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The disruption of the $15 million CBD revitalisation project is in the rear-view mirror but the project is not fully complete.
The overall project was completed in November except for the installation of the parking sensors.
Six months later they are still yet to even arrive in the country.
… View moreThe disruption of the $15 million CBD revitalisation project is in the rear-view mirror but the project is not fully complete.
The overall project was completed in November except for the installation of the parking sensors.
Six months later they are still yet to even arrive in the country.
“International supply-chain issues have meant they are yet to be delivered,” infrastructure services group manager Neil McCann said.
“We checked with our supplier two weeks ago, and they indicated that they approximately three months from arriving in New Zealand.”
The in-ground parking sensors will electronically log when a vehicle parks in a space, then send an alert to a parking warden if the vehicle has overstayed the free time allowed.
The eventual installation of the sensors is expected to cause minimal disruption.
To install the 215-odd sensors, a hole the same size as the sensor is drilled into the road surface in which the sensor is placed, requiring no remediation of the road surface.
Aside from the sensors, and the snag list of minor repairs and outstanding items is being worked through, it has been delivered on time and on budget.
The total expenditure on the project to date is $17,494,993 and with about $97,000 outstanding for the parking sensors it will still come under the approved budget for the project of $17,639,620.
COST BREAKDOWN
Open Spaces $2,581,004
Parking $43,105
Roading:
- Drainage $416,827
- Footpaths $2,898,431
- Kerb and Channel $354,452
- Lighting $1,289,411
- Rain Gardens $1,059,842
- Rehabilitation $3,433,639
- Raised Intersections $441,955
- Roadmarking $108,676
- Street Furniture $102,585
- Signage $256,153
- Traffic Islands $50,821
- Traffic Signals $677,039
Sewer $846,857
Solid Waste $96,828
Stormwater $1,568,586
Water $1,147,972
Services $120,812
TOTAL: $17,494,993
From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
“We need to do something and it may save someone’s life.”
Ashburton mayor Neil Brown is calling for action around what he deems a serious accident waiting to happen at the Walnut Ave upgrades project.
The intersections of Walnut Ave and State … View moreFrom local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
“We need to do something and it may save someone’s life.”
Ashburton mayor Neil Brown is calling for action around what he deems a serious accident waiting to happen at the Walnut Ave upgrades project.
The intersections of Walnut Ave and State Highway 1, and Walnut Ave and East St have been upgraded, but the traffic lights won’t be switched on until the end of the year once they are linked up to an upgraded rail crossing between the two intersections - which KiwiRail is still designing.
In the interim, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency has left the all-but completed intersections coned off into roundabouts until KiwiRail completes the rail crossing works.
Brown said he already had concerns before coming across another crash at the site last Wednesday morning.
Brown has suggested temporarily closing the rail crossing as one potential option.
“We could sit here and we can watch it and wait for a more dangerous accident to happen or we can do something.
“Waiting for the end of the year doesn’t seem to be the right thing to do with that intersection.”
He said Kiwirail “seem to have let us down” - or the delivery of its section had been miscalculated.
“The timing just doesn’t seem to be right. We need to do something and it may save someone’s life.”
Waka Kotahi principal project manager transport services Colin McKay said contractors were reviewing safety of the whole work site and had identified a few changes that would help contribute to the safe running of the roundabout.
He said the staging of the project and the KiwiRail work always had completion of the major works by the end of the year.
Waka Kotahi’s intersection works were completed in April but KiwiRail was not ready to start on its section, however South Island general manager operations, Mark Heissenbuttel said the project was running to schedule.
“The level crossing design is progressing well and we will begin physical work later this year.
“We expect the crossing work will be completed and operational in December, and we are working hard to meet this goal.
“We appreciate people’s frustration but ask them to bear with us.”
The level crossing improvements were complex to design, he said, as it included “integrating modern traffic lights, warning bells and the like with much older rail signals in the area and resolving the signals implications of removing the third rail line at the crossing – which takes time".
“It is because of this, and some general supply chain delays with some components, due to Covid, that we could not start physical works earlier," Heissenbuttel said.
Brown has contacted Waka Kotahi and Kiwirail and invited them to appear at a council meeting to discuss the project.
