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Elephant Garlic $8 a bulb (pictured)
Marbled Purple Stripe $5 a bulb (pictured)
Silverskin (pictured) $5 a bulb
Ajo Roja, Asian, Turban, Purple Stripe, Artichoke $5 a bulb
Bulbils also available. Limited Quantities. PM me. $7 for 10
Create this stylish plant support using a few garden stakes and Resene Waterborne Woodsman penetrating oil stain. Find out how to create your own with these easy instructions.
By local democracy reporter Jonathans Leask:
Dancers stood tall, and in big numbers, in their battle to save Ashburton's Balmoral Hall.
Dance teacher Charmaine Quaid put out the call for past and present students of her Dance Worx studio to assemble last Friday (April 5) in a show of … View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathans Leask:
Dancers stood tall, and in big numbers, in their battle to save Ashburton's Balmoral Hall.
Dance teacher Charmaine Quaid put out the call for past and present students of her Dance Worx studio to assemble last Friday (April 5) in a show of support for retaining the Balmoral Hall.
She was blown away by the response with about 300 people turning up to show their support.
“It was overwhelming,” Quaid said.
“It was quite emotional to see some people from way back, and people coming from out of town and long distances especially to support us.”
Quaid has run her dance school from the hall for almost 50 years but it is now in limbo.
The hall requires an estimated $1.3m of repairs to be brought up to standard.
In its draft long-term plan, the Ashburton District Council is proposing to sell the hall and land as the costs to maintain and operate both sites are expensive, and the income received doesn’t currently cover the costs.
Quaid wants the hall retained but is conscious of not overspending on it.
“We don’t need a million, we just need the maintenance,” she said.
If ratepayers were to stump up and fund the repairs, they would also have to continue topping up the hall to subsidise the users – who may also face higher fees to use the building.
The Dance Worx gathering was used to collect statements of support for a long-term plan submission to retain the hall.
“We had quite a few lend their support to our submission and plenty say that they would also be doing their own.
“If you don’t have your say you can’t complain.”
As part of its consultation engagement the council is hosting a BBQ at Baring Square East on Saturday (April 13) from 10am to 2pm, and has decided to open the Balmoral Hall to the public.
The council’s democracy and engagement group manager, Toni Durham, said on the back of requests from the community to look inside Balmoral Hall, it made sense to align it with the event at Baring Square.
“It's primarily a chance for those who are not familiar with Balmoral Hall to be able to get a better idea of what the building looks like from inside,” Durham said.
In a similar event last weekend, an estimated 150 people turned up at the Tinwald Domain on Saturday to get a close-up look at the state of the Tinwald Pool and discuss its future, with the council proposing to spend $3m on a new outdoor pool at EA Networks Centre.
Mayor Neil Brown was pleased with the turnout to the event to discuss the options.
“The Tinwald Pool needs major repairs and some definitely want it to stay, but others see that money better spent elsewhere.”
Submissions on the long-term plan close on April 28.
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By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Ashburton’s mayor is celebrating NZTA abandoning plans to install median barriers on State Highway 1 between Ashburton and Rakaia.
Median barriers have been proposed along SH1 from Ashburton to Rolleston since 2021.
An NZTA spokesperson said … View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Ashburton’s mayor is celebrating NZTA abandoning plans to install median barriers on State Highway 1 between Ashburton and Rakaia.
Median barriers have been proposed along SH1 from Ashburton to Rolleston since 2021.
An NZTA spokesperson said the change was in response to government priorities outlined in the draft Government Policy Statement on land transport.
It’s a decision that has pleased Ashburton mayor Neil Brown, who has long voiced his opposition to the “wire ropes down the middle of the road”.
Brown met with NZTA representatives earlier this week and was informed that the median barriers won’t be happening now.
“They’ll be looking at putting in the wider median strips instead.
“It’s a good common sense approach to it and I’m happy they are going to do that.
“They have some in already at Hinds following a recent upgrade and it looks good.”
In August last year, NZTA’s relationship manager James Caygill had discussed with the Ashburton District Council how the SH1 improvement plan was focusing on widening the existing road corridor as the first step, and then adding median barriers if required.
A change of government has caused a change in direction.
Rangitata MP James Meager and Waitaki MP Miles Anderson had written to Transport Minister Simeon Brown on March 23 regarding the median barriers.
