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A chance for young blues musicians
Sponsored by Rotorua District Council in celebration of NZ Music Month, these sessions will be free to music students in the Rotorua region.
On Friday 31 May, festival headliner Jimi Hocking from Melbourne,
Australia, will run a seminar for students on blues and rock guitar.
Jimi Hocking has mastered live guitar sound from years of experience touring and recording. Using both electric and acoustic guitars he has thrilled audiences and gained a reputation for his incredible live tone and technique. In this exclusive free seminar, students will learn tips and tricks from a true master.
Sunday 2 June, music teachers Jason Herbert from Auckland and local man Rob Powley will lead a hands-on blues guitar workshop for advanced students nominated by their tutors.
Both the seminar and workshop will be held at Novotel Rotorua Lakeside and are free of charge. Registration is essential.
Students should speak to their music tutor or school HOD for details, or email the Bay of Plenty Blues Club at info@bopblues.com or phone 027 273 8881.
For full details and festival programme visit www.bopblues.com/bluesfest
Rotorua recycling education centre opens
Resource, the new education centre at the city’s Recycling Centre, officially opened last week after a year’s planning by Rotorua District Council.
The revamped centre is based in the former Urban Ore shop, and focuses on household recycling, solid waste, pollution control, waste water and fresh water, through a series of interactive and stationary displays.
Resource is open by appointment only but open days will also be held for the general public.
RDC Keep Rotorua Beautiful coordinator, Christine Findon, said she is pleased that after many months of planning Resource is now available as an educational tool for the community.
"Education changes behaviour and that’s always a positive thing.
"Our target group is school-aged children but also caters to the wider community. It provides an opportunity for the council to promote efficient use of our resources and to show locals how we manage some of our operations.
"Inside we have a mock-landfill, interactive displays with paper, plastic, glass, and metal, a challenge on packaging options, creations from RDC’s Wearable Arts collection, a tap that children can fill with fresh Rotorua water, displays on the waste water treatment process and the nasty things that get into our drainage system and lakes, and much more."
Mrs Findon said the building is also available to local organisations for off-site meetings.
Tauranga fire ban lifted
The prohibited fire season for Tauranga City has now been officially lifted.
The fire ban was declared for the urban fire district on Friday 22 February and upon recommendation from the NZ Fire Service it was lifted yesterday afternoon
Fire ban signs around the city have been removed.
We advise residents to remain cautious about lighting fires or such and be careful. Council says.
- Story / Jade Buitendag Photo / Cameron Avery
Council: Plea to keep out motorcycles
The Whakatāne District Council is seeking the community’s help to stop motorcycles being ridden on District reserves.
A recent incident which saw a dog killed and a rider injured has highlighted the fact that some motorcyclists have been using the Warren Cole Walkway and the reserves adjoining it as an off-road shortcut between Landing Road and the town centre. Motorcycles are banned in those areas and there is signage at main entry points confirming that their use is not permitted.
WDC Parks Technical Advisor Fiona Hennessey says there have been a number of reports of an unregistered ‘mini-bike’ being ridden at speed along the riverbank reserves. “This is a difficult situation to control, because there are many possible entry points and the people involved are obviously ignoring the signs and the reactions of the people they are annoying with their antics.
“Whenever we receive a complaint, one of our security contractors is asked to follow it up, but unfortunately, by the time they arrive, the people causing the problem have usually left the scene.”
She says that to take action against those responsible, the Council needs to be able to identify them. “We would ask walkway users and nearby residents who encounter motorcycles on the riverbank reserve to notify us immediately, and also to take note of the motorcycle registration number, if there is one. If it is unregistered, a cellphone photo of the rider and motorcycle would certainly help us and the Police to track these people down.”
Where dangerous practices are observed, Ms Hennessey asks that a formal complaint be made to both Council and the Police. “We are very keen to see this activity stop, but that won’t happen without the community’s help.”
Free law at the Library
A free legal education service is to be trialled by Te Kōputu a te whanga a Toi (the Whakatāne Library and Exhibition Centre) and Baywide Community Law.
Starting at midday on Friday, 19 April, a series of one-hour, fortnightly sessions will be held in the Little Orchard Activity Room and Atrium. Local solicitors David Sparks and Sheryl Overington will cover a range of legal topics, including wills and power of attorney arrangements; consumer law and your rights; employment law; Māori land succession; and the New Zealand Constitution.
Any detailed or ongoing advice required by participants will then be provided through Baywide Community Law’s offices in Whakatāne, Kawerau or Ōpōtiki, or via clinics run in Matatā and Waimana.