From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Plans to drill for a potential new Methven water supply have hit an impasse.
An exploratory drill site for a potential new water supply had been found but the landowner has pulled the pin.
Council assets manager Andrew Guthrie said the landowner … View moreFrom local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Plans to drill for a potential new Methven water supply have hit an impasse.
An exploratory drill site for a potential new water supply had been found but the landowner has pulled the pin.
Council assets manager Andrew Guthrie said the landowner indicated this week they wish to walk away from the arrangement.
He said the advice the landowner received raised concerns around the impact of regulations for a potential water source, being too restrictive on the property's farming operations and a possible impact on neighbouring land as well.
“They didn’t feel like they were comfortable proceeding with that arrangement.
“At the moment we don’t have an alternative site,” Guthrie said.
Councillor Angus McKay said the regulators have put in setbacks distances that do not take into account the depth the water is sourced and any consideration to natural process of cleaning water.
“To me this is a national disgrace that we are asked by regulators and regional council plans to have setback around drinking water standards, yet when we do our best to find the best cleanest water, we are stymied because of their plans.”
Chief executive Hamish Riach said it was an opportunity to express concerns at the regulations “but I put our chances of amending those regulations at zero”.
“We can make our point but in terms of improving the water supply in Methven we will have to go to the alternate proposal which we are working on in parallel to the bore because we won’t, in my opinion, have any luck in getting the regulation changed."
The exploratory bore project was running in parallel with the membrane treatment plant upgrade project to improve Methven’s water supply.
“Being unable to progress the exploratory bore has no impact, either in scope or cost, on the membrane project,” infrastructure services group manager Neil McCann said.
“The membrane project is a comprehensive standalone solution, so a plan B is not required.”
The bore site was chosen by Aquifer Locations Limited, McCann said, at a site where it was believed there was suitable groundwater but also in consideration of council’s desire for it to be close to the existing Methven treatment plant.
“The exploratory bore drilling was to be funded by Aquifer Locations Limited. Council would only incur cost if the bore was successful,” McCann said.
Meanwhile, the $9.4 million upgrade of Methven’s water supply is progressing through the first stage.
The upgrade includes two new reservoirs and a membrane treatment plant.
Concrete foundations for the two large reservoirs have been laid and the steel panels are expected to arrive this month to then be assembled.
Underground pipes linking the new reservoirs to the existing plant and a new future membrane treatment plant to be built nearby are currently being laid.
After the new reservoirs with a combined capacity of 1128 cubic metres are completed, the old concrete reservoir will be drained to allow a comprehensive structural inspection to determine its future viability.
A contract for the supply of the new membrane treatment equipment has been awarded and consultants are finalising designs for how the plant will look.
Construction of the membrane plant is planned to start later this year and could take nine months.
The new range of Line7 performance workwear has been designed, developed and tested by you – New Zealand farmers. We asked, listened, and collaborated directly with farmers in the making of this gear. We tested and re-tested in on-farm environments. We re-engineered what farming workwear can be … View moreThe new range of Line7 performance workwear has been designed, developed and tested by you – New Zealand farmers. We asked, listened, and collaborated directly with farmers in the making of this gear. We tested and re-tested in on-farm environments. We re-engineered what farming workwear can be with your needs front of mind.
We brought our decades of experience creating world-class performance gear. Add to that a legacy of Kiwi innovation, a challenger spirit and a practical attitude that’s been part of Line 7 since we started back in 1963.
Every detail has been reviewed and refined – without overlooking the obvious. Breathable, flexible, functional and comfortable, while still being supremely durable and waterproof. Made to fit farmers of all shapes and sizes, with a dedicated range for women. Built to last, and last a bit longer still, with an included repair kit that means you can fix it up quickly yourself.
