Ashburton District, Ashburton

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914 days ago

Methven water bore plans stall over setback concerns

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:

Plans to drill for a potential new Methven water supply have hit an impasse.

An exploratory drill site for a potential new water supply had been found but the landowner has pulled the pin.

Council assets manager Andrew Guthrie said the landowner … View more
From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:

Plans to drill for a potential new Methven water supply have hit an impasse.

An exploratory drill site for a potential new water supply had been found but the landowner has pulled the pin.

Council assets manager Andrew Guthrie said the landowner indicated this week they wish to walk away from the arrangement.

He said the advice the landowner received raised concerns around the impact of regulations for a potential water source, being too restrictive on the property's farming operations and a possible impact on neighbouring land as well.

“They didn’t feel like they were comfortable proceeding with that arrangement.

“At the moment we don’t have an alternative site,” Guthrie said.

Councillor Angus McKay said the regulators have put in setbacks distances that do not take into account the depth the water is sourced and any consideration to natural process of cleaning water.

“To me this is a national disgrace that we are asked by regulators and regional council plans to have setback around drinking water standards, yet when we do our best to find the best cleanest water, we are stymied because of their plans.”

Chief executive Hamish Riach said it was an opportunity to express concerns at the regulations “but I put our chances of amending those regulations at zero”.

“We can make our point but in terms of improving the water supply in Methven we will have to go to the alternate proposal which we are working on in parallel to the bore because we won’t, in my opinion, have any luck in getting the regulation changed."

The exploratory bore project was running in parallel with the membrane treatment plant upgrade project to improve Methven’s water supply.

“Being unable to progress the exploratory bore has no impact, either in scope or cost, on the membrane project,” infrastructure services group manager Neil McCann said.

“The membrane project is a comprehensive standalone solution, so a plan B is not required.”

The bore site was chosen by Aquifer Locations Limited, McCann said, at a site where it was believed there was suitable groundwater but also in consideration of council’s desire for it to be close to the existing Methven treatment plant.

“The exploratory bore drilling was to be funded by Aquifer Locations Limited. Council would only incur cost if the bore was successful,” McCann said.

Meanwhile, the $9.4 million upgrade of Methven’s water supply is progressing through the first stage.

The upgrade includes two new reservoirs and a membrane treatment plant.

Concrete foundations for the two large reservoirs have been laid and the steel panels are expected to arrive this month to then be assembled.

Underground pipes linking the new reservoirs to the existing plant and a new future membrane treatment plant to be built nearby are currently being laid.

After the new reservoirs with a combined capacity of 1128 cubic metres are completed, the old concrete reservoir will be drained to allow a comprehensive structural inspection to determine its future viability.

A contract for the supply of the new membrane treatment equipment has been awarded and consultants are finalising designs for how the plant will look.

Construction of the membrane plant is planned to start later this year and could take nine months.

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915 days ago

Trust a farmer to give us their opinion.

PGG Wrightson

The new range of Line7 performance workwear has been designed, developed and tested by you – New Zealand farmers. We asked, listened, and collaborated directly with farmers in the making of this gear. We tested and re-tested in on-farm environments. We re-engineered what farming workwear can be … View moreThe new range of Line7 performance workwear has been designed, developed and tested by you – New Zealand farmers. We asked, listened, and collaborated directly with farmers in the making of this gear. We tested and re-tested in on-farm environments. We re-engineered what farming workwear can be with your needs front of mind.

We brought our decades of experience creating world-class performance gear. Add to that a legacy of Kiwi innovation, a challenger spirit and a practical attitude that’s been part of Line 7 since we started back in 1963.

Every detail has been reviewed and refined – without overlooking the obvious. Breathable, flexible, functional and comfortable, while still being supremely durable and waterproof. Made to fit farmers of all shapes and sizes, with a dedicated range for women. Built to last, and last a bit longer still, with an included repair kit that means you can fix it up quickly yourself.

