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Share a festive photo of your furry friend and you could be in to win a $100 Prezzy® card. Because the smell of the Christmas tree and the ripping open of presents isn’t only exciting for us. But for them too.
All pets are welcome - Santa paws, claws, beaks, and squeaks. And if you don’t … View moreShare a festive photo of your furry friend and you could be in to win a $100 Prezzy® card. Because the smell of the Christmas tree and the ripping open of presents isn’t only exciting for us. But for them too.
All pets are welcome - Santa paws, claws, beaks, and squeaks. And if you don’t have a pet, that’s fine; we’d love to see your festive snaps too.
Ends 21 December 2022
From local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
Bolstering the Hokitika River floodwalls skirting the town near Westland Milk Products should proceed "with haste" and be prioritised over sea protection, a West Coast Regional councillor says.
Westland ward councillor and deputy … View moreFrom local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
Bolstering the Hokitika River floodwalls skirting the town near Westland Milk Products should proceed "with haste" and be prioritised over sea protection, a West Coast Regional councillor says.
Westland ward councillor and deputy chairman Peter Haddock said addressing the shift in the main channel to the true right, with a real risk of it cutting in to the bank in the vicinity of Westland Milk Products (WMP), was a priority for the council.
The council wants it addressed "with haste," he said.
The threat of the river to the West Coast economy, and the low lying residential areas in Hokitika, could not be underestimated, he said.
"There's been discussions taking place between council and WMP and other affected parties to get some emergency repairs undertaken there," Haddock said.
This included more rock work on the bank at the Westland District Council stormwater outfall point, just behind the factory at the end of Town Belt East, almost immediately.
Haddock said council's infrastructure projects leader Scott Hoare had been instructed "to proceed with haste".
It came after a joint meeting of the Hokitika rating district just prior to the October elections.
Former Westland mayor Bruce Smith warned of the danger of litigation if the river bank issue was not taken more urgently by the regional council.
Hoare said things were "progressing" but he would not be drawn on how quickly.
"We're working through that project," he said.
The previous design and concept work to improve the stopbank from Kaniere down to the Hokitika River Bridge had been reviewed in terms of how it would work.
"We've got some changes downstream of the milk factory to the bridge."
Hoare said this was to better understand "the risks". He noted every West Coast river posed "a risk" but he acknowledged particular risk at Hokitika. "We have no immediate concerns but it is still a risk."
Haddock said council had already been allocated `shovel ready' money by the Government department Kanoa to address sea protection in Hokitika, but was asking for a review of that.
"Council is talking to them about whether the river works are more pressing due to the immediate threats to Westland dairy and the lower part of Hokitika.
"It may be that there is emergency works done quickly, but there is a lot of planning needed... It has been given the highest priority."
Haddock said at the same time, the council now had a fresh opportunity to apply for new infrastructure funding via Kanoa for further projects and it was "actively pursuing' those.
More rock work on the bank at the Westland District Council stormwater outfall point, just behind the factory at the end of Town Belt East, was due to be done almost immediately.
The economic implications for the whole region of the Hokitika River breaking through and inundating the dairy factory and the residential area should not be underrated, he said.
"We've really got to put a good business case there. The dairy company is so important... it would be an environmental disaster.
"It is quite vulnerable... the main thing is to secure the funding; because without the funding the ratepayers can't afford it."
*Public interest journalism funded through NZ On Air
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Have you read our December Seniors Newsletter? Do you have a Community Services Card or know someone who does? From 1 February 2023 Community Services Card holders are eligible for a continued 50% discount on public transport. You can read more in this issue.
This newsletter also includes some … View moreHave you read our December Seniors Newsletter? Do you have a Community Services Card or know someone who does? From 1 February 2023 Community Services Card holders are eligible for a continued 50% discount on public transport. You can read more in this issue.
This newsletter also includes some good advice on how to keep up your hydration and stay safe and cool this summer.
Respite care provides temporary care in a range of circumstances. From rehabilitation after a hospital stay, to a little extra support – whether it’s for a single night or a few weeks.
A short stay at our care centre could be a welcome break from your usual routine.
We offer respite care … View moreRespite care provides temporary care in a range of circumstances. From rehabilitation after a hospital stay, to a little extra support – whether it’s for a single night or a few weeks.
A short stay at our care centre could be a welcome break from your usual routine.
We offer respite care at resthome-level and in most villages' hospital and specialist dementia-level care.
What you can expect:
- Customised care via our award-winning myRyman Care app
- Bespoke seasonal menu, that's prepared fresh on site
- A variety of activities and outings, making it easy to stay connected with others.
We've been caring for people for over 35 years, it's what we do best.
Meeting an ever-increasing need in our communities, Christmas Box provides more than just food in a time of need, it also brings a reminder that there is a community of people who care.
We believe by alleviating some of the pressure that families feel at Christmas time through our food parcels, … View moreMeeting an ever-increasing need in our communities, Christmas Box provides more than just food in a time of need, it also brings a reminder that there is a community of people who care.
