1679 days ago

RHODODENDRON LAWNS - VICTORY FOR THE PEOPLE OF HAMILTON

Rudi from Hamilton Lake

NEW ZEALAND - HAMILTON - THE PEOPLE PUSHING BACK, VICTORY FOR DEMOCRACY

A swell of love for a lawn space has pushed back a decision on Hamilton Gardens redevelopments.

Plans to move a car park onto the site of the Rhododendron Lawn riled many gardens lovers, and concerned users such as the Hamilton Gardens Arts Festival.

Hamilton City Council's idea was to create space for more themed gardens, a better entry point for the gardens and to ease traffic congestion on busy days.

But, after a groundswell of support for keeping the lawn where it is, city councillors have handed off the decision to the next council - to be elected in October.

There was a packed public gallery in council chambers on Thursday afternoon, when councillors were due to say yes, no, or not now to the plan.

Councillor Mark Bunting suggested delaying the decision so the community could have more time to have a say, and councillors voted 8-4 in support.

Earlier, they'd heard about concerns from Creative Waikato and the Hamilton Garden Arts Festival Trust, and that a later decision would simply slow down the start of the work.

Council would also have to talk to a potential sponsor to see if that would affect their interest in the project.

Those who voted against putting off the decision were Crs Ryan Hamilton, Garry Mallett, Rob Pascoe, and Leo Tooman.

Cr Paula Southgate had put in apologies for the meeting.

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More messages from your neighbours
3 days ago

Poll: Would you want an unconventional funeral?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Funerals can cost as much as $22,000 and the planning can be stressful especially at a time when loved ones are grieving. Some New Zealanders are re-imagining funerals by making their own coffin or having a relaxed ceremony at home. Would you want a less traditional funeral? Share your thoughts below.

Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.

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Would you want an unconventional funeral?
  • 84.3% Yes
    84.3% Complete
  • 13.8% No
    13.8% Complete
  • 1.9% Other - I'll share below!
    1.9% Complete
1651 votes
9 hours ago

Spoil someone special this Mother’s Day

mags4gifts.co.nz

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, we’ve got you covered. Enjoy up to 34% off 1-year magazine subscriptions and grab a gift for yourself or a mother figure that’ll last all year long!

With over 50 titles to choose from, there’s something for everyone at mags4gifts.co.nz. To make your gift even more special, make sure to click the “This order is a gift” box to add a free personalised e-card to your order. Mother’s Day offers end at midnight on 11 May, so don’t miss out! T&Cs apply.
Find out more

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22 hours ago

What did you make of Finau's tackle in Friday's game?

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

Samipeni Finau admits he heard all the outrage over his latest massive hit, but the Chiefs enforcer could not care less, and is backing his technique to continue to smash pesky No 10s.

Debate swirled over the weekend in the wake of Finau’s crunching tackle on Waratahs first-five Tane Edmed in the third minute of the Chiefs’ Super Rugby Pacific win in Sydney last Friday.

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