Now take it out there, try it on and put it to the test. Wear it out and wear it again. We’re pretty damn confident you won’t be disappointed
Good morning all. I am investigating the need for a second hand school uniform "shop". I understand uniforms are very pricy and am putting my feelers out to see what the response in regards to this will be. I dont know if this is already available in our area so please comment below if… View moreGood morning all. I am investigating the need for a second hand school uniform "shop". I understand uniforms are very pricy and am putting my feelers out to see what the response in regards to this will be. I dont know if this is already available in our area so please comment below if you feel this will be a viable shop and do you think this will be taken advantage of? This "shop" will include uniforms from all schools in our area. (hopefully). Any comments will be welcome. You will be welcome do donate items once your child is finished with them, these will be paid forward to those in need. In this regard, do any of you moms / dads /careres have uniforms laying around wanting to or willing to donate or offer at a small price (to start this venture off). Please PM me in regards to this. Once I am off the floor (so to speak), I will perhaps open a f/b page and also create flyers and hopefully the schools will be able to distribute to you all.
Sunday 19th June - 9am - 1pm
Gold Coin Entry
Our Garage Sale is finally here!
Bouncy Castle, sausage sizzle, baking, bacon butties
Kitchenware, electrical, sports, books, clothing, antiques, furniture, babyware, tools & more!
We are taking bookings for our next LIFE DRAWING course this May-June 2022. Begins Thursday 19 May for five consecutive weeks.
Oxford Gallery will host our popular Life Drawing sessions again this May and June. Spaces are limited so early booking is advised!
Life Drawing is the practice of … View moreWe are taking bookings for our next LIFE DRAWING course this May-June 2022. Begins Thursday 19 May for five consecutive weeks.
Oxford Gallery will host our popular Life Drawing sessions again this May and June. Spaces are limited so early booking is advised!
Life Drawing is the practice of drawing the human figure from a live model and teaches observation and drawing skills. This course is open to beginners and experienced artists. You don’t have to know ‘how to draw’ to draw the human figure. You will not be judged on your drawing here; even the most experienced artists are learning, so if you feel like challenging yourself creatively and learning a new skill, you are welcome!
Artist and tutor Casey will suggest exercises to try or you can be self-directed.
✅ Drawing boards, easels, newsprint and sugar paper provided.
✅ Bring your own drawing materials (for beginners we recommend a soft pencil – 2B or softer – or charcoal). Experienced artists may bring their preferred materials.
✅ Tea and coffee provided
✅ Thursdays 7-9pm (please arrive at 6.45 for prompt 7pm start)
📆 19, 26 May and 2,9,16 June
🎫 Ticket options:
$120 for a block of 5 sessions
OR
Buy individual sessions at $30 per session.
Buy Tickets: www.eventfinda.co.nz...
Ticketing will close when the course is fully booked.
Create your own triple compost bin and stain in Resene Waterborne Woodsman. Use the handy compartments for fresh scraps, decomposing material and usable compost.
Find out how to create your own.
While farming has changed significantly through the generations, LIC has had the privilege of journeying alongside farmers, their families and their businesses and have made constant improvements to deliver superior genetics and technology in response.
Visit our website to find out more about … View moreWhile farming has changed significantly through the generations, LIC has had the privilege of journeying alongside farmers, their families and their businesses and have made constant improvements to deliver superior genetics and technology in response.
Visit our website to find out more about how these advances are getting the next generation interested in dairy farming.
NZ Compare is the home of easy and free to use comparison sites. We’re passionate about helping Kiwis compare what’s out there, so we wanted to introduce you to a new member of our brand family – PriceMe!
PriceMe is NZ's largest comparison-shopping site, sounds fun right?! Whether … View moreNZ Compare is the home of easy and free to use comparison sites. We’re passionate about helping Kiwis compare what’s out there, so we wanted to introduce you to a new member of our brand family – PriceMe!
PriceMe is NZ's largest comparison-shopping site, sounds fun right?! Whether you're buying electronics, appliances, smartphones or watches, hair straighteners or any other everyday household or office product – find the best prices on PriceMe.
Make it your first stop, not an afterthought Neighbours!
Plus, you don’t need to leave the house! Shopping made simple, just how we like it.
Hi Neighbours! The NZMCA Motorhome, Caravan & Leisure Show is back at Christchurch Arena later this month, with everything you need for when you travel around our gorgeous country … to make it the best trip yet!
