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By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
A late funding request from an online safety educator has sparked division among Ashburton's councillors.
The request caused controversy as concerns were raised about maintaining a fair process and setting a precedent for late applications.
… View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
A late funding request from an online safety educator has sparked division among Ashburton's councillors.
The request caused controversy as concerns were raised about maintaining a fair process and setting a precedent for late applications.
Digital Waitaha, a charitable trust that provides digital safety education, asked for $18,000 to put towards the $36,400 cost of a part-time coordinator dedicated to Ashburton because of the high demand for the programmes across Canterbury.
The staff recommendation was to grant $14,900, the remaining balance of the discretionary grant fund.
After some debate between the councillors the grant ended up being $10,000 on a 5-4 vote on Wednesday.
The request had been received after the usual funding allocation process, with the council distributing $308,000 to 87 community groups and sports at the end of June, including $77,750 to 17 community agencies.
The application was accepted as discretionary funding was still available.
During the deliberation, councillor Carolyn Cameron said the recommended amount was “the highest one of all the grants we have given out” because it benefited from being late and suggested $5000 – a motion that failed to pass.
Councillor Richard Wilson said he had nothing against the applicant and the work they are doing, but the process needed to be robust.
Funding was oversubscribed, with community agency requests totalling $241,000, and the council approved $77,750, Wilson said.
“We need to have a process where they all apply at the same time so we get a balanced view of each one.”
Councillor Tony Todd said most other agencies had received around $5000 and felt “if we processed this application at the same time it probably would have been in a similar ballpark”.
Councillor Lynette Lovett was concerned that approving the request could set a precedent and like many other groups, they will come back every year expecting a similar level of funding.
“We can’t keep funding group after group after group.
“There is good in these initiatives but we are not a money tree”.
Democracy and engagement group manager Toni Durham said that any grant funding is at the discretion of councillors and is used to support “good groups in our community to do work that otherwise, the community might turn to us to do as a council and we simply don’t have the resource to do that”.
Deputy mayor Liz McMillan said Digital Waitaha do a lot of good work with youth around digital safety but also with older people “who are getting scammed out of thousands”.
She supported the $10,000 grant, a motion that passed with a 5-4 margin.
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Farmer David Douglas says he is fed up with too many layers of governance.
He is leading a group campaigning for the southern councils, from Waitaki to Selwyn, to break away from regional council Environment Canterbury and amalgamate into some form … View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Farmer David Douglas says he is fed up with too many layers of governance.
He is leading a group campaigning for the southern councils, from Waitaki to Selwyn, to break away from regional council Environment Canterbury and amalgamate into some form of unitary council.
"We have lost control," he said.
"These areas we are talking about have so much in common and we think it would work well with the proper governance.”
Douglas’ Dome Hills farm in the Kakanui Mountains is split by the Otago and Canterbury regional council boundary. As part of the Waitaki District Council, he answers to three different authorities on the same property.
Douglas is visiting all the councils from Waitaki up to Selwyn to pitch the idea of a new breakaway organisation, which would be a combination of a territorial and regional council, fronting the Ashburton District Council last week.
Joining Douglas was Andrew Simpson (both pictured), a high country farmer at Balmoral Station and a property developer in the Mackenzie District.
He said three layers of Government control - local, regional and central - was one too many.
"We need to get rid of that extra tier of governance that is complicating good decision-making.”
Douglas and Simpson say amalgamation would push back against the growing urban influence on rural-based issues, consent costs and processes.
The pair also said regional councils were too political and overstaffed.
Ashburton mayor Neil Brown asked if they thought it was best for the six councils to become "one super council” or to create a South Canterbury regional council to cover those areas.
Despite using the term unitary council, there are several models to consider, and the councils needed to workshop what that could look like, Douglas said.
Whatever form it takes, the biggest question was how the representation would work, Douglas said.
"The mayors are telling me the present model is unsustainable.’’
He said there was a unique opportunity for the districts to come together "to control our destiny in our region”.
The sales pitch intrigued Ashburton’s council, but the members didn't indicate whether it supported the idea.
Brown said he would raise it at the next Canterbury Mayoral forum later this month by which time Douglas would have completed visits to all six councils.
The presentation in Ashburton came hot on the heels of Environment Canterbury’s Mid Canterbury councillor, Ian Mackenzie, suggesting the proposed shake-up of the representative borders could be the catalyst for such a breakaway.
An Environment Canterbury spokesman said the regional council is aware of the discussions, “but it would be a matter for Central Government to decide”.
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
The Methven Community Board has successfully argued to remain at five elected members.
