Ashburton District, Ashburton

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901 days ago

The Ryman Guide

Retirement is a chapter in life filled with possibility, and at a Ryman village we want to make that chapter the best it can be. That’s why we offer living options to suit everyone, it’s why our terms come with certainty, it’s why we continually innovate, and it’s why we offer care on site … View moreRetirement is a chapter in life filled with possibility, and at a Ryman village we want to make that chapter the best it can be. That’s why we offer living options to suit everyone, it’s why our terms come with certainty, it’s why we continually innovate, and it’s why we offer care on site so you can plan for the future. The Ryman Guide will help you choose the lifestyle you want to live at a Ryman village, so you can embrace every opportunity.

Click here to get your free copy.
Learn more

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902 days ago

Can you help at Short Notice?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Do you ever walk past a business affected by Covid and wonder what you could do to help? We created Short Notice to link community members with spare time on their hands to surrounding businesses in need.

Whether you have a week, a day or an hour to volunteer, head to the … View more
Do you ever walk past a business affected by Covid and wonder what you could do to help? We created Short Notice to link community members with spare time on their hands to surrounding businesses in need.

Whether you have a week, a day or an hour to volunteer, head to the Short Notice community hub to introduce yourself and share how you can lend a hand.

If you're a business owner sign up for a FREE Premium Business listing to get access to Short Notice and let your community know what help you need.

Together, let's help keep our small businesses thriving!
Find out more

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903 days ago

Get Upcycling and win in 2022!

Resene

It's time to 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 … View more
It's time to 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 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!
Learn more

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903 days ago

Do you have a great yam recipe?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Dear neighbours,

Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are now on the hunt for yam recipes, so send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz before June 3, 2022.

Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Homegrown Recipes.

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904 days ago

Make your own sculptural side table

The Team from Resene ColorShop Ashburton

Ombre tones help create a gallery-worthy table. Choose tone on tone hues from the Resene Multifinish collection for a quick ombre look.

Find out how to create your own.

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906 days ago

Foodtrucks to be moved on from Ashburton’s Baring Square East

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:

Food truck operators are unfazed about no longer being able to regularly trade at Baring Square East.

That’s because of proposed alternative options, or the fact they have already abandoned trading in the CBD.

The Ashburton District Council’s draft… View more
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:

Food truck operators are unfazed about no longer being able to regularly trade at Baring Square East.

That’s because of proposed alternative options, or the fact they have already abandoned trading in the CBD.

The Ashburton District Council’s draft trading in public places bylaw is proposing that mobile businesses can stay open later and in more places, but scrubbed Baring Square East as a permitted site because of the cafe in the new Library and Civic Centre.

Strategy and compliance group manager Jane Donaldson said part of the bylaw restricts mobile food vendors from operating at least 100 metres away from any premises selling a similar type of food.

While sites around Baring Square East are proposed to be off limits, a new site is being proposed just up East St across from the old post office.

Tu Meke BBQ’s Andrew Poswillo has been operating in the Ashburton CBD since February and said while Havelock St is an ideal site, given the council was providing new alternatives, it wasn’t such a big deal as they are a destination site utilising social media channels.

“We just need somewhere with access to power,” Poswillo said.

He also has plans on finding a suitable permanent site in the future.

Some other food truck operators have already abandoned the Baring Square East site.

Kebizza permanently relocated its food truck to Methven at the start of Ashburton’s CBD revitalisation project and has no plans to return.

Nigendy’s has also abandoned operating in the CBD at the same time.

Nigendy’s Wendy Ranson said due to rising costs and low foot traffic, they now operated a delivery-only service from home. But with a second mobile truck in the works, she welcomed the addition of new sites across the district.

Under the bylaw, mobile traders need a permit from council to operate at specified sites, or they can apply for discretionary sites for one off events.

Charities and community groups are exempt from site restrictions under council discretion.

Mayor Neil Brown said if any of the food trucks or other mobile vendors were unhappy with the proposed changes, or wanted to suggest other possible locations, they should put in a submission to be considered.

The Salmon Site in Rakaia is also being added as a discretionary site and several other sites are being added to the permitted list.

Another key proposed change is in the operating hours.

Currently the mobile businesses are expected to close half an hour after sunset, but that timing is now proposed to be set at 10pm.

The draft bylaw is out for public consultation until June 23.

906 days ago

Are you obsessed with your houseplants? Enter our Houseplant Hero competition!

