Newsline 253 - 17 June 2011

Friday 17 June 2011

This page contains articles from Issue 253 of Newsline.
Download as a PDF: Newsline 253 - 17 June 2011

Council Features at National Green Awards

Tasman District Council and the Sherry River Catchment Group made the finals of the 2011 Green Ribbon Awards, which were presented on the 9 June 2011 at Parliament by the Minister for the Environment. The awards recognise the outstanding contributions of individuals, organisations, businesses and communities to protecting and enhancing New Zealand’s environment.

Tasman District Council made the list of 29 finalists (short listed from 203 nominations from across New Zealand) for Ecofest, which it co-sponsors with Nelson City Council. Ecofest, the nationally recognised weekend expo of “green” products and sustainable living, has been a success since it began 11 years ago. The next event is on 20-21 August 2011.

The Sherry River Catchment Group was selected for its booklet The Sherry River Story, which documents the community based environmental action that the group has undertaken in the Tasman District over the past 10 years. The booklet, developed with the help of the NZ Landcare Trust, describes the challenges faced, and the actions that were taken to improve water quality across all land uses in an intensively farmed sub-catchment of the Motueka River. The booklet is now available as a resource for other communities facing similar issues around catchment management and restoration. “The group demonstrates the tremendous benefits of local communities taking ownership of their environmental problems,” said the Ministry.

Rounding out the finalists from our region were the Nelson City Council, Emma Heke, who makes DVDs for children about the natural environment, and Brittany Packer, a co-founder of Green Teens, who campaigned against plastic bags in supermarkets.

Tasman District Councillor Glenys Glover and Environmental Education Officer Rob Francis represented the Council at the awards ceremony in Wellington. “The shortlisting of Ecofest for the Green Ribbon Awards is a real tribute to all the hard work and great effort over time that has been put in by staff from both Councils, and especially Ecofest Project Manager Jo Reilly,” says Glenys. “I’d also like to congratulate the Sherry River Catchment Group for its nomination – it’s very pleasing to see a motivated and passionate community group achieving so much and for that hard work to be recognised on a national stage.”

The overall winner of the Awards was Eco Stock Supplies, which collects food waste destined for the bin from manufacturers, retailers, importers and transport companies. This waste is processed into high-quality stock feed at its plant in Wiri, South Auckland.

Mayor’s Comment

As we continue to work our way out of the recent recession there is a need to recognise opportunities for local sustainable growth and development within the region. One of these opportunities is the employment, training and development of our own youth as businesses and other institutions look to rebuild and grow their enterprises. Sustainability within a local employment market is a key element within regional growth and while many bemoan a lack of skilled and readily employable candidates it appears there is no shortage of raw talent looking for local opportunities. I strongly support our employers who give our young people the opportunity to enter the job market.

By the time many of you read this the decision of the Local Government Commission regarding the Tasman District and Nelson City union proposal will be public. I urge all residents to look closely at the result. If the Commission decide the proposal be stopped that is the end of the matter, however, if the Commission decides to proceed with a draft reorganisation plan the outcome will be in the hands of residents. If this is the case the Council’s role will be very limited, but we will be providing as much information as possible to ensure you are able to make a fully informed contribution.

– Mayor Richard Kempthorne

Got a footprint On Your Car?

A distinctive foot shaped flyer is being distributed throughout Tasman and Nelson in a bid to reduce the incidence of cars parking on footpaths.

Produced by the two Councils, the flyers are available for the public to put on the windscreens of repeat offenders and spell out the dangers and consequences of parking on footpaths.

Tasman District Council Road Safety Coordinator, Krista Hobday, says it’s hoped the friendly reminder will be enough to reduce the number of people parking on footpaths, which creates its own set of safety issues for many users as well as causing damage to underground cables and infrastructure, such as water mains, which is very costly to repair.

“It’s letting people know the consequences without issuing a ticket, but if the practice persists, that avenue will be taken.”

The footprint flyers are available from Council offices and libraries and have been distributed to schools for parents to use when escorting children on the walking journey to and from school.

Decision on Proposal for the Union of Nelson City and Tasman District

The Local Government Commission will be announcing its decision on whether or not to issue a draft reorganisation scheme for the union of Nelson City and Tasman District on Thursday 16 June 2011. The announcement will be made at Saxton Pavilion, Saxton Field, Stoke, 10.00 am to 10.30 am.

If the decision of the Local Government Commission is to issue a draft reorganisation scheme this will be presented to the residents of both Tasman District and Nelson City for their consideration and a further submission process before a final reorganisation scheme is created. Any final reorganisation scheme would then go to a vote by ratepayers and residents in the City and District.

