Newsline 263 - 4 November 2011

Friday 4 November 2011

Read articles from the November 4 edition of Newsline.

Download Newsline: Newsline 263 - 4 November 2011

Tasman’s Kaumātua Steps into Role

Archdeacon Andy Joseph was formally welcomed as Kaumātua for the Tasman District Council in a ceremony in the Council Chambers, Richmond, on Tuesday 25 October 2011. Iwi representatives accompanied Archdeacon Andy and his wife Ramari, and presented a mihi whakatau, supporting the process and voicing their hopes for a positive and ongoing relationship with the Council.

Archdeacon Andy, who is also Nelson City’s Kaumātua, will provide Tasman Mayor Richard Kempthorne with support around tikanga Māori (customs) and reo (language) at civic events, enhance Council’s understanding of iwi and Māori priorities, and support the Council’s Community Outcome of “Our community understands regional history, heritage and culture”.

Councillors voted unanimously in September 2011 to invite Archdeacon Andy to take up the role. Richard said at the time that the appointment recognises the role of iwi and the Treaty of Waitangi in Tasman. He thanked Manawhenua ki Mohua and representatives of Ngati Rarua, Te Atiawa, Ngati Koata and Ngati Kuia “for their invaluable assistance and advice throughout this process.”

Mayor’s Comment

I was recently invited to take part in a visit to Christchurch, more specifically the Red Zone, the Avon and the Sumner cliffs, which included Councillors and staff charged with delivering services after a natural disaster.We heard about and saw the effects of the disaster, and were quickly reminded of the role the Councils of the area had in the immediate aftermath of not one, but three significant events.

This visit, following on from our own disastrous floods over the last year, made it very clear how important timely decision-making and quick action is to alleviate the impact of disasters for those directly affected and to make the recovery as speedy as possible. The conflict between the need for urgency, the bounds of legislation we all currently operate under and the available finance was no more keenly felt than by those who had to make the decisions required to help a city and province recover its feet.

We all came away with a renewed admiration for the resilience of the Canterbury people and the commitment of those charged with and delivering the city’s rebuilding plan and valuable lessons to be incorporated into our own planning.

As to the future plans for the Council we have advanced the search for a new Chief Executive with the first of the advertisements appearing in late October. It is envisaged we should be able to announce a replacement to Paul Wylie in the first few weeks of 2012. Contrary to some comments the position has attracted quite a keen level of interest with a number of qualified candidates expressing an interest in the role before it was advertised. I am confident we will be able to appoint a well qualified Chief Executive who will contribute well to the ongoing growth and development of the District.

Mayor Richard Kempthorne

Lake ‘Emergency’ Tests Systems

A large landslip, triggered by an earthquake, ploughed into Lake Rotoiti recently, causing a surge of water that swamped the low-lying areas of St Arnaud. Thankfully, it was all an exercise to test the St Arnaud Community Response Plan.

A number of houses and the lakeside campground at Kerr Bay were evacuated in the exercise on 4 October 2011. A tourist bus parked by the lake was also caught up in the scenario to test response systems. The tramping hut at the bottom of the lake, as well as buildings and infrastructure in the area, also needed checking.

Alison Rothschild, Local Civil Defence Controller for the St Arnaud area, says the “evacuees” were directed to a welfare centre set up in the Lake Rotoiti Community Hall – the first time this had been trialled. The local community response team were able to deal with most medical problems but the rescue helicopter was theoretically summoned for one case.

The exercise from 10.00 am to 3.00 pm gave the team a chance to put theory into practice, says Alison, who is the Department of Conservation Area Manager.

“It was well worthwhile, particularly for response team members to more fully understand the various roles within an emergency response structure and how they all link together. It also highlighted the advantage of having a close-knit community who work well together, are supportive of their neighbours and are used to being self-reliant.”

Senior staff from the Nelson Tasman Civil Defence Emergency Management Group were on hand to offer advice.

Bridge Replacement Viewable Online

The James Road Bridge in Golden Bay is being replaced in smart fashion, with completion expected by Christmas 2011.You can the watch progress from your living room.

View the James Road Bridge webcam

The original 60m bridge was destroyed in last December’s flooding of the Aorere Valley. New north and south abutments are already in place. Steel trusses should be finished by the end of November 2011, and the concrete deck, which is being cast onsite, goes on after that, says Nigel Beatson, of consulting engineers MWH. Road approaches and guardrails complete the job.

A monster 250-tonne crane, which sits on the north river bank to hoist the trusses into place, should make for impressive viewing. The $1.3 million project is being completed by Concrete Structures NZ Ltd. For the technically minded, the finished bridge will contain 80 tonnes of structural steel and 500 tonnes of reinforced concrete.

Nigel says the bridge will be open to traffic by Christmas, amid finishing-off work. A webcam has been set up to record the work in progress. The webcam updates every 10 minutes, and you can view a time-lapse sequence of work so far. This not the first Council project to use webcams. Another recorded the redevelopment of the Richmond Resource Recovery Centre earlier this year and was very popular.

