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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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By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
The restoration of the historic Soldiers’ Block in Hanmer Springs is on track to be completed in time for Anzac Day 2025.
Hurunui mayor Marie Black says she is excited at the prospect of unveiling the restored building, given the building’s history.… View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
The restoration of the historic Soldiers’ Block in Hanmer Springs is on track to be completed in time for Anzac Day 2025.
Hurunui mayor Marie Black says she is excited at the prospect of unveiling the restored building, given the building’s history.
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.
The site also has cultural significance for Ngāti Kurī, with the council working closely with Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura.
The project is part of a $3.5 million redevelopment of the Queen Mary Historic Reserve and includes earthquake strengthening and restoring the building for public use.
‘‘There is a real sense of excitement in the community and not just in Hanmer,’’ Black said.
‘‘People have been coming up and asking about it at community events, so I think it is quite special from a district-wide perspective.’’
Local firm O’Brien Construction was granted the contract to create a multi use community space in the middle of the building.
All going to plan, the wharenui will be available to Ngāti Kurī to occupy by Anzac Day, and the two octagons will be ready to use, but not fitted out.
Community groups from Hanmer Springs and the wider region were starting to think about how they might use the space, Black said.
Hurunui District Council chief executive Hamish Dobbie said it had been a long journey, since the buildings were signed over to the council in 2010.
The $3.5 million 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.
A 2022 report, prepared as part of a concept plan developed by Weta Workshop, of Wellington, says Hanmer Springs was known as Te Whaka takaka o te karehu o te ahi a Tamatea (the resting place of the embers of the fires of Tamatea).
The thermal reserve was recognised as a place of regeneration and healing, making it a sacred place for Ngāti Kurī.
Stage two of the project involves turning the two Soldiers’ Block octagons into museum spaces to recognise the site’s heritage.
It would require the community to raise a further $6m, the council’s chief strategy and community officer, Judith Batchelor, said.
‘‘The vision is to potentially create something similar to the New Zealand experience at Le Quesnoy in France.’’
Staff plan to bring a report to the council later this month to ask for funding, in the form of a loan to be paid off through fundraising, and approval to establish a community trust.
The council is also proposing to build a new sports pavilion on the site and has budgeted $400,000 in the long-term plan.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
The health needs of rural communities must not be forgotten amid the latest healthcare sector changes, North Canterbury's mayors say.
Te Whatu Ora Health NZ recently announced the appointment of four regional deputy executive directors, including … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
The health needs of rural communities must not be forgotten amid the latest healthcare sector changes, North Canterbury's mayors say.
Te Whatu Ora Health NZ recently announced the appointment of four regional deputy executive directors, including one based in Christchurch, in a move back towards regional decision making.
Hurunui mayor Marie Black and Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon have been calling for local accountability since district health boards were replaced by Health NZ two years ago.
Martin Keogh has been appointed deputy executive director for the South Island.
Black said while she welcomed some decision making closer to home, she questioned how much understanding there would be of rural community needs.
‘‘The South Island is a big area to cover with a lot of different issues and knowing what it is actually like to provide a service in Cheviot, for example, might be difficult,’’ Black said.
‘‘Attraction and retention of staff in a rural setting remains a challenge.
‘‘It is a fairly tiresome role in a rural district, because you are always on call, even when you are not.’’
Providing services to help older people in their homes is more challenging in a rural community, she said.
This is because home help services often become ‘‘fragmented and fragile’’ due to the distances involved, Black said.
‘‘We need to keep an eye on that and on providing care for end of life and respite care.’’
The use of Telehealth technology has been talked about in the media as it is increasingly used to cover for a lack medical professionals, particularly in rural areas.
The increased reliance on Telehealth might work for some people, but can be challenging for older people, Black said.
But rural communities had ‘‘magnificent’’ volunteers services such as St John and Meals on Wheels, she said.
Gordon said it had been difficult to get answers about health issues impacting on Waimakariri residents since district health boards were abolished.
Appointing a South Island-based director is ‘‘a great first step’’ towards local accountability, he said.
‘‘This is something I advocated for because I know that having a local voice close to the issues is vital for our communities.
‘‘The old DHB system was not ideal, but at least we knew who was accountable and who to call when issues arose.’’
Health NZ has been contacted for comment.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
North Canterbury’s mayors are calling for funding certainty for a youth jobs programme as unemployment continues to rise.
Kaikōura mayor Craig Mackle and Hurunui mayor Marie Black are asking the Government for a long-term funding commitment for the … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
North Canterbury’s mayors are calling for funding certainty for a youth jobs programme as unemployment continues to rise.
Kaikōura mayor Craig Mackle and Hurunui mayor Marie Black are asking the Government for a long-term funding commitment for the Mayors’ Taskforce for Jobs programme.
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.
The Mayors’ Taskforce for Jobs programme is funded by the Ministry of Social Development, with the Government providing $18 million from 2023 to 2025.
‘‘We have funding secured until June 30 next year, but not beyond that,’’ Mackle said.
‘‘I know it is hard times for the Government, but those questions need to be answered now or we risk losing our co-ordinators.’’
His message to the Government is simple - ‘‘don’t leave people hanging’’.
