Newsline 249 - 22 April 2011

Friday 22 April 2011

This page contains articles from Issue 249 of Newsline.
Download as a PDF: Newsline 249 - 22 April 2011

Mapua Wharf Revitalised

Boaties will have a much better ramp at Mapua soon, with the replacement of, and improvements to, a pontoon damaged a year ago.

A private yacht damaged the floating pontoon attached to the north end of the wharf in 2010, so Council has applied for resource consent to replace it with a slightly larger and much stronger facility. The 18m pontoon will support a 15m ramp, with a 5m “slide-on” platform. The ramp will be made of either timber or concrete, with tying points for boats along its sides. Total length from the extension is 28m.

Selwyn Steedman, Transportation Network Engineer, says the pile-driving barge will probably be the biggest cost of the work. Council is investigating the opportunity to add six additional piles from the southern end of the wharf to the shoreline near the new Mapua Waterfront Park costs allowing. That additional structure will not be designed until the tender price for the barge is settled.

Selwyn says the new ramp “should be up and running before Christmas.”

Council’s plans are now open to public submissions. The applications and supporting information are available for viewing at Council’s office in Richmond plus the Motueka, Golden Bay and Murchison Service Centres. A copy of the application documents can also be requested by contacting the Consents Administration Officer at Tasman District Council on Ph. 03 543 8400. Submissions close at 4.30 pm on Friday 29 April 2011.

More information about the Mapua Wharf Project.

Mayor’s Comment

Most of us are aware of the issues we are dealing with regarding the use, or more pointedly, the misuse of alcohol. These have recently been well publicised in the local media specifically around the relationship between the Police and the hospitality industry in Nelson City. While it appears to be a localised problem I believe it is an issue that deserves wider discussion.

We, as a community, both Tasman and Nelson, need to take notice of the reported alcohol-fuelled antisocial behaviour and look beyond the current two groups who are being held responsible. Yes the hospitality industry needs to work with our law and order providers, but we also have some responsibility. The Police and the bars are the visible endpoint of a widely accepted attitude to alcohol. It is a matter of individual, family and community responsibility. We are all aware of the impact alcohol can have on all three levels of a society, and as members of such a society we have the ability to provide
a positive influence.

Without a positive contribution to the issue from within the community, the alcohol and violence issue will always be seen to be someone else’s to solve despite the fact we have all been part of, experienced or bemoaned it.

Community action against the well known effects can start at home, in the flat, in the club or amongst friends. Let us as a community make it our responsibility.

– Mayor Richard Kempthorne

Motueka West and Central Draft Plan Change Consultation

West Motueka, between Pah Street and King Edward Street, has been identified as providing an opportunity for significant future residential and business development in an area close to the heart of Motueka.

A shortage of industrial sites has caused some pressure to use rural land on the Motueka Plains. In the draft plan change new industrial sites are proposed in the area between King Edward Street and Green Lane. New residential and business zones will also be provided to allow for more intensive residential and large format retail developments. The papakainga zone around Te Awhina marae is proposed to be extended.

A major new feature of the area will be the development of a greenway from Whakarewa Street towards the Motueka clock tower. The greenway will have a combined recreation and stormwater management purpose.

Because services have not been fully upgraded in west Motueka the new zoning will be deferred until the services are able to be provided.

In central Motueka a small extension of the commercial area is provided to the north, east and south of Decks Reserve.

If you would like to know more about the Motueka West and Central draft plan change there is an open day at Tasman District Council’s Motueka Service Centre, Hickmott Place on Thursday 28 April 2011 from 3.00 pm - 5.00 pm and an evening meeting at the St Johns Hall, Courtney Street Motueka 7.30 pm - 9.00 pm.

View the details of the draft plan changes for Motueka West and Central.

For more information contact Rose Biss - Policy Planner, Tasman District Council

Cawthron Flexes Its Mussels

Aquaculture is a big contributor to the Tasman economy, and the public recently got a chance to see the science underpinning the industry.

Following the opening of the multi-million dollar extension to its aquaculture research facility at the Glen last month, the Cawthron Institute held an open day on Sunday 27 March 2011, drawing almost 500 visitors to tour the facility north of Nelson and learn about the scientists work.

Children particularly loved the “Mussel Gym” where they could see the heart rate of a mussel, and the nursery where they could see lots of animals at different stages in their lifecycle.

Visitor Bernard Redshaw, of Mapua, was impressed: “Thanks to the enthusiasm and time devoted by Cawthron’s various guides, I learned a lot. I now feel rather proud that our small town is working on the leading edge of aquacultural science, and how much it is contributing to the marine industry.”

