Stronger powers sought for derelict buildings
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Stronger laws that encourage landlords to maintain the upkeep of commercial buildings have the support of Ashburton’s mayor.
Councils want stronger laws to allow them to take action on unoccupied buildings plaguing many cities and towns in New Zealand.
The push has been led by the Gisborne District Council and gained support from the Local Government NZ membership – including the Ashburton District Council.
Mayor Neil Brown said that support doesn’t guarantee changes will be made but that LGNZ will put pressure on the Government to take a look at it.
The Building Act 2004 allows a council to step in only once a building has become unsanitary or dangerous.
Councils want to be able to take proactive action on unoccupied or deteriorating buildings.
“There are those buildings all over the country, including here,” Brown said.
Gisborne had submitted images of its derelict buildings, including the Masonic Hotel which hosted the Queen in 1954.
“They are not as bad as one in Ashburton.
“It’s an eyesore in the middle of town. It’s not a good look.”
That building is likely the Bruce Printing building on Burnett St, which has been in a progressive state of demolition since the 2011 Christchurch earthquake.
The building owner was granted consent for the demolition in 2012 but it carries no enforceable deadline.
LGNZ president and Selwyn mayor Sam Broughton said the councils are collectively asking the minister for building and construction to investigate the issue and give councils more powers to do something about the buildings on behalf of the community.
“This isn’t the first time we have asked a government to take action on unoccupied buildings, but we hope this Government will take it seriously and make the necessary changes,” Broughton said.
*LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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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53.3% Yes
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46.7% 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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