Ashburton District newsletter
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It's likely that at some point in your life you've been a collector. Whether it's stamps, Countdown Bricks or bottle tops. Tell us what you collect these days and why!
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Type 'Not For Print' if you … View moreIt's likely that at some point in your life you've been a collector. Whether it's stamps, Countdown Bricks or bottle tops. Tell us what you collect these days and why!
Share some photos below too, we'd love to see your collection.
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.
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Stuff is on the hunt for the biggest potholes in New Zealand and the list is growing. Got a local pothole doing your head in? Share it on Stuff!
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Hop into Easter with our Gift Guide 2024! Whether you're spoiling the grandkids or surprising your closest pals, we've gathered delightful gifts to make this Easter memorable.
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Nominate someone in your hood, and your special neighbour could feature on Stuff and Neighbourly as an inspiration to us all. Plus, you’ll both receive a $25 Prezzy card.
Susan Williams from Frankleigh Park in New Plymouth has nominated Kathryn Shaw as a Nice Neighbour. She says:
… View moreNominate someone in your hood, and your special neighbour could feature on Stuff and Neighbourly as an inspiration to us all. Plus, you’ll both receive a $25 Prezzy card.
Susan Williams from Frankleigh Park in New Plymouth has nominated Kathryn Shaw as a Nice Neighbour. She says:
'Kathryn and her partner Chris spent all Waitangi day replacing and repairing our dividing fence, they did such an amazing job. Chris also brought me a load of firewood when I ran out in winter for which I was so grateful. If I ever need a hand with any heavy work or lifting, I know I only have to ask and they are there. There have been so many instances over the years where Kathryn's help has been given, too many to name. I wouldn't swap my neighbours for anyone else this is why I am still here after 20 years.'
Know a deserving local? Nominate them for a Nice Neighbour award here.
It is 160 years since the Ashburton Domain was established and it remains a central part to the town, with plans to keep it that way into the future. Local Democracy Reporter JONATHAN LEASK reports.
The Ashburton Domain is 160 years old this year and remains the premier open space, botanical, … View moreIt is 160 years since the Ashburton Domain was established and it remains a central part to the town, with plans to keep it that way into the future. Local Democracy Reporter JONATHAN LEASK reports.
The Ashburton Domain is 160 years old this year and remains the premier open space, botanical, and sports venue facility of the district.
The domain was planned when the Ashburton township was first laid out in 1864, with the land designated a domain reserve and was known as ‘The Grange’.
Early records describe the area as around 100 acres of ‘miserable wilderness’ that was a jungle of scrubby broom, spear grass, and tussock.
Ashburton mayor Neil Brown said it’s a pretty special place that has served the district since “our forefathers had the vision to set aside the land”.
It was seen as an integral part in developing the town and five generations later it retains pride of place in the centre of Ashburton, he said.
It has changed and adapted over the years but retained its status as a sacred place, he said.
“The community has been very protective of what goes on there.”
The 37 hectares of open space, lawns, gardens and recreational facilities, the domain has seen plenty of changes over the years.
PAST
After being included in the town plans in 1864, a Domain Board was eventually established in 1874 to administer the land.
Under the guidance of the board, water was brought from a local waterway into a water race which then traversed the domain, with two dams built to form a lake.
Early records indicate that a donation from the council in 1878 allowed a local cricket club to sow a cricket field in the southeast corner of the area, heralding the start of domain’s use for community sport and recreation.
In 1879 the Ashburton Hospital was built on land that had been part of the west end of the domain.
In 1889 the domain was vested in the Ashburton Borough Council.
Swimming baths were also opened in 1889 in a dammed area of the domain, which provided separate bathing opportunities for males and females.
The first swimming race was held two years later in 1891.
When winter conditions permitted, the baths were used as an ice skating rink.
Water sampled from the swimming pool in 1948 showed high bacteria levels and the pool was then closed at the end of the season, ending an era.
Over the years other sporting codes began using the domain.
Cricket and football shared a ground in the alternate seasons, tennis laid down an acre of courts, the cycling clubs maintained a clay track, outdoor bowls and croquet clubs set up, and hockey had a field in front of the hospital – with most of those in the same spot to this day.
