Ashburton Courier: February 22, 2024

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COUNCIL BRIEF 2Baring SquareEast, Ashburton |POBox 94, Ashburton, NewZealand 7740 | Telephone (03) 3077700 |Website ashburtondc.govt.nz Thursday,22February2024 | ISSUE 167 Youth inspired by workers' words SHORT AND SWEET GRANTSDEADLINE If youhaveagroup,projectorevent thathelps makeMid Canterburya great place to live,then youmay be eligible foracommunity grantbutact quickly,asapplicationsfor this roundcloseon29February. Grant categories arediverse, from biodiversity and heritagetoone-off projects.Applications areassessed againstset criteria and funding allocatedaspart of the annual budget process. Check outall the infoatashburtondc.govt.nz/grants. Twenty-sevenyoung people from around the Ashburton District learned about different jobsand why people lovedoing them at an event lastweekdesigned to inspire futureworkchoices. The free Inspiring the Futureevent was facilitated by Council’sMayorsTaskforce ForJobs co-ordinatorSharonWatson and hosted in Te WhareWhakatere, the new libraryand civic centre. The young people heardfrom10local volunteer role models, who talked about theirjobs, their pathway and challenges theyfaced along the way. Rolemodels included alifeguard, adog control officer,business owners, ajockey DeputyMayor-Liz McMillan Connectingwith residents It wasaprivilege to be able to speak recentlyabout thethought and planningthatwent intothe design and deliveryofour new Council chambers, Hine Paaka. ThelegendofHine Paakaisakey aspect of the chambersand it hasbeenbrought tolifethrough the wood panels, carvings and carpet. Hine Paakawas the wife of a Ngai Tahu chief,Maru, in thelate1600s and her name wasgiven to ahugeMatai tree at Alford Forest thatstood forovera thousand years. Thetreewas alandmark andused by Maori as they travelledacross the district. In our chambers,you cansee the branches of the Mataitreeinthe design of the wool carpet, youcan see the leaves in carvings on the ceiling, and a pillar running from the groundfloor through the chambersand up to Level 2 symbolises the trunk. The design as awhole is to celebrate and projects and logistics managers. MayorNeil Brownand deputy mayorLiz McMillan also dropped by to talk with the group. “The role models coveredadiverse range ofindustries and provided some really good insightsintovarious career paths, anditwas inspiring to hear theirwork histories and howtheyprogressed their careers,”Mayor Brownsaid. “It wasalsointeresting to realise thatthe one thingincommontheyall hadand needed wascustomer service skills. “Iwas ashepherdafterIleft school and then went to Lincolnbeforefarming. As Mayor, Ineed customer serviceskills too.” Therolemodels talked about careers democracyand we havebeen working hardintherealready on issuesthatare important forthe district. It has been wonderful to show residentsthrough the chamber and wider building, and see their positivereactions. Lastweek we hostedagroup of international exchangestudentsfrom MtHuttCollege and invited them to sit around the Council table. Thenine studentscame from Japan, Thailand and SouthKorea, andare all busy improving their English languageskills and enjoying ourKiwi wayofliving. We’vealso restarted our weekly Talk it upTuesdaysessions, which areachance forpeople to drop by foraninformal chat withacouncillor. Councillorstake it in turnstohostthese weeklysessions, which areheld from 1pm-2pm just inside the mainentrancetoTeWhare Whakatere. It’sagreat chancetotell us about an ideaoraworryonyourmind, and if it’s in military,logistics,dieselmechanics, medical, animals,creativefields, and computers/coding,whilebusiness owners spokeabout havingthe couragetoexplore newpossibilities. Mayor Brownsaid the role models also passed on some good general work tips. “They said havingadriver’slicence wasimperative, butwarned that traffic infringementsand criminal convictions canimpactwhatyou do in the future. “They also talked about having positive attitudes andbeing adaptablethrough theirworking lives.” Inspiring the Futureeventsare held in collaboration withConnectedNZand the MinistryofSocialDevelopment. something that our Customer Serviceteamcan help with, theyare only 20metresaway. It hasalso been good to seethe hundreds of responsestothe Safer Mid Canterburyand Councilonline survey inviting people to sharetheir views on thefutureneed forpublic transport.The