Kiwi Rail greenlights Hokitika flood protection
The next stage in a $7.5 million flood protection scheme for Hokitika - now delayed by 10 months - should get under way soon.
But the West Coast Regional Council will need to beat the all important West Coast whitebaiting season if it is to complete a new floodwall along Hokitika's Gibson Quay, before the season starts on September 1.
The new flood work, from Westland Milk Products factory down to the Hokitika Bridge, is dubbed '1b' in the scheme.
It will link to the first stage completed behind the factory late last winter.
To date council has spent $2.3million of the total current budget of $7,505,226.
In the past 10 months council consultants have been working with Kiwi Rail to gain affected party consent for the 1b stage, given the rail corridor to Westland Milk Products is affected.
The council's Infrastructure Reference Group programme manager, Scott Hoare, said they finally had a green light.
"I have some really good news: we have written approval from KiwiRail," he said.
This earned a "wohoo" from Infrastructure Governance Committee chairperson Frank Dooley.
"Well done," he said.
Hoare said they had been negotiating with the State rail operator since last August.
The matter of extending a small drain in conjunction with the district council was all that had to be covered off now for the final sign-off.
Hoare said the appointed contractor had previously been stood down due to the delay so getting them to remobilise immediately was being negotiated.
The biggest challenge for that was "the start of whitebaiting".
This would be crucial to give an adequate window for the work, Hoare said.
Meanwhile, preparatory work for the third stage, the section to protect the Hokitika town centre, was progressing as well.
Dooley said it was good to read that Kiwi Rail had finally given its blessing.
Hoare said KiwiRail gave verbal advice on April 24 its queries were now resolved.
He subsequently received draft conditions from the rail operator on May 24.
However, the regional council had now requested seepage modelling for the new build, plus closed circuit television of the existing Westland District Council storm water pipes in the area.
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% Yes
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33.7% No
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2.3% 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
What's your favourite recipe for gooseberry?
Love gooseberries? Share your favourite way to enjoy them. We're looking for our readers' favourite family recipes for this delicious crop. Send yours to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the magazine, you will receive a free copy of our December 2024 issue.
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