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722 days ago

$26m Punakaiki development progresses

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

From local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:

Foundation work on the geologically complex site of the new $26m Experience Centre at Dolomite Point, Punakaiki, as seen on Tuesday, is almost at the stage where work can begin above ground.

Dolomite Point is a limestone karst headland on the West Coast, and home to pancake-shaped rock formations, blowholes and surge pools.

The anchor shaped building, started in May, will eventually house the Paparoa National Park Visitor Centre and other facilities for the Department of Conservation.

After months of ground and foundation work - including pile driving down to 16m - scaffolding up to 8m has been erected to encase the building's frame in plastic 'wrap'.

This will protect it from the extreme coastal elements as work notches up on the timber building.

The scaffold highest point is slightly above the height of the new building, with a metal frame for a lift to a mezzanine floor already installed at one end.

Dolomite Point is one of the most visited DOC sites in the region, growing from 213,000 in 2008 on the Pancake Rocks walkway, to 511,000 in 2018, placing significant pressure on dated infrastructure at the site.

A key aspect of the redevelopment, including wider redevelopment of visitor facilities such as parking, is the re-establishment of a cultural footprint in the area for Ngāti Waewae. The runanga will be gifted the new experience centre to own and operate.

It has been funded through the provincial growth fund.

*Public interest journalism funded through NZ On Air

More messages from your neighbours
2 hours 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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1 day 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?
  • 84.6% Yes
    84.6% Complete
  • 13.9% No
    13.9% Complete
  • 1.5% Other - I'll share below
    1.5% Complete
736 votes
10 hours ago

Got a Minute? Prove You’re the Smartest Neighbour!

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

What is it that when given one, you’ll have either two or none?

Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.

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