Ashburton maps out new representation: Here’s what might change
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Methven's community board will lose an elected member while some households will switch wards under boundary changes proposed in Ashburton District’s representation review.
The Ashburton District Council is undertaking its mandated six-yearly representation review, which ensures residents have a fair number of elected members for their region.
The initial proposal, which will go out for public consultation, largely maintains the status quo except for proposing to reduce the number of elected members on the Methven Community Board from five to four.
There would also be changes to the Methven Community Board, and the Ashburton and Eastern Ward boundary.
The proposal is to retain the nine council members elected from three wards, plus the Mayor. The wards are as follows:
The boundaries for Ashburton and Eastern Wards will be adjusted to include the new development around Trevors Rd in the Ashburton Ward due to the urban development of the area.
The Methven Community Board will reduce from five to four elected and two appointed members - the two Western Ward councillors, while its boundary will extend to include properties on the periphery of the town accounting for recent development.
Public consultation on the initial proposal will take place from June 13 to July 21.
A hearing will consider any submissions and any potential amendments before adopting a final proposal for the representation arrangements for the next triennial election, scheduled for October 11, 2025.
Proposed population representation:
- Ashburton Ward: Ashburton town and Lake Hood. 21,220 residents, five members (ratio 4,244:1).
- Western Ward: The inland rural area of the district including Methven. 7640 residents, two members (ratio 3,820:1).
- Eastern Ward: Covers the seaward rural area of the district including Rakaia and Hinds. 7,860 residents, two members (ratio 3,930:1)
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
Poll: Pedestrian access is being extended to the Ōtakaro Avon River - good idea?
Pedestrian access from one of Christchurch’s favourite streets is being extended all the way to the Ōtakaro Avon River. This new 12m-wide pathway will give you a direct, easy route from the street to the river promenade ... perfect for a stroll, a coffee run, or just soaking up the riverside vibes.
We want to know: In your view, what makes a city people-friendly?
What else should our urban areas be doing to support better community connections?
Curious about the full plans? You can check them out here.
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93.2% Yes
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6.8% No
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