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By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Amberley's role in studying the Earth’s magnetic field is set to remembered.
The Amberley Domain was home to a geophysics observatory from 1913 until 1978, playing its part in studying electrical storms and aurora.
Jo Hassall, who chairs the … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Amberley's role in studying the Earth’s magnetic field is set to remembered.
The Amberley Domain was home to a geophysics observatory from 1913 until 1978, playing its part in studying electrical storms and aurora.
Jo Hassall, who chairs the Hurunui District Council’s south ward committee, said the community planned to erect a park bench, picnic table and a display board in the domain to tell the story.
‘‘It is going to be quite exciting,’’ she said.
‘‘The building is long gone and there is nothing to say there was once a geophysics observatory in the domain.
‘‘If we don’t preserve these sites, they are lost forever.’’
She said the process started after a letter was received from an astronomer in Rolleston, alerting the ward committee to the domain’s illustrious past.
A working bee is being planned to clear the area and remove some dead trees, while the Amberley Reserve Advisory Group is going to apply for funding to support the project.
Hassall said it will add value to the site, as there is nowhere for parents to sit while children are playing on the tennis and netball courts at the domain.
‘‘It will be a lovely area when it is finished and there is a beautiful view out to Mt Grey.’’
The observatory was originally established in the Christchurch Botanic Gardens in the 19th century, but was moved to Amberley in 1913, according to a Christchurch City Council report.
‘‘The introduction of the electric tram system affected some of the observatory’s instrumentation making it difficult to obtain accurate records,’’ the report says.
‘‘In 1913 a new magnetograph was acquired and located offsite in the Amberley Domain, North Canterbury.’’
Observations continued at the Christchurch site, alongside the Amberley observatory which was tucked into an embankment.
An article on the teara.govt.nz website says the observatory was moved to Eyrewell, near Oxford, in 1978 due to the growth of Amberley.
The observatories have operated alongside other New Zealand magnetic observatories at Apia in Samoa and Scott Base in Antarctica, with the data shared as part of a global network.
The GNS Science geomagnetics team continues to measure and monitor the magnetic field from the Eyrewell observatory.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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770mm width
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By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
North Canterbury's mayors are thrilled a youth employment programme has received funding for another 12 months.
Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston announced $9 million in funding last week, which will allow the Mayors’ … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
North Canterbury's mayors are thrilled a youth employment programme has received funding for another 12 months.
Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston announced $9 million in funding last week, which will allow the Mayors’ Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ) programme to be extended to June 2026.
The announcement followed calls from the mayors recently for funding assurances for the programme, which helps young people get into employment, amid a rising unemployment rate.
Kaikōura district councillor Vicki Gulleford said she was pleased with the announcement.
‘‘We don't know how this will be distributed throughout the participating programmes or what the expected number of outcomes will be.
‘‘However, we are very hopeful that the strong successes Kaikōura has achieved through our previous delivery of the programme will stand us in good stead for continuing with a similar or increased contract for the next year.
‘‘Kaikoura District Council will continue to partner with Te Hā o Mātauranga to deliver the programme locally.’’
The Kaikōura MTFJ programme was contracted for 38 sustainable (at least 91 days), full-time employment placements, for the year to June 30 and placed 48 people, including 44 youth.
The Hurunui programme is contracted for 15 placements, and placed 16 young people.
Hurunui mayor Marie Black said she was ‘‘thrilled there is a longer term vision to enable the programme to continue to grow’’.
‘‘The mahi is important for our young people, to remain connected, confident and contribute to our district.
‘‘This extended focus is important for our wonderful employers and our partnership with MSD.’’
The Waimakariri District Council only joined the programme at the beginning of last year, but has enjoyed some positive outcomes, Mayor Dan Gordon said.
MTFJ Waimakariri facilitator Elizabeth Trevathan said about 130 referrals or contacts from job seekers have been received in the last 12 months.
‘‘On average we have around 40 job seekers actively engaged at any one time.’’
While the Waimakariri programme was funded for 14 placements, it placed 29 people, including 26 youth in the year to June 30.
A further 20 young people have been placed into part-time, casual or fixed term employment contracts.
‘‘This programme is a great example of localism in action,’’ Gordon said.
‘‘It utilises local knowledge and relationships to help young people secure work and start careers that will help them throughout their lives.
