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From local democracy reporter David Hill:
The Waimakariri council will seek Three Waters funding, while maintaining its opposition to the proposed reform.
Councillors voted unanimously at an extraordinary meeting on Tuesday to authorise a funding application to the Department of Internal … View moreFrom local democracy reporter David Hill:
The Waimakariri council will seek Three Waters funding, while maintaining its opposition to the proposed reform.
Councillors voted unanimously at an extraordinary meeting on Tuesday to authorise a funding application to the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) for $5.54 million of ‘‘Better Off’’ funding.
The application was approved with the insertion of clauses into the draft funding agreement designed to protect the council’s opposition to the government’s proposed reform programme.
The clauses were prepared by law firm Anderson and Lloyd and protect the council’s membership of lobby group Communities 4 Local Democracy.
Mayor Dan Gordon said the funding was a good opportunity for the council to complete some projects which it would otherwise not be able to do in the short term.
The original draft agreement from DIA contained clauses which appeared to prevent councils from opposing the reform agenda.
‘‘They are apparently standard wording in DIA agreements, so perhaps they haven’t been read closely enough in the past,’’ Gordon said.
‘‘But the clauses from Anderson and Lloyd have preserved our principles around Three Waters.’’
Waimakariri District Council strategy, engagement and economic development general manager Simon Hart said initial indications from DIA staff suggested the new clauses may not be acceptable to DIA.
‘‘We sought some advice and we were given several options, we could proceed as planned with the new clauses, or we could delete the offending DIA clauses, we could just go with the standard agreement or not proceed at all.’’
Hart said the recommendation was to proceed with the new clauses ‘‘and we can always revisit it, if it is rejected’’.
Should the application be successful, the council will place a focus on climate change projects.
Elderly persons’ housing, the Kaiapoi to Woodend cycle way, the Rangiora civic precinct project and a Kāinga Nohoanga Strategy project in Māori Reserve 873 were also included.
Councillor Philip Redmond said he was initially going to oppose the funding application, but changed his mind on the basis of the new clauses being inserted.
An assurance from opposition Three Waters spokesperson Simon Watts that National would not require the money to be repaid, should it win next year’s election, had also helped to sway his vote.
‘‘We are effectively receiving a deposit towards our assets and even if we were to turn this payment down we won’t necessarily lose it if there is no change of government.
‘‘But if we don’t accept it now and there is a change of government, the money probably wouldn’t be offered again.’’
The Waimakariri District Council is eligible for up to $22.18m of ‘‘Better Off’’ funding, including up to $5.54m in the first tranche.
The ‘‘Better Off’’ funding is for a five-year programme and projects would be subject to final approval from the council’s utilities and roading committee and will likely be considered as part of the council’s annual plan process.
Hi there,
I would just like to thank all the lovely people who have sent messages, shared my poster and donated. I only have $100 left to my goal!! Thank you so much 😊
For sale a lol doll plane, club house and pop up shop. Spent a small fortune on this brand new last Christmas but has not been played with more than a handful of times. $130 ono for the lot. The website will not allow me to add all the photos so if interested I can send you more.
This needs to go unfortunately - pick up in Rangiora - open to reasonable offers
Don't get caught out with extra luggage when you get to the airport - this fits into either carryon luggage or in the case. Pick up in Rangiora paid $30
Great condition - pick up in Rangiora - only ever been used for family visiting. Has some fading on the front cushions and arm rests. Could be open to reasonable offer
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.
Our national women’s rugby team took out the Rugby World Cup on Saturday in a tense finale at Eden Park. The Black Ferns won the match by just three points taking home their sixth world title.
With public celebrations taking place following the All Blacks (men's) Rugby World Cup wins … View moreOur national women’s rugby team took out the Rugby World Cup on Saturday in a tense finale at Eden Park. The Black Ferns won the match by just three points taking home their sixth world title.
With public celebrations taking place following the All Blacks (men's) Rugby World Cup wins (2011 & 2015) as well as parades for the America's cup team, do you think similar celebration plans are needed for our winning Black Ferns women?
Hey Neighbours!
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Use promo … View moreHey Neighbours!
