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By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
A new community board has been confirmed by Hurunui’s south ward.
The Local Government Commission has rejected an appeal against the establishment of a community board for next year’s local government election in the Hurunui District Council’s … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
A new community board has been confirmed by Hurunui’s south ward.
The Local Government Commission has rejected an appeal against the establishment of a community board for next year’s local government election in the Hurunui District Council’s south ward, which includes Amberley.
Eleven objections were received, but just one, Amberley District Residents’ Association chairperson Roy Myers, gave an oral presentation to commissioners at a hearing last month.
Several objectors preferred the existing ward committee structure, which comprised representatives from residents’ associations, the Amberley Reserves Advisory Group, the Hurunui Youth Council and three independent members.
But the commissioners agreed with the council’s position that a community board elected by the community at large would be more democratic.
‘‘It may potentially attract candidates who may not have been traditionally in a position that would result in their becoming members of the ward committee,’’ the commissioners said.
South ward councillor Vanessa McPherson said she is ‘‘delighted with the outcome’’.
‘‘The decision reinforces the robust process undertaken by the council to deliver an outcome that will provide a fair and effective representation of benefit to the entire south ward.’’
But Myers said he is disappointed with the decision, which he believes is based on ‘‘wrong information’’.
‘‘The argument was that a community board would be able to be more strategic in its decision making.
‘‘But the existing ward committee doesn’t have any money to spend.’’
Hurunui mayor Marie Black told the commission a walking and cycling fund of $370,000 has been established from development contributions since 2010, but the ward committee has been unable to agree on how to spend it.
But Myers rejected this and said the ward committee was unaware ‘‘we were able to spend it’’.
‘‘How are these five representatives going to be in contact with the community?
‘‘Under the present structure, you have residents’ groups which represent their communities.’’
While the new community board will have five board members, the commissioners reduced the number of elected councillors on the board from four to two.
The commissioners’ also recommended a Hurunui Youth Council representative be appointed as an observer.
Remuneration of board members would cost $36,078 a year, or $20 per south ward ratepayer per year.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Hurunui’s Deputy Mayor hopes a solution can be found to avoid a huge rent hike for the Cheviot Medical Centre.
The Hurunui District Council is proposing to raise the yearly rent it charges for the use of the medical centre building from $14,484.74 to … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Hurunui’s Deputy Mayor hopes a solution can be found to avoid a huge rent hike for the Cheviot Medical Centre.
The Hurunui District Council is proposing to raise the yearly rent it charges for the use of the medical centre building from $14,484.74 to $24,264.50 (excluding GST).
The building has been leased to the Cheviot Community Health Centre (2013) Ltd since 2017.
Deputy mayor Vince Daly said he is seeking answers from council staff why a rent increase of 67% is necessary for the community owned health centre, which serves a small rural population.
‘‘It has certainly got them talking at the medical centre. The last time the rent was raised it was 22%.
‘‘Some of the things you can see like rates and insurance you can’t help, but we need to see more information on why some of the other costs are increasing.’’
Daly said he is meeting with the health centre and council staff to seek a solution.
Under the lease agreement, the rent is based on covering the council’s costs, rather than charging the full market rental rate.
In a budget prepared for the Cheviot Community Committee to consider, council staff cite cost increases in staff wages, contractors' fees, rates, insurance and the maintenance of a new Cheviot helipad.
The building was originally the Cheviot Hospital, which was sold in 1978 by the North Canterbury Hospital Board to the then Cheviot County Council.
The original Cheviot Hospital opened in 1927.
The Cheviot Community Committee will consider the proposal at its next meeting on November 21.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
I'm Nadine, a reporter for Stuff and I'm wanting to do a story about the reality of the festive season for some people.
I'm wanting to talk to an older pensioner who will likely be alone at Christmas and finds it hard to get by on the pension.
Is this you? I'd love to … View moreI'm Nadine, a reporter for Stuff and I'm wanting to do a story about the reality of the festive season for some people.
I'm wanting to talk to an older pensioner who will likely be alone at Christmas and finds it hard to get by on the pension.
Is this you? I'd love to talk to you if possible. I'd need to visit prior to Christmas and on Christmas Day, if possible.
