Ashburton pavilions to get makeover
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
After years of negotiation, the Ashburton pavilion on Walnut Ave is now under council ownership.
The Ashburton District Council is also in the final stages of acquiring the domain oval pavilion, with the aim of revitalising the two community landmarks.
With the council taking responsibility for the dilapidated pavilions, ratepayers will pick up the bill for the maintenance and ongoing operational costs.
Council’s business support group manager Leanne Macdonald said the process has been ongoing for over three years.
“The work has only really progressed positively over the last 18 months.”
Both buildings are assets listed in the Ashburton Domain Development Plan adopted by the council in 2020, she said.
They’re are predominantly used by sport groups but also utilised by community groups.
The buildings had been run by community trusts.
“The trusts really only existed for the purpose of owning the buildings, and will dissolve when no longer needed, but it is fair to say that community interest in being on either trust had dwindled over recent years.
“With no community group to maintain them, it has fallen to council.
“The Walnut Avenue pavilion has been acquired already, but negotiations continue over the acquisition of the oval pavilion.”
The council has budgeted $150k for initial work on the Walnut Ave pavilion and repairs and maintenance has already begun, Macdonald said.
Further work will be scheduled over the next few years “to give the pavilion a good refresh”.
“The interior has been cleaned already and will be painted, lights will be upgraded and new carpet has been ordered. The exterior of the building will also be painted.
“The work is considered operational and the full refresh is expected to be achieved over the next few years, as budgets allow.”
Ownership transferred to the council on May 31 and signs were put up at the building explaining the change of ownership. The council has been in contact with the regular users, Macdonald said.
“We’re hoping to increase income from additional bookings once the building has been refreshed.”
Then there is the oval, which remains a work in progress.
There is $300,000 budgeted for repairs and maintenance but the council will not begin the work until it has reached an agreement on the ownership transfer, Macdonald said.
“The negotiations are sensitive and need to balance a good outcome for cricket and athletics in Mid Canterbury, against not spending too much ratepayer money.”
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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