Minister Brown responded on Monday informing them that, following a review, it had been determined that the Rakaia to Ashburton and the Timaru to St Andrews sections will no longer progress.
“These safety improvements projects will now progress with lower cost safety interventions, including wide centre lines, road widening and resurfacing,” Brown said.
Meager said the wire median barriers were “unnecessarily costly and didn’t address what the local community saw as the main safety improvements needed on our roads”.
“Widening roads and introducing painted medians seem like sensible approaches, giving separation of the traffic without blocking agricultural equipment, emergency services or requiring long, and unproductive detours.”
NZTA is planning to widen SH1 where possible from the Rakaia River Bridge to Ashburton, with the aim of 11.5 metres side to side, increased from the existing 7.5-9.5m.
Discover how Kiwis are ditching the 'lazy loyalty tax' and saving money with this tool! Learn more in Stuff's article about finding better deals and paying less.
Be aware, pesky phone scammers’ latest move may be posing as Police officers seeking your financial details.
New Zealand Police are aware of reports emerging this month where Kiwis have been contacted on the phone by someone claiming to be an officer. The officer will claim to be from a … View moreBe aware, pesky phone scammers’ latest move may be posing as Police officers seeking your financial details.
New Zealand Police are aware of reports emerging this month where Kiwis have been contacted on the phone by someone claiming to be an officer. The officer will claim to be from a particular department, tell you that you have been a victim of fraud or scam, and begin to try and obtain further financial information from you. This is a scam.
Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Bolton, from Auckland City’s Financial Crime Unit, says there have been at least a dozen reports made to Police, and these scam calls are largely being made to landlines. “While Police do not have accurate numbers of how many of these scam calls have been received, it is important that the public are aware,” he says. “Police will make some enquiries into these calls, but our experience has shown that often phone-based scammers will be operating from overseas. “We appreciate the vigilance of those who have contact Police so far, as this will help us to make others in the community aware.”
Unfortunately, scams can take many different forms and target victims on different platforms, Detective Senior Sergeant Bolton says. “Scammers are opportunistic and thrive off your trust and good-will. If you receive a call of this nature, do not hand over any personal details.”
New Zealand Police will never contact people seeking their banking details, card numbers, pin numbers or passwords. There are instances where legitimate Police officers will contact you as part of their duties. Police ask that the public remain vigilant.
𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿:
➡️Police will never ask for details about your bank cards, pin numbers or passwords over the phone.
➡️Trust your instincts. If something doesn't feel right, or is too good to be true, it probably is.
➡️If you are uncertain, ask for the officer’s details. Hang up, contact 105 and request the officer to contact you.
➡️Police aren’t in the business of offering prize money.
If you are in the unfortunate position of being a victim of a scam, please report the matter to Police.
Take the chance to upskill yourself on scam awareness, check for further information on the NetSafe website.
𝗘𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗺:
Police are also aware of an email scam that has re-emerged, that claims to be authorities from Police and other justice sector partners. This scam has been subject of previous advisories. We continue to advise people to be extremely cautious when receiving unsolicited emails. Do not reply an the email of this nature under any circumstances.
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
A proposed $200m equine stud and equestrian training centre at Lake Hood in Canterbury looks poised to get the green light - with several conditions.
Southern Parallel Equine Centre Limited (SPEC) faced a hearing with independent commissioner David … View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
A proposed $200m equine stud and equestrian training centre at Lake Hood in Canterbury looks poised to get the green light - with several conditions.
Southern Parallel Equine Centre Limited (SPEC) faced a hearing with independent commissioner David Taylor this week in a bid to gain consent for the project from the Ashburton District Council.
Submitters raised concerns about future development of the site, and the impacts of its activities on neighbouring properties.
At the end of the hearing, discussion focused on what conditions to impose on the consent, suggesting it was likely to get approved.
The development has already received consent approval from Environment Canterbury.
The applicants presented an updated list of consent conditions and submitters made some suggested amendments of their own for Taylor to consider.
Some conditions relating to traffic, odour, and noise will likely be reviewable.
In a submission against the proposal, John Skevington and Jo Ruane wanted stricter and clearer conditions imposed.
In their submission, the pair detailed how they had been in a land deal with the developers that had fallen through. They had concerns about the new proposal impacting their subdivision and other properties at Lake Hood.
