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By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
A group wanting to create a native bird sanctuary in Methven will be ready to go as soon as they have access to the proposed land.
The Methven Birdsong Initiative is a two-phase project that is making steady progress on both fronts, spokesperson Mac… View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
A group wanting to create a native bird sanctuary in Methven will be ready to go as soon as they have access to the proposed land.
The Methven Birdsong Initiative is a two-phase project that is making steady progress on both fronts, spokesperson Mac McElwain said.
“I’m a bit impatient so things can never happen quickly enough but it’s not going to happen overnight.
“The whole thing has really picked up some momentum.”
The Methven Lions launched the project at the end of last year and already the trap library is building financial backing to begin removing predators from the area.
Discussions about the permission to use the proposed site are also advancing.
The vision is to create a native habitat on the vacant council-owned land behind the Garden of Harmony – an area of council land already turned into a planted area with walkways.
The Birdsong Initiative is waiting on the “statutory ducks to be in a row” before they can make a start, McElwain said.
The Methven Community Board and the Ashburton District Council are working on the birdsong initiative’s request for access to the land.
A report to the community board stated one of the leaseholders has agreed to temporary access for construction of the project and another has said they would surrender their lease in April 2025, as they have stock on the property.
Discussions are still to be held with the third lessee.
If they are granted access to the site, the birdsong initiative will be ready to make a start, McElwain said.
Earlier this year the community board granted $10,000 to help establish the trap library that will help households to trap pests and predators in their backyards.
They also went to the Ashburton Water Zone Committee seeking funding and received $7306 to go towards planting the site.
The group also sought funding towards the trap library but it was suggested they could work with the Staveley Camp Forest community possum trap library which received $15,000 from the water zone earlier this year.
“The only barrier between the two trap libraries working together is distance,” Mcelwain said.
It was raised at the water zone committee meeting that there have been a number of trapping projects funded over the years and it could be a worthwhile exercise to see if those projects were still using the traps or if they could be redistributed.
It was World Book Day on the 23rd of April, so what better time to celebrate some of our talented residents who have published books.
They range from children’s books, to poems, from non-fiction to a first novel - and all are proof that there is no age limit when it comes to creativity!
… View moreIt was World Book Day on the 23rd of April, so what better time to celebrate some of our talented residents who have published books.
They range from children’s books, to poems, from non-fiction to a first novel - and all are proof that there is no age limit when it comes to creativity!
Click read more for the full story.
By local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
A new hut being built at an old skifield aims to bring visitors back to Mt Potts in Canterbury for skiing.
Alpine Huts Limited is building an eight-bunk hut on Mt Potts in a bid to boost local ski tourism.
Alpine Huts director Tom Evatt hopes to… View moreBy local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
A new hut being built at an old skifield aims to bring visitors back to Mt Potts in Canterbury for skiing.
Alpine Huts Limited is building an eight-bunk hut on Mt Potts in a bid to boost local ski tourism.
Alpine Huts director Tom Evatt hopes to have the hut ready for public use this winter.
“I’ve imagined it more for ski touring but it’s a hut at the end of the day and will be used by anyone who wants to head into the mountains for hunting, hiking, or skiing.”
Evatt was motivated by the demand created by similar alpine huts on Glenmore Station in the Cass Valley, out the back of Lake Tekapo.
“As ski touring’s popularity has grown the demand for accommodation has increased because it’s pretty hard-core winter camping.”
Mt Potts is an ideal location and viable as a backcountry ski area, Evatt said.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) approved a concession application in September last year for the hut and associated structures for accommodation at the Erewhon Park skifield on Mt Potts, which had been established in 1964, for recreational backcountry ski touring.
The site is listed as a ski area in DOC’s conservation management strategy and was used by a heli-skiing company until 2011.
However, it has been abandoned as a ski area.
In his application, Evatt stated it would be “uneconomic to open and operate a traditional skifield at Mt Potts”.
“There is an opportunity to reinvent Mt Potts as a backcountry ski area destination for ski touring and split boarding with minimal investment and infrastructure.”
Snow sports opportunities “are increasingly under threat due to the effects of climate change and the failing economics of existing club fields”.
“A fresh approach needs to be taken to continue to provide snow sport opportunities which is precautionary in so far as any infrastructure maybe ultimately be removed and is light in terms of its environmental footprint.”
He has been granted the lease for the construction of one permanent hut – a 19m2 structure with an additional 2.2m2 deck, as well as two seasonal temporary winter yurts, toilet facilities, and a storage shed.
The yurts will be erected on permanent timber decks in the autumn for the winter and removed in the spring.