Looking for the perfect Christmas gift? Between now and 31 December, purchase a 3-month subscription to Sunday Star-Times for a friend, loved one (or yourself), and you'll receive a gorgeous soy candle selection worth $49 from Linden Leaves absolutely free.
Use promo code 'Christmas' at the checkout to redeem this unmissable deal!
The team at Sunday Star-Times
Skate away! Turn an old skateboard into a handy clock with a little imagination and Resene paints.
Find out how to create your own.
From local democracy reporter David Hill:
An Employment Court ruling around teacher working hours could have major implications, North Canterbury schools say.
The New Zealand Post Primary Teachers’ Association successfully argued that a school is ‘‘not open for instruction’’ during … View moreFrom local democracy reporter David Hill:
An Employment Court ruling around teacher working hours could have major implications, North Canterbury schools say.
The New Zealand Post Primary Teachers’ Association successfully argued that a school is ‘‘not open for instruction’’ during weekends, public holidays, vacations and outside of 8.30am to 4.30pm on school days, in a recent Employment Court hearing in the North Island.
But principals said there needed to be flexibility in a teacher’s day to ensure work/life balance and being available for meeting with parents.
Rangiora High School board of trustees chairperson Simon Green was unaware of the ruling, but said it would be ‘‘disappointing’’ if it became binding.
The teaching day was structured from 9am to 3pm and then it was ‘‘flexible’’, Rangiora High School principal Bruce Kearney said.
To accommodate the Employment Court ruling, Kearney changed the start time for staff meetings from 8.20am to 8.30am, ‘‘but you can’t put rigidities around the end time’’.
Some teachers might choose to start earlier or to remain at school after 3pm, while others needed to go and pick up their children after school and took home marking to do later in the evening, he said.
Schools also relied on teachers being available to run cultural activities and coach sports teams outside of teaching hours.
‘‘Teachers are paid a salary and there is a flexibility built in, and it is about how we can best serve our students,’’ Kearney said.
Oxford Area School principal Mike Hart said the ruling was about fairness in recognising an eight hour working day as the accepted limit for teachers.
Collective agreements had a ‘‘call back’’ clause, which gave provision for attending evening meetings, such as those with parents, or for staff training during term breaks.
‘‘Employment law is the guiding document, but we have to remember there are 12 weeks in a calendar year where we don’t expect teachers to do an eight hour day,'' Hart said.
‘‘It is a choice, where teachers can work out what is best for their work/life balance.
‘‘Some may choose to work longer hours during term time and take a break, while others choose to work a consistent number of hours throughout the year.’’
Kaiapoi High School principal Jason Reid said many teachers worked long hours with burnout a major concern, particularly for new teachers.
He said his advice for new teachers was to ‘‘pace yourself’’ in the first two years.
‘‘The challenges of doing this job are incredibly complex and it will absorb as much time as you will throw into it.’’
■ Public interest journalism funded through New Zealand on Air.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency has essential maintenance work to do on the single lane Hurunui River Bridge, starting Sunday night, November 20.
Drivers who use SH1 between Picton and Christchurch may need to build some extra time into their journeys over up to 15 nights of closure, Waka Kotahi… View moreWaka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency has essential maintenance work to do on the single lane Hurunui River Bridge, starting Sunday night, November 20.
Drivers who use SH1 between Picton and Christchurch may need to build some extra time into their journeys over up to 15 nights of closure, Waka Kotahi says.
The work on the bridge’s deck and joints will close the bridge for up to 50 minutes at a time, 7pm to 6am. The schedule is Sunday to Thursday, weather dependent, from November 20 to Thursday night, December 8, with 10-minute openings at the top of each hour.
The bridge is between Greta Valley and Cheviot on SH1, North Canterbury and is the key route for freight and the inter-island ferries.
“People who are using the route overnight to make the Picton Ferry may need to factor in delays of up to 50 minutes in their schedules,” Waka Kotahi network manager Jessica McFarlane says.
Emergency vehicles will be accommodated at all times.
The Hurunui River Bridge is south of Cheviot on SH1, north of Greta Valley.
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