We believe by alleviating some of the pressure that families feel at Christmas time through our food parcels, it will create a lasting impact that goes beyond a treat at Christmas.
For only $40 you can donate a Christmas Box to a family in need, providing not just practical help, but much deserved hope too.
A new pedestrian and cycle trail in Westport linking the Buller Bridge to Victoria Square is almost complete, the Buller District Council says.
The project, funded by the Tourism Infrastructure Fund, includes the newly constructed southern connector from the Kawatiri Coastal Trail at the Buller … View moreA new pedestrian and cycle trail in Westport linking the Buller Bridge to Victoria Square is almost complete, the Buller District Council says.
The project, funded by the Tourism Infrastructure Fund, includes the newly constructed southern connector from the Kawatiri Coastal Trail at the Buller Bridge, along the Esplanade and across the Toki Poutangata Bridge into the town precinct.
The northern connector begins from the Toki Bridge along Adderley St to Lyndhurst St, and then
across to Victoria Square utilising existing roads, footpaths and crossings. Users can then
head north along Queen St to the Floating Basin and the beginning of the Kawatiri River Trails,
including the boardwalks and tracks to North Beach.
New line marking and delineations to identify vehicle and pedestrian corridors along Adderley St will
be accompanied by new parking spaces, speed restrictions and signage to ensure appropriate traffic
flow and calming for safety.
Wayfinding along the trails will include destination billboards and directional bollards to signal points
of interest ahead and distances to go. This will allow users to plan and monitor their route and make
the most of their experience.
Council project manager Glenn Irving said: “This is the next puzzle piece to create a safe,
enjoyable, and easy to follow journey for pedestrians and cyclists through and from Westport to the
amazing environment that surrounds us.”
“An end-to-end connection is integral to Westport’s master plan and our district revitalisation
strategy to position Buller as an attractive place to live, explore and invest.”
The connector trails have been funded through the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment's $300k Tourism TIF,
which the council secured last year at no cost to ratepayers.
The new connector trails are scheduled for completion by the end of this month.
A report has shown that clinics around New Zealand are understaffed, with GP's being overworked and underpaid. And for everyday kiwis, healthcare and emergency healthcare is simply not accessible.
The General Practice Owners Association of Aotearoa's report titled … View moreA report has shown that clinics around New Zealand are understaffed, with GP's being overworked and underpaid. And for everyday kiwis, healthcare and emergency healthcare is simply not accessible.
The General Practice Owners Association of Aotearoa's report titled ‘‘On The Brink’’ outlines the urgent need to address pay parity for GP nurses and doctors, beef up workforce numbers and improve funding allocations for practices with the hopes that this makes heatlhcare more accessible in the community.
Are you noticing delays in getting GP appointments or long waits at after-hours care?
Any comments below may be shared in your local paper's We Say You Say column.
How to make your own Christmas terrarium painted in Resene.
Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
Share a festive photo of your furry friend and you could be in to win a $100 Prezzy® card. Because the smell of the Christmas tree and the ripping open of presents isn’t only exciting for us. But for them too.
All pets are welcome - Santa paws, claws, beaks, and squeaks. And if you don’t … View moreShare a festive photo of your furry friend and you could be in to win a $100 Prezzy® card. Because the smell of the Christmas tree and the ripping open of presents isn’t only exciting for us. But for them too.
All pets are welcome - Santa paws, claws, beaks, and squeaks. And if you don’t have a pet, that’s fine; we’d love to see your festive snaps too.
Ends 21 December 2022
What better way to while away a Friday afternoon and get your weekend DIY inspiration than drooling over the most beautiful house and garden content of the week?
Homed newsletter keeps you on top of the real estate market, takes you inside gorgeous New Zealand homes, give you a taste of how … View moreWhat better way to while away a Friday afternoon and get your weekend DIY inspiration than drooling over the most beautiful house and garden content of the week?
Homed newsletter keeps you on top of the real estate market, takes you inside gorgeous New Zealand homes, give you a taste of how celebrities live, keep you up to date with interior trends, provide project ideas, and more. Be inspired to dream big about your own space - and get on the path to making those dreams come true. Sign up for free here.
By reporter Joanne Naish:
Despite its small population of almost 33,000, the West Coast is a breeding ground for a remarkable calibre of sporting talent, locals say.
From 1967 Boston marathon winner Dave McKenie to Black Ferns superstar and World Cup winner Ruby Tui, the West Coast has … View moreBy reporter Joanne Naish:
Despite its small population of almost 33,000, the West Coast is a breeding ground for a remarkable calibre of sporting talent, locals say.
From 1967 Boston marathon winner Dave McKenie to Black Ferns superstar and World Cup winner Ruby Tui, the West Coast has spawned multiple world-class athletes.
Former star runner Josh Komen, from Greymouth, said the West Coast was known for the minerals that built New Zealand: gold, coal, and timber.
“We live in an untamed natural wilderness, the weather can be harsh, and to extract those rare minerals you have to be willing to work ... in any condition that’s thrown at you.”
Continue reading here.