The storage shed will house the temporary accommodation in the summer, as well as firewood and hut supplies.
The accommodation is for public use and will use a website, also under construction, for online bookings and paying the hut fee, Evatt said.
There is an existing access road which allows people to access the area on foot or using e-bikes, or people can be lifted in by helicopter, he said.
It's clear that small businesses can really be the backbone of a community. It’s been a joy to read the Prospa Local Business Hero nominations from around the country and we’ve now decided upon eight finalists.
With $10,000 worth of prizes up for grabs, it's up to you to decide who… View moreIt's clear that small businesses can really be the backbone of a community. It’s been a joy to read the Prospa Local Business Hero nominations from around the country and we’ve now decided upon eight finalists.
With $10,000 worth of prizes up for grabs, it's up to you to decide who deserves the title of 2024 Prospa Local Business Hero.
So have a read of the nominations below and cast your vote...
Mary & Sam Danielson - The Puketapu Hotel
Hawkes Bay
'On Feb 14, 2023, Cyclone Gabrielle flooded many of the rural areas. Puketapu Hotel went under perhaps half a meter of water. However, immediately Mary Danielson and her son, Sam Danielson, along with their loyal staff pulled it together to cook copious amounts of food that without electricity would have been wasted. Throughout the years many of us have been treated with a pub gathering where we can reconnect and a free meal. At Christmas there was Santa, games, gifts for kids, donated patchwork for adults, an ice cream truck and lots of camaraderie.
This February on the cyclone anniversary, they again pulled out the stops to give hundreds of us a special night. We are all tired of the cyclone cleanup and they understood that it was needed.'
Ian Harvey (& Des Banks) - Flower Bazaar
Christchurch
'I'd like to nominate my local florist, Ian and Des at Flower Bazaar on Innes Rd, Chirstchurch. The friendliest guys you could meet, always supporting their fellow retailers in the area and going above and beyond for their customers. They know my family well, and when my mother sadly passed away last July they even went out of their way to close the shop and come to her memorial service. With cost of living issues for a lot of us nowadays, it can't be easy for small businesses, especially those not selling everyday essentials. It's important we support each other and keep these little guys afloat. I can't sing their praises enough. I hope they win something, they really do deserve it.'
Vivienne Shepherd - The Glass Button Tailor
Whangārei
'The proprietor of this business is so kind. She will come to your home or business to discuss your need for repairs alterations or bespoke requirement. As it is often impossible to give a quote for work to do with tailoring she will give a guesstimate, if her time exceed this figure, she will charge that figure no more. But if the work takes less time, this will be the figure. Also, a client who eventually came to Vivienne had taken, a dress she very much liked, to another repair and alteration business who messed it up. Vivienne adjusted to fit well, straightened the one to straight back seam as well as other adjustments. She spent hours on it but charged well less than this time, due to empathy for the disappointment created by the bad job. Vivienne Shepherd is truly focused on doing the best by her clients. She definitely pursues excellence.'
Aaron Hickmott - Master of Gingerbread
Palmerston North
'He consistently turns out a wide range of biscuits on the shelves in both standard AND gluten free versions - he's our go-to when we need a treat to take to dinner at a longtime friend's place who requires gluten free food. His specialty is gingerbread of course and he sells Gingerbread House kitsets to people all over NZ!
The shop is small but inviting and he keeps loyalty cards for regular customers, bonus treats! I only found out recently that he struggled with dyslexia and left school early, but is a born baker and has gone from strength to strength. Long may he practice his craft!'
Alicia Sinclair & the Team - Atawhai Industries
New Plymouth
'Definitely Atawhai Industries New Plymouth. Great crew and management. Prompt service, experienced skilled workers who are cheerful and polite. I was very impressed with the dangerous job they had to do for me and will definitely be calling them for future work. They do so much for the community and help get work for people who would otherwise have difficulties.'
Jitesh Patel - Creswick Foodmarket
Wellington
'I'd like to nominate Jitesh & Hine at Creswick Foodmarket, Northland. Their tidy shop has everything one might need. And if what I am looking for is not there, they consider bringing it in for me. This avoids a lot of travelling across town for me. They also are very community-minded, contributing quietly to events and kids club. I'm glad they are in my community.'
Nicola Read, John Read & Team - Read Bros - Hardware
Thames
'I'd like to nominate Read Bros in Thames. The staff are so knowledgeable and helpful. If it's not in stock they will order it in for you. There you get treated as a person, rather than a number.'
