Contractor apologises for contact failure
From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
A roading contractor has apologised for failing to notify businesses prior to starting roadworks on Allens Rd in Allenton in April.
Most business in the Allenton shopping centre were notified by the contractor in advance of starting the work. But, ironically, they missed the pharmacy operated by Ashburton District councillor Carolyn Cameron.
Chief executive Hamish Riach said the contractor had visited many of the affected business in the area but had missed some and had apologised.
“They accepted it wasn’t good enough and that it was a mistake,” Riach said.
There is an expectation to communicate with affected parties and “most of the time it is done well, in this particular case it wasn’t”, he said.
Cameron was disappointed her business, and potentially others, had not been notified and hoped the incident will ensure the council “does better in future”.
Contractors are required to provide a letter to the affected property owners outlining the work and the potential impacts at least a week before work commences, infrastructure and open spaces group manager Neil McCann said.
“This did not happen in Allenton and we are really disappointed with it.”
For the failure, McCann said the contractors had received a bad mark in its track record on the council books.
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
.
Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
-
84.8% Yes
-
13.8% No
-
1.4% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Railing planters
To gain extra growing space, make and hang these easy-to-build planters on almost any wooden fence or deck railing. Use Resene FX Blackboard Paint so you can easily identify what plants are in each. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
Loading…
