Dye stains scrubbed from Ashburton cenotaph
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Ashburton’s war memorial needs a clean after wreaths stained the stonework base.
The wreaths were laid at the annual Anzac Day commemorations in Baring Square West on April 25.
Ashburton District Council business support group manager Leanne Macdonald said the stains were spotted when wreaths were removed about two weeks after Anzac Day as usual.
“This is the first time that we have encountered this and believe that paint from some of the wreaths is the cause.
“Most of the damage is on the bluestone at the base of the cenotaph.”
The council has engaged a specialist stonemason to clean the cenotaph, and that work started on Thursday and is anticipated to take until the end of next week.
“It will likely require multiple applications of stripping agent, poultice, and or mechanical removal, sympathetic to the stone type.
“This work is weather dependent, and dependent on the specialist’s availability.”
The cenotaph was unveiled in 1928 and bears the names of 432 Mid Canterbury people who lost their lives in defence of the country.
It underwent some restoration work in 2020.
Specialist workers gave the 14m sandstone monument a hand-wash, sprayed any lichen and moss, and replaced the mortar to clean and repair the monument.
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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53.5% Yes
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46.5% 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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