The domain has been a venue for landmark community occasions, but one of the biggest was when Queen Elizabeth II visited it in 1953 as part of her New Zealand coronation visit.
In the 1950s, a sports hall was proposed to be built in the domain but public outcry opposed it due to the sanctity of the domain and it was built on Tancred St.
It was a situation repeated 60 years later when the stadium and aquatic centre were considered to be built in the domain, but the EA Networks Centre ended up being built in the riverside industrial area.
The existing paddling pool was built in 1978 as a Centennial Project for the Ashburton Rotary Club.
The domain celebrated its 150th birthday in 2014 and had a month of programmed activities which were held in the domain.
PRESENT
The Ashburton Domain has been a constant feature on the district landscape for 160 years but an ever-changing one.
The domain is undergoing a gradual redevelopment as part of a 30-year plan adopted by the council in 2020, and there has been plenty going on in the current 2023/24 year.
Infrastructure and open spaces group manager, Neil McCann said the pond edging has been replaced, a new bridge replaced the an old wooden one, the new flying fox has opened, new main gates have been installed, and two accessible basket swings have been added to the playground.
Renewal of the sports park irrigation and a lighting upgrade along the asphalt pathway from Walnut Ave to West and Wills streets have also been completed, McCann said.
A herb garden has been replanted based on a design from the 1980s that was unearthed by open spaces staff with a refresh of the nearby rose garden planned for next year.
Community organisations are working with the council on a draft concept plan for a new Bike Skills Park next to the existing pump track.
The domain remains home to multiple sporting codes with Mid Canterbury Cricket, the Waireka Croquet Club, Ashburton Bowls Club, Mid Canterbury Tennis Centre, the Mid Canterbury Hockey turf, athletics and football all utilising the site.
The cross-code usage is managed by a domain user group that meets twice a year, McCann said.
Croquet and bowls maintain their assets, cricket maintains the wicket blocks, and the council mows the outfields and domain oval in the athletics area, McCann said.
The third annual Glow in the Park light festival on King’s Birthday weekend is to be held in the Ashburton Domain for the first time and is seen as an ideal way to celebrate the domain’s 160 years McCann said.
FUTURE
The Ashburton District Council’s 30-year domain development plan is an aspirational vision for the future of the Domain.
What will be progressed from it over the next 10 years is set to be determined in the 2024-34 long-term plan process as “funding is integral to any of the projects proceeding”, McCann said.
Some things have already been achieved, starting with the 2022 demolition of the old aviary that had been built in 1965 and the area is being developed into a natural wildflower and butterfly garden.
The draft plan has around $3.5m of development plan projects scattered throughout the 10-year period, McCann said.
There is $30,000 proposed to establish three trails - botanical, heritage, and sculpture – around the domain in 2024/25 as well as other new pathways to improve the connectivity.
A renewal project that was not part of the development plan is the upgrade of the picnic area toilets.
The domain playground has been identified as needing a significant overhaul.
There is $37,000 in the draft plan to enable the scoping work of a partial domain playground upgrade, McCann said.
“This will help determine what aspects can be upgraded in the draft year 2 budget, which is $338,250.
The proposed budget is not likely to cover the cost of upgrading the playground from the bark soft fall and removal of the raised wooden edges to rubber soft fall, McCann said.
A central hub, Walnut Ave promenade, and the secondary entrance to the main carpark are all projects that are “on hold” as they are not in the current 10-year plans, McCann said.
The popular paddling pool area is slated for relocation and redevelopment in the development plan and is being considered as one of the five options in the long-term plan for a $3.1m investment in pool facilities.
The council is also in the process of taking over ownership of the domain pavilion and Walnut Ave pavilion.
If and when the proposed project's progress will be determined in the next few months, and the domain development plan is up for a review next year.
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Methven and Rakaia residents wanting speed reductions along stretches of their townships will have to wait a little longer.
The changes were awaiting sign-off at the end of last year but the change of Government put the brakes on any progress.
… View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Methven and Rakaia residents wanting speed reductions along stretches of their townships will have to wait a little longer.
The changes were awaiting sign-off at the end of last year but the change of Government put the brakes on any progress.