Now take it out there, try it on and put it to the test. Wear it out and wear it again. We’re pretty damn confident you won’t be disappointed
Find out more

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915 days ago

School Seconds

Jacki from Ashburton District

Good morning all. I am investigating the need for a second hand school uniform "shop". I understand uniforms are very pricy and am putting my feelers out to see what the response in regards to this will be. I dont know if this is already available in our area so please comment below if… View moreGood morning all. I am investigating the need for a second hand school uniform "shop". I understand uniforms are very pricy and am putting my feelers out to see what the response in regards to this will be. I dont know if this is already available in our area so please comment below if you feel this will be a viable shop and do you think this will be taken advantage of? This "shop" will include uniforms from all schools in our area. (hopefully). Any comments will be welcome. You will be welcome do donate items once your child is finished with them, these will be paid forward to those in need. In this regard, do any of you moms / dads /careres have uniforms laying around wanting to or willing to donate or offer at a small price (to start this venture off). Please PM me in regards to this. Once I am off the floor (so to speak), I will perhaps open a f/b page and also create flyers and hopefully the schools will be able to distribute to you all.

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916 days ago

WM Scouts Garage Sale

Helen from West Melton

Sunday 19th June - 9am - 1pm
Gold Coin Entry
Our Garage Sale is finally here!
Bouncy Castle, sausage sizzle, baking, bacon butties
Kitchenware, electrical, sports, books, clothing, antiques, furniture, babyware, tools & more!

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917 days ago

Life Drawing at Oxford Gallery

Areta Wilkinson from Oxford Gallery toi o Waimakariri

We are taking bookings for our next LIFE DRAWING course this May-June 2022. Begins Thursday 19 May for five consecutive weeks.

Oxford Gallery will host our popular Life Drawing sessions again this May and June. Spaces are limited so early booking is advised!

Life Drawing is the practice of … View more
We are taking bookings for our next LIFE DRAWING course this May-June 2022. Begins Thursday 19 May for five consecutive weeks.

Oxford Gallery will host our popular Life Drawing sessions again this May and June. Spaces are limited so early booking is advised!

Life Drawing is the practice of drawing the human figure from a live model and teaches observation and drawing skills. This course is open to beginners and experienced artists. You don’t have to know ‘how to draw’ to draw the human figure. You will not be judged on your drawing here; even the most experienced artists are learning, so if you feel like challenging yourself creatively and learning a new skill, you are welcome!

Artist and tutor Casey will suggest exercises to try or you can be self-directed.

✅ Drawing boards, easels, newsprint and sugar paper provided.

✅ Bring your own drawing materials (for beginners we recommend a soft pencil – 2B or softer – or charcoal). Experienced artists may bring their preferred materials.

✅ Tea and coffee provided

✅ Thursdays 7-9pm (please arrive at 6.45 for prompt 7pm start)

📆 19, 26 May and 2,9,16 June

🎫 Ticket options:

$120 for a block of 5 sessions

OR

Buy individual sessions at $30 per session.

Buy Tickets: www.eventfinda.co.nz...

Ticketing will close when the course is fully booked.

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917 days ago

Triple-bay compost bin

The Team from Resene ColorShop Ashburton

Create your own triple compost bin and stain in Resene Waterborne Woodsman. Use the handy compartments for fresh scraps, decomposing material and usable compost.
Find out how to create your own.

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918 days ago

The future is in good hands

LIC

While farming has changed significantly through the generations, LIC has had the privilege of journeying alongside farmers, their families and their businesses and have made constant improvements to deliver superior genetics and technology in response.

Visit our website to find out more about … View more
While farming has changed significantly through the generations, LIC has had the privilege of journeying alongside farmers, their families and their businesses and have made constant improvements to deliver superior genetics and technology in response.

Visit our website to find out more about how these advances are getting the next generation interested in dairy farming.
Find out more

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919 days ago

Want to go shopping without leaving your couch?

The Team from NZ Compare

NZ Compare is the home of easy and free to use comparison sites. We’re passionate about helping Kiwis compare what’s out there, so we wanted to introduce you to a new member of our brand family – PriceMe!

PriceMe is NZ's largest comparison-shopping site, sounds fun right?! Whether … View more
NZ Compare is the home of easy and free to use comparison sites. We’re passionate about helping Kiwis compare what’s out there, so we wanted to introduce you to a new member of our brand family – PriceMe!

PriceMe is NZ's largest comparison-shopping site, sounds fun right?! Whether you're buying electronics, appliances, smartphones or watches, hair straighteners or any other everyday household or office product – find the best prices on PriceMe.

Make it your first stop, not an afterthought Neighbours!

Plus, you don’t need to leave the house! Shopping made simple, just how we like it.
Visit us

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920 days ago

Travelling our own backyard has never felt so good!

