Waimakariri supporting cyclone recovery
By David Hill, local democracy reporter
The Waimakariri District Council is providing ongoing support following the cyclone in the North Island.
Mayor Dan Gordon says his council is continuing to provide support to the Wairoa District Council as part of Local Government New Zealand’s (LGNZ) Adopt-a-Community campaign.
Council staff and civil defence volunteers also spent time in Auckland and Hawkes Bay in the aftermath of the Cyclone Gabrielle and the flood events.
"We made a considerable contribution, recognising that we too were supported in our time of need after the Canterbury earthquakes.
"There will be ongoing support for Wairoa, including a donation."
In all, nine emergency operations staff spent a combined 128 days in Auckland and Hawke's Bay.
The council also sent three building inspectors and seven NZRT12 civil defence volunteers to Auckland after the cyclone and flood events.
"I acknowledge the contribution they made with time out from their families and the NZRT12 volunteers who did it in their own personal time," Gordon said.
Wairoa mayor Craig Little said his district has been overwhelmed with the generosity and support it has received in the aftermath of the cyclone.
He said the support received through the Adopt-a-Community campaign has been particularly "humbling".
Six mayors and councils have reached out to show their support for Wairoa, including Gordon.
The other mayors included Tory Whanau (Wellington), David Moore (Ōpōtiki), Phil Nixon (South Taranaki), Craig Rowley (Waimate) and Tania Gibson (Grey District).
"The Mayors have been driving these initiatives and encouraging donations to their adopted community’s Mayoral Relief Fund," Little said.
"It is so great that these councils have been there for us, they know how difficult our recovery is and the fact they are supporting us is really reassuring."
Little said more than $500,000 from the Wairoa Mayoral Relief Fund has been distributed to those in need.
The priority was to support people to get back into their homes and supporting community, businesses and farms to rebuild.
He said he could not thank the councils enough for their support and financial contributions.
"It is not until you go through a disaster like this that you appreciate the help you receive from other councils and organisations and realise how vital that support is."
Wairoa is a north Hawke's Bay town, between Napier and Gisborne.
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The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
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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.
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