If the Commission decides that there is no value in joining Tasman District and Nelson City then the process, started by Aldo Miccio’s petition in July 2009, will come to an end on the 16 June 2011.

Copies of the decision will be available at the announcement. It will also be on the Commission’s website, www.lgc.govt.nz, and on Tasman District Council’s website, www.tasman.govt.nz, as soon as possible on the 16 June 2011.

Great Response for Regions Youth Volunteer Awards

Sixty young people from Tasman and Nelson have been nominated for a Youth Volunteer Award for their ‘good works’ in the local community.

The annual awards celebrate the voluntary efforts of young people aged 12 to 25 who live in the Tasman/Nelson region and nominations include everything from helping out at breakfast in schools, sport, after-school homework programmes, Riding for the Disabled and fundraising.

The awards will be presented at an event on 23 June 2011 at the New Hub in Nelson. Ten special awards, split between Nelson City and the Tasman District will be presented. Tomo Chisnall, a previous award winner, and Ivan Tava, Managing Director of Mova Marketing Limited, are the guest speakers.

The Youth Volunteer Awards are jointly run by Volunteer Nelson, The New Hub and the Tasman District and Nelson City Youth Councils. For more information go to www.jamonline.co.nz or contact Volunteer Nelson on Ph. 03 546 7681.

Another Link in Cycle Chain Begins

Construction is about to start on 2km of cycle trail from Ranzau Road in Hope along Pugh Road to Edens Road. The successful tenderer, Oldfields Group expects to complete the section of track by the end of July 2011.

Linking with the northern end of this new section of trail, Tasman District Council has also gained access to the old Railway Reserve from Ranzau Road north to SH60. This part of the trail holds a special feature for cyclists in that it will run through a working vineyard. Waimea Estates has had a lease on the land for about 30 years.

Sections of cycle path around the District are gradually linking up. Last month, Tasman Mayor Richard Kempthorne helped to open the Richmond Deviation cycleway, connecting with the Wakatu Drive path to Nelson. In December 2009, Mayor Kempthorne cut the ribbon on a shared path that starts at Lower Queen Street in Richmond and runs to Three Brothers Corner (SH60).

All this work is part of the Tasman Loop project, a 175km cycle trail that is planned to eventually go from Nelson/Richmond to Kohatu, up through Tapawera and the Motueka Valley, then back along the coast from Riwaka to Richmond. A boat will ferry cyclists across from Mapua to Rabbit Island, and the southern leg is planned to include the 1.3km Spooners former rail tunnel.

The Loop is expected to boost tourism revenue for the region (the Otago Rail Trail generates $8 million a year). The Loop also forms part of the national cycleway, Nga Haerenga, and has received $2 million in Government funding for construction. The Nelson Tasman Cycle Trails Trust aims to raise another $3.8 million for the project.

Waimea Estates general manager Ben Bolitho says machinery work in the area of the track – spraying, mowing and trimming of vines – will be scheduled for off-peak times. Waimea Estates decided against fencing off the trail, so cyclists will be urged to stick to the track.

Ben believes the cycleway leg from Nelson to Brightwater will be a success with locals.

Mayor Kempthorne says the Council has come up with signage to ensure the vineyard can run normally. He appreciated Waimea’s co-operation.

“It’ll be a really pleasant place to cycle through, it’s a very nice vineyard.”

Natural Burials Gathering Pace

Three people have now been interred in the natural burial park at Motueka. Tasman District Council approved the 40-plot site – the South Island’s first such facility – in January 2010.

With natural burials, bodies are buried in shallow 1-metre-deep graves. The bodies are not embalmed so they can decompose naturally. Sites are commonly planted with trees.

Last October, Ron Resnick, retired lecturer, environmentalist and well-known letter writer to the Nelson Mail, became the first person to be buried naturally at Motueka. His body was wrapped in a woollen blanket and laid on a wooden tray with rope handles, rather than using a coffin.

Friends of Mr Resnick gathered recently to plant a kowhai tree and other natives on his grave.

Two other interments have also taken place, with natural burial advocate and celebrant Lynda Hannah present at all three.

Based on demand for such burials elsewhere, the Council had expected one every two years in Motueka.

“Three in six months – I’m happy with that,” says Lynda. She adds that “plenty of people” have indicated they want the service.

The Council plans to set aside land for natural burials in Spring Grove and Golden Bay. Nelson people can have the burials at Wakapuaka Cemetery in Atawhai.

Park Foreshore Use Mulled

Separating commercial activity from more peaceful and natural sites is a key focus of the Abel Tasman Foreshore Scenic Reserve Draft Management Plan, which is now open for public comment.