Te Kōputu staff are looking to expand the concept through partnerships with other community organisations, with a focus on neighbourhood awareness and advice and advocacy services.
Whakatane water issue 'steady'
Water consumption in the Whakatāne and Ōhope water supply schemes over the past week is holding steady at about 5,700 cubic metres a day, which has allowed the Whakatāne District Council to maintain reservoir storage levels at about 80 percent full.
Council Public Affairs Manager, Ross Boreham, says that at full storage, the reservoirs hold a little over one day’s supply for the two communities. “That’s why it’s vital that we keep storage at relatively high levels, so that if any operational issues did occur at the intakes or treatment station, we would be able to continue supplying water to the community and emergency services,” he says.
“Since voluntary conservation measures and garden watering restrictions were introduced last month, consumption has fallen significantly and is typically well below 6,000 cubic metres a day. That’s a fantastic example of community action which is allowing the Council to manage what could have been a water supply crisis.”
The drought-reduced flow in the Whakatāne River continues to be an issue, allowing salt water intrusion to and beyond the Water Treatment Plant intake for several hours around high tides. Water extraction at the intake has to cease while the salinity level is high, but a 500-metre extension to the Council’s emergency water intake is allowing enough freshwater to be pumped to the treatment plant to maintain storage levels.
“That additional pumping capacity is also allowing us to divert water to Sullivan Lake on a regular basis, ensuring that the lake water quality remains at a level which doesn’t adversely affect the reserve’s wildlife habitat values,” Mr Boreham adds.
“The long range forecast indicates some hope of substantial rain next week, but in the meantime, the garden watering restrictions will remain in force, as will the Total Fire Ban throughout the District, and the closure of the Nga Tapuwae o Toi walking tracks.”
He says an extended period of rain will be required to reduce the current extreme fire risk to an acceptable level.
With daylight saving having finished last weekend, the evening hours when hand-watering of gardens is allowed have changed from 7.00-9.00pm to 6.00-8.00pm.
Whakatane police to investigate missing medals
Whakatāne Police have been asked to investigate the disappearance of Sir William Sullivan’s KCMG (Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George) Star and neck badge from the Whakatāne Museum’s collection.
The KCMG star and badge were amongst five items gifted to the Museum by Sir William’s family in January 2002. They were displayed briefly and the star and badge were last seen in April that year.
Whakatāne District Council Community and Economic Development General Manager, Julian Reweti, says concerns about the whereabouts of these important items heightened in 2010 when staff began a NZ Lottery Grants Board-funded project to audit and rehouse the more than 80,000 items in the Museum collection. The audit also aimed to assist the selection of items for the new Museum display space at Te Kōputu – the Whakatane Library and Exhibition Centre.
“That brought to light a file note from May 2004, from the then-Museum Manager Fiona Hall, indicating that no location codes could be found for these objects, Mr Reweti says. “Staff quickly began a search of on- and off-site storage spaces while the audit progressed, a complex process which has now been completed. Of the thousands of objects recorded in the collection, only two – Sir William’s KCMG star and badge – cannot be located.”
He says the completion of the audit confirms Museum staff’s fears that the star and badge may have been improperly removed. “We have informed the Police of the situation and asked for the matter to be investigated. Realistically though, we recognise that the time which has elapsed since the star was last seen, and the lack of any engraving or other identifying marks, will make its recovery problematic.”
Mr Reweti adds that the donor has been notified, and although concerned, is hopeful that the missing items will be located. “During that meeting, the donor took the opportunity to gift another incredibly meaningful item to the Museum – the logbook kept by Pilot Officer Michael Sullivan DFC. We were deeply touched by the trust placed in the Museum and have assured the donor that the Sullivan family objects in our collection are safe and well cared for.”
Michael Sullivan DFC was killed in action in World War II and his Distinguished Flying Cross and Citation are also held in the Museum collection.
“Losing collection items is undoubtedly one of the worst situations any museum professional can face and although none of our present staff were employed during the period the star and badge went missing, they all feel a huge sense of personal responsibility,” Mr Reweti concludes.
Rotorua council proposes lowest ever rates rise
Rotorua District Council is signalling its lowest rates rise in recent history in its 2013/14 draft Annual Plan, which was adopted for public consultation at a special council meeting today.
The total increase in the amount of rates to be collected in the next financial year would be just 0.99 per cent if the draft Annual Plan is adopted in June after public submissions have been considered.
That increase is a reduction on the 3.5 per cent increase signalled for 2013/14 in the council’s ten year Long-term Plan adopted last year, and less than inflation forecast of one to two per cent next year.
The draft plan is to be released to the public on Wednesday [3 April] for a one month period of community consultation, with submissions closing on 3 May.