The Kaikōura Mayors’ Taskforce for Jobs programme has placed 48 people in sustainable employment in the year to June 30, including 44 young people.
This included 16 young people being placed in apprenticeships.
‘‘We have shown that this works well. I can’t think of anything that gives you a bigger bang for your buck,’’ Mackle said.
Black said the progamme played a valuable role in giving young people ‘‘hope and purpose’’.
‘‘We are in difficult times and it is challenging for employers, but we are fortunate to have some brave employers who are willing to give young people a go.
‘‘So any financial support we can get to keep this programme strong and robust is vital.’’
Kaikōura Mayors’ Taskforce for Jobs programme co-ordinator Aysia McMillan said the programme was funded over the last 12 months for a target of placing 38 youth (16 to 24-year-olds) in employment for at least 91 days.
‘‘We keep checking in with our youth after the 91 days, but the requirement is to support them through the first 91 days.
The programme is now into its fourth year in Kaikōura and over that time 297 job seekers and 87 employers have been registered with the scheme.
Local Government New Zealand vice-president Campbell Barry said the programme demonstrated ‘‘the power of localism’’.
Nationally 6400 young people have been placed in employment across 33 different communities.
‘‘Despite worsening employment conditions, the locally delivered programmes have beaten targets to get more young people into employment,” Mayors’ Taskforce for Jobs chairperson Max Baxter said.
‘‘There is a real opportunity for this programme to grow and further deliver on the Government’s goal to get more young people into employment.’’
While the programme is funded until June next year, it has received a 20% reduction compared to last year.
The Ministry of Social Development has been contacted for comment.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
An aged care advocate has fired back at claims there are enough respite care beds in North Canterbury's rest homes.
The NZ Aged Care Association says it is concerned Te Whatu Ora Health NZ is passing respite care on to aged care facilities, which … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
An aged care advocate has fired back at claims there are enough respite care beds in North Canterbury's rest homes.
The NZ Aged Care Association says it is concerned Te Whatu Ora Health NZ is passing respite care on to aged care facilities, which are not always equipped to deal with the demand.
Health NZ has confirmed it won't offer respite care at the Rangiora Health Hub after decommissioning four flexi-beds for the service.
A Health NZ spokesperson said respite care is offered by aged care facilities in North Canterbury, ‘‘where the appropriate level of care can be maintained’’.
The agency said it understood there were four aged care providers in Rangiora which offered respite care, while there are two providers in Kaiapoi.
But the New Zealand Aged Care Association said the claim there is adequate capacity within aged care facilities is ‘‘misleading’’.
‘‘While North Canterbury does have several aged care facilities, only one of these says it has a single bed dedicated to respite care.
‘‘Many of these providers are already operating at or near full capacity, and the availability of respite care is always conditional on beds being vacant between long-term residents.’’
Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey said the community needed reassurance services were available in North Canterbury.
He said he was disappointed to learn there was just one bed dedicated to respite care, despite assurances from Health NZ.
‘‘I will be approaching Health NZ to find out why this is the case and ask them to explain the situation.’’
Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon said he was concerned to hear the number of respite beds available in Waimakariri is decreasing.
‘‘I will be looking into this. It seems families are having to navigate this issue at what is likely the worst time of their lives.
‘‘I would like to see something done to streamline or simply this process to ensure loved ones are able to remain close to family and in their communities at this final stage of life.’’
Information provided by the New Zealand Aged Care Association, and available on the Ministry of Health website, shows there are eight aged care facilities in Waimakariri which provide respite care, and two in the Hurunui district.
Three rural hospitals also provide respite care.
There are different types of respite care, including ACC, rest-home, hospital, palliative, dementia and end of life care, with aged care facilities licensed for different types of care.
Health NZ regional manager ageing well Mardi Fitzgibbon said respite care is funded by Health NZ and is allocated by the Needs Assessment Service (NASC) following a review of the person’s needs.
"It is generally provided up to 28 days per year, to give the person’s main carer a break.
"The level of respite is need dependent and may be for rest home, hospital or dementia levels of care."
It can also be funded through other agencies such as ACC, or families can make private arrangements.
Bainswood on Victoria home manager Lucy Farley said the process of applying for respite care can be complex.
‘‘It can be a minefield for people, particularly when they are going through this big life change.’’
Palliative care can be available for younger people and end of life respite care is also available, she said.
Charles Upham Retirement Village manager David Cartwright said the village has 120 care beds for both short and long term care, but availability cannot be guaranteed.
‘‘Unlike a hotel, we may have a resident who comes in for 14 days, but they may be up and fit after seven days, or they may need 21 days, so it can be very difficult to try to allocate beds.’’
Holmwood Rangiora Lifecare care home manager Elsie Evans said a needs assessment is completed before a resident is admitted.
But the ability to offer respite care is subject to beds and staff being available.
■ Respite care is also available at Bainlea House and Ballarat Care Home (Rangiora), Annaliese Haven Rest Home (Kaiapoi), Ultimate Care Karaden (Oxford), Oxford Hospital, Bloomfields Court Retirement Village (Woodend), Adriel Resthome (Amberley), Amberley Resthome and Retirement Village, Waikari Hospital and Te Hā o Te Ora Kaikōura Health.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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