Paul Ayers - Ayers Shoes Repairs
Dunedin
'I'd like to nominate Ayers Shoe Repairs in Hillside Road of Dunedin. They repair many things, not just shoes. Paul does a great job at a very reasonable price. They rang me as soon as my job was ready to collect. They are friendly and helpful.'
Vote for your pick in the poll below...
Hi neighbours - to those of you taking part in the opening weekend of duck season, or beyond, the team at Te Tari Pūreke – Firearms Safety Authority hope you will stay safe. We’ve got some simple hints, tips and useful links on our hunter safety page.
Make this duck season a great one by … View moreHi neighbours - to those of you taking part in the opening weekend of duck season, or beyond, the team at Te Tari Pūreke – Firearms Safety Authority hope you will stay safe. We’ve got some simple hints, tips and useful links on our hunter safety page.
Make this duck season a great one by following the seven rules of firearms safety. We urge duck hunters to treat every shotgun in the maimai as loaded, and to save the drinks until after firearms have been safely locked away for the day. Remember, it takes more than luck to bag a duck.
Mike McIlraith – Director of Partnerships
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Potential solutions to stop creeks from drying out and killing fish due to low water levels from the Ashburton River have been presented to Environment Canterbury.
Farmers and landowners pleaded for help from the regional council in March after … View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Potential solutions to stop creeks from drying out and killing fish due to low water levels from the Ashburton River have been presented to Environment Canterbury.
Farmers and landowners pleaded for help from the regional council in March after Greenstreet Creek slowly dried up, causing the death of fish and eels.
At the time, farmers who saw the creek drying out couldn't get permission to divert water to stream until ECan used emergency powers to let them.
It was the solution they had always used until the new minimum flow restrictions came into effect last year, designed to keep more water in the Ashburton/Hakatere River.
In a meeting last week, Hekeao/Hinds Water Enhancement Trust executive director Dr Brett Painter presented some potential solutions to the Ashburton Water Zone Committee.
The trust runs water enhancement projects across the Hekeao/Hinds Plains, including New Zealand’s largest managed groundwater rehabilitation project.
Painter, a former environmental infrastructure project leader for Environment Canterbury for 11 years, suggested a raft of possible solutions and “shadow consents” for the Greenstreet area.
He looked at “piggybacking onto existing water distribution and storage infrastructure” and existing water take consents to provide flows to maintain aquatic life during dry periods.
He also noted the use of “compliance discretion for trials” – trialling solutions without the need for consents - being something that could be considered.
ECan director of science Dr Tim Davie said the fundamental issue is consents can’t be granted that go against the minimum flows.
“We are still bound by minimum flows set out in the plan.”
ECan zone manager Jennifer Rochford acknowledged Painter’s suggestions were exactly the conversations the regional council wanted to have but she was concerned about rushing into an engineering solution based on a dry summer.
“We are not putting anything off the table.”
There are other options to consider to prepare for if the river goes dry and an expensive engineering solution may not be required in normal circumstances, she said.
“This is really a decision for the community as the cost will be borne there.”
The Zone Committee will be urging ECan to look at the options presented at their meeting last week to continue the conversation.
Greenstreet farmer Darryl Butterick also presented a letter from the friends of Greenstreet Creek asking to work alongside ECan on a long-term solution.
“No-one wishes to see the creek run dry again.
“We seek to work alongside ECan to establish a sustainable and workable process whereby the creek can be kept alive as well as keeping the appropriate flows in the Ashburton River and O’Shea’s Creek.”
They requested a working group be formed to monitor Greenstreet waterways and take appropriate action as soon as required.
Learn about the latest wallpaper trends
See the latest wallpaper collections
Learn tips and tricks on hanging wallpaper
Get all your wallpaper questions answered
… View moreLearn about the latest wallpaper trends
See the latest wallpaper collections
Learn tips and tricks on hanging wallpaper
Get all your wallpaper questions answered
It's free to attend.
At Ashburton Resene ColorShop
327 Burnett Street, Ashburton
Tuesday 7 May 2024 5.30pm - 8pm
If you’d like to attend this free wallpaper evening, please RSVP to
ashburton.colorshop@resene.co.nz
We look forward to seeing you!
On this ANZAC Day, let's take a moment to remember and honor the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our country.
Tell us who are you honouring today. Whether it's a story from the battlefield or a memory of a family member who fought in the war, we'd love … View moreOn this ANZAC Day, let's take a moment to remember and honor the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our country.
Tell us who are you honouring today. Whether it's a story from the battlefield or a memory of a family member who fought in the war, we'd love you to share your stories below.
We definitely need homes that are fit to live in but there are often frustrations when it comes to getting consent to modify your own home.
