TimeZone or Starbucks for Ashburton? Teens call for more fun activities

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:

Teenagers of Ashburton say the town lacks fun activities and they'd welcome a TimeZone, Wendy's or Cotton On.

Members of the Ashburton Youth Council told the district council “phones down, hearing aids up” before sharing their thoughts on making the region more fun.

Carina Lupse said that there aren’t many places or events for young people - a statement backed up by Cherish Moti.

“We could welcome places like TimeZone or laser strike, or we could have more clothing shops like H&M, Cotton On, and Galssons, Moti said.

“We would also like to have food places like Starbucks, Carl's Jr. or Wendy's.

“It also would attract more people or save [us] a drive to Christchurch or Timaru.”

New attractions could encourage more visitors and boost the local economy, Lupse said.

She gave the example of Kaiapoi's water park, which attracts both visitors and locals.

Addison Judd suggested more events like Glow and the noodle market, with funding from the council.

Public transport was also needed for teens to access activities - something that is lacking in Ashburton, Summer Foster said.

“The MyWay bus in Timaru has been really successful and it would be good to see similar in Ashburton.”

E-scooters or bikes would also help, Foster said.

Ashburton mayor Neil Brown said the council requested Environment Canterbury to investigate public transport options for Ashburton in its upcoming long-term plan.

The annual operating cost of the MyWay on-demand service in Timaru is $2.7m, which is made up of $1.1m from rates, $1.3m from Waka Kotahi grants, and $0.25m from fare revenue.

When it comes to road safety, Sophia Aguila said lower speeds around schools “makes it safer for everyone” and there should be more pedestrian crossings.

The recent Walnut Ave intersection upgrade removed roundabouts and installed traffic lights to provide safer crossings for school children, “but I don’t always see the students using that”.

“It might be some education required to use what we have already got and then look at others into the future.”