surveyisopen until 8March,sojump in and tell us what youthink. The feedback will be analysed, alongside thethoughtsofcommunity groups, businesses and existing transport operators,tohelp Council gaugeifapublictransport pilot is feasible. Lastly Iwant to say abig congratulations to theMethven RugbyClubfor hosting theCrusadersand Highlanders at theMethven DomainlastFriday. The grounds looked incredible andthe rugby matchwas agreat event forthe town. RIVERSDROPPING River levels in Pudding Hill Stream and the North Ashburton are continuing to drop and there is no more stockwateravailable to take. People in the Chertsey,Somerton Road and associated areaswill see significantlyreduced flows. People should monitor racesand seek alternativewater forlivestock should the flowstopaltogether. Rangersare monitoring the situationand will keep whatwater theycan flowing as faraspossible. LEGO FORADULTS Ashburton Libraryhas started aweekly Lego drop-insession foradults.The sessionsare on Tuesdays, from 5.30pm to 7.30pm, and opentoanyone17years and older. The libraryrunsLegoBuild sessionsfor youngsters (6-16years) earlier on aTuesdayfrom3.30pm- 4.30pm, and the popularity of these hasled to the Build Plussessions foradults.The number of adults using Lego to burn off their daytime stress or lettheir imagination fly is increasing globally,with many saying it helps them unwind. DOMAIN GATES Newsteel gateshavebeen installed at the main entrance of the Ashburton Domain. They were madebyPerkins Engineering and areinasimilar design to the domain's1897 gatesoutside the domain office on WestStreet. 1 ashburtondc.govt.nz Thursday,22February 2024 |ISSUE 167
Want to book ameeting room? Ashburton DistrictCouncil hasa rangeofmeeting rooms, alarge eventsspace and AV studio that areavailable forpublic use in the Ashburton Libraryand Civic Centre, Te WhareWhakatere. Bookings are subjecttoavailability and fair use, and can be made online from Monday 26 February. People and Facilities Group Manager Sarah Mosley said while the primaryuse of the rooms wasfor council business and libraryprogrammes, other people can also book the spaceswhen available. “We’re reallyexcited to be in the new building and want the community to be able to use it as much as possible too.” Mostofthe meeting rooms are on the ground floor,with atiered charging system(free, halfrates, fullrates) for external usersbased on ameeting’s purpose and or community benefit. Individualsorcommunity groups who wish to hostameeting or event thatfocuses on social, cultural and environmental wellbeing or providing learning opportunities (within Fitch gives strong billoffinancial health Ashburton DistrictCouncil hasbeen given astrong bill of financial health by one of the world’slargest independent credit rating agencies. Fitch Rating Services has given Council an AA+ rating forthe fourth year in arow.This rating indicatesCouncil is in averystrong position to meetits debtcommitments in the future. Council Business Support GroupManager Leanne Macdonaldsaid the rating would ensure Council couldcontinue to secure libraryhours), should email us at library@adc.govt.nz or call us on 308- 7192, as the booking could be eligible to payhalf price rates or be free. Private bookings can be made by corporate,government agencies, or individuals and range from$20 an hour forasmall room to $40 an hour fora large room with kitchenette. Day and half-day ratesare also available, with meetings thatstart and or finish outside of the libraryhoursalso possible in some meeting rooms, with any associated security costscoveredbythe user. “The fees and conditions of use are included on the booking page and if you’re notsure if your community group meets the criteria forthe free or reduced lowerinterestrateswhen borrowing, which would help reduce the financial burden on ratepayers. "This is apositive affirmation of Council's robustfiscal position and the efforts of current and previous electedCouncils, and Council managers, to operate responsibly and efficiently forour community." The Fitch report said Ashburton’s stable revenue profile wasunderpinned by steady economic growth and capital expenditure was well planned. TALK ITUP T u e s d a y s Got feedback on local issues? rates, or if youhave questions, please get in touch,”MsMosleysaid. The meeting rooms have TV and video conferencing ability and are a range of sizes, to accommodate groups as