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

The hunt is officially on for New Zealand's best collection of houseplants
. Which means you could be 2022 Houseplant Hero. There’s some great prizes to be won! To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) what potted plants you have, the time you put into caring for them, and what … View more
The hunt is officially on for New Zealand's best collection of houseplants
. Which means you could be 2022 Houseplant Hero. There’s some great prizes to be won! To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) what potted plants you have, the time you put into caring for them, and what you love about them. Send us up to five photos of your indoor plant displays. Email mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Meanwhile, here's last year's winner Alyce Read, from Nelson.

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908 days ago

Top Gun Maverick - pre-release screening - UPDATE

Frank from Ashburton District

Only 36 seats left - Showing 25th May at Ashburton Cinema.
Selling Fast.

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908 days ago

Work continues on Methven drinking water supply

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

Methven residents are being asked to conserve water again on Monday (May 23) during more planned work on the Methven drinking water supply. The work will begin at 7am and should be complete by 3pm.

The Ashburton District Council said contractors would be cutting in a second underground pipe at the… View more
Methven residents are being asked to conserve water again on Monday (May 23) during more planned work on the Methven drinking water supply. The work will begin at 7am and should be complete by 3pm.

The Ashburton District Council said contractors would be cutting in a second underground pipe at the water treatment plant so no water would be flowing into the plant, however there would be enough water in the reservoir to service the town if people used it conservatively.

Infrastructure services group manager Neil McCann said the work was being done in advance of a new treatment plant and while two new water reservoirs were under construction at the site.

“We cut in the first pipe on 13 May and the second pipe will be cut in on Monday. The work should be done in six hours, but we do ask people to conserve their water use where possible to avoid draining the reservoir. People can still have showers and flush toilets, but minimise activity on Monday morning that would use large amounts of water," he said.

”We appreciated the efforts Methven residents made last time to conserve water and we thank them in advance for doing the same on Monday.”

The work is being done by ACL and Reliant Solutions.

910 days ago

Candle creations

The Team from Resene ColorShop Ashburton

Who would have thought pine chair feet could make such an amazing addition to your home décor? Painting these with Resene testpots and stacking them to make contemporary candle holders is a breeze.

Find out how to create your own.

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911 days ago

Become a Web Developer with Vision!

Vision College

Thinking about a career in IT as a Web Developer? Our NZ Diploma in Web Development and Design (Level 5) will teach you how to develop great websites in just one year! This programme will give you the development and design skills you need to make your mark in an exciting industry.

No University… View more
Thinking about a career in IT as a Web Developer? Our NZ Diploma in Web Development and Design (Level 5) will teach you how to develop great websites in just one year! This programme will give you the development and design skills you need to make your mark in an exciting industry.

No University entrance required! All you need is NCEA Level 2 to |get yourself started| on this journey into the IT industry.

Enrol now for our July intake at vision.ac.nz
Find out more

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911 days ago

Longer limits, Govt exemptions cause drop in council parking revenue

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

Parking infringements have significantly decreased thanks to longer parking in central Ashburton.

The central section of the West St car park, encompassing 83 parking spaces, was extended from 120 to 180 minutes at the end of February.

The Ashburton District Council reviewed the time-restricted … View more
Parking infringements have significantly decreased thanks to longer parking in central Ashburton.

The central section of the West St car park, encompassing 83 parking spaces, was extended from 120 to 180 minutes at the end of February.

The Ashburton District Council reviewed the time-restricted parking as part of the $15m revitalisation of the CBD.

The two end sections of the car park, 142 spaces, are free for all day parking.

Council strategy and compliance group manager Jane Donaldson said parking officers have received some positive verbal feedback when out on patrol.

Before the changes the council’s data showed there was high demand for the all day parking, with 97% peak occupancy, while the central spaces had a peak occupancy of about 60 per cent.

The change has seen a significant reduction in parking infringements.

“A small number of tickets for overstaying are issued each week, approximately three to four, but on the whole, shoppers welcome the additional allowance to get back to their cars on time.

“Previously, two to three tickets a day were issued for overstaying in this area.”

Up until March 31, the council has received only $132,000 from parking in the finical year which is $157,879 off the budgeted intake for the full year of $290,777.

The variance has been put down to the removal of the old coin operated stand-alone parking meters that were removed to make way for the yet to be installed parking sensors.

The council’s financial report also states that parking infringement income was affected by the Government’s introduction of a grace period for warrants of fitness and vehicle registration.

The town’s lone pay and display unit serving the Cass St car park is generating some parking revenue.

The council has also introduced an over 80s parking permit in April that allows a permit holder to park for twice the allotted time in any over 30 minute parks.

Donaldson said the council has so far issued 42 of the permits.