Mayor Kevin Winters said a rates increase under one per cent would mean Rotorua could claim one of the lowest, if not the lowest, rates increases in the country. He said it would mean Rotorua District Council will have achieved an average annual increase of less than two per cent over the last five years, below prevailing inflation rates.
He said the overall 0.99 per cent rates increase would impact in varying ways on different sectors, with the business sector receiving an average decrease of 0.9 per cent, and increases for the rural residential sector of 1.7 per cent, 1.28 per cent for urban residential and 2.4 per cent for farming.
“The important consideration for the council in again keeping the rates increase to a very low level is that we will still be able to invest in programmes that help stimulate our local economy and protect our environment, and we are equally determined we won’t have to cut services that we provide to our community.
“It’s a very bold challenge we’re setting for our staff to meet. But with a line-by-line review of every budget item, efficiency gains from our Lean Thinking business improvement programme and more belt-tightening across the board, we believe it is achievable.
The draft Annual Plan sets out the programmes, services and projects which the council intends undertaking in the next financial year, which kicks off on 1 July 2013. It includes detailed budgets and funding sources for all activities as required under local government legislation.
Mr Winters said the draft Annual Plan focuses on reinforcing the three key themes established in last year’s Long-term Plan – economic prosperity, environmental improvement and continuous business improvement.
“Improving the performance of our local economy will be a particular priority of activities in the coming year with considerable focus on domestic and international tourism marketing, business and investment attraction, the final phases of developing a new District Plan and revitalisation of our CBD.
CBD proposals include making on-street parking free in the city and removing parking meters, new high quality public restrooms at City Focus and bringing more customer and visitor services into the inner city. Those additional services would include a council customer centre, i-Site visitor centre, event ticketing outlet, more CBD events and a centralised base alongside City Focus for City Services staff, City Safe Guardians, parking wardens and the council’s inner city cleaning and maintenance team.
Environmental activities would include development of more sewerage schemes for lakeside communities and construction of a full scale waste treatment plant using the world-first TERAX technology developed by Scion in partnership with the council. Participation in the $200 million Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme would also continue with partners Te Arawa Lakes Trust and the Bay of Plenty Regional Council.
“The next phase is for our community to tell us which proposals in our draft Annual Plan they support and which items they want changed,” said Mr Winters. “We will also give people the chance to come along to public hearings to talk directly to me and our councillors about their submissions. Nothing yet is set in stone, so I urge people to use this process to give us feedback on the draft plan.”
Copies of the draft Annual Plan 2013/14 will be available for inspection from Wednesday [3 April] at the council Civic Centre, District Library and City Focus. Submission forms and summaries of the draft can be collected from those locations.
The full plan will also be available online from Wednesday from the council website rdc.govt.nz and submissions will be able to be completed and sent online.
Submissions close at 4pm on Friday 3 May 2013.
Taupo water system 'looking good for future'
A Council-commissioned report shows Taupo District Council’s (TDC) proactive approach to managing its water services (water, wastewater and storm water) has positioned it well to meet local government reform initiatives.
The provision of water services is a specific area of central government focus as awareness grows of the importance of water across its various uses and its strategic economic and environmental importance. Prior to the local government reform, Council had initiated measures to manage its water infrastructure including two organisation restructures, cost containment, deferral of projects and renewed emphasis on debt payment.
The ‘Peer Review - Three Waters Activity’ report, prepared by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) using as a base the National Infrastructure Unit (NIU) assessment and methodology combined with PwC expertise, assessed Council’s water, wastewater and storm water infrastructure and water management methodologies. The review was based on six guiding principles: investment analysis, resilience, funding mechanisms, accountability and performance, regulation and coordination.
The report showed that, despite the number of challenges since the Global Financial Crisis in 2008 which led to contraction in funding lines and the ability to increase rates, Council’s approach to asset management was found to be of sound practice which is being enhanced through a continuous improvement programme.
When benchmarked against similar councils, the report found that Taupo District’s geography presents a particular challenge as its 31 water and wastewater schemes are spread across the landscape. The 6354 square kilometres mean that the limited staff who maintain the infrastructure are stretched. Yet, despite operating the largest network infrastructure in the region, TDC has a lower than average rate of customer complaint calls.
In addition, the schemes which were built for small catchments must now accommodate a summer peak of out of town ratepayers (44 per cent) and visitors. Other challenges, such as competing users and environmental and drinking water standards, were highlighted.
Moving forward, Council has put in place an extensive renewal programme across all plants and through the end of the current Long Term Plan 2012-22 position it to maintain and track improvements. Council will continue to work to ensure continuity of supply and quality water for the community, in accordance with this planned infrastructure programme.
