Preserving Amberley’s scientific past
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Amberley's role in studying the Earth’s magnetic field is set to remembered.
The Amberley Domain was home to a geophysics observatory from 1913 until 1978, playing its part in studying electrical storms and aurora.
Jo Hassall, who chairs the Hurunui District Council’s south ward committee, said the community planned to erect a park bench, picnic table and a display board in the domain to tell the story.
‘‘It is going to be quite exciting,’’ she said.
‘‘The building is long gone and there is nothing to say there was once a geophysics observatory in the domain.
‘‘If we don’t preserve these sites, they are lost forever.’’
She said the process started after a letter was received from an astronomer in Rolleston, alerting the ward committee to the domain’s illustrious past.
A working bee is being planned to clear the area and remove some dead trees, while the Amberley Reserve Advisory Group is going to apply for funding to support the project.
Hassall said it will add value to the site, as there is nowhere for parents to sit while children are playing on the tennis and netball courts at the domain.
‘‘It will be a lovely area when it is finished and there is a beautiful view out to Mt Grey.’’
The observatory was originally established in the Christchurch Botanic Gardens in the 19th century, but was moved to Amberley in 1913, according to a Christchurch City Council report.
‘‘The introduction of the electric tram system affected some of the observatory’s instrumentation making it difficult to obtain accurate records,’’ the report says.
‘‘In 1913 a new magnetograph was acquired and located offsite in the Amberley Domain, North Canterbury.’’
Observations continued at the Christchurch site, alongside the Amberley observatory which was tucked into an embankment.
An article on the teara.govt.nz website says the observatory was moved to Eyrewell, near Oxford, in 1978 due to the growth of Amberley.
The observatories have operated alongside other New Zealand magnetic observatories at Apia in Samoa and Scott Base in Antarctica, with the data shared as part of a global network.
The GNS Science geomagnetics team continues to measure and monitor the magnetic field from the Eyrewell observatory.
■ 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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53.2% Yes
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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.
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