Calls to review water rules to tackle dry creeks
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Potential solutions to stop creeks from drying out and killing fish due to low water levels from the Ashburton River have been presented to Environment Canterbury.
Farmers and landowners pleaded for help from the regional council in March after Greenstreet Creek slowly dried up, causing the death of fish and eels.
At the time, farmers who saw the creek drying out couldn't get permission to divert water to stream until ECan used emergency powers to let them.
It was the solution they had always used until the new minimum flow restrictions came into effect last year, designed to keep more water in the Ashburton/Hakatere River.
In a meeting last week, Hekeao/Hinds Water Enhancement Trust executive director Dr Brett Painter presented some potential solutions to the Ashburton Water Zone Committee.
The trust runs water enhancement projects across the Hekeao/Hinds Plains, including New Zealand’s largest managed groundwater rehabilitation project.
Painter, a former environmental infrastructure project leader for Environment Canterbury for 11 years, suggested a raft of possible solutions and “shadow consents” for the Greenstreet area.
He looked at “piggybacking onto existing water distribution and storage infrastructure” and existing water take consents to provide flows to maintain aquatic life during dry periods.
He also noted the use of “compliance discretion for trials” – trialling solutions without the need for consents - being something that could be considered.
ECan director of science Dr Tim Davie said the fundamental issue is consents can’t be granted that go against the minimum flows.
“We are still bound by minimum flows set out in the plan.”
ECan zone manager Jennifer Rochford acknowledged Painter’s suggestions were exactly the conversations the regional council wanted to have but she was concerned about rushing into an engineering solution based on a dry summer.
“We are not putting anything off the table.”
There are other options to consider to prepare for if the river goes dry and an expensive engineering solution may not be required in normal circumstances, she said.
“This is really a decision for the community as the cost will be borne there.”
The Zone Committee will be urging ECan to look at the options presented at their meeting last week to continue the conversation.
Greenstreet farmer Darryl Butterick also presented a letter from the friends of Greenstreet Creek asking to work alongside ECan on a long-term solution.
“No-one wishes to see the creek run dry again.
“We seek to work alongside ECan to establish a sustainable and workable process whereby the creek can be kept alive as well as keeping the appropriate flows in the Ashburton River and O’Shea’s Creek.”
They requested a working group be formed to monitor Greenstreet waterways and take appropriate action as soon as required.
Poll: Have you ever been bullied?
People associate bullying with children in schools, but it can actually stretch beyond childhood to workplaces or neighbourhoods.
This Friday is Pink Shirt Day, which began in Canada in 2007 when two students took a stand against homophobic bullying after a new student was harassed for wearing pink. People across the globe are now encouraged to wear pink on this day to take a stand against bullying and promote inclusivity.
Have you or your whānau ever experienced bullying? Share your thoughts on Pink Shirt Day 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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81.5% Yes
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18.2% No
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0.3% Other - I'll share below
Neighbourly Q&A: Renting rights with CAB's Sacha Green
We are continuing our Q&A sessions on Neighbourly. This week we have the amazing Sacha Green from Citizens Advice Bureau New Zealand (CABNZ) who will be answering your questions about your renting rights.
A little bit about Sacha:
She has been working for CABNZ for 10 years and is passionate about empowering people with knowledge of their rights as well as ensuring access to justice.
She helps support the team of over 2,000 trained volunteers who deliver the CAB service in 80 neighbourhoods around Aotearoa by providing advice and support at a national level on a wide range of issues. One of Sacha’s work areas is leading the CAB’s social justice work on housing and tenancy issues.
Whether you're a flatmate, landlord, boarder or flatmate, you can leave a comment below and Sacha will share an answer on Wednesday from 9.30am. You may want to ask about notice periods, bond fulfillment, reasonable rent increases, or even whose responsibility it is to deal with mould in the home.
Join Sacha here on Wednesday at 9.30am. See you then!.
⇩ Share your question below ⇩
Here's How to Choose the Perfect Headboard for Your Queen Bed in NZ
A good night's sleep starts with the right environment, and a stylish headboard can transform your bedroom into a cozy retreat.
In New Zealand, the quest for the perfect headboard blends aesthetics with functionality, offering various options to suit any taste.
This blog will assist you in enhancing your sleep space: stylish headboard options for queen beds in NZ.
Headboard Options: A Touch of Personality
Selecting a headboard with personality for your queen bed means considering style, material, and colour to reflect your unique taste.
This choice not only impacts the look of your bedroom but also expresses your style.
Whether you're drawn to the classic elegance of a wooden headboard, the sleek appeal of a metal frame, or the cozy comfort of an upholstered design, the right headboard acts as a bedroom centrepiece.
Style Variety. Choose from traditional, contemporary, or avant-garde designs to match your bedroom’s theme.
Material Matters. Wood, metal, fabric, and leather options offer different textures and vibes.
Colour Choices. Select from a broad palette to complement or contrast with your bedroom decor.
Custom Designs. Tailor-made headboards allow for a personalised touch, fitting your aesthetic and functional requirements.
Functional Features. Consider headboards with built-in shelves or lighting to combine style with practicality.
When selecting a headboard, consider the size of your room, the height of your ceiling, and the colour scheme of your space.
A large, bold headboard can make a statement in a spacious room, while a simpler design might be better for a compact space.
Installing a new headboard can be a straightforward DIY project. Most designs easily attach to the bed frame or wall.
Regular maintenance will keep your headboard looking fresh; fabric options may require occasional cleaning, while wood and metal might need dusting or polishing.
Design Trends in Queen Beds
For those seeking headboard options for queen beds in NZ, current trends lean towards statement pieces that act as the bedroom's focal point.
Bold colours, intricate patterns, or extended heights can create a dramatic effect, while simpler designs in neutral tones complement a minimalist décor.
Don't be afraid to mix and match styles and materials.
A rustic wooden headboard can look surprisingly chic against a modern interior, and a vintage metal design can add character to a contemporary room.
The key is to find a balance that speaks to your aesthetic and complements the overall design of your bedroom.
Function Meets Style
Finding a design that offers both functionality and style is essential when choosing a headboard for your queen bed.
A well-chosen headboard can provide support for reading or watching TV in bed while also enhancing the room's décor.
Look for headboards with features that meet your lifestyle needs without compromising aesthetics.
Supportive Structure. Ideal for comfortable reading and lounging in bed.
Aesthetic Appeal. Complements the bedroom's design and atmosphere.
Storage Solutions. Some headboards include built-in storage for convenience.
Sound Insulation. Upholstered options can help to reduce noise.
Versatility. Choose a headboard that can adapt to changing decor styles and needs.
Where to Find the Best Headboard Options
Exploring local furniture stores and online marketplaces can reveal many headboard options.
Custom furniture makers in New Zealand also offer bespoke designs, providing a unique solution that can perfectly match your space and style.
Transforming Your Sleep Space with the Right Headboard
Upgrading your queen bed with a stylish headboard from Beds4U will enhance the aesthetic of your bedroom and promise a comfort upgrade. This ensures that your bedroom is not just a place to sleep but a stylish retreat tailored to your taste.
Visit Beds4U to discover the perfect headboard that complements your style and meets your needs.
With our diverse headboard options, you can transform your sleep space into a luxurious haven.
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