Work to widen Poihipi Rd
Poihipi Road will be widened in three sections which are deemed to be high risk areas for cyclists. Taupo District Council approved the road works at a Council meeting on 26 March 2013.
In addition to the road widening, other improvements will be made to the road including pavement repairs and guard-railing. The Taupo Cycle Club was consulted during the selection of the sections of road that are to be widened.
The contract was awarded to Downer NZ Limited for $390,000, which was also the lowest tender submitted. Funding was allocated in the Transportation Budget of the Long Term Plan 2012/22. The project is expected to commence early April and estimated to finish early June.
Work given the go ahead at Taupo Events Centre
Further important work will be carried out on the Taupo Events Centre (TEC) after Taupo District Council agreed to the painting of TEC’s roof and other maintenance work at the Council meeting on Tuesday 26 March.
The warranty on the current roof has expired and the roof needs to be repainted. The new translucent roofing will have a 25-year warranty on materials and a five year warranty on workmanship. The painting of the new roof will have a seven year warranty on materials and a five year warranty on workmanship.
The work will include the removal of moss and mould from the roof sheeting, the painting of the roof and the repair or replacement of roof and wall fixings.
Strategic Projects Manager, Andrew Boden, says the upgraded roofing will also mean the appearance of the building is improved. "The new roof, combined with the freshly painted structural steelwork, is going to make the building look great," he says.
Council decided to employ contractors Holmac Limited for the work, which is expected to cost about $155,000. TEC will remain open during the work, which is due to commence in April.
The painting of TEC’s structural steelwork is continuing and is scheduled for completion in April. The funding is from the contingency sum remaining from the painting of the external steelwork which is on schedule. The building’s steelwork was last painted in 1998 and is being painted as part of its regular maintenance.
Night time works on Lake Rd
Works on widening Lake Road to four lanes to improve safety and reduce congestion are progressing well.
Current work involves sealing the pavement between the roundabout and Ranolf St. Final footpath sections are also being constructed between Ranolf St and the Utuhina Bridge, drainage work between the roundabout and Koutu corner, water connections at Koutu corner to the mains system are being completed, and streetlights are being connected between Utuhina Bridge and Ranolf St.
Over the next month pavement work between the Roundabout and Koutu corner will take place, as well as further retaining wall work, and further footpath, kerbing and berm reinstatement where required.
Pedestrian access is located on the Southern side of Lake Rd over the majority of the site. Motorists are asked to continue to follow signs and take caution throughout the construction site.
The completed sections of road will remain restricted to one lane in each direction. A T-intersection is operating at the Ranolf St/Lake Rd corner.
Changes to through traffic from Clayton Road have occurred temporarily to accommodate Lake Road works.
Work is scheduled to be completed on the project in April. Some finishing works will extend into May.
Pilot Bay Boardwalk project info meeting
Come along to view the detailed plan for the boardwalk’s construction, information about how the project has progressed to this stage and where to from here.
Staff and elected members involved in the project will be present to answer your questions. The information session will also be an opportunity to share your thoughts on the design ahead of construction.
The project involves constructing a mainly wooden boardwalk along the length of Pilot Bay. The boardwalk will be vary in width up to a maximum width of three metres. The intention of the boardwalk is to better protect and preserve the grassed area and to create easier access for all users.
The project began in November 2011 following concern about the degradation that was occurring in the area. Various solutions were consulted on as part of the 2012-2022 ten year plan and a budget of $295,000 was approved in May 2012. The Port of Tauranga have supporting the project with a contribution of $200,000.
Construction of the boardwalk is expected to be completed by July 2013.
Matapihi Rail Bridge now open to pedestrians
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| Photo [Cameron Avery] |
A dawn blessing and opening was held this morning to celebrate the completion of four months of repair work to the pathway.
Mayor Stuart Crosby said that the newly repaired pathway was a significant improvement.
"The pathway is wider than it was before and a lot safer. It's an important link between Matapihi and the city for Matapihi residents and for a large number of walkers and cyclists who use it on a daily basis."
The project to repair the bridge followed visual and structural inspections in early 2012 that showed there was significant rotting and rusting to the wooden beams and steel supports under the pathway that needed to be repaired. The project involved replacing the timber decking, beams and struts as well as the steel supports. The ramps at each end of the bridge were also upgraded and the handrails were replaced with slightly higher ones to meet the Building Act requirements. Most of the work was done using a special platform that hung under the bridge.