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912 days ago

Top Gun Maverick - pre-release screening

Frank from Ashburton District

The Aviation Museum Ashburton is holding a pre-release screening of Top Gun Maverick at the Ashburton Regent Cinema 25th May.
Less than 53 tickets left!
Tickets Selling Fast!
Call Stephen - 027 649-0650 or Dennis - 027 222-1281 to purchase.

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913 days ago

Six months on and still no parking sensors in sight

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

The disruption of the $15 million CBD revitalisation project is in the rear-view mirror but the project is not fully complete.

The overall project was completed in November except for the installation of the parking sensors.

Six months later they are still yet to even arrive in the country.

View more
The disruption of the $15 million CBD revitalisation project is in the rear-view mirror but the project is not fully complete.

The overall project was completed in November except for the installation of the parking sensors.

Six months later they are still yet to even arrive in the country.

“International supply-chain issues have meant they are yet to be delivered,” infrastructure services group manager Neil McCann said.

“We checked with our supplier two weeks ago, and they indicated that they approximately three months from arriving in New Zealand.”

The in-ground parking sensors will electronically log when a vehicle parks in a space, then send an alert to a parking warden if the vehicle has overstayed the free time allowed.

The eventual installation of the sensors is expected to cause minimal disruption.

To install the 215-odd sensors, a hole the same size as the sensor is drilled into the road surface in which the sensor is placed, requiring no remediation of the road surface.

Aside from the sensors, and the snag list of minor repairs and outstanding items is being worked through, it has been delivered on time and on budget.

The total expenditure on the project to date is $17,494,993 and with about $97,000 outstanding for the parking sensors it will still come under the approved budget for the project of $17,639,620.

COST BREAKDOWN

Open Spaces $2,581,004

Parking $43,105

Roading:

- Drainage $416,827

- Footpaths $2,898,431

- Kerb and Channel $354,452

- Lighting $1,289,411

- Rain Gardens $1,059,842

- Rehabilitation $3,433,639

- Raised Intersections $441,955

- Roadmarking $108,676

- Street Furniture $102,585

- Signage $256,153

- Traffic Islands $50,821

- Traffic Signals $677,039

Sewer $846,857

Solid Waste $96,828

Stormwater $1,568,586

Water $1,147,972

Services $120,812

TOTAL: $17,494,993

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913 days ago

Mayor calls for action at Walnut Ave intersection

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:

“We need to do something and it may save someone’s life.”

Ashburton mayor Neil Brown is calling for action around what he deems a serious accident waiting to happen at the Walnut Ave upgrades project.

The intersections of Walnut Ave and State … View more
From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:

“We need to do something and it may save someone’s life.”

Ashburton mayor Neil Brown is calling for action around what he deems a serious accident waiting to happen at the Walnut Ave upgrades project.

The intersections of Walnut Ave and State Highway 1, and Walnut Ave and East St have been upgraded, but the traffic lights won’t be switched on until the end of the year once they are linked up to an upgraded rail crossing between the two intersections - which KiwiRail is still designing.

In the interim, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency has left the all-but completed intersections coned off into roundabouts until KiwiRail completes the rail crossing works.

Brown said he already had concerns before coming across another crash at the site last Wednesday morning.

Brown has suggested temporarily closing the rail crossing as one potential option.

“We could sit here and we can watch it and wait for a more dangerous accident to happen or we can do something.

“Waiting for the end of the year doesn’t seem to be the right thing to do with that intersection.”

He said Kiwirail “seem to have let us down” - or the delivery of its section had been miscalculated.

“The timing just doesn’t seem to be right. We need to do something and it may save someone’s life.”

Waka Kotahi principal project manager transport services Colin McKay said contractors were reviewing safety of the whole work site and had identified a few changes that would help contribute to the safe running of the roundabout.

He said the staging of the project and the KiwiRail work always had completion of the major works by the end of the year.

Waka Kotahi’s intersection works were completed in April but KiwiRail was not ready to start on its section, however South Island general manager operations, Mark Heissenbuttel said the project was running to schedule.

“The level crossing design is progressing well and we will begin physical work later this year.

“We expect the crossing work will be completed and operational in December, and we are working hard to meet this goal.

“We appreciate people’s frustration but ask them to bear with us.”

The level crossing improvements were complex to design, he said, as it included “integrating modern traffic lights, warning bells and the like with much older rail signals in the area and resolving the signals implications of removing the third rail line at the crossing – which takes time".

“It is because of this, and some general supply chain delays with some components, due to Covid, that we could not start physical works earlier," Heissenbuttel said.

Brown has contacted Waka Kotahi and Kiwirail and invited them to appear at a council meeting to discuss the project.

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