You can email me at nadine.roberts@stuff.co.nz or leave a comment below and I can get in touch.
Thanks for reading!
Ryman Healthcare has donated $466,640 to Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand while announcing Hato Hone St John as its new charity partner.
Ryman’s Executive Chair, Dean Hamilton, presented the cheque to the charity at a special event held at Murray Halberg Village in Auckland.
Tim … View moreRyman Healthcare has donated $466,640 to Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand while announcing Hato Hone St John as its new charity partner.
Ryman’s Executive Chair, Dean Hamilton, presented the cheque to the charity at a special event held at Murray Halberg Village in Auckland.
Tim Edmonds, CEO of Leukemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand, described the donation as ’vitally important’ to the work the charity does.
Click read more for the full article.
🏠 Properties under 2 hectares: Can't burn outdoors. Compost, mulch or take it to a transfer station.
🏡 Properties over 2 hectares: Only burn dry vegetation (less than 25% moisture content), paper and cardboard. No rubbish or inorganic material.
Check 👉 ecan.govt.nz/outdoorburning
Join us any Wednesday in October and November, 10am - 3pm and experience the Ryman lifestyle that awaits.
Learn about our living options, tour our show homes and discover the wonderful amenities on offer.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Enjoy relaxed living in breathtaking Blenheim, Marlborough.
For just $15 a ticket, you could win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home, valued at over $1 million.
You can make this property your permanent residence, a holiday retreat, a rental, or simply sell it!
Get your tickets… View moreEnjoy relaxed living in breathtaking Blenheim, Marlborough.
For just $15 a ticket, you could win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home, valued at over $1 million.
You can make this property your permanent residence, a holiday retreat, a rental, or simply sell it!
Get your tickets today at heartlottery.org.nz.
Revamp an old trolley for drinks with a twist with Resene Enamacryl. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
We're proud to be named Best Provider Nationwide - for the fifth time - at the 2024 Aged Advisor People’s Choice Awards for Best Retirement Village and Aged Care Facilities.
The high ratings and reviews we receive from our residents and their families reflects the effort our team puts … View moreWe're proud to be named Best Provider Nationwide - for the fifth time - at the 2024 Aged Advisor People’s Choice Awards for Best Retirement Village and Aged Care Facilities.
The high ratings and reviews we receive from our residents and their families reflects the effort our team puts into providing the best possible experience for our residents.
Our passion is creating communities where our residents can thrive. Receiving this award for the fifth time tells us that we’re on the right track.
It’s easy to create your own colourful bird house from an old wooden box and some Resene testpots. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
Save 25% on Resene quality paints, wood stains, primers and wallpapers at Resene ColorShops!
Choose from our huge range of paints and colours designed and made in New Zealand. Bring out the best in your home with Resene, NZ’s Most Trusted Paint.
Ryman villages across the country are open every Wednesday in October and November.
Experience the Ryman lifestyle and learn about our living options, tour our showhomes and discover the wonderful amenities on offer.
Click find out more for more information.
For only $15 a ticket, you could win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home located in breathtaking Blenheim, Marlborough.
Valued at over $1 million, this home features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area. It is waiting to be loved by its new … View moreFor only $15 a ticket, you could win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home located in breathtaking Blenheim, Marlborough.
Valued at over $1 million, this home features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area. It is waiting to be loved by its new owner.
Make this property your permanent residence, a holiday home, a rental, or simply sell it!
Get your tickets today at heartlottery.org.nz
As we age, mobility and health issues can affect daily routines and independence. It’s natural to want to step in when a loved one faces challenges with tasks they once managed easily. However, instead of taking over completely, finding a balance that offers support while still encouraging … View moreAs we age, mobility and health issues can affect daily routines and independence. It’s natural to want to step in when a loved one faces challenges with tasks they once managed easily. However, instead of taking over completely, finding a balance that offers support while still encouraging independence is key.
Chris Sinclair, Ryman's Community Liaison Leader, shares helpful tips for families and caregivers on how to promote independence and support overall wellbeing.
Click read more for the full article.
It’s a lot of fun (and easy) to turn a terracotta plant pot and saucer into your very own toadstool table with Resene Poppy and Resene Alabaster paint.
Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
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