The worm squirms on the berm
26 November, 2024
A social media poll by Horowhenua District Council that 524 residents participated in found 65 percent were against the decision to stop mowing berms, 25 percent were in favour and 10 percent were unsure.
Ceasing berm mowing to save $240,000 annually was one of several community cost-cutting measures included as options during Long Term Plan (2024-2044) consultations, and came into effect on 1 July this year.
A decision that is being re-visited around the Council table on November 27 at 11am in response to community opposition.
An exception to stopping berm mowing is a decision to maintain reserves, "created as a result of growth, which has a budget of $150,672 this year," said parks and property manager Lacey Winiata in a 32 page report included in the agenda.
The report stated Foxton and Shannon residents were concerned about "higher maintenance and costs" because their berms were much larger than berms in Levin.
"Some of the enquiries have touched on the perceived health and safety risks associated with berm mowing. For some in our community their homes and.. berms, are next to 70 kilometre an hour roads."
87 residents who contacted council between August 22 and November 18 expressed concerns ranging from:
Confusion or dissatisfaction about who should have responsibility, health and accessibility issues for residents unable to manage berms due to physical limitations and, aesthetic concerns of unkempt berms impacting on the visual appearance of the district.
In response to Council's suggestion that residents ask for help from social development agency WINZ, one respondent said WINZ does not fully cover lawn maintenance expenses, "and any partial assistance from them is insufficient to meet the remaining costs."
The report stated residents also contacted elected members and council officers directly, and sent emails.
Between 1 June and 14 November a further 130 enquiries were also logged.
It is the second time the council has revisited decisions made since the Long Term Plan was adopted after local land transport budgets for footpaths, cycleways and roading improvements were also recently slashed due to government priorities that favour expressways.
If the Council voted in favour of "partially or fully" reinstating berm mowing it would cost between $40,000 to $120,000 for the remaining eight months of the 2024-2025 financial year.
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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53.5% Yes
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46.5% No
Horowhenua Kapiti Calendar, 2026
My 2026 Horowhenua/Kapiti Calendar will be available tomorrow (Saturday) from 9am to 1pm at the Monthly Market in the Uniting Church hall, 87 Oxford Street, Levin.
‘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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