The Matapihi Rail Bridge is 88 years old. The pathway along the side of the bridge was added at the end of the 1950’s to provide a safe way for people to walk over the bridge. This was as a result of numerous deaths and injuries to people walking over the rail bridge on the train tracks. The bridge is an important access route for pedestrians and cyclists between Matapihi and the city centre with up to 200 people using the pathway on the bridge every day. Matapihi residents are the biggest users of the bridge pathway.
Photos Cameron Avery
Mass Harlem Shake on the best beach
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Council Promotions Officer Nicola Burgess says the national ‘Best Beach’ poll initiated by the Green party came to a close last week, with Ōhope on top of the leader board as the period for voting came to an end.
“The final results won’t be announced till next week and while we’re quietly confident we’ll take out the title, we think our own version of the Harlem Shake will be a great a way to celebrate our wonderful beach, regardless of the outcome,” she says. “We’ve just been crowned the Sunshine Capital of New Zealand, and now we’re up for New Zealand’s best beach - what’s not to celebrate?!
“We want as many people as possible to come along to the Ōhope Surf Lifesaving Club at 4.30pm on Thursday, 7 March to join in. For those who haven’t seen the Harlem Shake in action, you can check out what 1XX and White Island Tours have done on their Facebook pages, or the thousands of others on YouTube. Basically, it starts with one person dancing in costume, and then more and more join in until there’s a whole crowd dancing to same tune.”
Ms Burgess adds that everyone is invited and it’s a case of ‘the more; the merrier’. “We want people to join in the fun, whether they’re young, old or somewhere in the middle. We’d love to see people in their beach-themed costumes; or whatever else they can rummage up for a costume, because anything goes!”
The official results of the Best Beach competition will be announced on Monday by the Green Party.
Whakatāne District Council aims to load the Harlem Shake video to its two Facebook pages (facebook.com/whakatastic? and facebook.com/WhakataneDistrictCouncil) and on YouTube immediately after the announcement.
Search for new Council boss underway
Rotorua District Council has commenced advertising its position of chief executive and is inviting applications up until 18 March.
Rotorua Mayor Kevin Winters said that with the current chief executive’s contract concluding on 30 June the council was required under the Local Government Act to advertise the position and to consider all applications before appointing a chief executive for what could be a term of up to five years.
"Late last year councillors and I recruited independent human resources consultants Greg Timms and Associates to ensure we had independent assistance and professional advice on the recruitment process.
"We’ve identified the mix of attributes and experience we believe is required for leadership of the operational arm of the council for at least the next five years, and we’ll be assessing candidates against those attributes and relevant experience.
"I anticipate there will be significant interest in the position from around New Zealand and even from overseas. Rotorua District Council is regarded as a successful and progressive local authority and this, coupled with our district’s unique mix of lifestyle attributes and central location, means the position is likely to be attractive to many."
Mr Winters said the current recruitment process had nothing to do with the performance of the current chief executive but was a legislative requirement each time a chief executive’s contractual term came to an end. He said chief executive contracts were limited to a maximum of five years and were then required to be publicly re-advertised before anyone could be appointed for any subsequent term.
"As soon as applications close on 18 March we will be working with our independent adviser to identify a shortlist of candidates and then undertaking interviews. We’re hoping that the whole process will be done and dusted by the end of April and that we’ll be in a position to make an announcement about a successful candidate very soon after that.
Mr Winters said he would be joined by all councillors in carrying out candidate interviews, and councillors would all be involved in decisions related to the chief executive appointment.
Emergency water shut down in Welcome Bay
Contractors are making emergency repairs to a leaking water main on Welcome Bay Road from around midday. Council say.
The shutdown will affect all properties past R431 Welcome Bay Road that are connected to the Tauranga City Council water supply . At this stage we expect the shutdown to last until 5 or 6pm.
A water tanker is being stationed to supply water for Otepou Primary and will remain for the duration of the shutdown.
Total fire ban for Western Bay
A total fire ban will be imposed across the Western Bay of Plenty District from 6.00am today.
Mr Barry Low, Principal Rural Fire Officer, said that this move has been made in light of weather conditions, both existing and forecast, and the amount of dry fuels present in the rural environment.
‘We placed severe restrictions on permit issues a month ago, which limited the number of allowed fires’ said Barry. ‘The total fire ban will mean that, with the exception of gas-fired barbecues, no open-air fires will be allowed in any part of the Western Bay of Plenty’.
‘Long range forecasts do not show any significant rainfall in the near future. While we may get the occasional shower, these do little to reduce fire danger. Much of that moisture will evaporate within hours’ said Barry.’
The Rural Fire Authority asks that farmers and others in the rural area take especial care when using chainsaws, mowers, or other machinery capable of generating a spark. The Authority also notes that the ban will apply to urban areas within Western Bay of Plenty District.
