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By local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
The latest testing at a popular Westport swimming beach appear to show an all clear for E coli.
Earlier samples over summer had flagged contamination from cattle, according to a report to the West Coast Regional Council.
The test site in … View moreBy local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
The latest testing at a popular Westport swimming beach appear to show an all clear for E coli.
Earlier samples over summer had flagged contamination from cattle, according to a report to the West Coast Regional Council.
The test site in question, Marrs Beach on the south side of the Buller River has been a focus for the regional council for years however it has had difficulty tracing the sources of e-coli contamination.
Martins Creek enters the river near Marrs Beach and council has formed a catchment group to try and address contamination issues with landholders in the catchment.
Water quality sampling results provided alongside a report to the council's Resource Management Committee gives an overview of results for November 2023 to March 2024.
In the main, the majority of 20 sites tested through summer were in the 'very low risk' category for swimmers.
However beaches around Westport periodically blipped through summer.
Marrs Beach had two flags, in mid-November and mid-January, where testing found the water was of 'moderate to high risk' to swimmers due to E.coli exceedances (between 550 and 280 per 100ml).
Shingle Beach on the opposite side of the Buller River had three moderate to high risk flags: one in mid-December and two through the middle of January.
Other exceedance of water quality standards across the region included one moderate to high risk flag each in mid-January at the popular Taylorville swimming hole in the Grey River, and at Nelson Creek; at Westport North Beach (mid-December) and Punakaiki River (mid-January).
The council undertakes weekly contact recreation water quality sampling at the swimming spots from the end of October to late March.
The report to this week's Resource Management Committee said the last sampling period from February 19 to March 20 did not flag any exceedance despite "significant rainfall" preceding sampling in some locations.
Escherichia coli (E coli) is a bacteria commonly found in the lower intestine of warm-blooded organisms. Some E.coli strain can cause serious food poisoning.
Downsizing can open the door to a new stage of your life that is rich in opportunity. However, it can be a daunting prospect. If you are embarking on a new chapter of life, the thought of shedding familiar possessions can feel even more stressful. This can be true even if the life changes are a … View moreDownsizing can open the door to a new stage of your life that is rich in opportunity. However, it can be a daunting prospect. If you are embarking on a new chapter of life, the thought of shedding familiar possessions can feel even more stressful. This can be true even if the life changes are a good thing, such as a move to somewhere you will love to live.
Once you understand why you have this feeling, you can reframe it as creating a new environment that will support your present life while reminding you of your best experiences.
Click read more for the full article.
Ryman’s Charles Upham Retirement Village resident Di is a former fashion designer, artist and self-confessed shoe hoarder who travels, still paints and has stamped her eclectic minimalist style on her apartment.
She gives us her top 3 design tips on how she’s turned her space into a … View moreRyman’s Charles Upham Retirement Village resident Di is a former fashion designer, artist and self-confessed shoe hoarder who travels, still paints and has stamped her eclectic minimalist style on her apartment.
She gives us her top 3 design tips on how she’s turned her space into a beautiful home.
Many public rubbish bins are being removed by councils due to the large costs of regularly emptying them. Do you think we can adapt and live without them?
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the We Say You Say column of your local paper.
By local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
There are still big gaps in the knowledge about the number of contaminated and environmentally hazardous sites on the West Coast.
The West Coast Regional Council's Hazardous Activities and Industries List (HAIL) identifies 533 sites across the… View moreBy local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
There are still big gaps in the knowledge about the number of contaminated and environmentally hazardous sites on the West Coast.
The West Coast Regional Council's Hazardous Activities and Industries List (HAIL) identifies 533 sites across the region.
A new report by council says the presence or extent of contamination is "not known" for 70% of the sites.
At this stage council staff resources dedicated to HAIL and contaminated work represents about one half-time staff member, annually, the report said.
The sites represent a range of past activities and industries in the region.
The most common are: service stations (40%), landfills (10%), power substations (5%), previous mining exploration (4%), and previous gas works (4%).
Councillor Peter Ewen has repeatedly called for the region's HAIL list to be brought up to speed and thanked council staff for the updated list.