Board members Alan Lock, Megan Fitzgerald, and Robin Jenkinson faced the Ashburton District Council at a representation review hearing on Wednesday to challenge … View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
The Methven Community Board has successfully argued to remain at five elected members.
Board members Alan Lock, Megan Fitzgerald, and Robin Jenkinson faced the Ashburton District Council at a representation review hearing on Wednesday to challenge the council’s proposal to reduce the board by one member from five to four.
“The towns growing and we need to make sure we represent that, and future-proof it for the next six years,” Fitzgerald said.
“Five members bring very differing skills and experiences through the board, and more touch points into the community.”
Having an odd number at the table, even including the two councillors that sit on the board, provides a balance and reduces the need for a chairperson to use a casting vote, Jenkinson said.
Mayor Neil Brown said submissions had made a good case to retain the status quo and the councillors decided to retain the five elected board members.
There had been a submission calling for a reduction of Ashburton Ward councillors from five to four but it was discounted as it doesn’t the population-member ratio legislative requirements.
That means the only changes in the representation review are that the community board area will be redrawn to cater for the town’s growth and the Ashburton boundary will be extended to cater for urban expansion around the Trevors Rd area.
The final proposal will come to the council on September 4 to be adopted for public notification until October 12.
If any appeals or objections are received, the proposal will go to the Local Government Commission to make a final determination.
It might not be making quite so many headlines these days, but unfortunately, Covid is still here. If you’re 65 or over, taking care of yourself is just as important as ever.
The good news is, the Covid vaccine can help protect you from serious illness. It’s free, and recommended for you and… View moreIt might not be making quite so many headlines these days, but unfortunately, Covid is still here. If you’re 65 or over, taking care of yourself is just as important as ever.
The good news is, the Covid vaccine can help protect you from serious illness. It’s free, and recommended for you and many others as long as you haven’t had the vaccine, or Covid, in the last 6 months.
To book your vaccination, go to BookMyVaccine.nz or talk to your healthcare provider.
Until August 25 all eggs will be on sale at $8 a dozen (thats less than chicken eggs in the supermarket!)
Duck eggs are tastier, have more nutrition and can be eaten by most people who are intolerant of chicken eggs.
Pickup ChCh or delivery to Rangiora and Kaiapoi by arrangement (Min order 2… View moreUntil August 25 all eggs will be on sale at $8 a dozen (thats less than chicken eggs in the supermarket!)
Duck eggs are tastier, have more nutrition and can be eaten by most people who are intolerant of chicken eggs.
Pickup ChCh or delivery to Rangiora and Kaiapoi by arrangement (Min order 2 dozen for free delivery at this price).
Pickup in ChCh on Tuesday mornings at 10:40am in Walthum.
***While stock lasts
Usual price is $1 an egg ($12 a dozen).
Sale lasts till 25 August only and numbers are limited.
PLEASE BRING UNUSED EGG CARTONS WITH YOU OR LEAVE OUT.
ALL PROCEEDS SUPPORT THE $400+ A WEEK RUNNING COSTS OF THE NORTH CANTERBURY DUCK RESCUE
www.facebook.com...
Pet Ducks also available for rehoming *Adoption Agreement and approval applies*
Ph, SMS or WhatsApp 020 406 41485
For only $15 a ticket, you could win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home located in the picturesque Cooks Beach, Coromandel.
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Make this property your permanent residence, a holiday home, a rental, or simply sell it!
Get your tickets today at heartlottery.org.nz
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Geoff Horrell has a long affinity with the much-loved Ashburton Lakes - he even caught his first rainbow trout at Lake Camp in 1957.
Now Horrell is joining the growing community chorus calling for action to reverse Lake Camp’s declining water … View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Geoff Horrell has a long affinity with the much-loved Ashburton Lakes - he even caught his first rainbow trout at Lake Camp in 1957.
Now Horrell is joining the growing community chorus calling for action to reverse Lake Camp’s declining water levels.
"I haven’t seen it that low,'' Horrell said. "Something has to be done.”
Horrell's been raising concerns about the water levels associated with the Balmacaan Stream diversion with authorities since early 2022, after its resource consent ended in November 2020.
The consent allowed Fish and Game to divert water from Balmacaan Stream to top up Lake Camp but since November 2022. However, with no consent in place, concerns have been raised about the lake's water levels. Detractors say local authorities are simply caught up in bureaucratic red tape.
There are costs involved in applying for a new consent - perhaps a five-figure sum - and no guarantee it would be approved.
