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401 days ago

Opening date announced for Te Whare Whakatere

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

Mid Cantabrians will get to unwrap a $56.75 million Christmas present.

Ashburton’s new library and civic centre building is set to finally open on December 18.

Construction of Te Whare Whakatere began in early 2021 with an original completion date for the end of 2022.

It is now set to open a year late, and will end up being over its $56.75 million budget.

The delays in the project were caused by Covid-related strains on the workforce and supply chain.

“We’re really excited to get to this point, because it’s been a tricky build at times with Covid and the shortages of staff and building materials," council chief executive Hamish Riach said.

“But this building is resilient and will serve our community well for 50 years or more, so we’re delighted.”

The public library will close on November 26 and reopen in the new building on December 18.

All other council services will be available during the three-week transition period, with a skeleton staff operating from the old administration building on Baring Square West up until close of business on December 14.

An official opening ceremony is planned for early 2024.

Meanwhile, the demolition of 255 Havelock St is scheduled for the end of October and is expected to take about a month to complete, Riach said.

The building will make way for a public car park to service Te Whare Whakatere.

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More messages from your neighbours
3 days ago

What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

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.

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4 days ago

Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

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)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.

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Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
  • 85.6% Yes
    85.6% Complete
  • 13.2% No
    13.2% Complete
  • 1.2% Other - I'll share below
    1.2% Complete
1846 votes
1 day ago

Railing planters

The Team from Resene ColorShop Ashburton

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.

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