Michelle de Vries agreed: “What a great facility Cawthron has out there, its great to see the amazing and rewarding work they are involved in.”

The Cawthron Institute celebrated its 90th anniversary recently,
with Tasman Mayor Richard Kempthorne and wife Jane joining Governor-General Sir Anand Satyanand to mark the milestone. The event was held in the Nelson School of Music, the same venue where nine decades ago then Governor-General Lord Jellicoe launched
the institute.

Cycle Trails Trust Seeks Some Creative Inspiration

The Nelson Tasman Cycle Trails Trust is getting into gear with the appointment of an executive officer and the launch of a logo competition.

Newly appointed executive officer Fiona Newey is wasting no time in raising the profile of the trust and what the region has to offer in cycle tourism.

“With the development of the Tasman Loop and the Dun Mountain Trail, as part of the New Zealand national cycleway, our region will offer riders a world class cycling experience,” she said. “As a first step in putting the region on the cycle tourism map we want to work with the region’s artists to develop a brand that captures the ‘wow’ factor of cycling in Tasman and Nelson.”

Ms Newey says the brand should encapsulate the region’s stunning scenery, climate, historic railways, artisan rural communities, traditions of tobacco and hops, boutique breweries, vineyards, olive groves, festivals and port settlements.

The word is going out now to schools, artists’ networks and to the general community in the quest for a logo and the accompanying words that will form the Cycle Trails Trust brand. Judges will select the raw concept entries for further development by local graphic designer Jane Reed.

“We are looking for branding that can be used on all our printed material - from the website to tee shirts,” Ms Newey said. “We’re also interested in a catchier title that doesn’t need to include the actual name of the trust.”

The closing date for entries has been extended to 5.00 pm on the 2 May 2011 from the original date of 22 April 2011.

“We have extended the timeframe to ensure people have adequate time to produce their best work. The outcome of this competition will play an important role in the future success of the cycle trails so if people need more time to get it right it is important to enable that,” said Ms Newey.

There are cash prizes of $500 each for the logo and accompanying words. A Facebook page has been set up with all the details and conditions of entry:

Visit Nelson Tasman Cycle Trails Trust Facebook page.

The Nelson Tasman cycle trails are a joint initiative of the Tasman District Council, Nelson City Council, the Nelson Tasman Cycle Trails Trust and the New Zealand Cycle Trail project.

Meeting to Discuss the Future of the Murchison RSA Hall

Council and the RSA Hall Committee would like to discuss the future of the RSA Hall with the Murchison Community and have set up a meeting to discuss the options.

Closing the Hall once the new Murchison Sport, Recreation and Cultural Centre was opened had been the original intention, but the Committee and Council would like to discuss this further, and its ramifications, with the local community prior to making a final decision.

One of the main issues that needs to be considered is the considerable costs associated with maintaining two facilities that service a single community, especially when the Hall has very limited use and the new facility meets most of the requirements of the community.

The public meeting will be held at the RSA Hall in Murchison on Monday 2 May 2011 at 7.00 pm. All are very welcome to attend.

For further information please contact Francie Wafer, Community Services Administrator, Tasman District Council. Ph. 03 543 8468..

Collingwood Firefighters Celebrate 100 Years

With the same dedication they showed when answering alarms, former members of the Collingwood Volunteer Fire Brigade and partners will gather in the town on Easter weekend to celebrate the
force’s centenary.

Firefighter Pete Watkins says veteran Ken Haxell, aged 80, is travelling from Queensland for the celebration, the oldest of about 200 attendees. One of his colleagues from the 1960s, Doug King, has a grandson, teenager Max Thorby, in the present brigade.

Pete says that strong commitment is not uncommon. The 17-member brigade includes a couple of Gold Star veterans (25 years’ service).

Attendees will gather on Saturday 23 April 2011 for registration and meeting old mates, with a public fireworks display scheduled for later that day over the Aorere Estuary.

At noon on Sunday 24 April 2011 a lunch will be followed by formal speeches and displays of commemorative plaques denoting landmark events, including major fires – Collingwood has suffered at least four. The station will be open to the public, resplendent with old photos, and the Fire Service “from over the hill” will provide dramatic simulations of kitchen fires and sprinkler systems. An inflatable house will keep youngsters amused.

