Franz Josef ‘held to ransom’ by delay
From local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
Westland's mayor says the Franz Josef community is being "held to ransom" by a standoff delaying floodwalls on the northern bank of the Waiho River.
Helen Lash welcomed the announcement last week that work was to start on the first stage of the Hokitika River scheme, but said the delays further south around the Waiho Scheme were exacting an unacceptable toll on the glacier town.
"I would like to have thought we would have got Franz under control by now," she said.
The standoff with Scenic Circle Group with both the Westland and West Coast Regional councils was generating an unfortunate level of uncertainty in the glacier village.
"It's a really unfortunate situation. It frustrates the hell out of me that we've had the delays that we've had," Lash said.
"I just don't think it's right that an entity can hold everyone to ransom. We're talking about livelihoods and the economy. It's gone far too long. I just want to see some motion."
West Coast Regional Council chief executive Heather Mabin said there had been no movement since Scenic Circle Group declined in December to give affected party approval.
The north bank work was poised to go, with the lower part of the scheme towards the Waiho loop already under way.
However the crucial phase, including bolstering protection from the river bordering the northern outskirts along State highway 6 - where the school, commercial business park, and the site of the now abandoned Scenic Circle Mueller Wing sit -- was still a sticking point.
Mabin said a hearing triggered by Scenic Circle Hotel Group's refusal to give affected party approval to the scheme would now be held mid-May after the mid-April date had to be vacated.
Despite that council had "full support" from MBIE infrastructure division Kanoa, which had released the $12.5 million co-funding for stage one.
"We are getting the Franz Josef scheme sorted," she said.
A Scenic Circle spokesperson said at this stage they had nothing further to add except to say liaison was ongoing "to identify mutually suitable dates" for a hearing but nothing had been confirmed yet.
Meantime the council hoped to get clarity about the future of the $12.5 million southern half of the $24m in total scheme, affecting Waiho Flat, by June.
The Greymouth floodwall strengthening and improvement scheme is also due to start, as is the 'quick win' floodbank improvements at Westport under council's own $10.2m scheme.
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.
-
53.2% Yes
-
46.8% 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.
Loading…