Their submissions also raised concerns about the future redevelopment of the site by the applicant.
However, commissioner Taylor said any potential future development was “irrelevant to the application”.
Tim Read presented his family's submission raising concerns about the use of productive farmland and rural amenity value as the proposal “reads like an A&P show”.
He wanted conditions to be robust to clearly identify and define what could happen on the site.
Project director Catherine Stuart compared the plans to establishing something like Karaka, the home of the annual racehorse yearling sales, but for sport horses.
Stuart said only a small number of staff would be accommodated on-site.
“It’s an equine stud. Not a caravan park.”
The development is for the breeding and training of horses for sale - not a public access equestrian centre.
The plans are for between 20-40 staff to be on site, with up to eight living on-site, and around 100 horses in residence.
Other visitors will be by appointment only.
The proposal is for 25 event days allowed each year to cater for an annual sale event – with around 500 prospective buyers and up to 600 horses present, smaller sales events, and competition training days.
The management and removal of manure was also a focal point, with plans to remove it from the site daily.
A notable factor was the developer's plan to fully fund the connecting of the property to the town water supply and wastewater network.
Skevington questioned how a farming operation qualified for connection, something Taylor said was between the applicant and the council.
In its evidence, SPEC stated the water would not be for irrigation, as the site has access to existing consents used to irrigate, but will remove the pivot irrigation which is not suitable for horses.
ECan has consented to the use of a BioGill wastewater treatment system – which has three phases of treatment before passing through an ultra violet light system on its way to storage tanks where it is then pumped into drip irrigation.
Taylor adjourned the hearing to allow the applicants to prepare a right of reply before he could close it. He would then have 20 working days to make a decision.
The Press and The Post (Stuff) are collecting data on the cost of early childhood education in New Zealand. The data will be anonymised (unless you have opted-in to being contacted for a potential interview, via the last question).
If you have children in early childhood education, please help … View moreThe Press and The Post (Stuff) are collecting data on the cost of early childhood education in New Zealand. The data will be anonymised (unless you have opted-in to being contacted for a potential interview, via the last question).
If you have children in early childhood education, please help us out by completing a brief survey. Click here to find the survey. The results will be reported on thepress.co.nz and thepost.co.nz at a later date.
Attention NZ Streamers! As inflation takes its toll, major streaming services in NZ are increasing their prices.
Sitting back and watching your favourite movies will likely cost more money. So check them out! But don't worry, we've got tips to help you save without missing out on your… View moreAttention NZ Streamers! As inflation takes its toll, major streaming services in NZ are increasing their prices.
Sitting back and watching your favourite movies will likely cost more money. So check them out! But don't worry, we've got tips to help you save without missing out on your favourite shows! Stay tuned!
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
The timing of the demolition and rebuild of elderly housing units in Ashburton will be known once the contract is finalised.
BP Construction Limited has been selected as the preferred contractor to demolish and redevelop 16 units at Friendship Lane … View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
The timing of the demolition and rebuild of elderly housing units in Ashburton will be known once the contract is finalised.
BP Construction Limited has been selected as the preferred contractor to demolish and redevelop 16 units at Friendship Lane for the tendered price of $3,073,668 plus GST.
The council’s business support group manager, Leanne Macdonald, said the detail of the timeline for the two stage project, with eight units demolished and rebuilt at a time, is being developed.
“We will be able to share more information about the tender process once the finer details of the contract have been formally agreed by council and BP Construction Limited.
“The Friendship Lane units are of a design that no longer complied with the recent changes in Healthy Homes Legislation and so were a priority to upgrade.”
The remaining units at Friendship Lane comply with legislation and no future work is programmed in the draft long-term plan, Macdonald said.
The $3m project is being funded by a “range of streams”, including external funding, a previous property sale, and loan funding.
There are already nine vacant units at Friendship Lane, clearing the way for stage one to begin, pending funding applications and contract negotiations.
“As we refurbish vacant units in our district, we will work with any existing tenants impacted by this project to be relocated within the timeframe that is yet to be determined.”
The nine units have been vacant for some time, one since August 2021.
The 16 units are part of the council’s 102 elderly housing units, available for people over 65 years of age across six complexes spread throughout Ashburton, Methven, and Rakaia.