‘‘There is a real demand and need for it and our council will be seeking to continue the programme and continue helping young people in Waimakariri.’’
The Ministry of Social Development funds the programme.
Upston said the Government’s focus is on getting people into employment and supporting community-led programmes with a proven track record.
The national unemployment rate continues to climb, reaching 4.6% in the June quarter, with young people aged 16 to 24-years the hardest hit.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Police have arrested every patched member of the Christchurch chapter of the Comancheros yesterday, in a significant operation targeting the gang.
Millions of dollars’ worth of illicit drugs have been seized as Police yesterday terminated about 70 warrants as part of the eight-month … View morePolice have arrested every patched member of the Christchurch chapter of the Comancheros yesterday, in a significant operation targeting the gang.
Millions of dollars’ worth of illicit drugs have been seized as Police yesterday terminated about 70 warrants as part of the eight-month investigation, dubbed Operation Avon.
In total, 29 warrants were executed on addresses and more than 40 warrants executed on vehicles, predominately in the Christchurch area, with a handful in Auckland.
Approximately 5kg of class A drugs were seized, along with 11 firearms, ammunition, and about $250,000 cash.
Eighteen men aged between 18 and 55 were arrested and have been charged, including every patched Comancheros Christchurch member.
As part of enforcement activity Police have also restrained $1.9 million dollars of assets, consisting of an Auckland property and 11 vehicles.
The Christchurch chapter of the Comancheros became a priority target of the National Organised Crime Group (NOCG), supported by Canterbury Police, as their brazen alleged offending spread across New Zealand.
“Early on, our investigation identified significant drug offending involving the Class A controlled drugs methamphetamine and cocaine, and extensive money laundering,” says Detective Inspector Darrin Thomson.
“Class A drugs cause untold harm and misery in our communities and the impact on families is intolerable.
“These groups have no hesitation in peddling drugs and accumulating vehicles and property, with no regard for the destruction they cause in everyday New Zealanders’ lives.
“We have no doubt that this disruption of the Comanchero gang will have a positive impact on the drug supply chain across the country.”
Police allege the gang organised for drugs and cash to be relayed between Auckland and Christchurch every few weeks.
Detective Inspector Thomson said over a million dollars’ worth of drugs at wholesale value were believed to have been moved between the North and South Island, which Police will allege at prosecution equates to more than $15 million street value.
The 18 men have made a first appearance at court in Christchurch and Auckland. Charges include participating in an organised criminal group, conspiracy to supply methamphetamine, and conspiracy to supply cocaine.
Further charges, including money laundering and drug dealing charges, are being considered ahead of future appearances.
“NZ Police is committed to putting an end to the harm organised criminal groups perpetuate across New Zealand,” says Detective Inspector Thomson.
“Operation Avon is holding those responsible to account following a meticulous investigation and coordinated response.
“Pivotally, arresting every member of the chapter will put an end to their unwanted presence in our Christchurch community.”
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 … View moreBy 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.
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
The restoration of an historic Hanmer Springs building remains on track, despite a budget blowout.
The Hurunui District Council will seek a $300,00 grant from the Rata Foundation towards a $425,000 funding shortfall for the restoration of the former … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
The restoration of an historic Hanmer Springs building remains on track, despite a budget blowout.
The Hurunui District Council will seek a $300,00 grant from the Rata Foundation towards a $425,000 funding shortfall for the restoration of the former Soldiers’ Block in the Queen Mary Historic Reserve.
The Soldiers’ Block was opened in 1916 to rehabilitate soldiers returning from World War I, and was later used as a drug and alcohol treatment facility, while the site also has cultural significance for Ngāti Kurī.
Speaking at Tuesday’s (August 27) council meeting, chief strategy and community officer Judith Batchelor said the project budget has been revised to $3.6 million, after just under $3.18m was budgeted in the council’s 2023 annual plan.
She said the funding shortfall was due to expected increases in materials costs and changes to the heating system, while the removal of linings and floor coverings revealed structural elements which were not shown on the original building plans.
The remaining $125,000 will be funded from the Queen Mary Development Contributions Fund.
The funding will allow the first two stages of the project to be completed, with the building on track to reopen on Anzac Day next year.
Stage one is earthquake strengthening and bringing the building to code, while stage two will see the main hall reinstated for community use.
