The majority of our maintenance is going into those two roads.”
In the council’s subsidised road rehabilitation funding, Arundel Rakaia Gorge Rd, part of the Inland Scenic Route 72, has $1.75m of works across five sections and Thompsons Track has $730,400.
That equates to 67% of the total $3.68m budget.
From the additional $1.7m taken from the forestry reserve for unsubsidised road funding, Arundel Rakaia Gorge Rd ($492,200) and Thompsons Track ($424,200) combine for 53% of the spend.
Wilson said he knew the decisions were based on traffic volume but “there are roads just as important” to the district.
Chamberlain said that the two roads had the most work scheduled because they had most of the potholes and failures on the network.
“If we look 10 years down the track we shouldn’t have to be spending money there.”
He said they were the roads that, from a safety aspect, needed the work done.
In his report to the council, Chamberlain said the rehabilitation work would eliminate anything other than minor routine maintenance, second coat seals and reseals for at least 25 years. It would also avoid using resources for ongoing patching to hold the older failed sections of pavement.
But Wilson disagreed, suggesting the funding should be spread further across the district and Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency should be stumping up more money for the two busy roads.
“Those [two] roads are semi-tourist roads and I think if NZTA don’t want to help us spend more money on those roads, I say stiff luck,” Wilson said.
“People can growl and you can say to NZTA, ‘you are not giving us enough money to maintain those roads’.”
Chamberlain said the proposed list of rehabilitation work would go to the council for final approval.
From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
The adoption of one of the Ashburton District’s biggest rate increases in over a decade is a “realistic budget”.
The near 10% average rates increase was approved by the Ashburton District Council on Wednesday when it adopted its 2022-23 annual … View moreFrom local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
The adoption of one of the Ashburton District’s biggest rate increases in over a decade is a “realistic budget”.
The near 10% average rates increase was approved by the Ashburton District Council on Wednesday when it adopted its 2022-23 annual plan.
“We have done a very realistic budget,” councillor John Falloon said.
“It will be interesting to see where other territorial authorities are in 15 months’ time when they report on their actual results to the end of June 2023 and where we will be because I don’t think we will have to dip into reserves or anything like that to get through because we have done a realistic budget.”
Mayor Neil Brown highlighted that the external pressures from inflation, Covid-19, and supply chain issues were “not our friend in this year’s budget”.
“It is going to be an interesting year ahead," Brown said. “This is our best estimate and I think it is a pretty accurate estimate.
“We will be doing everything we can to stick to it and deliver the work programme.”
Deputy mayor Liz McMillan said the council had left no stone unturned during the process.
“The 9.4% seems very high but we have put the work in. We have looked at everything,” she said.
Behind the 9.4% average rise is inflation factored in at 5%, flood recovery, new drinking water regulation compliance and the completion of the new library and civic centre.
Any projects carried over from the 2021-22 financial year will go before the council in a report for deliberation over the future of those projects.
Brighten up your life and home with these fun party cup dolls, beads of joy and blooming plant pots with your favourite Resene testpot colours.
Find out how to create your own.
Unleash the artist within you, showcase your DIY creative skills and spruce up an old item or completely repurpose it! Resene and Neighbourly are challenging everyday Kiwis like YOU to take part in the Resene Upcycling Awards.
We want to see your amazing creations so don't be afraid to go … View moreUnleash the artist within you, showcase your DIY creative skills and spruce up an old item or completely repurpose it! Resene and Neighbourly are challenging everyday Kiwis like YOU to take part in the Resene Upcycling Awards.
We want to see your amazing creations so don't be afraid to go all out! Check out some of the previous entires here.
Take part in the 2022 Resene Upcycling Awards. There are four great prizes worth $500 up for grabs: a $200 Resene voucher and a $300 Prezzy® card!
We have 7 adult Female Pekin Ducks that require a new home. We have just moved to the property and our dogs and the ducks do not get on very well. They are healthy and plump and we have ensured they have been well looked after since we moved here a month ago. Here is some more information about … View moreWe have 7 adult Female Pekin Ducks that require a new home. We have just moved to the property and our dogs and the ducks do not get on very well. They are healthy and plump and we have ensured they have been well looked after since we moved here a month ago. Here is some more information about the breed: chooks.co.nz....
Please contact Bronwen on 021 610 053. Pick up is in Hororata.
Many thanks! :-)
From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
News that Ashburton could end up part-funding Environment Canterbury’s public bus transport fares is concerning the organisation’s Mid Canterbury councillor.
Ian Mackenzie thinks the possibility of contributing to the annual funding of ECan’s … View moreFrom local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
News that Ashburton could end up part-funding Environment Canterbury’s public bus transport fares is concerning the organisation’s Mid Canterbury councillor.
Ian Mackenzie thinks the possibility of contributing to the annual funding of ECan’s generous public bus subsidies across Canterbury would result in zero benefits for the Ashburton District.
Ashburton has no public transport, other than an on-demand community connector bus run by volunteers to and from rural locations to the township.
ECan hopes to establish a Climate Change Action levy where all ratepayers would contribute.
One of ECan’s climate change action focuses is to get more people using public buses rather than their own vehicles.
Mackenzie is not convinced it is the right model and is concerned the climate change levy would be used to have the entire region subsidising public transport.
“That threat of charging for public transport, because of climate change across the whole region, sits within the climate change levy," Mackenzie said.
“That needs to be opposed, unless it’s specifically targeted for actions we can do, which will genuinely protect our community from climate change. That might be better flood protection.”