Persons sighting smoke or fire should immediately call the ‘111’ emergency number and ask for Fire Service.
‘Long range forecasts do not show any significant rainfall in the near future. While we may get the occasional shower, these do little to reduce fire danger. Much of that moisture will evaporate within hours’ said Barry.’
The Rural Fire Authority asks that farmers and others in the rural area take especial care when using chainsaws, mowers, or other machinery capable of generating a spark. The Authority also notes that the ban will apply to urban areas within Western Bay of Plenty District.
Persons sighting smoke or fire should immediately call the ‘111’ emergency number and ask for Fire Service.
Earthquake-prone building assessors selected
Engineering Design Consultants (EDC) has been selected to carry out mandatory assessments for earthquake-prone buildings on behalf of a group of Opotiki building owners.
A group of commercial building owners seized the opportunity to have their earthquake-prone buildings professionally assessed through a process facilitated by Opotiki District Council mid-way through last year. A tender process was initiated in late 2012 to facilitate the bulk deal, which will lower the costs for building owners who are required to carry out the inspections.
A Tender Evaluation Team comprising of Opotiki District Councillors, Robbie Peterson and Barry Howe, and two building owner representatives, Jim Mansell and John McLeod, considered expressions of interest from consultants. Councillor Robbie Petersen says, "These were then short-listed to three consultancy firms, which provided a price for each property to undertake the initial desktop assessment, and a detailed evaluation which will outline the work required to meet the standard of the Building Act."
"EDC was selected based on a number of factors that included price; their extensive earthquake assessment experience and their ability to provide both structural and geotechnical engineering advice. This combination of attributes is expected to provide building owners with good value and well-rounded practical outcomes."
On EDC’s appointment, Managing Director Patrick Harris says, "We’re very pleased to be able to work with the building owners of the Opotiki district to address this very complex issue."
"The Council is to be commended on its approach which will see delivery of a complete result achieved more efficiently than had owners tried to tackle this legislative requirement individually," he says. "We would recommend that other councils and business communities look to Opotiki as a leader in this area."
Councillor Peterson says the amount of repair work that will be required for each building is different and depends entirely on the construction material and construction method for that building. "There is no ‘one size fits all’ solution," he says. "It’s not a speedy process but our aim is to assist our community where we can to meet this obligation that Central Government has placed on us."
Councillor Howe says he’s pleased that Council has taken a lead role in assisting the community with this very difficult project. "We realise that this is a daunting prospect for some building owners which is why we wanted to do it as smoothly and as cost-effectively as possible."
"We also need to look towards government’s response to the outcomes of the Royal Commission of Enquiry into the Canterbury Earthquakes as this may well see a change to the legislation which would impact on the project."
Councillor Howe assures the building owners that a sensible approach is being taken. "The assessments will still need to occur regardless of whether changes to grading levels or the timeline occurs. We’ll monitor what’s happening at the central government level and work with building owners throughout the project."
Super mayor has super time at bike fest
The inaugural Rotorua Bike Festival concluded at the weekend and was a huge success.
Organisers are now getting ready for next year's event and funding has been secured.
A number of events were so popular, organisers had to close registrations. One of the more popular was The Redwoods Coast event. Amongst the competitors was Rotorua mayor Kevin Winters, who took to his bike wearing a Superman costume.
Mayor Winters said the whole festival was great and helps reinforce Rotorua as the biking capital of the country.
"I was please to be able to participate on one way or another in a number of events. The feedback I've received from people from all over the country and overseas has been overwhelming positive."
Bus crashes into cafe
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| Photo [Cameron Avery] |
The Bay Hopper bus crashed into the Cafe Alfresco on the corner of Hamilton and Cameron Road just after 4pm.
One passenger reported to be 'shaken up' was taken to Tauranga hospital as a precaution. St John Ambulance say.
Alfresco Cafe owner, Malcolm George says he has just been waiting for this to happen.
'I have disputed with the Tauranga City Council over and over again to get them to stop the bus route from Cameron Road down hill on Hamilton Street, because look what happened today.'
Bop Live Reporter Cameron Avery was at the scene and a spoke to a witness who said the cafe is a very busy cafe with the local court workers who normally eat lunch there.
A heavy haulage tow truck was called to remove the bus.
Photos: Cameron Avery.
Opotiki council community survey
As part of its on-going commitment to actively seek public opinion and involvement, the Opotiki District Council is to conduct a survey of its residents.
'We have a responsibility to track how well our efforts are carrying through to our residents. The best way to do this is to interview a representative cross-section of residents, and to have this done by an independent professional group to ensure impartiality.'Mayor John Forbes says.
