Stinking organics plant could close while new site sought
From reporter Liz McDonald:
All of Christchurch’s organic waste could be sent to landfill if a proposal to immediately close the city’s composting plant is approved.
City councillors have agreed to move Christchurch’s pungent composting plant, but that could take up to five years and the plant could be shut down in the meantime.
The city council previously resolved to find a solution after years of complaints from residents about foul smells and dust, and notices from Environment Canterbury that the plant was in breach of its resource consent.
At a city council meeting on Thursday, councillors voted to shift the plant, rather than try to improve it on the existing Bromley site. Plans to redevelop it were dropped last year when tenders proved too costly.
They also requested a report from staff within one month on the net costs and implications of “immediately closing” the plant, which is owned by the council and run by private operator Living Earth.
The implications to be considered include the effects on the environment and residents’ quality of life. Continue reading here.
Poll: How should Guy Fawkes be celebrated?
While it is a fun occasion, fireworks on Guy Fawkes Night has caused much conflict over the years, upsetting our pets and disrupting the sleep of neighbours.
How should we celebrate Guy Fawkes Night? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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29.1% With a city-wide public fireworks display
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19.4% Small fireworks displays in each community
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7.6% Keep it as is
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33.1% We shouldn't celebrate it!
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10.5% Anything but fireworks
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0.4% Other - I'll share below
Addictive Eaters Anonymous
I was spiralling out of control
I don't have many memories from my childhood, but the memories I do have relate to food - picnics with bacon and egg pie, my mother’s home cooking, Sunday bread. I was never much of a sweet tooth, but instead I preferred savouries, pastries, breads and the like. I grew up on a farm and food was plentiful and was never restricted and I lived a pretty healthy, active lifestyle.
Once I hit my teenage years, however, I remember starting to get worried about my weight. (I'll just mention here that I don't think I have ever been overweight and I certainly wasn't overweight as a teenager).
Gang presence this weekend
International members of the Mongols MC are expected in Canterbury for an event marking five years since the gang established itself in New Zealand.
What you need to know:
-The gang has three chapters in the South Island. Wainoni-based Ōtautahi East, Ashburton-based Mid-South and SH1, Burnham.
- Police say they will have ‘considerable resource’ in the region during the event from November 7-10.
- Police in Canterbury have planned a major operation around the event - thought to coincide with a national meeting - from November 7 to 10, and have drafted in staff from two other districts to help.
- Mongols members from across the country are expected to meet at the gang’s original South Island headquarters - a fortified property on SH1, Burnham, on the outskirts of Christchurch.
- Canterbury district commander Superintendent Tony Hill says:
“We’re prepared for multiple contingencies. We will be monitoring their behaviour very closely over the period, if they’re not behaving appropriately then we will be taking appropriate action quite swiftly.”