Proposal to Change Road Name – Pupu Valley and Pupu Springs Road

The Department of Conservation has recently published the full Maori name for Te Waikoropupu Springs (Pupu Springs) Reserve in the New Zealand Gazette. As a result they have requested that Tasman District Council consider changing the road names for Pupu Valley Road and Pupu Springs Road to Te Waikoropupu Valley Road and Te Waikoropupu Springs Road.

Manawhenua ki Mohua have endorsed the Department of Conservation’s request to change the road names. The Council has asked the Golden Bay Community Board to consult with the residents and landowners of these roads for their views on the proposed name change.

You are invited to attend a meeting to discuss this proposal on Tuesday 22 November 2011, 7.30 pm at Tasman District Council’s Takaka Service Centre, 78 Commercial Street, Takaka.

Alternatively you can email your comments/views to Carolyn McLellan, Chair of the Golden Bay Community Board, balmac@xtra.co.nz or deliver them in writing to the Takaka Service Centre.

Water Supplies Mixed

In a small control building near the MDF plant on Lower Queen Street, the future of Richmond water is being formulated. Tasman District Council engineers are trialling mixing water from the Richmond town source with supplies from the Waimea aquifer, creating better-quality water and greater security of supply.

The Waimea River source is shallow, with the potential for bacteria to seep in. Richmond, on the other hand, has deep bores but raised levels of nitrates that will not quite meet the Government’s new drinking water standards. By mixing quantities of Waimea water engineers hope to boost Richmond’s supply in the summer drought season and improve the quality of the water.

Council Engineer Kim Arnold says that while nitrate levels are no danger to health, they will be improved ensuring the water meets the new standards. Samples from the initial mixing have been sent to the lab for testing. When the results prove satisfactory, the two sources will be combined on a large scale, involving “a major reconfiguring of the pipework to deliver the separate water supplies to the new treatment plant, and then feed the combined supply to our community,” says Kim.

Secondhand Sunday on Again

With a slogan of ‘Let your junk be someone’s treasure’, Golden Bay’s Secondhand Sunday is on again, 13 November 2011, from 9.00 am to 12 noon. Both collectors and givers had “a grand time” at the inaugural event last April, says Claire Webster, Environmental Educator with the Tasman District Council.

“People got into the community spirit of it,” she adds, and expects a higher participation this time. “We are all keen to see less go into our landfill."

Tips for collectors:

See who has registered near you.
Only collect items at households where the Secondhand Sunday sign is displayed and only between 9.00 am and 12 noon (not earlier).
Please do not enter any property beyond where the items are displayed,
Have your new ‘treasures’ checked to make sure they are safe.

Wanted: True-grit Beach Cleaners

When the going gets tough, the tough get cleaning. The second Big Beach Cleanup on 19 November 2011 has been almost fully subscribed (with minimal publicity).Of the 51 sections of coastline between Delaware Bay and Abel Tasman, just three remain.

An impressive two-thirds of the groups who did it last year have signed on again, including clubs, businesses, political parties, a family, and the intriguingly named groups “Public Service Jihad”, “Orange Roughies”, “Wombles” and “Odds and Sodds”. Rudy Tetteroo of the Department of Conservation, which organises the clean-up, says those last three stretches – Delaware Bay, Horoirangi Marine Reserve and Pepin Island – would require sea access, so powerboat or kayak groups are possible candidates.

Getting to the small beaches by walking round headlands is too difficult, he says. “Small but agile” groups could drop off volunteers from boats. If your group has what it takes, give organiser Janice Gravett a ring at DoC Motueka on Ph. 03 528 1810. DoC runs the event in partnership with Tasman District Council, Nelson City Council, and Nelmac.

Tasman District Council Maintains its Sound Financial Performance

The assets of the Tasman District are worth in excess of $1 billion – one of the many highlights within the Council’s Annual Report for the 2010 – 2011 year.

This increase in the value of the assets managed on behalf of the residents and ratepayers of Tasman is reflected in the net surplus for the year of $11.07 million. Within the surplus are assets vested in the Council such as the Coastal Highway after the opening of the Ruby Bay Bypass and smaller reserves and an increase in the value of other assets to the tune of $10.9 million.

The assets the Council manages have increased in total value to $1.086 billion. These figures, however, must be read in the context that Tasman is home to more than 17 settlements within a district covering 9,786 square kilometres. It is the Council’s responsibility to ensure that each of the settlements and other areas within the District’s rural hinterland, as well as the urban centres of Richmond and Motueka, are provided with basic infrastructure needs including roading, water and sewage and community infrastructure like community halls and sporting facilities. As with most years the bulk of the Council’s spending was driven by infrastructure development and maintenance.

“The past year was difficult for a number of Tasman people affected directly and indirectly by natural disaster,” said Mayor Richard Kempthorne.

“ If it wasn’t the series of Canterbury earthquakes where the District became home for many temporarily and permanently, three separate areas were also directly affected by floods - Tapawera, Murchison and the Aorere Valley. The local events unusual in the number and ferocity drained the Council’s recovery funds to the point that a special increase in the rates has been needed to restore this essential fund.”