"It's very good to have this (but) there are a number of concerns," he said.
"The word that springs up in this report is a lot of sites have been 'assessed' but a lot haven't."
Ewen said the council should be seeking external funding to get a better handle on the scope of hazardous sites across the region, including former rubbish dumps.
"We've got to get some significant financial assistance to address this, and I think we should be accessing that."
The council HAIL register report included additional information from the Department of Conservation noting that it had 301 hazardous sites under its administration.
Only 48 of these were already included in the council list.
DOC-managed contaminated sites were typically former coal or gold mine sites.
Ewen asked the council draft a letter to the Director General of DOC to address:
* The department's work programme, resources and funding dedicated to its West Coast HAIL sites;
* That DOC should inform the council of any discharges occurring from their sites, "that are not already consented";
* Evidence of any Government funding received by DOC to deal with contaminated West Coast sites.
Ewen said the region did not want the spectacle of another Fox Glacier dump disaster.
"It's an issue that is not going to go away if we ignore it. Another day, it's another dump that gets washed away. We've got over 300 of the them, and most are not consented," he said.
"The thing I'm concerned about is the guardian of the environment, DOC, has a lot of these sites. They must know where they are."
The council agreed on April 9 to adopt Cr Ewen's recommendations.
DOC has been approached by LDR for comment.
Council science manager Jonny Horrox said council had to "give effect" to the national legislation on the risk contaminated land poses.
He said council was required to identify sites that posed or might pose health risks. This was to manage the risk appropriately on behalf of the community for land use changes or proposed earthworks.
Horrix said of the 301 DOC sites, about 48 were already listed by council.
* Eight are within the department's national 50 high risk sites;
* The presence or extent of contamination was unclear for the majority of DOC sites;
* The DOC sites represented a range of activities and industries in the region, "but mining is the main HAIL activity for 80% of sites.
Horrix said various terms had previously been used but HAIL was best understood.
"Sites are on the register as a precautionary measure ... contaminants may or may not be present."
However the HAIL register was to inform future decisions around site use, he said.
"It does not mean all sites are contaminated."
Photos:
* The former Prohibition Mine site at Waiuta cost the Department of Conservation $2.6 million to clean-up from 2016-18 of what had been assessed as the most toxic mine site in New Zealand and the second most arsenic-contaminated site in the world. (Department of Conservation)
* The top of the former Denniston Incline on the Denniston Plateau north of Westport. The area is one among many historic mining sites managed by the Department of Conservation on the West Coast where there is a legacy of contamination such as acid mine drainage. (Brendon McMahon)
By local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
West Coast residents face more "user pay" services and a hefty hike in rates under the West Coast Regional Council's proposed long-term plan (LTP).
Chairperson Peter Haddock said the council knew the proposed increases will be … View moreBy local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
West Coast residents face more "user pay" services and a hefty hike in rates under the West Coast Regional Council's proposed long-term plan (LTP).
Chairperson Peter Haddock said the council knew the proposed increases will be challenging for some.
"But if we don't make these changes now, we are just kicking the can down the road."
Ratepayers should brace for a range of rises in the LTP 2024-25, including a proposed 27% general rates increase, a 22.7% rise in the uniform annual general charge (UAG), and jumps in the targeted rates for individual flood rating districts.
The council is also proposing to increase user fees and charges.
"The fairest approach is for those who use our services should pay for them," Haddock said on April 11.
He said the council wants feedback on is how to pay for under-invested council systems and processes, while demand for services "keeps growing".
"We are unable to carry out basic functions and services to meet community expectations, particularly in the back office financial area. This is now starting to seriously affect all ratepayers," Haddock said.
Relying on debt to cover day-to-day operational costs was "not sustainable".
"We have a big programme of work ahead of us so we have tried to lessen and smooth the load by spreading the increase over several years where we can."
The council is consulting a total budget increase of 20.8% for 2024-25, partially funded by borrowing alongside its preferred 27% general rates increase.
The council proposed initially borrowing for some activities until it can return to a stage of paying of debt in the next few years, Haddock said.