The Rakaia community has been wanting the reduction for years as traffic volumes have continued to rise, making it increasingly hazardous for locals to get across the highway. In Methven, development has extended to the north and the speed zone hasn’t been moved with it.
Deputy mayor and road safety committee chairperson Liz McMillan said the speed changes were all lined up and ready to go but the “box just hasn’t been ticked”.
New transport minister Simeon Brown contacted all road controlling authorities in December to notify them of his plans to amend the speed limit rules, advising them to stop work on current speed management plans until the new rule was in place.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi updated the Ashburton District road safety co-ordinating committee on Tuesday about how that affected the proposed speed reductions for the Methven and Rakaia townships.
A report submitted to the meeting suggested Rakaia has already been taken off the list for the National Land Transport Plan 21-24 Interim State Highway Speed Management Plan projects due to a recent reprioritisation.
The speed was to be reduced from 100kph down to 60kph past the Ōpuke Thermal Pools, out of Methven on SH77, a reduction from 70kph to 50kph on SH1 through Rakaia, and down to 80kph across the Rakaia River Bridge as well as a 60kph variable zone between the new weigh stations north of the bridge.
The road safety committee plans to contact Minister of Transport Simeon Brown to ask the director of land transport to approve the changes for Methven as soon as possible, McMillan said.
Mayor Neil Brown said the Rakaia speed limits are “more complicated” due to the weigh station, which is scheduled to open later this year.
Rangitata MP James Meager also planned to raise it with the minister’s office “to see what we can do about progressing the speed limit reductions”.
“I’ve always held the view that if local communities want reasonable speed limit changes in their areas, they should be able to do so.”
Methven and Rakaia cases are "sensible changes, supported by the community”, he said.
The introduction of 30kph variable school speed zones on SH77 in Methven and by Ashburton Borough School are also in limbo.
The Government’s planned changes will allow the council to introduce time restrictions to the 30kph school zones that were introduced last year without the need for the expensive electronic variable signs.
Can't make your roses sing? Wanting to know when to start planting your broccoli? We are kicking off our Q&A series with Jo McCarroll in the hot seat answering questions on all things gardening from 9am Friday.
As well as being the author of Vege Patch From Scratch, Jo is also the … View moreCan't make your roses sing? Wanting to know when to start planting your broccoli? We are kicking off our Q&A series with Jo McCarroll in the hot seat answering questions on all things gardening from 9am Friday.
As well as being the author of Vege Patch From Scratch, Jo is also the editor of NZ Gardener magazine and has been for 15 years. She is looking forward to answering your gardening questions.
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Today, we celebrate the heroes living right under our roofs, who uplift and empower us every day – the wives, mums, daughters, and nans.
Take a moment to say thank you to these incredible women who shape your lives with their grace and courage.
Don't forget to use NZ Compare to … View moreToday, we celebrate the heroes living right under our roofs, who uplift and empower us every day – the wives, mums, daughters, and nans.
Take a moment to say thank you to these incredible women who shape your lives with their grace and courage.
Don't forget to use NZ Compare to brighten your household bills!
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Courts, pools, turfs, and fields.
It’s all in the EA Networks Centre 30-year draft masterplan.
The Ashburton District Council’s plan is packed full of projects to realise the vision of creating a sports hub around the stadium and aquatic … View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Courts, pools, turfs, and fields.
It’s all in the EA Networks Centre 30-year draft masterplan.
The Ashburton District Council’s plan is packed full of projects to realise the vision of creating a sports hub around the stadium and aquatic centre.
Chief executive Hamish Riach said the draft masterplan provides the direction for the future development of and around the stadium but it isn’t set in stone, emphasising the proposed projects may occur in future if and when funding allows.
The plans include a stadium extension, aquatic extension, two multi-use sports fields and two turfs, an additional entrance/exit, additional car parks, walkways, a mini golf course and some playground equipment, as well as the outdoor sand court that is scheduled to be built later this year.
It has been developed through extensive consultation, Riach said.
That included the 2022 play, active recreation and sport strategy, the 2023 utilisation study report, and feedback received from key stakeholders and sport groups.
