North Canterbury soldier awarded for services 'exceeding expectations'
North Cantabrian Joseph van Arendonk played a key role as part of an international peacekeeping force in the Sinai Peninsula in 2017-18.
Staff Sergeant van Arendonk was presented with a Chief of Defence Force Commendation by Chief of Defence Force Air Marshal Kevin Short at a ceremony in Wellington.
His citation noted he had a complex role as operations instructor of the Multinational Force and Observers, which oversees the terms of the peace treaty between Egypt and Israel, and had “exceeded all expectations for his rank and trade”.
Congratulations Staff Sergeant van Arendonk.
When less is more
Turn old school chairs into a stylishly understated set with this simple DIY project and Resene finishes.
Find out more how to refresh your furniture with this handy advice.
‘Healthy’ response to Waimakariri’s Long Term Plan
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Waimakariri residents have had their say on the long-term plan (LTP) and given councillors plenty to consider.
A council spokesperson said ‘‘a healthy’’ 336 submissions have been received to the 2024-34 LTP, making 1670 submission points.
The council is due to hold hearings on the submissions on May 8, from 9.30am, in the Ruataniwha Kaiapoi Civic Centre and then in the Oxford Town Hall from 3pm.
A second day of hearings will be held in the council chambers in Rangiora the following day from 1pm.
The council has signalled a rates hike of 8.94% this year, which is thought to be the lowest proposed rates rise in Canterbury.
Mayor Dan Gordon said the council was feeling the effects of the cost of living crisis, while continuing to pay off its earthquake recovery and Mainpower Stadium loans.
The district’s population is projected to grow from about 70,000 to 82,075 by 2034, based on Stats NZ’s high growth scenario.
To support that growth, the council is proposing to spend around $693 million over the next 10 years.
Managing the natural environment, flood resilience, community facilities and transport infrastructure were being consulted on.
Key projects include the proposed Rangiora eastern link road, a draft natural environment strategy, the Rangiora Library extension and expansion plans for Mainpower Oval.
Once the hearings have concluded, the council will resume its LLT deliberations on May 21 and 22, before the final adoption in June.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Poll: Would you want an unconventional funeral?
Funerals can cost as much as $22,000 and the planning can be stressful especially at a time when loved ones are grieving. Some New Zealanders are re-imagining funerals by making their own coffin or having a relaxed ceremony at home. Would you want a less traditional funeral? Share your thoughts below.
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.
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83.5% Yes
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14.2% No
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2.3% Other - I'll share below!
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