A recent property activity report outlined that there are 20 applications on the waiting list, with 10 people wanting single units and 10 requesting double units (three couples and seven individuals). This does not include the seven tenants at Friendship Lane.
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Ashburton's councillors are demanding action from the regional council so money from a proposed hefty rates hike isn't "just sucked up into Christchurch".
With the community facing a 24% average rate increase from Environment … View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Ashburton's councillors are demanding action from the regional council so money from a proposed hefty rates hike isn't "just sucked up into Christchurch".
With the community facing a 24% average rate increase from Environment Canterbury, Ashburton District councillors said they want to see action in key areas and assurances that money is being well spent.
Their comments came as they discussed their submission on the regional council’s proposed long term plan.
Councillor Richard Wilson said ECan is loading a lot of costs back onto users and the Ashburton District is facing a large rate increase.
“A lot of that is for what I would call common good things like protecting the Ashburton River.
“We need to recognise that a lot of money is being taken out of our district and we hope the services come back [and] it’s not just sucked up into Christchurch and lost in the ivory towers.”
Ashburton mayor Neil Brown said that with the district contributing a significant amount of money to ECan, “we want to see some action now”.
Brown was critical of ECan’s consultation summary document, which he said “doesn’t give me good guidance on what ECan want to do, especially for the Ashburton District”.
With a proposed 24% average rate rise, he “can’t see where that money is being spent” in the district, but admitted he had yet to read the full 300-plus page document.
However, he said if he was struggling to understand - as someone “a bit more educated" than the general public reading the documents - he wasn’t sure if the community would see where the money would go.
Councillor Carolyn Cameron said she wanted better reporting of the work being done.
“They need to have some accountability for that money in my view.”
The council submission is pushing for ECan to lift its use of the uniform annual general charge, which has every property pay the same amount from 8% to at least 12% of total rates or higher, ‘to better reflect the benefits of its programmes across the region and to alter the spread of the rates burden’.
The council has raised it before and hasn’t had a response, Brown said.
“We need a response back to our submission that is [respective] of our submission, not the general letter that gets sent out.”
He will put that to regional councillors when he presents the submission.
Brown also wanted to send a clear message that the council wants a review into how river catchments are rated for and funded.
The submission also calls for an immediate review of the recent Ashburton River consent review process that imposed new Ashburton River minimum flow conditions on consent holders.
It supports the proposed work on Carters Creek but requests the work be brought forward.
The council is also asking for the consideration of a public transport pilot in Ashburton, and a daily Ashburton-Timaru and Ashburton-Christchurch service.
The consultation on ECan’s draft long-term plan closes on April 14.
---------------------------
The Ashburton District Council’s submission uses example properties to show the average rate increase for Ashburton rural properties is 24% and for urban properties, the average increase is 31%.
A rural property in Wakanui worth $4,760,000 will pay $2,681.20, an increase of $523.99, while a rural Rakaia valued at $13,510,000 will pay $15,633.84 – a jump of $3728.56.
An Ashburton urban property worth $430,000 will pay $409.66, a $98.03 hike.
Come and join us at the Vintage Fair this Sunday 14 April 2024 - you won't be disappointed!
Canadian clinical neuroscientist and researcher Professor Vladimir Hachinski has been announced the winner of the 2024 Ryman Prize - an annual $250,000 grant for the world’s best discovery, development, advancement or achievement that enhances the quality of life for older people.
The prize … View moreCanadian clinical neuroscientist and researcher Professor Vladimir Hachinski has been announced the winner of the 2024 Ryman Prize - an annual $250,000 grant for the world’s best discovery, development, advancement or achievement that enhances the quality of life for older people.
The prize was presented by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at a ceremony at Logan Campbell Village in Auckland today, celebrating the major contribution Professor Hachinski has made to the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and the links between ‘the terrible three’ - stroke, dementia and coronary heart disease.
Click read more for the full article.
Get the best protection you can before winter. The flu vaccine is free if you’re over 65. It’s also free for pregnant people and for many others with certain underlying health conditions, including diabetes, heart and lung diseases, and mental health conditions.
To book your flu vaccine … View moreGet the best protection you can before winter. The flu vaccine is free if you’re over 65. It’s also free for pregnant people and for many others with certain underlying health conditions, including diabetes, heart and lung diseases, and mental health conditions.
To book your flu vaccine contact your doctor, pharmacy or healthcare provider, or visit
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