A dinner and dance in the evening will be combined with the presentation of awards, including a Gold Star to Senior Station Officer Paddy Gillooly and long-service honours to Darryl Wilkens, who “somehow missed out in the system” and will be rewarded for 14, 21 and 28 years’ service.

The Monday is also Anzac Day, and brigade members, past and present, will turn out for services throughout Golden Bay.

Community Conversations

As part of Council’s consultation process on the 2011/2012 Draft Annual Plan it has worked with the District’s Community Associations to set-up up and run a number of meetings. These meetings have provided the opportunity for interested residents to meet with Council elected members and staff members, to ask questions and discuss any issues they have in relation to the Plan prior to the submission closing date (4.30 pm Thursday 21 April 2011). Below is a brief overview of some of the key topics that were discussed at each meeting:

Murchison Community Associations – 28 March 2011

Chaired by Mayor Richard Kempthorne supported by Councillors and Council staff

Whether resource consents are needed for river works
Crack Willow control along rivers
Council focusing on core services
Forestry income and the percentage of the income spent on Rabbit Island
Options for Council’s office accommodation
The amalgamation proposal between Nelson City and Tasman District
Freedom camping and the need for public conveniences

Tapawera Community Association – 28 March 2011

Chaired by Mayor Richard Kempthorne supported by Councillors and Council staff

Timing of construction works undertaken during the year
River rates and crack willow management and control
Industrial water users and the price they are paying
Sealing gravel roads, the type of aggregate used and dust problems
Tasman Loop of the New Zealand Cycleway
Speed restrictions in Tapawera
Building consents and the information that is made available to the public

Motueka – 29 March 2011

Chaired by Mayor Richard Kempthone supported by Councillors and Council staff

Sealing of gravel roads and the level of service provided by Council
Treasury Management Policy and Council’s debt levels
Tasman Loop of the New Zealand Cycleway
Foreshore protection around Motueka – planting works and the Coastcare programme
Local Government Funding Agency and how it will work for Council borrowing
Repairs to Old Motueka Wharf and Historic Places Trust involvement
Roading issues on Kaiteriteri Road, Tapu Bay and Turners Bluff

Brightwater Community Association – 5 April 2011

Chaired by Deputy Mayor Tim King supported by Councillors and Council staff

Streetscaping
Footpath upgrade around petrol station
Lord Rutherford Park development
Mt Heslington stormwater diversion
Forestry dividend
Strategic development study – why Brightwater and Wakefield linked
Amalgamation - costs to date
Rugby World Cup - cost to Council
Tasman Loop Cycleway project - location of works, costs, and timing
Village green development
Under-grounding of power lines
Concern about use of silver birch trees in Newman Avenue
Water Tank Hill Dam
Petrol price impact on delivery of Council services e.g. Library book returns
‘Welcome’ sign for Brightwater
Signage for public toilet in Starvel Street
Water charges – line charges and daily rate, industrial water charges
Reuse of grey water
Council’s level of debt

Mapua – 11 April 2011

Chaired by Mayor Richard Kempthone supported by Councillors and Council staff

Mapua boat ramp and pontoon proposal and general development of the wharf area
Mapua plan change and indicative walkways
Waterfront Park development and timing, including the wastewater pump station construction
Town centre recycling bins
Waste education
Cycleways and walkways proposed around the District and the Tasman Loop cycleway
Council debt levels
Local Government Funding Agency
Impact of targeted rates

Wakefield Community Association – 12 April 2011

Chaired by Deputy Mayor Tim King supported by Councillors and Council staff

Wakefield Water Supply - quality and quantity and Lee Valley Dam
Seal extension Gibbs Valley Road
Funding for Nelson Tasman Tourism
Council debt level
Local Government Funding Agency
Investment in a new community facility for Wakefield/Brightwater
Community grants - funding available and how are they allocated
Council staff numbers and office extension
Amalgamation proposal between Nelson City and Tasman District
River rating and future works
Signage on roads
Relationship between Tasman District Council and Nelson City Council
Nelson’s performing arts centre
Council’s commitment to community facilities e.g. Trafalgar Park and proposed Motorsport Park
Zoning and sub-division development

There are three more meetings scheduled to take place as this edition of Newsline went to print - Takaka, Collingwood and Richmond. We will report on the main discussion points at those meetings in the next issue of Newsline.

Council would like to take this opportunity to thank all those that came to the meetings. It is vital that the community engages in the Draft Annual Plan process and these meetings. They are a valuable element of the consultation process.

Further information regarding the Draft Annual Plan 2011/2012

Pledging Themselves to a New Country

South African migrants Peter and Karen Dawson wanted to affirm their commitment to their new homeland – and came away from the citizenship ceremony with the beginnings of a native forest.

