New jumping platform for Lake Hood, Canterbury
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
People will soon be jumping at the chance to dive into Lake Hood in Canterbury.
A jumping platform is under construction at the lake south of Ashburton and will be finished by the end of March.
Council people and facilities group manager Sarah Mosley said the jumping platform will be a unique recreational feature at the lake.
“It should attract those who previously enjoyed jumping from the canal bridges, as jumping from the bridges is not safe because watercraft passing under them create a hazard.”
An algal bloom warning is in place at Lake Hood, but the platform is being built at the northern side of the lake extension, which is currently a separate body of water.
It will eventually be connected to the lake extension, as it expands through future development, Mosley said.
“To allow for a 4m jumping platform, we needed a 4m purpose dug hole to enable safe jumping as nowhere in the existing lake is more than 3m deep.
“The jumping platform will be able to be used by the community at any time.
“Basic water rescue safety equipment will also be provided, but the onus is on users to be confident swimmers as it is not a supervised swimming location.”
The jump platform is part of $200,000 recreational water facilities improvement projects, which are being funded from the $4.19m the Ashburton District Council received from the Government’s Three Waters Reform Better Off Funding in 2023.
At EA Networks Centre, $15,200 is being spent on a water wheelchair and pool inflatables, an inflatable obstacle course in the Learn to Swim pool, and an inflatable tower slide for the main pool.
Funding has also been distributed to the community pools for changing rooms and water treatment equipment.
The Hinds Pool ($48,200) had alternations to Plunket rooms to become changing rooms, and new changing rooms were approved at the Rakaia Pool ($39,500).
For the Tinwald Pool, $36,100 was spent on surveying, concepts and design work for a potential rebuild.
The Hinds Pool also received new pumps and a new chlorinator ($19,500).
New chlorinators at Mayfield ($3,300) and Rakaia ($2,400), and chemicals for pool water quality at both Mt Somers ($400) and Ruapuna ($400) were also funded.
Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53.1% Yes
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46.9% No
‘Tis the season to not get scammed ...
As Christmas gift shopping moves increasingly online, scammers are ramping up their activity across the country.
Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit is seeing more and more people fall victim to scams and other fraudulent activity, particularly on Facebook Marketplace.
There are a few ways to avoid the scams and keep yourself safe doing online trades this holiday season, says Southern District Service Delivery Manager Senior Sergeant Dalton.
🔒 “A good first step when looking to purchase something on Marketplace is to check when the seller’s Facebook profile was created. If it’s very recent, there is a higher risk that they have just created this account for a one-off fake item.”
🔒 Another important step is to make sure the seller’s profile name and bank account name match up. “We’re seeing a lot of scammers claiming their bank account name is different because it belongs to their partner or family member - that’s a huge red flag."
🔒 “When you’re selling, never trust a screenshot anyone sends you showing that payment has been made. Check your own bank account to make sure a payment has gone through."
🔒 “Quite frankly, it’s best for all parties to agree to pay, or be paid, for items in cash and in-person. Ideally in a public place with CCTV coverage."
🔒 "If you’re buying a car, check Carjam.co.nz to see if it’s stolen or if there’s money owed on it.”
A reminder: Suspicious activity can be reported on 105
Turn Wallpaper Scraps into Beautiful Blossoms
These blossoms made from Resene wallpaper left over after decorating will mean your décor will be blooming gorgeous, no matter the season. Find out how to create your own wallpaper flowers with these easy step by step instructions.
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