Classic Events

Hi Neighbours! The NZMCA Motorhome, Caravan & Leisure Show is back at Christchurch Arena later this month, with everything you need for when you travel around our gorgeous country … to make it the best trip yet!

Over 2 days, you’ll find your favourite brands of motorhome & caravans, … View more
Hi Neighbours! The NZMCA Motorhome, Caravan & Leisure Show is back at Christchurch Arena later this month, with everything you need for when you travel around our gorgeous country … to make it the best trip yet!

Over 2 days, you’ll find your favourite brands of motorhome & caravans, new products, innovative accessories and some unbeatable deals. Everything from fiberglass trailers to portable washing machines, inflatable boats to electric bikes to LED TVs!

Tickets are $15 online, or get them at the door. Come and see our friendly exhibitors over show weekend, they can’t wait to meet you!

Saturday 21 st May 9am – 5pm
Sunday 22 nd May 9am – 4pm
Find out more

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925 days ago

Government ministers to join discussions over Greater Christchurch's future

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

From reporter Steven Walton:
What will Greater Christchurch look like when one million people live here? Where will the big roads be, where will all the housing be built?

These are the questions that fall to a committee of Canterbury mayors, Ngāi Tahu, and transport authorities. Now it is set to … View more
From reporter Steven Walton:
What will Greater Christchurch look like when one million people live here? Where will the big roads be, where will all the housing be built?

These are the questions that fall to a committee of Canterbury mayors, Ngāi Tahu, and transport authorities. Now it is set to be bolstered, with Housing Minister Megan Woods and Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta getting a seat at the table.

The Government is teaming up with local authorities to plan what Greater Christchurch, the area covering Waimakariri, Christchurch City, and Selwyn, will look like in 30 years time.

Called Whakawhanake Kāinga (Urban Growth Partnership) Committee, it will be tasked with determining how the region can grow sustainably – ensuring that as the population increases, carbon emissions and house prices head the other way.

The first meeting will be on May 13. Continue reading here.

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921 days ago

Does your business need a better broadband plan?

The Team from NZ Compare

Business is tough and finding the right broadband plan or provider can be just as rough, so let's make it a little easier.

We want you to focus on achieving your strategy, not going from site to site, call to call to get a good deal! So we've launched Business Compare - a simple, free … View more
Business is tough and finding the right broadband plan or provider can be just as rough, so let's make it a little easier.

We want you to focus on achieving your strategy, not going from site to site, call to call to get a good deal! So we've launched Business Compare - a simple, free to use website that will help you compare NZ broadband retailers that supply businesses just like yours!

NZ Compare is here to help Kiwi businesses find the right plan, the right provider, the right fit. Go visit Business Compare now!

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924 days ago

The ‘Ultimate’ alternative to school!

Vision College

Does your teen disengage at school?

At Vision College we offer our free 'Ultimate' programme, designed for 16-19 year olds who haven’t enjoyed school and are looking to gain skills and insight towards a pathway for their future.

Students gain valuable life and employment skillsView more
Does your teen disengage at school?

At Vision College we offer our free 'Ultimate' programme, designed for 16-19 year olds who haven’t enjoyed school and are looking to gain skills and insight towards a pathway for their future.

Students gain valuable life and employment skills that prepare them for life outside of study, all while achieving the NZ Certificate in Foundation Skills Level 1 and 2, both NZQA qualifications, in just one year.
Find out more

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924 days ago

Walking and biking trails receive top up in Ashburton

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
A new fund is laying the foundations for better walking and cycling trails in the district.

The Ashburton District Council approved $9600 to projects from the new Trail Maintenance Fund.

The fund has a balance of $102,443 to be used over the next 10 … View more
From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
A new fund is laying the foundations for better walking and cycling trails in the district.

The Ashburton District Council approved $9600 to projects from the new Trail Maintenance Fund.

The fund has a balance of $102,443 to be used over the next 10 years to repair and maintain walking and biking trails

The Methven Lions Club received $3000 towards lime chip to reseal the Methven Walkaway.

The Lions has a three stage development of the walkway over a three year period and the council recently issued the club with a licence to occupy for all council-owned land within the walkway.