The long-term vision will be to establish a museum with an interactive experience called ‘‘A Place of Light and Life’’, which will tell the story of the site.
But it will require the community to raise a further $6 million and discussions have begun around creating a temporary exhibition.
Batchelor said conversations have already been held with the Rata Foundation.
‘‘Our conversations with Rata have been around how we can keep the story alive during the different stages of the project.
‘‘We have a video and bed and I’m confident we can get our hands on more information for the exhibition space to provide a wet weather activity and an educational opportunity for the 15,000 school children that visit Hanmer Springs.’’
The council also approved the use of $430,000, from interest accrued from the Queen Mary Development Contributions Fund, to help kick start fundraising efforts for the next stage.
Hanmer Springs councillor Tom Davies said developing the Queen Mary Historic Reserve, including the Soldiers’ Block, is ‘‘a key anchor project for Hanmer Springs’’.
‘‘The support of the locals is just amazing,’’ he said.
‘‘I have been lucky enough to have a look inside a couple of times and now that the panels have been removed you can see the architectural genius of the building.
‘‘It is an absolute gem for Hurunui and it will be something we can be so proud of when it is finished.’’
The $3.6m restoration project is being funded by a Lotteries grant, $1.5m from the Government’s Better Off funding, development contributions and a grant from the council’s Earthquake Prone Buildings Fund.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
The fate of a proposed community board in North Canterbury will be decided by the Local Government Commission.
Eleven objections were received on the Hurunui District Council’s decision to create a community board for its south ward, which includes … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
The fate of a proposed community board in North Canterbury will be decided by the Local Government Commission.
Eleven objections were received on the Hurunui District Council’s decision to create a community board for its south ward, which includes Amberley, at next year’s local government election.
Councillors who supported said it was ‘‘more democratic’’ and would better represent the south ward's growing population.
The Amberley District Residents’ Association is among the eleven objectors. Association chairperson Roy Myers said there was ‘‘no evidence’’ to support the change.
‘‘I can’t see any advantage whatsoever with an elected community board of five members who are paid by a targeted rate of $20,’’ Mr Myers said.
‘‘I think it is going to reduce representation.’’
He said under existing structure, committee members were accountable to the group they represented, but he questioned how the board members would be accountable.
‘‘The south ward has quite a diverse character. You have the urban part, the rural part and the beach communities.’’
Councillors voted in favour of replacing its south ward committee with an elected community board in June, following a representation review.
This was despite opposition from residents’ groups, with 14 of the 22 submissions opposed to the change.
The proposed community board would have five members elected at large, plus the four ward councillors and the mayor.
The south ward committee comprises nine community members elected at its first meeting in a council term, plus the four ward councillors and the mayor.
Community members include representatives from residents’ associations, the Amberley Reserves Advisory Group, the Hurunui Youth Council and three independent members.
South ward committee chairperson Jo Hassall said she looked forward to hearing the Local Government Commission’s decision.
‘‘I do like the fact it is being taken to a separate person, who will look at it independently.
‘‘It has gone through the right process and whatever decision is made is final.’’
The Local Government Commission is an independent body that can make decisions on the structure of local government.
South ward councillor Vanessa McPherson was among those who voted in favour of establishing the community board.
She said it would be ‘‘more democratic’’ as elected board members would be accountable to the whole community and not just to the groups they represented.
‘‘We are looking at the population growth in Amberley and I think moving forward the south ward needs and deserves democratic representation that will support that growth.
‘‘I know there are some associations and groups who feel they will lose their voice, but councillors will still have direct links with those groups.’’
The residents’ associations will also be able to make deputations to the community board.
Fellow south ward councillor Pauline White voted against establishing a south ward community board.
She said the 11 appeals was "another thread in a thorough representation review process".
"The community is continuing to engage, and this is evidence of their vested interest in representation to fit the current needs of the south ward."
The Local Government Commission will make its determination by April 10.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Funding infrastructure for tourist towns has no simple solution, says Hurunui District Council chief executive Hamish Dobbie.
North Canterbury towns Hanmer Springs and Kaikōura are small communities which punch above their weight to service tourists.
… View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Funding infrastructure for tourist towns has no simple solution, says Hurunui District Council chief executive Hamish Dobbie.