We are giving 10 lucky winners $1,000 cash each this Christmas, to enter all you have to do is make a purchase on Mags4Gifts. Spoil your loved ones by gifting them a subscription or treat yourself to your favourite magazine or newspaper subscription.
Mags4Gifts is your one-stop shop for all of … View moreWe are giving 10 lucky winners $1,000 cash each this Christmas, to enter all you have to do is make a purchase on Mags4Gifts. Spoil your loved ones by gifting them a subscription or treat yourself to your favourite magazine or newspaper subscription.
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From local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
Kumara will host new Westland mayor Helen Lash tonight, at the first of what is intended to be a round of community meetings across the far-flung district as the new council beds in.
The mayor, with councillor Riley Burden and possibly … View moreFrom local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
Kumara will host new Westland mayor Helen Lash tonight, at the first of what is intended to be a round of community meetings across the far-flung district as the new council beds in.
The mayor, with councillor Riley Burden and possibly councillor Jane Neale, will speak at the Kumara Memorial Hall, during a general meeting of the Kumara Residents' Trust at 7.30pm.
By-election candidates for the Northern Ward may also attend.
Lash said they would be seeking some "big picture" expectations including a sense of each community's aspirations and "the top five needs now".
"We need to know because they all factor into our future planning. Importantly, it could ensure a wide focus across the whole district and not solely Hokitika.
"I'm fully aware that each community in Westland is different," she said.
"I would like to see everybody working together... We don't want rift in communities, we want communities working together, otherwise it's a waste of energy."
It would be an opportunity for those who might feel disenfranchised to have a voice.
Lash said she aimed to get around the whole district in her first six months to get a handle on individual communities and to galvanise a programme of action for the new council.
Ensuring transparency and accountability was something she had particularly campaigned for.
It "might'' include looking at township development funding.
"There has to be an expectation that the funding that comes from council for those communities is (spent on) what it is meant to do.
"These are things that have to be addressed but we have to look at them and say, what does the community want?
"As well as putting funding into communities, we need to ensure these matters are tidied up and make sure that they work. These are things that I need to be bought up to notice with. There is quite a bit of this stuff out there that in my mind needs addressing."
Lash acknowledged the council in the past may have enabled certain representative groups to operate with a particular focus and the aim of the meetings was not just to talk to them, but to gauge the wider community, she said.
"It's been allowed down the years. We need to look back at what those committees were originally created for and to do. That's what I'm saying -- what are the needs?"
She would like to see agreements formalised between community associations and the council, "to work with them in the future in a positive direction".
"That involves transparency and communication and better involvement."
Lash said it would particularly benefit the councillors of each ward to be keyed in with their particular constituency.
"I am going to be going around with the respective councillors. I want to touch base with them all, I want to talk to them all about their expectations of council, as in the council business and services provided to the community."
* Public interest journalism funded through NZ On Air
By local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
The West Coast Regional Council has spent over $370,000 on "specialised improvements" to a 1080 factory building it owns in Rolleston, on the edge of Christchurch.
The council kept secret its $1.9 million investment in the Pest Control … View moreBy local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
The West Coast Regional Council has spent over $370,000 on "specialised improvements" to a 1080 factory building it owns in Rolleston, on the edge of Christchurch.
The council kept secret its $1.9 million investment in the Pest Control Research (PCR) Ltd factory, manufacturing 1080 poison baits, until it was exposed by the Greymouth Star in 2015. The investment sparked widespread controversy on the West Coast.
At the end of 2020 the council quit its shareholding in PCR, but retained ownership of the factory site, which it still leases to PCR.
A new valuation report for the council shows it advanced $374,783 for specialised improvements requested by PCR at the start of the current five-year lease in 2019. The lease ends in January 2025.
Towards the end of the last council triennium councillor Peter Ewen questioned if the council had actually seen any evidence of the improvements at the site, after the council put up the money.
That prompted chief executive Heather Mabin to commission an assessment from Colliers.
Ewen said on Wednesday he was reading the resulting report with interest.
The Colliers assessment is to be presented to the council’s Risk and Assurance Committee meeting on Friday.
PCR is located in the Izone Southern Business Hub, which also houses Westland Milk Products.
The council bought the bare section over a decade ago before starting development in 2014.
News broke in 2015 that the Selwyn District Council had granted resource consent for the site to be used to manufacture 1080 baits, sparking concern in Rolleston and controversy over the regional council's involvement.
The new valuation report details an office and warehouse building with an outdoor loading and parking area, costing $2.13m.
"Specialised improvements were completed to the building in 2019 at a cost of $374,783 which was funded by the landlord," the executive summary says.
PCR currently pays $110,610 a year, with a small increase recommended based on comparative current rentals in the area.
The regional council put $1.9 million into the venture in 2013, paying $1.3 million for the property and building, and $490,000 for a 49% shareholding.
The council kept the investment quiet for about a year, and when it was uncovered by the Greymouth Star it sparked a petition and angry protests by anti-1080 demonstrators.
*Public interest journalism funded through NZ On Air
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