With the impacts of Covid still playing out, and many people still uncomfortable about using public transport while the virus was still rampant, Mackenzie said bus patronage was only about 70% of what it was pre-the pandemic.
“ECan has gone ahead and pumped several million dollars into buses, which I’m not sure is the right timing,” he said.
“We should have waited for Covid to finish, and it’s nowhere near finished yet, and then analyse what permanent changes are to the way people behave.”
He said there were a “whole lot of things we are yet to understand" but ECan was still insistent on “pouring money into buses as if it's business as usual".
ECan’s annual pricing plan would introduce a $2 flat fare across Greater Christchurch for metrocard holders, including areas like Lincoln in Selwyn or Rangiora in Waimakariri. The fare is $1 for tertiary students, under-25s, and total mobility and community service cardholders.
Mackenzie was also concerned that people in outlying towns were simply subsidising parents who opted to send their children into Christchurch for school.
“I’m not convinced that is something ratepayers should be asked to do,” he said.
As partners of the Elemental festival, Stuff Travel is giving away 2 amazing packages! For each you'll win 2 nights of luxury stay at Fable Auckland with a welcome dinner and daily breakfasts. You'll also get tickets to either the Takurua - Nafanua, The War Goddess or the Auckland Fried … View moreAs partners of the Elemental festival, Stuff Travel is giving away 2 amazing packages! For each you'll win 2 nights of luxury stay at Fable Auckland with a welcome dinner and daily breakfasts. You'll also get tickets to either the Takurua - Nafanua, The War Goddess or the Auckland Fried Chicken Festival.
Flights included for those out of Auckland.
Build a cosy bug hotel to hang in a quiet corner of your garden and paint it in your favourite Resene hues.
Find out how to create your own.
Dear neighbours,
Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are now on the hunt for tamarillo recipes, so send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz before July 8, 2022.
Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Homegrown … 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 tamarillo recipes, so send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz before July 8, 2022.
Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Homegrown Recipes.
From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Environment Canterbury’s annual plan carries a 16.2% average rates rise but the local councillor says that won’t be the case in Ashburton.
Councillor Ian Mackenzie said Ashburton urban ratepayers were looking at rise of about 4%, while the … View moreFrom local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Environment Canterbury’s annual plan carries a 16.2% average rates rise but the local councillor says that won’t be the case in Ashburton.
Councillor Ian Mackenzie said Ashburton urban ratepayers were looking at rise of about 4%, while the majority of Ashburton rural would have a decrease.
Mackenzie said the rural decrease was a combination of a financial policy readjustment around the Hinds MAR project after ECan confirmed its project funding was a contribution not a loan, meaning it would be funded by the general rate, and borrowing the funds for the new land and water plans.
“That has made a reasonable difference in cost and the rate rise,” Mackenzie said.
“The MAR project and the land and water plan funding have probably made the biggest difference to rural Ashburton and rural Selwyn [rates].”
Funding flood recovery from the general rate, as opposed to targeted rates, would also have an impact, he said.
The May 2021 flood recovery work has been estimated to have cost about $20 million, with about $7.5m from the Government's National Emergency Management Agency.
ECan would fund the remainder by borrowing up to $12.2m to be repaid by general rates over 10 years.
Mackenzie said ECan was also still hoping the Government would answer its request to co-fund flood management in the future.
“When we do the budgets on what we need to do along the Ashburton River, we probably need to collect at least half as much if not twice as much more to manage it properly, and we are hoping the Government comes to the party.”
If the Government did not agree to the proposed co-funding of flood management, Mackenzie said ECan would likely be forced to start increasing the take from the river rating district, which had been reclassified.
The Ashburton River/Hakatere rating district has gone from 13 rating classes to six classes and an extended boundary to ensure “those who are benefiting are paying their fair share”.
“It’s the same amount of money from more places.”
Mckenzie said the Selwyn District Council has approached ECan to work on a similar river rating system for the Selwyn River so that “everybody pays and we can do a better job managing the river and its tributaries”.
He hoped that work could be done in time for next year’s annual plan process or for the long-term plan the following year.
BY THE NUMBERS
ECan provided some sample properties that showed an Ashburton urban property that was worth $330,000 in 2021-22 is now worth $430,000 in 2022/23 so its rates will rise from $201.55 to $296.30 – a $94.75 rise.
An Ashburton rural property that had been worth $4,960,000 and paying $2,293.05 is now worth $4,760,000 and will pay $1,941.68 – a $351.36 decrease.
Are you overdue a getaway? You could win a 13-day Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer South Island Rail & Coach tour by participating in Neighbourly’s 8th birthday celebration.
To enter the competition, just tell us what you love about your neighbourhood. It could be your favourite spot, a … View moreAre you overdue a getaway? You could win a 13-day Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer South Island Rail & Coach tour by participating in Neighbourly’s 8th birthday celebration.
To enter the competition, just tell us what you love about your neighbourhood. It could be your favourite spot, a beautiful view, or something that makes you smile. You could be in for a once-in-a-lifetime getaway!
Dear neighbours,
You have just a few more days to send your entries for our Houseplant Hero competition. You could win some great prizes and of course, more houseplanst!
Have a selection of lovely hyacinths available
1) Aqua $4 /2bulbs
2) Fairy White $4 / 2 bulbs
3) Delfts Blue $4 / 2 bulbs
4) Yellowstone $4/2 bulbs
5) Mixed . ( $5 /4bulbs .
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