small as five or as large as 30, as well as acrowd of about 70 in the event space, thathas tiered seating and a200 inch LEDwall. Making an online booking requires a minimum lead time of 72 hourstoallow forweekends and public holidays, and can be made up to 30 days in advance. ContactCouncil forregular repeat bookings or those beyond 30 days. Catering, and tea and coffee services within meeting rooms can be arranged privately by contacting our onsite café One Ninety Nine, other local caterers or youcan bring your ownsuitable food, as twomeeting rooms have kitchenfacilities. Occupantsare required to leave spaces clean and tidy with the same room setup. With the move to Te Whare Whakatere, the library’shourschanged to 8.30am to 6pm on Mondays and Fridays, 8.30am to 8pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdaysand Thursdays, 10am to 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays. MrsMacdonald said Council revenue and cash flow largely coveredits debt servicing. “I’mpleased thatCouncil has continued to be assessed independently as a well-run and financially robustlocal authority.The Fitch Ratings process takesanintensive look at manydifferent partsofthe organisation and should re-assure ratepayers about our financial management.” The full Council assessment is on fitchratings.com. A matter to raise with Council? COUNCILMEETINGS Meetings areatCouncilChambers, 2 Baring SquareEast, unless specified. Meeting agendas areonline at ashburtondc.govt.nz Ashburton WaterZone Committee, Tuesday 27 February, 1pm (livestreamed) CouncilAgencies -Six-monthreports, Wednesday 28 February, 9.30am(livestreamed) Road SafetyCo-ordinating Committee, Tuesday 5March, 9.30am, Wakanui Room Councilmeeting, Wednesday 6March, 1pm (live-streamed) Methven Community Board, Monday 11 March, 9am, Mt HuttMemorial Hall Councilmeeting, Wednesday 20 March, 1pm (live-streamed) Ashburton WaterZone Committee, Tuesday 26 March, 1pm (live-streamed) CouncilActivity Briefings, Wednesday 27 March, 9.30am Audit &Risk Committee, Wednesday 27 March, 1pm (live-streamed) Heritage MidCanterburyWorking Group, Wednesday 27 March, 3.30pm, Banded Dotterel Room WORKSNOTICES Graham Street/McMurdo Street - Traffic management(including one-way or full road closure) is in place at the intersection of McMurdo and Graham Streets until 29 February, as part of the SH1 improvements project. Access throughthe intersection willchange, dependingonwork beingdone. Be prepared forashort detour,ifposted. Walker Street -Closedbetween Phillip andElizabeth Street while contractors install newwaterand sewerpipes. Elizabeth Street outside the hospital is one-way(traffic running west to east). Hospital access remains. Maronan Road -Trafficmanagement is in place on Maronan Road while contractors rehabilitateasection between the Hinds River and just north of Swamp Road. Thompsons Track -Closedbetwen Braemar andPole Roads until 15 March forroadrehabilitation. Detoursinplace. Tinwald viaduct -Closeduntil late Februarywhile contractors work on Waka Kotahi'sSH1 Tiwnald corridor improvements project. Back Track and BarkersRoad -Back Trackisclosed between Woods Road andHighbank Cairnbrae Road from 6Februaryuntil 8March forrepair andsealing.BarkersRoadtoBack Trackisclosed from 7-13 Februaryfor maintenance and sealing. Seafield Road -Work is planned for Seafield Road, between Christys Road andStanleyRoad, from 12 Februaryto19 May.Trafficmanagementwill be in place andwill include detoursfrom4March. Drop by forabiscuit and achat with aCouncillor,and let us knowhow we can betterserveour community. Every Tuesday: 1pm -2pm Ashburton Library No booking required. Upper Downs Road -Closedbetween QuarryRoadand Hinds Gorge Road on 24 Februaryfor the Ashburton Car Club's shingle sprint event. Full closure details on our website ashburtondc.govt.nz COUNCIL OFFICE 2Baring Square East Mon, Tue, Wed &Fri 8.30am-5pm Thursday 9am-5pm ASHBURTONLIBRARY 2Baring Square East, Ashburton 7700 Mon &Fri 8.30am-6pm, Tue-Thu 8.30am-8pm Sat&Sun 10am-4pm EA NETWORKSCENTRE 20 River Terrace Mon -Fri 6am-9pm (pools 7pm, gym8pm) Sat&Sun 7am-7pm (pools 5pm, gym6pm) ASHBURTON ART GALLERY &MUSEUM 327 West Street 10am-4pm daily (late night Wed) ashburtondc.govt.nz Thursday,22February 2024 |ISSUE 167 2
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Ashburton Courier: February 22, 2024

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