Canterbury Spring Rural Comment
Spring rolls along, summer is now in sight, and the election has happened. Despite any changes resulting from the election, on the land it’s business as usual, with the full range of various spring activities in full swing.
Dairy – continuing to hold steady and with some prospect of gain. The political “hot potato” of dairy expansion and water continues to be aired in many cases by biased and ill-informed opponents.
Sheep - The outlook for Lamb is being talked up at the moment. What the long-term outlook is, with the Brexit & the Korean issues, becomes anyone’s guess. These issues could effect the whole economy, and more.
Beef – The market has dipped below the 5 year average for US Bull beef. The live market still appears strong, although the margin for growers who paid high prices for calves in the Autumn may be slim.
Deer - Venison is looking good with prices up on last year, at an all time high. With deer numbers at an all time low, those that have “hung in” and persevered are receiving the benefits.
Wool - is very much a mixed bag. Merino is again on a bit of a roll. Probably not to the levels we have sometimes seen in the past, but hopefully they are at sustainable prices and will stay that way, How crossbred farmers can have long term confidence in wool is doubtful. Stronger wools are having major problems, poorly prepared wools being almost impossible to sell. Mid micron wools are strong and the contracts available seem to be underpinning the market here.
Wine Industry – continues to show steady growth in exports - $1.629 billion to March 2017 - with strong demand for land in Marlborough continuing. Sales of land elsewhere in NZ also happening and new entrants to the market also active. Expansion still occurring in terms of increasing vineyard area.
Kiwifruit – in a strong position with interest and demand steady. Growth in exports continues with sales of $1.67 billion to June 2016.
Manuka Honey – some ripples in the industry and the manuka Definition/testing arguments are not helping. Growth in the industry continues with both numbers of beekeepers and bee hives increasing. After the poor honey flow last year, apiarists are hoping for a decent crop this year.
Timber - is holding the strength it has gained over recent months. Long may it last. At a recent Forestry Real estate seminar recently attended there are predictions of a shortfall in 25 years so planting now is predicted by the experts to be a good investment. Harcourts has formed some strong relationships in the forestry industry and is growing the strength of marketing of this sector of the Real Estate market.
Andy Nurse (021 437 143) Bill Dowle (029 358 3175)
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Harcourts Twiss-Keir Realty Ltd Licensed Agent REAA 2008
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Heritage gem or dangerous burden? Bowling club’s dilemma with historic pavilion
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
A Rangiora sports club is frustrated with the increasing maintenance and insurance costs of its 113-year-old pavilion, which can't be demolished due to its historic importance.
The Rangiora Bowling Club approached the Waimakariri District Council last year for help, but was yet to find a satisfactory solution for the pavilion.
It is registered with Heritage New Zealand and listed in the Waimakariri District Plan, leaving the club with few options.
The club’s ex-president Norman Hewett said the pavilion on Good St, north of the town centre, is unsafe and no longer fit for purpose.
Hewett said the council has been supportive and Heritage New Zealand has offered advice, but no funding.
‘‘Everybody thinks the building is worth preserving, but there is a cost and it shouldn’t be put on the bowling club.
‘‘As far as we are concerned it is not fit for purpose and we want to know how we can get round that.
‘‘We want to know what the community thinks and if they want to retain it, are they willing to pay for it?’’
The club has formed a sub-committee to explore what options are available.
Sub-committee member Rodger Wilton said the club has been unable to find any record that the club had a say when the building was given heritage status.
Built in 1911, the pavilion served the Rangiora Bowling, Tennis and Croquet Club, which originally shared the site.
It cost 945 pounds and was opened on October 28, 1911.
The three clubs purchased 1.25 acres on the corner of Blackett and Good streets in April 1905, but later parted company, with tennis and croquet moving to new sites.
While no quotes have been sought, Hewett believed it would cost more than $1 million to bring the pavilion up to code.
Ideally the club would like to demolish the pavilion so it can upgrade its main building and remain on site.
The stairwell was non-compliant and there was no wheelchair access, meaning the club was unable to use the upstairs facilities.
There are loose tiles on the roof which need replacing.
An attached building behind the pavilion is sufficient to meet the needs of the 140 members and for hosting the largest bowls tournament in North Canterbury, Hewett said.
He said the club is open to all options, including a land swap or selling to a developer with the expertise to restore the pavilion.
Waimakariri District Council community and recreation manager Chris Brown said the council is working through various opportunities with the bowling club as part of a feasibility study.
‘‘There are a lot of options to consider. Each have various financial, social and operational implications.’’
Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga said it had ‘‘expressed support for the adaptive reuse of the building and supported the club’s intention to investigate options for the pavilion and the associated land parcel’’.
The Rangiora Bowling Club is keen to hear the views of the community. Email rangiorabowling@gmail.com.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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85.5% Yes
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13.3% No
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1.1% Other - I'll share below
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