Methven Community Board to retain five members
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
The Methven Community Board has successfully argued to remain at five elected members.
Board members Alan Lock, Megan Fitzgerald, and Robin Jenkinson faced the Ashburton District Council at a representation review hearing on Wednesday to challenge the council’s proposal to reduce the board by one member from five to four.
“The towns growing and we need to make sure we represent that, and future-proof it for the next six years,” Fitzgerald said.
“Five members bring very differing skills and experiences through the board, and more touch points into the community.”
Having an odd number at the table, even including the two councillors that sit on the board, provides a balance and reduces the need for a chairperson to use a casting vote, Jenkinson said.
Mayor Neil Brown said submissions had made a good case to retain the status quo and the councillors decided to retain the five elected board members.
There had been a submission calling for a reduction of Ashburton Ward councillors from five to four but it was discounted as it doesn’t the population-member ratio legislative requirements.
That means the only changes in the representation review are that the community board area will be redrawn to cater for the town’s growth and the Ashburton boundary will be extended to cater for urban expansion around the Trevors Rd area.
The final proposal will come to the council on September 4 to be adopted for public notification until October 12.
If any appeals or objections are received, the proposal will go to the Local Government Commission to make a final determination.
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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