The rates had been kept "artificially low" and council had "no option but to take this approach to catch up", he said.
The council believed the alternative 44% rates-alone funding option in 2024-25 would be "unacceptable" to residents.
Formal feedback is also being sought on the future of Predator Free Te Kinga, as its external funding by Predator-free 2050 is due to run out in 2026-27.
Haddock said Te Kinga was "a special project for the region" with gains in species protection, but it needed ratepayer finding to continue.
Other key proposals flagged in the LTP:
* Formal transfer of the ownership of the Grey Floodwall and the Havill Wall (Franz Josef) assets to the regional council -- in line with flood and erosion protection asset management on behalf of 23 rating districts as a core function of council.
* Increases to targeted rates and the UAG.
The UAG will increase from $155.69 in 2023-24 to $192.59 in 2024-25. This fixed charge per property does not discriminate on location or property type.
About 75% of West Coast properties received some benefit from the region's 23 rating districts flood protection assets.
Many needed investment and work to maintain them, "or to potentially increase their standard of protection which will drive targeted rate increases".
That includes a bump of more than 500% for Westport's rating district in the next three years.
Consultation runs from April 12 until May 10, with public hearings anticipated from May 20 before council adopts the plan in June.
The Consultation Document and supporting information can be viewed at www.wcrc.govt.nz....
Copies will also be available to view at the Westport, Greymouth and Hokitika libraries and the Reefton Service Centre from April 15.
Ready to welcome a new furry friend into your family these school holidays?
We are reducing our adoption fees to make it easier than ever to find your perfect companion, just in time for winter. From 13-28 April, our fees are 25% off.
Visit us on our National Adoption Open Day on Saturday, 13… View moreReady to welcome a new furry friend into your family these school holidays?
We are reducing our adoption fees to make it easier than ever to find your perfect companion, just in time for winter. From 13-28 April, our fees are 25% off.
Visit us on our National Adoption Open Day on Saturday, 13 April, or apply online for a private meet-and-greet.
With over 1,000 animals patiently waiting for adoption across the country you are sure to find your perfect match.
Create this stylish plant support using a few garden stakes and Resene Waterborne Woodsman penetrating oil stain. Find out how to create your own with these easy instructions.
Discover how Kiwis are ditching the 'lazy loyalty tax' and saving money with this tool! Learn more in Stuff's article about finding better deals and paying less.
Be aware, pesky phone scammers’ latest move may be posing as Police officers seeking your financial details.
New Zealand Police are aware of reports emerging this month where Kiwis have been contacted on the phone by someone claiming to be an officer. The officer will claim to be from a … View moreBe aware, pesky phone scammers’ latest move may be posing as Police officers seeking your financial details.
New Zealand Police are aware of reports emerging this month where Kiwis have been contacted on the phone by someone claiming to be an officer. The officer will claim to be from a particular department, tell you that you have been a victim of fraud or scam, and begin to try and obtain further financial information from you. This is a scam.
Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Bolton, from Auckland City’s Financial Crime Unit, says there have been at least a dozen reports made to Police, and these scam calls are largely being made to landlines. “While Police do not have accurate numbers of how many of these scam calls have been received, it is important that the public are aware,” he says. “Police will make some enquiries into these calls, but our experience has shown that often phone-based scammers will be operating from overseas. “We appreciate the vigilance of those who have contact Police so far, as this will help us to make others in the community aware.”
Unfortunately, scams can take many different forms and target victims on different platforms, Detective Senior Sergeant Bolton says. “Scammers are opportunistic and thrive off your trust and good-will. If you receive a call of this nature, do not hand over any personal details.”
New Zealand Police will never contact people seeking their banking details, card numbers, pin numbers or passwords. There are instances where legitimate Police officers will contact you as part of their duties. Police ask that the public remain vigilant.
𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿:
➡️Police will never ask for details about your bank cards, pin numbers or passwords over the phone.
➡️Trust your instincts. If something doesn't feel right, or is too good to be true, it probably is.
➡️If you are uncertain, ask for the officer’s details. Hang up, contact 105 and request the officer to contact you.
➡️Police aren’t in the business of offering prize money.
