Confusion slows cricket ground development
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Efforts to develop a new Canterbury cricket ground are being delayed due to confusion over who has responsibility.
Hurunui District Council chief executive Hamish Dobbie said staff were hampered in their ability to progress the development of Amberley Eastern Reserve due to the wording of a council resolution passed five years ago.
‘‘We just need to know who is giving direction so we can get on and do it.’’
The council has been revising its reserve management plan, which helps to shape how large green spaces are used in the region.
The Eastern Reserve attracted the most interest during the recent consultation with mixed views on the cricket ground proposal.
Cricket is proposed to be the main sport at the four hectare reserve, while a potential play area, pump track and tennis courts are also being considered.
In 2019, the council passed a resolution where it directed the Amberley Reserve Advisory Group to update its charter to include the Eastern Reserve, with the council retaining control of the reserve’s development.
But Dobbie said the wording of the resolution had created confusion over who made the final decision.
Alongside the council, there are a number of interested parties including the council’s South Ward Committee, the Amberley Reserve Advisory Group, sporting organisations and local residents, all wanting to have a say.
‘‘Officers are of the view that the council intended to retain direct governance of the Eastern Reserve throughout its development and that the council would work with the Amberley Reserve Advisory Group and the various sporting bodies,’’ Dobbie said.
At a council meeting on Tuesday[August 27], councillors directed staff to prepare a paper for the September council meeting to clarify the decision making process.
Consultation of the revamped reserve management plan has been completed, with the council due to adopt the new plan at either the September or October council meeting.
■ 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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53.1% Yes
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46.9% 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
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