Over 2 days, you’ll find your favourite brands of motorhome & caravans, … View moreHi Neighbours! The NZMCA Motorhome, Caravan & Leisure Show is back at Christchurch Arena later this month, with everything you need for when you travel around our gorgeous country … to make it the best trip yet!
Over 2 days, you’ll find your favourite brands of motorhome & caravans, new products, innovative accessories and some unbeatable deals. Everything from fiberglass trailers to portable washing machines, inflatable boats to electric bikes to LED TVs!
Tickets are $15 online, or get them at the door. Come and see our friendly exhibitors over show weekend, they can’t wait to meet you!
Saturday 21 st May 9am – 5pm
Sunday 22 nd May 9am – 4pm
From reporter Steven Walton:
What will Greater Christchurch look like when one million people live here? Where will the big roads be, where will all the housing be built?
These are the questions that fall to a committee of Canterbury mayors, Ngāi Tahu, and transport authorities. Now it is set to … View moreFrom reporter Steven Walton:
What will Greater Christchurch look like when one million people live here? Where will the big roads be, where will all the housing be built?
These are the questions that fall to a committee of Canterbury mayors, Ngāi Tahu, and transport authorities. Now it is set to be bolstered, with Housing Minister Megan Woods and Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta getting a seat at the table.
The Government is teaming up with local authorities to plan what Greater Christchurch, the area covering Waimakariri, Christchurch City, and Selwyn, will look like in 30 years time.
Called Whakawhanake Kāinga (Urban Growth Partnership) Committee, it will be tasked with determining how the region can grow sustainably – ensuring that as the population increases, carbon emissions and house prices head the other way.
The first meeting will be on May 13. Continue reading here.
Business is tough and finding the right broadband plan or provider can be just as rough, so let's make it a little easier.
We want you to focus on achieving your strategy, not going from site to site, call to call to get a good deal! So we've launched Business Compare - a simple, free … View moreBusiness is tough and finding the right broadband plan or provider can be just as rough, so let's make it a little easier.
We want you to focus on achieving your strategy, not going from site to site, call to call to get a good deal! So we've launched Business Compare - a simple, free to use website that will help you compare NZ broadband retailers that supply businesses just like yours!
NZ Compare is here to help Kiwi businesses find the right plan, the right provider, the right fit. Go visit Business Compare now!
Does your teen disengage at school?
At Vision College we offer our free 'Ultimate' programme, designed for 16-19 year olds who haven’t enjoyed school and are looking to gain skills and insight towards a pathway for their future.
Students gain valuable life and employment skills … View moreDoes your teen disengage at school?
At Vision College we offer our free 'Ultimate' programme, designed for 16-19 year olds who haven’t enjoyed school and are looking to gain skills and insight towards a pathway for their future.
Students gain valuable life and employment skills that prepare them for life outside of study, all while achieving the NZ Certificate in Foundation Skills Level 1 and 2, both NZQA qualifications, in just one year.
From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
A new fund is laying the foundations for better walking and cycling trails in the district.
The Ashburton District Council approved $9600 to projects from the new Trail Maintenance Fund.
The fund has a balance of $102,443 to be used over the next 10 … View moreFrom local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
A new fund is laying the foundations for better walking and cycling trails in the district.
The Ashburton District Council approved $9600 to projects from the new Trail Maintenance Fund.
The fund has a balance of $102,443 to be used over the next 10 years to repair and maintain walking and biking trails
The Methven Lions Club received $3000 towards lime chip to reseal the Methven Walkaway.
The Lions has a three stage development of the walkway over a three year period and the council recently issued the club with a licence to occupy for all council-owned land within the walkway.
Mountain Bike Ashburton also received $3000 towards its annual maintenance
The Mt Somers Walkway Society receives $2500 for resurfacing and levelling of a 120-metre boardwalk on the Bus Stop track
The other successful applicant was the Ashburton Lions Club, receiving $1100 to fill holes and grade the river track between Milton Rd and Cochranes Rd.
Two groups were unsuccessful in their applications.
Ashburton Motorcycle Park because it was not a walking or biking trail and Bike Methven as it was looking to purchase capital items in the form of a motorbike and spray unit.
To be eligible a project must be a volunteer-led, existing public-accessible trail.
Applications for the fund open in March each year.
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