Selwyn Times: February 28, 2017

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4 District councillor Craig Watson writes on freedom camping Tuesday February 28 2017 Your Local Views Freedom campers contribute SELWYN TIMES Freedom camping may be a new term used heavily by mainstream media, but its concept is not new. Grandad has been taking his grandkids camping for overnight fishing trips at Lake Coleridge for years, boys have gone camping with mates, as a rite of passage, since forever and families have camped on the sides of lakes or rivers for all summers past. When I have raised this in forums lately I have had Trumplike responses going something along the lines of: “Yes but Kiwis are more responsible than overseas campers.” Or: “I know I am responsible but these overseas people are not.” I think if you talk to the likes of Sally Quickfall, the Tasman District Council enforcement officer who has been verbally abused and spat on by Kiwis at freedom camping hot spots, she would disagree with such sentiments. The unintended consequences (at least I hope they were), by councils all around the country blanket banning ‘freedom campers’ has meant those wonderful pastimes mentioned above have become unsavoury or illegal and that is pretty sad. But in reality, an immigration based ‘Kiwis only’ policy would be even worse. Please don’t think I am against doing something to improve the situation in our towns and rural areas, I am supportive of meaningful and sensible solutions. It is disgusting that a camper defecates on a public building or uses a private camping ground’s facilities for free by sneaking in. A recent study reported by the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment showed that international freedom campers spent on average $6961 per trip in 2015, compared to backpackers who spent on average $4808 per trip. An international visitor who does neither of the above only spent on average $3212, less than half that of a freedom camper. Overall it is estimated that international freedom campers spent $304 million in 2015. While acknowledging they probably stayed longer than your average tourist it is important to note that they are significant contributors to our economy. I hope, that when councils consider what to do, we all look past the emotions, rhetoric and headline-grabbing stories and concentrate on sensible solutions that benefit our environment, our pastimes and our economy. Harvey Polglase, of Darfield, writes about the district council’s plans to consult Darfield and Kirwee residents on whether a reticulated sewer network is needed in the area Given that the existing septic tank system in Darfield presents neither a detrimental effect on the environment or public health, and gives no indication of likely future problems, the suggestion that we need a reticulated system should be quickly abandoned. With the individual septic tanks disposing of small volumes of effluent over a widely dispersed area, it makes no environmental sense to transport all of this waste to one site where the nitrate and phosphate loadings are then going to require some means of disposal after treatment. A major factor will be the cost of the scheme – those on fixed incomes will find the proposed $23,000 connection fee an impossible cost. There will also be an ongoing rates requirement for operation which presumably will be in the vicinity of the cost for water supply, so adding another couple of hundred dollars to the annual rates bill. The track record of community sewerage schemes in New Zealand is patchy – Mangawhai in Northland escalated from $36 million to $53 million, Wanganui has had major problems and costs associated with its scheme. The short answer is obviously ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’ Summer Sale on now WOF $45 .00 • Courtesy cars • Oil changes • Full mechanical repairs • Brake & clutch repairs • Transmission flush service • Tyres & batteries • Petrol & diesel servicing Fitzgerald Motors PHONE 03 349 7813 2/193 Waterloo road, Hornby real pet food Manufacturers of Fine Natural Pet Food BEEF • Steaks • Mince • Brisket Bones • Beef & Tongue • Beef Bones CHICKEN • Mince • Necks Stockists of: Birdseed & Bird Acessories, Rabbit Mix, Rat & Mice Mix, Guinea Pig Mix, Fish Food & Accessories Phone (03) 347 0626 Shop 4, 855 Jones Road, Rolleston (opposite Redpaths) Hours: Mon-Tue 9am-5pm Wed-Fri 9am-5.30pm Sat 10am-1pm HORSE • Steaks • Mince • Hearts, Livers & Tongue MIXES • Cat Mix • Dog Mix New seasons styles arriving relationship property, employment law and resolving contractual and estate disputes. 64 South Terrace Darfield Ph 03 3188 070 Our opening hours are: Tuesday to Friday 10am - 5pm Saturday 10am - 1pm
SELWYN TIMES Tuesday February 28 2017 5 Selwyn Sounds Get ready to rock What • By Tom Doudney THERE ARE just four days to go until the biggest music festival Selwyn has seen. Selwyn Sounds, which will be held at Lincoln Domain on Saturday, could see up to 10,000 people turning out to see a line-up of Kiwi music heavyweights. The show will be headlined by Mi-Sex and Dragon, with the supporting line-up including The Jordan Luck Band, Jason Kerrison, Annie Crummer, Margaret Urlich, Debbie Harwood and Sharon O’Neill. you need to know: •The show will run from 11.30am to 8.30pm, with gates opening at 10.30am. •Lincoln High School’s grounds will be used for car parking and the school will benefit financially from the event with students collecting money for parking. •Tickets are still available from Ticketek. •Ticket buyers can pre-purchase a return bus ride between pick-up points in Christchurch or Rolleston and Lincoln Domain. However, these passes are fast running out. Environment Canterbury is also planning to put extra public buses into service to cater to those travelling to the concert. Another event, the Rockin Ribbs Fest which had been expected to be held at West Melton on March 11 and 12, is to be rescheduled at a new venue. The event is to feature live music, craft beers and cooking demonstrations. Crystal Clear Events events manager Christine Bogers said it was hoped that it would now be staged at Hororata Domain in May but she still had to get approval from the district council before the details could be finalised. LAwyERS From left: Margaret Urlich, Debbie Harwood and Annie Crummer Sharon O’Neill Mi-Sex The Jordan Luck Band Dragon We have over 40 years’ experience to assist you with… • Buying and Selling Houses and Commercial Property • Wills, Trusts and Estate matters • All issues facing you and your business; • Employment Law matters; • Traffic matters; • Advice regarding Retirement Villages • General Legal Advice on all matters Call John, Brendan or Andrew today 03 366 8996 Email. lawyers@mclegal.co.nz Airport Business Park 92 Russley Road, Christchurch 8042 Aviation Automotive Maritime Rail Military Artwork, books, models and more. 32 London Street, Lyttelton | Ph. 03 328 7350 E. anchorfinearts@xtra.co.nz Boarding ROAD SHOW We’d love to meet you at our road show and share more about boarding at St Andrew’s College. Enquiries are welcome for scholarships including the George F Hight Scholarship (needs-based). 347 Papanui Road, Strowan, Christchurch. ASHBURTON Heads of Boarding 2017 TUESDAY 7 MARCH 5.00pm – 7.00pm Lushingtons Café, 5 Archibald Street Please visit our website for more information www.stac.school.nz or to RSVP contact Registrar Lynn Smith on 03 940 2016 or email enrol@stac.school.nz
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Selwyn Times: February 28, 2017

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