The family of six, who immigrated in 2001, publicly became New Zealand citizens in the Tasman District Council Chambers in Richmond in late March 2011. Half a dozen ceremonies take place each year, with 15 to 20 people passing through at a time.

Each new citizen takes an Oath of Allegiance (or a non-religious Affirmation) before Mayor Richard Kempthorne or another official, pledging to:

Honour Queen Elizabeth II
Obey the laws of New Zealand
Fulfil their duties as New Zealand citizens.

Council normally invites a local school to sing the National Anthem, and then all participants are invited to stay for morning tea and photos.

In the Dawsons ceremony, Mahana School children sang the anthem, plus Maori song Kua Rongo, which teacher Jane Bosecke says is about “listening to the words of welcome” and “one people gathered together”.

Tasman District Council presents each new citizen with a native tree as a gift. Peter says his family (children Rebecca, Matthew, Philippa and Hannah range in age from 5 to 16 – Hannah was born here) collected half a dozen seedlings. They have a small section in the Richmond foothills so are thinking about planting their welcoming gifts behind Easby Park near the reservoir, returning years later to admire their personal grove of trees.

Peter, who is a maritime lawyer, says becoming New Zealand citizens was time-consuming with the paperwork, and not cheap. He was expecting the ceremony to be ho-hum, “but I was quite moved by it … I enjoyed it actually”.

Who Qualifies?

In general, any person born in New Zealand before 1 January 2006 is a citizen by birth.

In 2006 the Citizenship Act 1977 was amended so that a child born here is an automatic citizen only if at least one parent is a New Zealand citizen or entitled to live here indefinitely under the Immigration Act 1987.

People are eligible to be granted New Zealand citizenship if they:

Can understand and speak English
Are of good character and have not been convicted of certain criminal offences
Understand the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship
Intend to continue to live in New Zealand
Are legally entitled to live in here permanently, and have lived here for most of five years.

Mapua Fair an Institution

Easter in Tasman wouldn’t be complete without one of the South Island’s largest one-day events, the Mapua Easter Fair.

Now in its 29th year, the fair regularly attracts more than 15,000 visitors.

About 340 stalls will offer crafts, food and activities on Sunday 24 April 2011. Stall-holders come from throughout New Zealand (Kaitaia to Invercargill). All-day entertainment features Kim Willoughby (When The Cat’s Away), Marley Richards, the Mapua School Ukulele Group and more.

The Children’s Area will have a Fairy Grotto, face-painting, craft projects and music.

All proceeds from the fair benefit the Mapua School and Mapua Playcentre.

The event takes place from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm at Mapua Domain, with entry by gold coin donation.

There will be plenty of free parking off Aranui Road (follow signs), and no dogs please.

Upcoming Council Funding Rounds

Community Development Fund

This fund is to enable the Tasman District’s smaller communities to make plans, provide activities, run events or services to enhance their town or to attract visitors. The fund has an allocation of $20,000 for the 2010/2011 year. The closing date for applications is 30 April 2011.

SPARC Rural Travel Fund

The Rural Travel Fund is aimed at reducing the barriers to participation in sport faced by young people living in rural communities. The fund is designed to help subsidise rural travel for junior teams, targeted at people aged between 5-19 years old, to assist school and club sports teams to participate in local sporting competitions.

Who is eligible? The Rural Travel Fund is open to rural sports clubs and rural school teams.

The next funding round closes 30 April 2011.

Creative Communities Scheme

Creative Communities is the local arts funding scheme to support projects that increase access and participation in arts activity.

The next funding round closes 10 May 2011.

Guides and application forms for all Tasman District Council Community Funding rounds.

Parks & Reserves Asset Management Contract – Murchison

Tenders are invited for the maintenance of the Parks & Reserves operations in the Murchison area.

The work involves items such as:

Cleaning public toilets
Mowing grass
Maintaining shrubberies and garden areas this includes traffic islands on the State Highway.
Cemetery maintenance and operation
Maintenance of hard surface areas and car parks
Building maintenance
Graffiti removal
Playground equipment maintenance and inspection
Rubbish collection

Specifications may be obtained from the main reception area of Councils Richmond Office 189 Queen Street Richmond.

Tenders close at 4.00 pm on Wednesday 25 May 2011 and shall be deposited in the Tenders Box located in the main reception area at Councils Richmond Office.

The lowest or any tender not necessarily accepted.