PAGE 16 BAY HARBOUR Latest Christchurch news at www.star.kiwi Wednesday <strong>February</strong> 7 <strong>2018</strong> News Old Stone House to reopen THE HISTORIC Old Stone House will reopen to the community today, following extensive earthquake repairs. The opening will be attended by Mayor Lianne Dalziel, Cashmere Ward councillor Tim Scandrett, Spreydon Ward councillor Phil Clearwater and Spreydon-Cashmere community board chairwoman Karolin Potter. Built by Sir John Cracroft Wilson in 1870 and nestled at the foot of the Port Hills, the heritage building is reopening after a $2 million restoration. Ms Dalziel will officially reopen the building at a ceremony attended by Caroline Murray, a great-great granddaughter of Sir John Cracroft Wilson. The building was rebuilt by the community in 1979 after fire damage. Repairs and strengthening work were expected to be completed by mid-2017. “Walls have been upgraded and strengthened, roofing improved, seismic separation joints formed, ceilings replaced, masonry repaired and repointed, heating updated and accessibility enhanced,” said city council heritage rebuild programme manager Richie Moyle. A LARGE infestation of pest plant purple loosestrife has been found in Prices Valley. So Environment Canterbury is calling for residents to report any sightings of the weed on Banks Peninsula. “The Prices Valley find is the first known large infestation on the peninsula,” said ECan regional leader biosecurity Graham Sullivan. “We know purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) rapidly invades damp ground and shallow water. When left uncontrolled, its dense bushy growth forms massive, tall, impenetrable stands that will out compete our native species. Its ability to form monocultures changes a wetland and marginal habitats and food sources for many fish and bird species,” said Mr Sullivan. Left uncontrolled, purple loosestrife can form monocultures causing blockages and flooding. “We don’t want this for our region’s wetlands and watercourses,” Mr Sullivan said. Purple loosestrife produces millions of long-lived, highly viable seeds from an early age. It can tolerate hot or cold conditions, and low to high nutrient levels in the water. Its seed is spread by the movement of water, contaminated machinery and soil. Now is the optimum time to identify if you have purple loosestrife on your property. What to look out for: •A tall green perennial herb that grows anywhere between 1 and 3m tall in summer. •It will have a taproot with many branched stems that feel square shaped when you rub them between your thumb and finger. •Look for narrow leaves that are in pairs and alternate up the stem. •During the summer months, it will have showy, densely hairy flower head spikes. •Later in the season you may see blackish seed capsules, about 3mm long. •There are no similar species that grow this tall. What to do: •Take a photo of the suspected plant(s) and email it, along with the location of the sighting to Gemma Livingstone at gemma. livingstone@ecan.govt.nz •Alternatively, you can call 0800 EC INFO and leave your name, contact number, and the location of the suspected sighting. Local News Now Purple pest present on peninsula Fire rages, homes at risk PEST: It may look pretty but purple loosestrife is a pest plant. Anita, Kellie, Grant, Nehad & Ashleigh Full Service Pharmacy including... • Passports Photos • Revlon Cosmetics and Revlon Club • Gifts and Gift Wrapping • Ear Piercing • Extensive Natural Health range • Scarves, Hats and Sunglasses • Focus on Natural Organic Skincare including Trilogy, Antipodes and Sukin OPEN SAT & SUN Dispensary Service • Medico Packs • Quit Smoking Quitcards • Emergency Contraceptive Pill • Delivery Service Owned and operated by your phamacist, Grant Bell CAFÉ NOW OPEN 1005 Ferry Rd, Ferrymead. Ph:943 9635 OPEN 7 DAYS: Mon to Fri 8.30am - 6pm Sat 9am - 4pm and Sun 10am - 4pm
Wednesday <strong>February</strong> 7 <strong>2018</strong> Latest Christchurch news at www.star.kiwi BAY HARBOUR PAGE 17 Be Inspired To show the best of emerging design, and reinforce modern classic styles, Oakleys have 10 concept bathrooms to help spark your imagination. Slick ideas are around every corner, from tapware to tiles, vanities to vessels and baths to black loo paper, you'll discover everything you ever wanted to know about bathrooms that are anything but humble. Oakleys have more than 140 years of industry experience that you can count on. www.oakleysplumbing.co.nz
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