Ashburton’s old library sold
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
The old Ashburton Public Library building has sold, but what that means for ratepayers remains under wraps.
How much it sold for, who the new owners are, and what their plans are for the site remain sealed for now.
The building, on the corner of State Highway 1 and Havelock St, was home to the Ashburton library for nearly 60 years.
Ashburton District Council chief executive Hamish Riach said there were three offers on the property and the settlement date is May 10.
“The purchase price remains confidential at this stage.
“The new owner has asked for anonymity until they are ready to announce their plans for the site, and we will respect that.”
The funds from the sale of the old library are planned to be put towards paying off the construction of Te Whare Whakatere, the new library and civic centre, offsetting the impact on ratepayers.
The council also planned to sell the old administration building site but a decision has not yet been made, Riach said.
“The council is looking to conclude the long-term plan process before making that decision.”
The final build cost of Te Whare Whakatere is yet to be confirmed.
“Once that is confirmed we will advise publicly,” Riach said.
Riach previously stated the final cost would be known after the “resolution of all matters between the council and construction and design contractors”.
Initially budgeted at $56.7m, before its completion the council signalled an overrun in the region of 10%.
The project also received $20m from the government’s shovel-ready infrastructure fund.
While the plans for the old library site remain unknown, the fountain on the corner of the site will move to the Tinwald Domain.
Business support group manager Leanne Macdonald said the fountain is on the same title of land as the library and the council has been talking with the family that donated it about its future once the library was sold.
“The council is currently working with a local contractor to build a drinking fountain beside the playground at the Tinwald Domain and some parts of the library fountain, including the fish, will now form part of the new fountain.
“We think this is a great way to preserve a slice of its special history.”
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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