Ashburton’s time capsule plan paused
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
A time capsule is biding its time before being entombed in the new Te Whare Whakatere building in Ashburton.
The Ashburton District Council finalised details of the time capsule's contents and when it would open in May last year. Items detailing life in the Ashburton District in 2023 were collected ahead of the building opening.
The building eventually opened to the public in January, but it is yet to have an official opening, meaning the time capsule remains incomplete.
People and facilities group manager Sarah Mosley said the delay will not impact the capsule's contents.
“Although the time capsule is yet to be placed within Te Whare Whakatere, the contents and 2078 opening date remain as agreed by council.
“While some content is 2023-24 based, the information and photographs included are still relevant and representative of our town and district.”
There are a few final items still to be added, Mosley said.
“We have recently received paper-based archives from Te Rūnanga o Arowhenua which include a photo of the marae.
“Media publications regarding Te Whare Whakatere’s official opening date will also be added following the event.”
Once the official opening is held, coverage of the opening will be the final addition to the capsule before it is sealed in place.
It will sit behind a section of tinted glass at a low height along the Havelock St entrance ramp, Mosely said.
The capsule contents, such as test tube samples of seeds grown in the district, are being stored at the Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum, Mosley said.
Museum archivist Connor Lysaght has previously described the capsule as “almost like a Russian nesting doll”, with a stainless steel inner box and wooden outer box that will be placed in the wall cavity.
Councillors set the opening date for 2078, to coincide with the 200th anniversary of the Ashburton County Council, which is two years after the 200th anniversary of the Ashburton Borough Council.
Time capsule items include:
- All resolutions of the council regarding the design and construction of the building
- Photographs from the official opening
- Floor and elevation plans of the building
- Large district map containing all road names
- Aerial photographs of townships
- Photographs with captions of significant facilities and places, district landmarks and significant events, reserves, flora and fauna, lakes and other natural landmarks
- Environmental reports
- Infographic report profiling the district’s population
- List of clubs, organisations, churches, health and other facilities and services
- Yearbooks from Ashburton College, Mount Hutt College
- Arowhenua rūnanga archives
- The Hakatere Home and Heritage book which shows the growing ethnic diversity of Ashburton society
- Examples of district-manufactured goods
- A test tube sample of seeds grown within the district, and quantity facts
- An edition of the Ashburton Guardian and community newsletters
- Comments collated from the community about the best thing about living in the Ashburton District
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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