Confusion slows cricket ground development
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Efforts to develop a new Canterbury cricket ground are being delayed due to confusion over who has responsibility.
Hurunui District Council chief executive Hamish Dobbie said staff were hampered in their ability to progress the development of Amberley Eastern Reserve due to the wording of a council resolution passed five years ago.
‘‘We just need to know who is giving direction so we can get on and do it.’’
The council has been revising its reserve management plan, which helps to shape how large green spaces are used in the region.
The Eastern Reserve attracted the most interest during the recent consultation with mixed views on the cricket ground proposal.
Cricket is proposed to be the main sport at the four hectare reserve, while a potential play area, pump track and tennis courts are also being considered.
In 2019, the council passed a resolution where it directed the Amberley Reserve Advisory Group to update its charter to include the Eastern Reserve, with the council retaining control of the reserve’s development.
But Dobbie said the wording of the resolution had created confusion over who made the final decision.
Alongside the council, there are a number of interested parties including the council’s South Ward Committee, the Amberley Reserve Advisory Group, sporting organisations and local residents, all wanting to have a say.
‘‘Officers are of the view that the council intended to retain direct governance of the Eastern Reserve throughout its development and that the council would work with the Amberley Reserve Advisory Group and the various sporting bodies,’’ Dobbie said.
At a council meeting on Tuesday[August 27], councillors directed staff to prepare a paper for the September council meeting to clarify the decision making process.
Consultation of the revamped reserve management plan has been completed, with the council due to adopt the new plan at either the September or October council meeting.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
-
82.4% Yes
-
14.7% No
-
2.9% Other - I'll share below
Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut
This Wednesday, we're having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with John Bracewell from Crewcut.
John Bracewell, former Black Caps coach turned Franchisee Development Manager and currently the face of Crewcut’s #Movember campaign, knows a thing or two about keeping the grass looking sharp—whether it’s on a cricket pitch or in your backyard!
As a seasoned Crewcut franchisee, John is excited to answer your lawn and gardening questions. After years of perfecting the greens on the field, he's ready to share tips on how to knock your garden out of the park. Let's just say he’s as passionate about lush lawns as he is about a good game of cricket!
John is happy to answer questions about lawn mowing, tree/hedge trimming, tidying your garden, ride on mowing, you name it! He'll be online on Wednesday, 27th of November to answer them all.
Share your question below now ⬇️
Today’s Riddle – Can You Outsmart Your Neighbours?
First you eat me, then you get eaten. What am I?
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.
Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
Loading…
