Franz Josef ‘held to ransom’ by delay
From local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
Westland's mayor says the Franz Josef community is being "held to ransom" by a standoff delaying floodwalls on the northern bank of the Waiho River.
Helen Lash welcomed the announcement last week that work was to start on the first stage of the Hokitika River scheme, but said the delays further south around the Waiho Scheme were exacting an unacceptable toll on the glacier town.
"I would like to have thought we would have got Franz under control by now," she said.
The standoff with Scenic Circle Group with both the Westland and West Coast Regional councils was generating an unfortunate level of uncertainty in the glacier village.
"It's a really unfortunate situation. It frustrates the hell out of me that we've had the delays that we've had," Lash said.
"I just don't think it's right that an entity can hold everyone to ransom. We're talking about livelihoods and the economy. It's gone far too long. I just want to see some motion."
West Coast Regional Council chief executive Heather Mabin said there had been no movement since Scenic Circle Group declined in December to give affected party approval.
The north bank work was poised to go, with the lower part of the scheme towards the Waiho loop already under way.
However the crucial phase, including bolstering protection from the river bordering the northern outskirts along State highway 6 - where the school, commercial business park, and the site of the now abandoned Scenic Circle Mueller Wing sit -- was still a sticking point.
Mabin said a hearing triggered by Scenic Circle Hotel Group's refusal to give affected party approval to the scheme would now be held mid-May after the mid-April date had to be vacated.
Despite that council had "full support" from MBIE infrastructure division Kanoa, which had released the $12.5 million co-funding for stage one.
"We are getting the Franz Josef scheme sorted," she said.
A Scenic Circle spokesperson said at this stage they had nothing further to add except to say liaison was ongoing "to identify mutually suitable dates" for a hearing but nothing had been confirmed yet.
Meantime the council hoped to get clarity about the future of the $12.5 million southern half of the $24m in total scheme, affecting Waiho Flat, by June.
The Greymouth floodwall strengthening and improvement scheme is also due to start, as is the 'quick win' floodbank improvements at Westport under council's own $10.2m scheme.
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Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.
Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.
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64.2% Yes
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33.4% No
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2.4% Other - I'll share below
Paddy Gower seeks ‘bloody great Cantab’
The Kiwi journalist drilling deep into the country’s biggest issues is on a mission to find the local greats.
Paddy Gower is looking for the Good Kiwi in every region to feature in his show, The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour.
To nominate a Good Kiwi, email reporters@press.co.nz with the name and a description of why your nominee should win. You an also share the local issues you think Paddy needs to tackle in the comments below.
It could be the woman whose knitting circle has made 3800 items for victims of domestic violence, the guy running the length of Aotearoa for mental health, or the woman with terminal cancer who spends her time campaigning to raise awareness and save lives.
“Basically I am looking for ... a bloody great Cantab who just gets on and gets things done. The criteria is somebody who has a positive attitude and makes the community a better place," Gower said.
“I will give this person the 'Big Ups' they deserve, and the community can celebrate them with me.”
A Good Kiwi will feature in each of Gower’s live shows in 14 centres through November and December. He will name the Cantabrian Good Kiwi at his Christchurch show on the evening of Friday, November 22, at St Margaret’s College.
The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour is a sort of book tour, sort of stand-up comedy, some journalistic yarns and memoir, and some motivational speaking - with a fair bit of local in each show.
Gower also wants to know about topics of interest in the region.
“I’m ... going to be taking on a big issue facing Canterbury and offering up solutions.”
A stinky suburb, a neighbourhood needing a round-about or a cathedral in disrepair - “I will make your views count”, he said.
“I'm touring the nation to spread positivity, optimism and good vibes.”
*For tickets to the The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour visit paddygower.co.nz
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