It also builds on previous masterplan concepts, the most recent being in 2017.
People and facilities group manager Sarah Mosley said the masterplan presents a full picture of how everything could fit on the site “if everything was done at one point in the future”.
“It’s a long-term strategic document to enable projects and project planning to be done well,” Mosley said.
The masterplan doesn’t contain the estimated costs or timelines for all the projects as that is dealt with through the long-term plan process.
“Based on timelines, costings can change significantly,” Mosely said.
The long-term plan sets the timeline and the costings of the projects that are intended to be completed in the 10-year timeframe, she said.
The entrance widening (2024/25), internal building changes (24/25), solar farm (27/28), and stadium extension (2028/31) are all in the draft long-term plan.
The possible $3.1m new outdoor pool is factored into the masterplan, as is an option for an indoor pool extension instead and the provision for hydroslides.
The masterplan will be revisited every three years as part of the long-term plan to determine when projects are progressed, and then get accurate costs, she said.
The draft masterplan had the unanimous support of the councillors to go out for consultation alongside the long-term plan.
Mayor Neil Brown said he felt the masterplan would be well supported but raised concerns about a consultation overload and it getting “overshadowed by the long-term plan”.
It was a judgment call around the timing, Riach said.
“It’s complicated and it’s not perfect.
“It’s the right thing to do given all the circumstances.”
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By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Ashburton’s second bridge remains in the Government’s priorities, but the details for its delivery remain vague.
Prime Minister Chris Luxon and Transport Minister Simeon Brown released the revised draft of the Government Policy Statement on … View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Ashburton’s second bridge remains in the Government’s priorities, but the details for its delivery remain vague.
Prime Minister Chris Luxon and Transport Minister Simeon Brown released the revised draft of the Government Policy Statement on transport on Monday. The document provides direction for NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi to develop its next National Land Transport Plan.
The second Ashburton/Hakatere River Bridge is in the draft, but it is light on the details of when it will be built and how it will funded.
Ashburton mayor Neil Brown said he was happy to see the bridge retained in the plans as expected, and is eagerly awaiting the next step in the process.
“Ashburton’s second bridge is still in there, the details are not there, as in who is paying, which is the big one.”
Rangitata MP James Meager said the draft document doesn’t commit funding or timeframes as that comes in the National Land Transport Plan from NZTA in September.
“The campaign commitment to begin construction of the bridge in the first term remains on track.
“We’re all itching to get cracking.”
Mayor Brown is too:
“It’s ready to go. All it needs are detailed designs and to go out tender so it can start.”
While the announcement was light on details around Ashburton’s second bridge, a "project of regional significance”, it delivered on a number of the Government’s promises as part of its 100-day plan - the deadline for which ends on Friday.
Roads of National Significance are back with 15 new four-lane roading projects across the country – including the Woodend Bypass but not the stretch of SH1 between Ashburton and Rolleston.
The plans also include the promised $500m pothole fund, which Minister Brown said would be “ring-fenced to resealing, rehabilitation, and drainage maintenance works”.
The government also intends to set up a Road Efficiency Group to focus on road maintenance, standardising maintenance protocols, and reducing spending on temporary traffic management.
There is also $2.3b for public transport services and $2.1b for public transport infrastructure over the next three years.
Mayor Brown also noted the Government is looking at shifting to a 10-year National Land Transport Programme, rather than three years, which would be better timing for council planning.
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Road users to foot the bill
The coalition Government’s revised transport plans have about $20b being spent in the next three years.
To help pay for it all, Minister Brown announced several hikes “to balance the transport budget”.
It has proposed to increase vehicle registration fees by a total of $50 - with increases of $25 per year for the next two years, a fee that hasn’t been increased since 1994.
He is also proposing a fuel tax increase of 12 cents in 2027 - the same amount Labour suggested through gradual increases by mid-2026.
That would be followed by further increases of 6 cents per litre and 4 cents per litre in subsequent years.
Fuel Excise Duty and Road User Charges will not be raised this term but face a similar increase from 2027.
NZTA is also being asked to consider different ways of funding and delivering major transport investments, ensuring they make efficient use of every dollar spent, Minister Brown said.
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