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454 days ago

New Hokitika flood protection draws near

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

By Brendon McMahon, local democracy reporter

Stage 1a of the Hokitika River flood protection works behind Westland Milk Products is virtually complete.

West Coast Regional Council infrastructure resilience group project manager Scott Hoare told the council on Tuesday that installation of the rock work was "practically complete".

Work under way this week included backfilling and topping up to the right height the top of the new wall, where the West Coast Wilderness Trail passes behind the dairy factory.

The work being completed included a new riding surface for the cycle trail.

"I believe they will be in the position of being wrapped up by the end of next week," Hoare said.

Some minor matters including removing and realigning a power pole needed to be done. From there they would be looking to finalise the account for Stage 1a.

Hoare said they were also now in a position to finally sign off the cost-sharing agreement with Westland Milk Products, previously ratified by council, for the work.

Meanwhile background work to enable Stage 1b, adjoining Gibson Quay from Westland Milk Products down to the Hokitika River bridge alongside the Hokitika rail siding to the dairy factory, was getting close to the consenting and tendering stages.

Hoare said a cultural impact process for Stage 1b was due in about two weeks. They were considering if 1b could proceed as a variation of 1A for the consenting aspect.

Beyond that a draft concept was in the offing for preliminary work for stages two and three.

The total staged scheme to raise and extend the Hokitika River true right bank protection will eventually include raised stopbanks along Gibson Quay to protect the town centre, and Kaniere township.

*Public interest journalism funded through NZ On Air.

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1 day ago

Unlock the Answer: Today’s Riddle is Trickier Than You Think!

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

What English word retains the same pronunciation, even after you take away four of its five letters?

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1 day ago

Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

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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Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
  • 64.1% Yes
    64.1% Complete
  • 33.5% No
    33.5% Complete
  • 2.4% Other - I'll share below
    2.4% Complete
1568 votes
10 hours ago

Paddy Gower seeks ‘bloody great Cantab’

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

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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