Do you think changes need made to the current process for building consent? Share your thoughts below.
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your … View moreWe definitely need homes that are fit to live in but there are often frustrations when it comes to getting consent to modify your own home.
Do you think changes need made to the current process for building consent? Share your thoughts below.
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.
Each week we randomly draw winners from our pool of Neighbourly members.
Congratulations to:
Shinea Banks from Lynfield
Tatiana Alsayyad from Waltham
Jacob Novak from Motueka
Paul Clancy from Lower Hutt
… View moreEach week we randomly draw winners from our pool of Neighbourly members.
Congratulations to:
Shinea Banks from Lynfield
Tatiana Alsayyad from Waltham
Jacob Novak from Motueka
Paul Clancy from Lower Hutt
Not a winner? Good luck next time!
Winners can get in touch here or by emailing helpdesk@neighbourly.co.nz before 7th May.
Cut visual clutter and give tired shelves new life with doors and colourful Resene paint.
About 40% of the 6.5 million tyres Kiwis use every year are recycled, repurposed, or used as tyre-derived fuel. But the rest end up in landfills, stockpiled or dumped.
The good news is now there’s an easy solution to all that tyre waste. It’s called Tyrewise and is New Zealand’s first … View moreAbout 40% of the 6.5 million tyres Kiwis use every year are recycled, repurposed, or used as tyre-derived fuel. But the rest end up in landfills, stockpiled or dumped.
The good news is now there’s an easy solution to all that tyre waste. It’s called Tyrewise and is New Zealand’s first national tyre recycling scheme.
Tyrewise ensures that tyres in Aotearoa New Zealand are recycled or repurposed properly, saving millions from going to the landfill.
Find out more about the scheme online.
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Ashburton’s deputy mayor was first down the new flying fox and now she's been the first to use the new jumping platform at Lake Hood.
Liz McMillan and some eager volunteers were the first to launch off the purpose-built tower at an officially… View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Ashburton’s deputy mayor was first down the new flying fox and now she's been the first to use the new jumping platform at Lake Hood.
Liz McMillan and some eager volunteers were the first to launch off the purpose-built tower at an officially opening event on Friday morning.
Despite the autumnal weather, the water wasn’t too cold, McMillan said.
“But I think it will be very popular in the summer months.”
With the community always asking for more activities for youth, the diving platform provides another option at Lake Hood.
“I think it will be pretty popular with kids and teenagers and even the young adults, and probably the young-at-heart adults too."
The platform is a use-at-your-own-risk facility.
Infrastructure and open spaces group manager Neil McCann said jumpers needed to be confident swimmers to access the platform, then climb a ladder to either a 2.5m or 4m high jumping-off point and swim out.
“The jumping platform is in a 4m deep body of water, with no lifeguard supervision.
“There is a lower gradient entrance and exit beach and emergency climb-out ropes on the steeper gradient sides.
“The main safety rule is that jumpers need to ensure the water below is clear of others before they leap off.
“If everyone sticks to the rules, there shouldn’t be problems.”
The platform is in a separate body of spring-fed water at the northern end of the new lake extension – so is not under the same algal bloom warning as the main lake.
The platform and surrounding water would eventually be incorporated into the new lake as it expanded.
“But right now it is separate and water quality testing in the jumping platform’s pond shows no cyanobacteria is currently present.”
The platform was built to attract people who were currently jumping off Lake Hood canal bridges.
“Jumping off those bridges is a safety concern for council as boats and other watercraft could be in the area, so we’ve provided a purpose-built alternative which will generate a lot of fun and be another attraction for the lake.”
The area around the platform is being developed so people can sit and have a picnic while they watch the action or supervise youngsters.
The platform was constructed by the council, in conjunction with Ashburton Contracting Limited, using $35,000 from the Government's Better Off Funding.
We are loving seeing everyone's posts about themselves on our Know Thy Neighbour page.
Check out the neighbours in your area, you might find a walking group or choir to join and you might learn a few more neighbours names!
Feel like getting involved? Introduce yourself too, you might win… View moreWe are loving seeing everyone's posts about themselves on our Know Thy Neighbour page.
Check out the neighbours in your area, you might find a walking group or choir to join and you might learn a few more neighbours names!
Feel like getting involved? Introduce yourself too, you might win one of our $50 Prezzy® card spot prizes...
We're looking for delicious choko recipes to feature in NZ Gardener's June issue. Send your family's favourite ways to eat this versatile crop to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by April 30, 2024. Every published recipe wins a copy of the June issue of NZ Gardener.
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