The Abel Tasman Foreshore Scenic Reserve, established in January 2007, is administered by a committee consisting of the Tasman District Council Chief Executive and Department of Conservation Nelson/Marlborough Conservator. The 774ha reserve encompasses foreshore adjoining the national park, council reserves and private land between Marahau and Wainui. It also includes estuaries and foreshore around national park islands.

DOC Nelson/Marlborough Conservator Neil Clifton says that the Abel Tasman Coast Track is the busiest multi-day track in the country, with about 150,000 visits a year. Most people get to the foreshore and park by water-taxis, kayaks or other vessels.

The draft management plan proposes to concentrate most commercial activities at six ‘coastal access points’: Anchorage, Bark Bay, Onetahuti, Totaranui, Torrent Bay and Awaroa, says Neil. The proposals have been discussed with tourism operators.

Tasman District Council Chief Executive Paul Wylie says owners of private coastal land, iwi and other interest groups were also consulted in preparing the plan.

“Some families have owned property along the Abel Tasman coast for generations – over 100 years in some cases,” said Mr. Wylie. The draft plan takes into consideration that traditional use.

People have until Monday 8 August 2011 to make submissions on the plan. You can access it at www.tasman.govt.nz/link/abel-tasman-plan.

Staying Safe in Rain and Ice

Winter presents its own set of driving hazards. This may mean it takes a few minutes longer to get to your destination, but the safety of you, your family and other road-users is far more important. Bad weather is a contributing factor in about 10 fatal and 125 injury crashes every year. Here are a few tips for safer winter driving:

Stay out of trouble

Slow down – it takes a split-second to lose control in wet or icy conditions
Avoid sudden movements. Accelerate smoothly and brake gently
Drive to the conditions. The speed limit is not safe in heavy rain or on icy roads
Keep back from vehicles in front because your braking power might be greatly reduced
If you don’t have anti-skid braking, pump the brake pedal in short bursts rather than pressing long and hard
When travelling uphill, use a higher gear than normal. When going downhill use a lower gear

Plan your journey

When conditions are bad, postpone your trip if possible
Check road conditions (call 0800 44 44 49 for state highways, visit www.highwayinfo.govt.nz, or listen to local radio stations)
Carry warm clothes in case you get stuck or break down. On a long trip, take food
Take tyre chains and know how to use them

See and be seen

In fog, rain or snow, turn your lights on
Switch headlights on earlier in the day
Keep windows clear at all times. Use your demister or air-conditioning
Clear windows before driving. De-ice and wipe windows

Watch for danger spots

Ice lingers in shaded areas such as high banks, tall trees and road cuttings
Bridges can stay slippery longer than other road surfaces
Expect a dawn frost. If it is not frosty at 6.00 am, it could be an hour later
Slow down in glare from low winter sun

Winter-proof your car

Check brakes, wiper blades, tyre pressure and tread
Make sure all your indicators and lights are working – “one-eyed” cars are surprisingly common

When things go wrong…

In an emergency call 111
While waiting for help, ensure your vehicle is not a hazard, and keep everyone warm
You can assist other road-users by reporting road conditions. Call 0800 44 44 49

Safety in SUVs

Corner with care – SUVs are more prone to body-roll
Always wear a seatbelt
Watch for vulnerable road-users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists
Store heavy items behind the cargo barrier – they could become lethal missiles if you brake suddenly. Only store light items on the roof-rack
Increase your following distance – a heavy SUV takes longer to stop than a small car

New ‘Big’ Rubbish Bags

Since launching its kerbside collection 45 litre rubbish bags six years ago Council has been asked by a number of customers and retailers to add a bigger 60 litre size kerbside collection rubbish bag for larger households. In response to these requests Council will be selling a ‘Big’ 60 litre rubbish bag alongside its ‘Small’ rubbish bags from 1 July 2011.

“Pre-paid rubbish bags are an excellent way to minimise waste and costs for a household, but residents have let us know they would like to have the choice of either a small or big rubbish bag, depending on their needs,” said David Stephenson, Utilities Asset Engineer at Tasman District Council.

“Residents see real value in the kerbside rubbish collection scheme that Council operates and the addition of the bigger bag size will mean larger households can make the most of the service, whilst enabling them to keep their rubbish collection costs manageable. We still really encourage residents to recycle as much of their household waste as possible each week as part of their rubbish disposal. The free collection of separated recyclables is very well supported across the District and goes a long way to keeping household rubbish costs as low as possible whilst also ensuring we minimise our impact on the environment.”