North Canterbury towns Hanmer Springs and Kaikōura are small communities which punch above their weight to service tourists.
Dobbie said the cost of providing additional infrastructure such as toilets and rubbish bins was largely borne by ratepayers.
‘‘We appreciate visitors bring money into the local economy and sometimes we need to do things infrastructure-wise to support that.
‘‘We don’t necessarily want that to be borne by ratepayers, but the cost has to be picked up somewhere.’’
While local ratepayers may not use the public toilets or rubbish, there were benefits with visitors spending money in the local community and improved environmental outcomes.
Local Government New Zealand took the opportunity to promote its message of the need for alternative funding tools, during last week’s local government conference in Wellington.
A number of councils have been calling for accommodation and tourism levies, with a recent opinion poll suggesting there was public support.
But Dobbie said accommodation and tourism levies would provide limited benefit in Hanmer Springs and he preferred raising the International Visitor Levy, which charged visitors at the border.
‘‘If you just take the money where the tourists sleep, does that really enhance tourism infrastructure overall.’’
Alternatively, a levy collected at the border could be distributed where it was needed or where there were opportunities, he said.
The Mackenzie District Council increased its rates by one percent so it could clean its public toilets twice a day.
Dobbie said a bed tax might make little difference as few of those visitors may stay the night in the district.
Tourism Minister Matt Doocey said Tourism New Zealand was reviewing the International Visitor Levy and an announcement would be made soon on whether it will be increased.
While the levy was set $35 per visitor, options were being considered to increase it to as much as $100 per visitor.
The levy did not apply to Australians or Pacific Islanders.
Doocey said he was aware there was strong support for an accommodation levy, but the Government had yet to make a decision.
He said the Government had an ambitious agenda to double export earnings.
‘‘Tourism is our second biggest export earner, so there is potential for growth.
‘‘I have tasked Tourism New Zealand with increasing earnings by $5 billion.’’
He said this could be achieved by increasing visitor numbers during off-peak periods when tourism infrastructure was ‘‘under-utilised’’.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
A North Canterbury council has raised its concerns over its ageing road network and bridges with the NZ Transport Agency - but so far there is solution.
Hurunui mayor Marie Black said she and chief executive Hamish Dobbie had a positive meeting recently… View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
A North Canterbury council has raised its concerns over its ageing road network and bridges with the NZ Transport Agency - but so far there is solution.
Hurunui mayor Marie Black said she and chief executive Hamish Dobbie had a positive meeting recently with NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) director regional relationships James Caygill.
‘‘Many councils don’t have the same dynamics with unsealed roads like we do, so he was interested in how we are managing that,’’ Black said.
The Hurunui District Council recently failed to get a 184% funding increase approved to improve its for roading assets.
While the transport agency increased the council’s funding in the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme, it said Hurunui’s funding bid was too costly.
‘‘Our bid was realistic from our perspective,’’ Black said.
‘‘Our community is supporting a much higher level of investment and that didn’t go unnoticed by NZTA.’’
The council estimated it needed about $3 million a year to replace its ageing bridges. Around one-third of the district’s 286 bridges needs to be replaced over the next 30 years.
Dobbie said he was optimistic Caygill had taken on board the council’s concern, but there was "no solutions."
‘‘NZTA is grappling with the same problem. When a bridge comes due for replacement it is considered on a business case basis.’’
Dobbie said there was discussion around the possible impacts on traffic in Amberley when the Woodend Bypass is built.
The council has already raised safety concerns about Carters Rd in Amberley (State Highway 1). There are fears the bypass cause traffic to get from Christchurch to Amberley quicker.
‘‘We haven’t been given a solution, but we put across our perspective that we want people to be able to cross the road safely in Amberley,’’ Dobbie said.
‘‘We are not saying we need to be the owners of the solution, but there needs to be a solution.’’
Possible solutions could include installing traffic lights or a pedestrian underpass, he said.
An NZTA spokesperson said the agency was continuing to work with the council on solutions for Carters Rd.
It is also working with the Amberley Country Estate Retirement Village on the developer’s obligations to provide access to the development off SH1.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Yes, we love our backyards and think our town is pretty cool but what is there to do?
Imagine you were writing a list for visitors/tourists and want to show them the best that your town can offer in winter. What would you suggest?
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