Although local authorities say Lake Camp is prone to natural fluctuations, and has been relatively stable in terms of ecological health since 2007.
Horrell, 85, recently trekked 2km up the hill to investigate the state of the historic Balmacaan Stream diversion.
The stream now sits " at least 2 metres lower” than the original concrete intake that remains intact, he said.
"Some people have obviously been up there trying to move a few big stones around to dam it but that’s not going to cut it.
"Even if it did, one good rain would wash it out.”
Flooding in 2021 scoured the stream, meaning and "it will take a lot more than a few stones and probably a lot of red tape to fix it”.
Horrell has suggested another cheap solution could be piping the water to the natural tarn, a lake on the hill.
A one-week trial of re-establishing a diversion would also be enough to prove its benefit for Lake Camp, he said.
Horrell’s sentiments are echoed by Duncan Humm, a Mt Somers deer farmer, who also hiked up to take a look at the diversion.
The management of Lake Camp mirrors the historical management of Greenstreet Creek where people have been augmenting water to successfully manage and protect biodiversity, along with amenity values of Lake Camp he said.
While he admits he isn’t fully versed on the details of the former Balmacaan Stream diversion resource consent, he still believes it should be easy for Environment Canterbury and the Department of Conservation to allow ongoing management based on the historical success.
"I have to wonder if consent should even be required as the water fundamentally doesn’t leave the catchment, or even leave the shingle fan where Lake Camp is at the base of.
When he walked up the path, he saw obvious areas that benefit from water moving to Lake Camp.
"I think of these areas as like a battery that holds onto water that benefits the ecosystem which is of benefit in dry years.”
There must be a pragmatic and timely solution, Humm said.
"I estimate it wouldn’t be a huge amount of work for a bulldozer or excavator to push some shingle around on the Balmacaan fan to allow water to reach the intake.”
Environment Canterbury says creating a diversion from Balmacaan Stream to Lake Camp would require resource consent and that someone would need to hold that consent.
Surface Water science manager Elaine Moriarty said because previous consents were surrendered in November 2020, there were none that could be taken over.
Any new application would need to be considered against the regulatory framework, including water regulations, plus consider the impacts of the proposed activity on the environment.
DOC’s Geraldine operations manager, Tony Preston, said most of the section of Balmacaan Stream nearest Lake Camp, and the concrete structure formerly used as an intake for the diversion, sat on Department of Conservation-managed public conservation land.
Most of the channel previously used to carry the diverted water to Lake Camp was on private land and not administered by DOC.
"Diverting the water without a permission from DOC would be a breach of the Conservation Act, which prohibits the interference or damage of any historic or natural feature in any conservation area.”
Modifying the stream without resource consent may also be unlawful under the Resource Management Act.
"If we were to find diversion work that had been done without a permission, we would seek to return the stream to its natural state, in discussion with ECan,” Preston said.
ECan's Moriarty said Lake Camp has been relatively stable in terms of ecological health since 2007.
"Because of Lake Camp’s depth, it is more resilient to natural fluctuations in water levels.”
She said historical aerial photography and satellite imagery showed the level of the lake has varied significantly in the past, while the diversion was in place.
"Images from 2006 highlight a low water level in the lake, similar to the current level.”
Preston reiterated that the water levels at Lake Camp were primarily a recreational issue.
"We have no evidence the water level is worsening the health of the lake.”
Hi neighbours! Here are some product recalls from the past 2 weeks. Click on the title of these to bring up specific details of the recall.
Food:
Harvest Snaps brand Baked Pea Crisps
Raymons Mince Pies and Sausage Rolls
Kings Finest Small Batch Liqueur brand Advocaat
… View moreHi neighbours! Here are some product recalls from the past 2 weeks. Click on the title of these to bring up specific details of the recall.
Food:
Harvest Snaps brand Baked Pea Crisps
Raymons Mince Pies and Sausage Rolls
Kings Finest Small Batch Liqueur brand Advocaat
King brand Traditional Soup Mix Gluten Free Vegetable
Pavillion brand Beef and Gravy Pies
Henderson Dairy brand Farm Fresh Raw Milk (unpasteurised)
Products:
Serene S2068 Bathroom Heater.
Rylee and Cru Pyjama set
Avanti Bikes
Kale Airmove Fan
Ensure you check your household items to ensure you aren't consuming or using anything harmful.
Purchase an occupation right to an independent apartment or townhouse at a participating Ryman Village before 30 September 2024 and you won’t pay your fixed base weekly fee until 2026*.
