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Christchurch business extensively damaged following late-night blaze not suspicious
A Christchurch business extensively damaged following a “well involved” blaze overnight is not believed to be suspicious.
The fire happened at Aslan 57 Mediterranean Kitchen restaurant, which is in a small block of shops on Colombo St in Sydenham, about 9.30pm on Wednesday.
The fire was … View moreA Christchurch business extensively damaged following a “well involved” blaze overnight is not believed to be suspicious.
The fire happened at Aslan 57 Mediterranean Kitchen restaurant, which is in a small block of shops on Colombo St in Sydenham, about 9.30pm on Wednesday.
The fire was “well involved” when crews from Spreydon and Christchurch central arrived, but they had it extinguished within 20 minutes, Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokeswoman Jill Higgison said.
The fire had caused extensive damage to one of the businesses but was not deemed suspicious.
No-one was believed to be injured and the surrounding properties were not damaged, she said.
Ashburton councillors blame ‘entitled young people’ for labour shortage
From local democracy reporter Adam Burns:
Some Ashburton councillors have had a crack at “entitled young people” in response to the district's labour shortage headaches.
The offensive was sparked by a reported swell in the number of people on employment support in Mid-Canterbury, despite … View moreFrom local democracy reporter Adam Burns:
Some Ashburton councillors have had a crack at “entitled young people” in response to the district's labour shortage headaches.
The offensive was sparked by a reported swell in the number of people on employment support in Mid-Canterbury, despite employers throughout the district crying out for staff.
A glaring disconnect between a rise in the number of people receiving job seeker support and the numerous open vacancies sparked questions at Wednesday’s council meeting around the transition from unemployment into work.
A report on Ashburton's economy was presented on the meeting held via Zoom, which attempted to unpack the district's labour market issues with a 33.8 per cent rise in the number of people on benefits over the past quarter.
Eastern Ward councillor Lynette Lovett believed the issue centred around the poor attitudes of youngsters who were ill-equipped for the realities of the workplace.
“Today they're the entitled group some of these young ones,” she said.
“Schools need to talk about work ethics and what's expected.
“You only need to go out and talk to the farming community who are employing these young kids ... they're only there for a week because they go out boozing midweek and then want time off ... life becomes too hard.”
Western Ward councillor Rodger Letham added it was a “parenting and education” problem and not a matter for local government.
Urban ward councillor Carolyn Cameron disputed the remarks and said the council was obliged to scrutinise the problem.
“We have to acknowledge the Local Government Act, which suggests we look after our four wellbeings including social and economic, which is obviously impacted by youth unemployment.”
Recent figures from Statistics NZ showed about 1100 people in the district between the ages of 16 and 24 were not in any form of employment, education or training.
Ashburton mayor Neil Brown suggested the number of young people in this category who were unemployed was about 20 per cent.
Nearly 750 people in Mid-Canterbury are registered as job seekers by the Ministry of Social Development.
Tree-felling at exclusive golf course divides members, neighbours
A plan to cut down about 200 trees on an exclusive Christchurch golf course has triggered an emotive debate, dividing club members and residents.
Christchurch Golf Club has already started felling the trees, mostly pine and macrocarpa, at its course in Shirley after consulting arborists and its … View moreA plan to cut down about 200 trees on an exclusive Christchurch golf course has triggered an emotive debate, dividing club members and residents.
Christchurch Golf Club has already started felling the trees, mostly pine and macrocarpa, at its course in Shirley after consulting arborists and its course committee. General manager Mike Hadley acknowledged the removal was a sensitive issue – some club members lobbied to retain them – but said the club wanted to restore the course to its links origins.
Links courses tend to be on or near a coast and feature dunes, undulating greens and few, if any, trees.
Mark Belton, managing director of Permanent Forests NZ Ltd, which specialises in growing forests for carbon sequestration and conservation, said the club could have consulted nearby residents about the tree removal.
“Urban planning and urban forests in National Park Christchurch needs to be carefully considered to get the right trees in the right places to create habitats for birds but that don't cause issues for neighbourhoods."
Read more here and read more about the campaign to make Christhcurch a National Park City here.
Let's make Christchurch a National Park City
The Press is supporting a campaign for Ōtautahi Christchurch to become recognised as a National Park City. This requires a commitment to protect and enhance nature within our urban area.
Pledge your support for Ōtautahi Christchurch to become a National Park City by signing up to the Universal … View moreThe Press is supporting a campaign for Ōtautahi Christchurch to become recognised as a National Park City. This requires a commitment to protect and enhance nature within our urban area.
Pledge your support for Ōtautahi Christchurch to become a National Park City by signing up to the Universal Charter here and share your thoughts on the campaign in the comments below.
The pledge states we will work together for better:
- Lives, health and wellbeing
- Wildlife, trees and flowers
- Places, habitats, air, water, sea and land
- Time outdoors, culture, art, playing, walking, cycling & eating
- Locally-grown food and responsible consumption
- Decisions, sharing, learning and working together
- Relationships with nature and with each other
Click here to read more about this campaign and some of the eco-conscious projects already under way in Christchurch.
Woolworths housing and supermarket development approved by Environment Court
Plans for 270 new houses and apartments, a supermarket, shops, eateries, a tavern, a cinema, a gym and an indoor pool have been given the go ahead for Christchurch's fastest-growing suburb.
The Environment Court has approved a proposal from supermarket company Woolworths to build the … View morePlans for 270 new houses and apartments, a supermarket, shops, eateries, a tavern, a cinema, a gym and an indoor pool have been given the go ahead for Christchurch's fastest-growing suburb.
The Environment Court has approved a proposal from supermarket company Woolworths to build the subdivision on 21 hectares on Halswell Rd, on the north side of Halswell.
The southwestern suburb already has more home building under way than any other part of Christchurch.
Australia-based Woolworths, owner of the Countdown brand in New Zealand, bought the land for $27 million from three owners about four years ago. The site is mostly farmland and sits opposite the Aidanfield subdivision. Continue reading here.
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