Mountain Bike Ashburton also received $3000 towards its annual maintenance

The Mt Somers Walkway Society receives $2500 for resurfacing and levelling of a 120-metre boardwalk on the Bus Stop track

The other successful applicant was the Ashburton Lions Club, receiving $1100 to fill holes and grade the river track between Milton Rd and Cochranes Rd.

Two groups were unsuccessful in their applications.

Ashburton Motorcycle Park because it was not a walking or biking trail and Bike Methven as it was looking to purchase capital items in the form of a motorbike and spray unit.

To be eligible a project must be a volunteer-led, existing public-accessible trail.

Applications for the fund open in March each year.

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924 days ago

Concrete planter

The Team from Resene ColorShop Ashburton

This modern, stylish planter finished in Resene is a great option to show off a statement plant. Find out how to create your own.

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928 days ago

Sinking coastlines mean parts of Christchurch will feel impact of sea-level rise earlier than expected

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

From reporter Tina Law:
Parts of Christchurch will feel the impacts of sea-level rise earlier than expected because the land is sinking, according to new data.

Large areas from Woodend to Lake Ellesmere, including Banks Peninsula, are subsiding up to three millimetres per year, which means an … View more
From reporter Tina Law:
Parts of Christchurch will feel the impacts of sea-level rise earlier than expected because the land is sinking, according to new data.

Large areas from Woodend to Lake Ellesmere, including Banks Peninsula, are subsiding up to three millimetres per year, which means an extra 30 centimetres of sea-level rise over the next 100 years.

The data has come from NZ SeaRise, a five-year research programme funded by the Government involving 30 local and international experts.

It has taken into account the natural rises and falls of the country’s coastline, as well as climate change and warming temperatures to project sea level rises.

Using a www.searise.nz... |new online tool|, New Zealanders will for the first time be able to see how much and how fast sea levels will rise along their own stretch of coast and in their neighbourhood.

Programme co-leader Professor Tim Naish​, of Victoria University of Wellington, said 20 years ago it was thought sea-level rise was like pouring water into a bathtub – if you put more water in, it rises uniformly around the world, but Naish said it is actually much more complicated.

Sea levels are expected to rise at different rates across New Zealand and even at different levels across Canterbury’s coastline.

The largest increases in sea levels are expected to occur along the southeast of the North Island along the Wairarapa Coast.

Programme co-leader Dr Richard Levy, of GNS Science and Victoria University of Wellington, said subsidence rates along that coast were high, and sea levels could rise by well over 1.5 metres by 2100 if the least optimistic climate change scenario was followed.

Based on current international emissions reduction policies, global sea levels are expected to rise by about 60cm by 2100, but for large parts of New Zealand this could double to about 1.2m due to ongoing land subsidence, Naish said.

“We have less time to act than we thought.”

According to the data, Akaroa on Banks Peninsula would see 30cm of sea-level rise by 2040, instead of 2060. The coastline in the area is sinking by 3mm a year.

“Thirty centimetres of sea-level rise means the one in 50-year coastal storm flood will occur annually,” Naish said.

However, some areas at the top of Lyttelton Harbour have shown a rise in the land.

Land movement data was based on median numbers taken between 2003 and 2011, and does not include the impact of the Christchurch earthquakes.

The data showed New Brighton’s coastline was sinking at 0.8mm a year, but Naish said since the earthquakes it has actually been sinking at 8mm a year, twice as fast as the global sea-level rise.

“We don’t know how long this will go on for.”

Levy said he expected councils and planners to be the primary users of the new projection information, and that the finance and insurance sectors had already been asking for the data.

Naish said the new science would give time to put in place equitable and effective adaptation measures that would limit the impact of unavoidable sea-level rise.

The Christchurch City Council has already embarked on a long process to adapt the city and Banks Peninsula to climate change.

Changes to managing new developments are being made to the district plan and the council has agreed on guidelines for adapting existing areas.

Whakaraupō Lyttelton Harbour will be the first area in Christchurch to go through climate change planning, expected to start in the spring and take 18 months.

Simon Watts, observatory director at Brighton Observatory of Environment and Economics who built his home in Southshore, said it was always better to know about things rather than be ambushed, but said the devil was always in the detail.

He said there were areas in Christchurch that rose after the earthquakes and others that sunk.

“For some areas it could be good news and others it could be bad news.

“Yes, people should be concerned because if parts of New Zealand sink by 3mm a year, that is effectively doubling the rate of sea level rise for those places."

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