National Research Bureau, an independent research company offering specialised services to Local Authorities throughout New Zealand, has been commissioned to undertake the survey and report to the Council.
People living in all three Wards of the District will be telephoned, using a randomised selection method, and asked their opinions on a wide ranging list of services and issues pertaining to the Council, and the services it delivers to the residents of the District.
The survey takes place from Friday, 15th February, and is expected to be completed on Sunday, 24th February.
Whakatane District fire risk still extreme
Dry weather conditions continue to affect the Whakatāne District, keeping the risk of fire extremely high.
Principal Rural Fire Officer Neal Yeates is reminding the public that a Prohibited Fire Season remains in force for the whole of the Whakatāne District, which includes land administered by the Department of Conservation and Pumicelands.
“Vegetation is tinder dry and even the smallest spark could ignite a fire,” Mr Yeates says. “A scrub fire at Matatā and a grass fire at Julians Berry Farm last week were quickly extinguished by the Fire Service. Fortunately, on both occasions there was very little wind to fan the fire, otherwise we may have been dealing with something major.”
During a prohibited fire season, it’s an offence for any person to light a fire anywhere in the District in the open air, or to cause or assist any person to light such a fire. This includes braziers, incinerators, charcoal barbeques, bonfires, Chinese lanterns, pizza ovens and burn-offs.
“With no significant rainfall in sight, a Total Fire Ban will remain in place until further notice. We ask that farmers and the general public be extra-vigilant and report any smoke sightings to Emergency Services on 111”.
$4.7m world-leading recycling project
The Government has awarded $4.7 million to a project that turns sewage and organic waste into resources such as energy, and fertiliser, Environment Minister Amy Adams has announced.
The technology has been developed by Scion, a Crown Research Institute based in Rotorua, and successfully trialled by the Rotorua District Council.
The money from the Government’s Waste Minimisation Fund will be used to design, engineer and build a full scale plant at a Rotorua wastewater treatment facility, and research how the technology could be applied to other waste streams.
The Rotorua plant aims to reduce the volume of biosolids going to landfill by 90 per cent and cut greenhouse gases by up to 70 per cent.
"This project has the potential to deal with one of New Zealand’s most problematic waste streams, and provide a fundamental change in the way waste is managed in New Zealand," Ms Adams says.
"It is pleasing to be able to back an innovative project such as this, which shows Kiwi ingenuity is able to develop world-leading, practical ideas that enhance our clean, green image."
The technology will eventually be made available to other wastewater plants around New Zealand.
The Waste Minimisation Fund provides financial support to projects which increase resource efficiency and decrease the amount of waste going to landfill. Money for the fund comes from a waste levy charged on material disposed of at landfills.
To date, the Government has allocated $27 million in funding for 86 projects through the fund.
Onepu Bike Jam on tomorrow
Photo[Supplied]
A new children and family-oriented mountain bike event is set to introduce several hundred people to the joys of the Onepu Mountain Bike Park.
The inaugural ‘Onepu Strawberry Bike Jam’ will be held on Wednesday (13 February) and features a great programme of events aimed at primary and intermediate school groups, senior riders, families and, at the end of the day, more competitive cyclists.
Organiser Kim van der Aa says entry to the Bike Jam will be free to all participants, thanks to event funding provided by the Whakatane District Council, as part of its Bike-wise month activities.
“Our aim is to get as many kids and schools involved as possible and encourage children, their parents and grandparents to experience the thrill of mountain biking in this fantastic new, purpose-built facility,” he says. “The day kicks-off with the Kids Relay event at 10.00am followed by a fun ‘strawberry hunt’ and prize-giving. Then at 12.15pm, Paul Langlands - one of the country’s top jump exponents will be providing a demonstration in the dirt jump area dubbed ‘The Sandpit’. This will enable folks to witness first hand one of the most exciting off shoots of off-road cycling and one which has captured the imagination of many of our local kids and adults.”
Children’s events will conclude with a fun bike orienteering event at 1.00pm. This will be followed at 3.00pm by a ‘Gold Card Ride for Seniors’, which aims to introduce active, older cyclists to the Park’s various mountain bike courses.
“At 4.30pm, we have a Family Fun Ride planned then at 6.00pm, the serious excitement starts with the All-comers Cross Country Race. We’re aware that a number of top riders are participating in the Rotorua Bike Festival that’s running this week so we are hoping some will come over and take part. However, this is a fun event and we’d love to see a big turn-out of local people who want to see just how much fun mountain bike racing can be,” Mr van der Aa says. Registration for the Cross Country race begins at 5.15pm with a race briefing at 5.50pm.