The new rubbish bags will go on sale at Council from 1 July 2011. The Big bags will sell at $8.00 per pack of four ($2.00 each). The existing Small bags will continue to be sold at $7.50 per pack of five ($1.70 each). The bags will also be available from shops and supermarkets across the Tasman District – prices from these retailers may vary. The weight limit for both Big and Small rubbish bags is 12kg. Visit www.tasman.co.nz for more information on refuse collection and recycling.

Help Available for Mature Students

Retraining or taking up study later in life can be a financial strain, particularly for parents with young families, so the Tasman District Council offers scholarships of up to $1000 each for tertiary study. The Council acknowledges that those students who successfully undertake study or retraining go on to contribute to the economic and social wellbeing of our District.

Past recipients have included nursing students, a children’s book author, graphic design student and animal care trainee.

The scholarships are:

To enable Tasman residents over the age of 25 to study or retrain, for job opportunities or to change the direction of their life
For those entering tertiary education for the first time.

Innovative and non-traditional areas are encouraged through the scholarships, which cover industry training, the arts, education, commerce and the state sector. Preference is given to applicants who are unlikely to gain funding from other sources. The $1000 can be used for fees, travelling expenses or materials.

Applications close on 31 July 2011 each year for study in the following year. For more information contact Tara Cater, Executive Assistant, Tasman District Council, Ph. 03 543 8578 email tara.cater@tasman.govt.nz

Ecofest Review

Ecofest reached its tenth anniversary in 2010, which was celebrated in style at last year’s event. Nelson City Council and Tasman District Council, through the annual Ecofest Expo, have spent a decade educating and inspiring the public about how to live more sustainably.

Planning is well underway for Ecofest 2011, with the main event being held on the weekend of 20-21 August 2011. In the meantime the event organisers want to know what you think about Ecofest. Fill out the easy questionnaire and go in the draw to win a $50 voucher of your choice. It will only take a few minutes and your opinion is really valued.

To fill out the survey, go to www.surveymonkey.com/s/ECOFESTattendee

If you don’t have internet access, contact Rob Francis, Tasman Environmental Education Officer, on Ph. 03 543 8484 for a paper copy.

Maintaining Farm Productivity

Three leading New Zealand specialists will visit Tasman-Nelson soon to explain climate change and its impacts on our health, properties, infrastructure, environment and rural industries. Climate scientist Dr Jim Salinger, Lincoln University Professor Caroline Saunders and business journalist Rod Oram will address meetings in July in Richmond and Nelson on “Maintaining farm productivity and profits in an uncertain climate”.

Dr Jim Salinger will outline the latest information on climate change science and its impacts on farming and communities.

Professor Caroline Saunders will speak on what all this means for agricultural trade, greenhouse gas emissions and the business opportunities in a changing world.

Rod Oram will talk on emissions trading and compare New Zealand’s climate change targets with our trading partners’ targets, and what this means for agricultural trade.

Dr Salinger is an internationally renowned climate change scientist, now at the University of Auckland and the University of Tasmania, who formerly worked at NIWA. He was a lead author for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which won a Nobel Peace Prize in 2007.

Professor Caroline Saunders has 20 years’ research expertise in Britain and New Zealand. Her current research includes evaluating trade and the environment.

Rod Oram is an award-winning financial and business journalist and Radio New Zealand National/Sunday Star Times commentator.

Dates will be communicated in Newsline and on www.tasman.govt.nz once confirmed.

Learn a Skill Over Winter

The ancient paper craft of quilling rubs shoulders with modern digital photography in a wide range of courses in Motueka’s Winter Workshops for 2011.

You can also learn to put on a flash Italian meal, or how to nut out cryptic crosswords in the Motueka Arts Council programme, run with financial assistance from the Tasman District Council.

A total of 21 workshops include Woodcuts, Picture Framing, Terracotta Garden Art, Singing for Pleasure, Orienteering (in downtown Motueka), Percussion Discussion (Latin, jazz and funk rhythms on bongos, congas etc), Oamaru Stone Carving, and Soap-making (a skill every family once possessed).

The courses are very affordable, with fees starting at $10. The top fee is $120, but that covers a weekend’s accommodation and meals at Teapot Valley to study digital photography in-depth. (Beginner courses are also available.)

The programme is rounded out by: Screenprinting and Fabric Design, Machine Mania (sewing), Drawing, Felt Bags, Patchwork Bags, Felted Flowers and Scarves, Writing Family/Town History, and Making Photo Gift Books.

Most courses are based in Motueka and use the skills of local artisans. Enrolments are open now. Forms are available from Tasman District Council libraries, Westrupp Jewellers and the Hospice Shop in Motueka, or by contacting Jane Wells on Ph. 03 528 9967.