That’s great financial certainty — you won't pay rates, water rates, building insurance, … View morePurchase an occupation right to an independent apartment or townhouse at a participating Ryman Village before 30 September 2024 and you won’t pay your fixed base weekly fee until 2026*.
That’s great financial certainty — you won't pay rates, water rates, building insurance, maintenance fees and more.
Click to read more about this limited time offer.
*Participating villages only, Ts & Cs and exclusions apply
Give an old cot a new lease of life in fresh Resene paint colours with this easy makeover project.
Look at these lovely faces around New Zealand who have introduced themselves on our Know Thy Neighbour page. We all love learning about the people around us and we want you to join in too!
So share a photo and a little bit about yourself so your neighbours can (virtually) meet you!
Is your garden producing more fruit and veg than you know what to do with? Or are you simply wanting to add more to your cooking? NZ Gardener has teamed up with Upstart Press this August with a great subscription offer to help you out!
Subscribe to NZ Gardener for 1 or 2 years and you’ll … View moreIs your garden producing more fruit and veg than you know what to do with? Or are you simply wanting to add more to your cooking? NZ Gardener has teamed up with Upstart Press this August with a great subscription offer to help you out!
Subscribe to NZ Gardener for 1 or 2 years and you’ll receive the Abundance plant-based recipe book by Anna Valentine. Abundance offers over 100 recipes that are filling, healthy and packed with flavour, plus enjoy your monthly dose of NZ Gardener magazine - the perfect combo. T&Cs apply.
The team at NZ Gardener
August 7 is Aged Care Employee Day. Today, we take the opportunity to honour our compassionate and dedicated carers. Introducing Helen Danielsen, who has worked in the Special Care Unit at Ernest Rutherford Village for 15 years.
When Senior Caregiver Helen Danielsen first joined the Ernest … View moreAugust 7 is Aged Care Employee Day. Today, we take the opportunity to honour our compassionate and dedicated carers. Introducing Helen Danielsen, who has worked in the Special Care Unit at Ernest Rutherford Village for 15 years.
When Senior Caregiver Helen Danielsen first joined the Ernest Rutherford Special Care team, it was working the night shift as it was the perfect job to manage while she raised her children as a single mum.
Click read more for the full story.
It may be fine now but in a few years trees can block out light or views for neighbours.
Do you think neighbours should ask before they go ahead and plant these?
An Ashburton councillor has hit out "road cone mania" in the town and is calling on the council to follow Auckland's lead on the issue.
Councillor Richard Wilson said he is a fan of Auckland mayor Wayne Brown's crusade to make health and safety realistic.
The Auckland … View moreAn Ashburton councillor has hit out "road cone mania" in the town and is calling on the council to follow Auckland's lead on the issue.
Councillor Richard Wilson said he is a fan of Auckland mayor Wayne Brown's crusade to make health and safety realistic.
The Auckland mayor commissioned an independent report into the temporary traffic management system in Auckland.
The Ernst & Young Global Limited report found existing rules and regulations incentivised contractors to cause maximum disruption to maximise profits.
The report showed that under the direction of Brown, Auckland Transport had reduced its temporary traffic management spend by $1.27 million since February.
Mid Canterbury farmer Ray Logan expressed frustration with the “over-the-top” use of road cones on Walnut Ave in Ashburton at the start of July.
He said the number of cones is completely unnecessary.
Councillor Carolyn Cameron shared her frustration with the Walnut Ave situation, where “there are lots of road cones, and I’m sure they are all about a metre apart”.
“Then we also have fences and more road cones on the fences. It is annoying.”
The council’s infrastructure and open spaces group manager, Neil McCann, said health and safety around roadworks included a risk analysis and looks at "the worst case scenario”, McCann said.
The Walnut Ave area is deemed high risk, he said
Cameron countered that, suggesting the wall of road cones was making it a higher risk because there is no parking and “college students are taking risks with their driving because it’s all road cones”.
“It’s possibly road cone mania gone bonkers.”
The work on Walnut Avenue to put in a new kerb and channel along the length of the Ashburton Domain was scheduled to be completed by now.
McCann said the winter weather was causing delays as the timing for the work was less than ideal.
“We had the money available and wanted to do it using subsidised money before the end of the last year, so we just had to get it going to utilise that money.
“It wasn’t the best time of year admittedly, and unfortunately we have been caught out with rain that has delayed the work.”
Ashburton mayor Neil Brown said tenders needed to go out earlier to avoid any repeats as the roading programme has traditionally viewed March as the most appropriate sealing time.
The tender for this year’s roading programme is already under way, McCann said.
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