The day will conclude after the Cross Country race – around 7pm, with a freestyle jump competition with prize money donated by earthcycles (aka Kim van der Aa) and Jason Hubbard from Hubbard Contractors Ltd. Paul Langlands will be guest commentator. Lastly there will be the senior prize-giving and a barbecue.
The Onepu Mountain Bike Park is a recent addition to the region’s cycling attractions and has been developed by the Onepu Community Care Group in conjunction with the owners of the forest venue, Norske Skog Tasman.
Schools wishing to take part in the relay event are asked to contact Kim van der Aa as soon as possible (email: earthcycles@hotmail.com or phone 021 053 1501).
Lakes water quality improvements encouraging
A $200 million partnership programme to improve the water quality of Rotorua lakes is producing very encouraging results says Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group chairman Kevin Winters.
Mr Winters and the strategy group oversee the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Protection and Restoration Programme which is a partnership of Rotorua District Council, Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Te Arawa Lakes Trust. It includes a $72 million funding contribution from the Ministry for the Environment for water quality initiatives on four priority lakes – Rotorua, Rotoiti, Rotoehu and Okareka.
Mr Winters said targets had been set with the communities of each of Rotorua’s lakes aimed at achieving water quality levels that would be acceptable to those communities. The targets are based on a water quality measure called the Trophic Level Index.
“Because many factors, such as climate, the amount of rain and lake levels, all play a part in affecting water quality, we need to look at the long-term trend of water quality in each lake to see how well we are doing,” says Mr Winters.
“But there have been some quite remarkable results in the last year and these are really promising signs for the future of our lakes.
“Lake Rotorua’s annual water quality, for example, is the best recorded since regular monitoring began in the 1990s. This has been achieved though expensive and short-term in-lake engineering options and favourable climate conditions. While this is great, it is not a long-term sustainable improvement and we need to reduce the amount of nutrients entering the lake from the catchment.”
“Lake Rotoiti water quality also continues to improve and there have been great improvements in Lake Rotoehu’s water quality with no recent health warnings needed.”
Mr Winters said the work being undertaken on Rotorua’s lakes had become known worldwide and the Rotorua programme was leading the way internationally in water quality management.
He said the programme was being supported by innovation, science and technology such as the construction of floating wetlands, the development of a number of wastewater sewerage schemes and a recent state-of-the-art upgrade of Rotorua‘s wastewater treatment plant.
Other measures underway include trialling of an aeration treatment process using giant air pumps to reduce the impacts of nutrients that settle on Lake Rotoehu’s lake bed, and a Tikitere pilot plant to test the performance of nitrogen removal from the Waiohewa Stream before it enters Lake Rotorua. Currently 30 tonnes of nitrogen enters the lake every year as a result of geothermal activity.
Initiatives in coming months would include the preparation of more lake action plans, developing rules and incentives for nitrogen reduction in the Lake Rotorua catchment, a trial of locally mined Zeolite as an alternative for removing nitrogen from geothermal sources, and testing a de-nitrification treatment wall for Lake Rerewhakaaitu.
“While it’s too soon to become complacent as there are still significant water quality issues with several lakes we can take some comfort in the early signs coming through indicating we’re gradually getting on top of the problem and genuine progress is being made. But there is much to yet to do if we are to achieve the results we want for our lakes.
“I am well aware that this is the most important issue for many Rotorua residents and we’re all committed to seeing it through to the best possible results for our communities and for future generations,” said Mr Winters.
SUMMARY OF PROGRESS RESULTS
· Lake Rotorua: Has recorded best water quality in decades, with a long-term trend of improvement.
· Lake Okareka: Long-term trend for water quality is stable. Recent initiatives will take time to produce water quality improvements.
· Lake Rotoehu: Great improvements in water quality. No health warnings issued in last three summer seasons.
· Lake Rotoiti: Water quality continuing to improve.
· Lake Rotoma: High lake water levels resulted in slight decline in water quality last year.
· Lake Tikitapu: All actions in the Action Plan completed but it will take time before results appear.
· Lake Rotokakahi: Water quality declining. Action plan will be developed.
· Lake Okaro: Water quality has fluctuated over last 10 years but has improved as a result of recent interventions.
· Lake Okataina: High Lake water levels last year increased run-off from rain resulting in increased nutrient levels. An action plan has now been prepared.
· Lake Tarawera: Water quality is declining and an increase in nutrients recorded last year.
· Lake Rotomahana: Long-term water trend has been declining since 2005. Monitoring underway to assess whether action plan required.
· Lake Rerewhakaaitu: A local sustainable farming project involving 25 farms to reduce the amount of nutrients entering the lake.