If you are in the unfortunate position of being a victim of a scam, please report the matter to Police.
Take the chance to upskill yourself on scam awareness, check for further information on the NetSafe website.
𝗘𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗺:
Police are also aware of an email scam that has re-emerged, that claims to be authorities from Police and other justice sector partners. This scam has been subject of previous advisories. We continue to advise people to be extremely cautious when receiving unsolicited emails. Do not reply an the email of this nature under any circumstances.
Westland District Council have shared an update about the heavy rain that is expected to continue.
- Sandbags are available to businesses and residents in areas of Hokitika identified as likely to be worst affected by surface flooding and cars causing bow waves.
- Operations Manager Erle … View moreWestland District Council have shared an update about the heavy rain that is expected to continue.
- Sandbags are available to businesses and residents in areas of Hokitika identified as likely to be worst affected by surface flooding and cars causing bow waves.
- Operations Manager Erle Bencich says, “From previous experience, the streets most likely to be affected are Revell Street along the beachfront, Tancred Street and Sewell Street. To assist people and reduce the likelihood of water entering premises, there will be pallets with sandbags available for use at the following locations:
Corner of Stafford and Sewell Streets
Corner of Hamilton and Tancred Streets
Corner of Tancred and Weld Streets
Corner of Weld and Sewell Streets.
Council is preparing at least 500 sandbags available for use, but we ask that people only take what they need to protect their properties.
- If there is surface flooding, the council ask that people minimise their vehicle usage in these areas to reduce the bow waves sending water off the road and onto the pavements and surrounding premises.
The Press and The Post (Stuff) are collecting data on the cost of early childhood education in New Zealand. The data will be anonymised (unless you have opted-in to being contacted for a potential interview, via the last question).
If you have children in early childhood education, please help … View moreThe Press and The Post (Stuff) are collecting data on the cost of early childhood education in New Zealand. The data will be anonymised (unless you have opted-in to being contacted for a potential interview, via the last question).
If you have children in early childhood education, please help us out by completing a brief survey. Click here to find the survey. The results will be reported on thepress.co.nz and thepost.co.nz at a later date.
Attention NZ Streamers! As inflation takes its toll, major streaming services in NZ are increasing their prices.
Sitting back and watching your favourite movies will likely cost more money. So check them out! But don't worry, we've got tips to help you save without missing out on your… View moreAttention NZ Streamers! As inflation takes its toll, major streaming services in NZ are increasing their prices.
Sitting back and watching your favourite movies will likely cost more money. So check them out! But don't worry, we've got tips to help you save without missing out on your favourite shows! Stay tuned!
Canadian clinical neuroscientist and researcher Professor Vladimir Hachinski has been announced the winner of the 2024 Ryman Prize - an annual $250,000 grant for the world’s best discovery, development, advancement or achievement that enhances the quality of life for older people.
The prize … View moreCanadian clinical neuroscientist and researcher Professor Vladimir Hachinski has been announced the winner of the 2024 Ryman Prize - an annual $250,000 grant for the world’s best discovery, development, advancement or achievement that enhances the quality of life for older people.
The prize was presented by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at a ceremony at Logan Campbell Village in Auckland today, celebrating the major contribution Professor Hachinski has made to the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and the links between ‘the terrible three’ - stroke, dementia and coronary heart disease.
Click read more for the full article.
Why adopt from SPCA? Because all our animals come desexed, microchipped, vaccinated, health checked, and prepared for their life as a pet by our staff and foster families.
With expert advice, 3 months free pet insurance, and Purina discount vouchers included, our adoptions are not only … View moreWhy adopt from SPCA? Because all our animals come desexed, microchipped, vaccinated, health checked, and prepared for their life as a pet by our staff and foster families.
With expert advice, 3 months free pet insurance, and Purina discount vouchers included, our adoptions are not only affordable but also provide everything your new friend needs to thrive. And between 13-28 April only, our adoption fees are 25% off!
Visit one of our Centres on our National Adoption Open Day on Saturday, 13 April, or apply online to arrange a private meet-and-greet. Help us Clear the Shelters these school holidays!
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