“Despite the natural disasters and the focus on recovery I am pleased to say the Council delivered on its plans.”

“I am pleased to say that the Councillors and the staff have delivered prudent management and we are in a sound financial position with a positive cash flow and continue to be in line with our debt repayment programme”, concluded Mayor Kempthorne.

The key projects in the 2010/11 year included:

Completing the Waimea Estuary Management Strategy with other partner agencies involved in the process
Tasman Resource Management Plan (TRMP) – Part IV was notified in February 2010 and decisions on submissions were released 16 July 2011, while Parts V and VI (water and discharges) were made operative on 26 February 2011
Notified Change 20 to the TRMP seeking to rezone land in Richmond East in August 2010 and Change 22 Mapua Ruby Bay in February 2011. Advanced planning work on Motueka West and Eastern Golden Bay/Takaka. Continued to mediate on appeals concerning Richmond West rezoning
A 'State of the Environment' River Water Quality in Tasman District, report was released in December 2010 and 'State of the Environment' Groundwater Quality Report, was released in October 2010
Decks Reserve and Saltwater Baths carparks in Motueka were sealed
In association with the Nelson Tasman Cycle Trails Trust construction is well underway of Tasman’s Great Taste Trail (previously known as the Tasman Loop), which is part of the New Zealand Cycleway
Water supply pipeline renewals have been completed in Dovedale, and a new rising main has been installed from the pump station in Tapawera
Completed the Takaka fire fighting water supply •Undertaken consultation on the Takaka wastewater treatment plant
The wastewater pipeline across Rabbit Island has been completed to improve capacity from Mapua/Ruby Bay. Design work on the Pump Station at Mapua Waterfront Park is underway.
Council worked with the Waimea Water Augmentation Committee on the proposed Lee Valley Dam
Stormwater upgrades in Poole/High Streets, Motueka, have been undertaken
Design of stormwater improvements in Patons Rock and Tasman township are underway •Upgrade of the resource recovery centre is Richmond is well underway
Council is working with Nelson City Council on a combined Waste Management and Minimisation Plan •Council has continued work on investigating the options for flood control in the Lower Motueka Valley
Tasman District Libraries purchased 17,211 new items for the libraries during the 2010/11 year
A draft Youth Strategy has been prepared, which will be finalised in 2011/2012
Completed construction of the gymnasium at the ASB Aquatic Centre
Completed the $2.1 million upgrade of the Motueka Recreation Centre
Top of the South maps – award winning joint GIS development with Nelson City Council.
All the above projects have been completed alongside Council’s ongoing maintenance and renewal programmes.

Hot Dogs

Summer is just around the corner, and it is timely to remind all dog owners, and those who will be temporarily looking after dogs for holidaying friends or relatives, of dog care dos and don’ts.

And with the likelihood of loud fireworks and strange lights in the sky around this weekend, ensuring your pets are kept safely indoors is very important for their safety and the safety of people around them.

Summer is a great time for taking your dog for long walks, in the early morning or evening, not in the heat of midday. If the temperature makes you feel uncomfortable when walking your dog, imagine what he must feel like in his fur coat and bare feet on the hot ground.

It is extremely important that if you are in an area where you are in the presence of protected wildlife and birds, either on beaches or in the countryside, you must put your dog on a leash immediately.

Designated areas

There are designated areas in Tasman District where dogs are allowed at all times of the year, however, particular areas are declared dog free all year round with some beaches being prohibited to dogs only over the summer months. These areas are listed below. All dog walkers need to be especially vigilant about keeping dogs under control at all times.

This means that your dog must IMMEDIATELY respond to commands either by voice, whistle or hand signals. If you know that your dog is easily distracted and prone to “selective hearing loss” putting him on his leash in situations that may cause him to ignore you is the best advice.

Where a dog sees children playing on the beach, or birds taking off, it is often too much of a temptation and they just have to join in and chase the ball, or the bird. What your dog may see as fun can be a frightening experience for children or adults who are nervous of dogs. It is an offence to allow your dog to rush at people or to chase protected wildlife, even if the dog’s motive was to play a game, not to harm.

Ensuring that your dog has adequate shelter, shade and plenty to drink is necessary at any time of year, but especially so in the hot weather. If your dog is kept indoors while you are at work, ensuring he remains cool is vital for his health and well-being. Providing adequate ventilation is essential. If he is outside, he must have shade and a good supply of water.

The heat of summer means that cleaning up after your dog is most important. Always carry a Doggie Doo bag when you take your dog for a walk, and use it. Dog owners are legally responsible for cleaning up after their dogs in any public place.

For any advice or questions you may have on the care and control of your dog, call Tasman District Council Dog Control on Ph. 03 543 8400.

Dog Prohibited Areas

Dogs are prohibited on all Council sports fields and complexes, and within 10 metres of playground equipment and picnic tables and in the following areas:

Golden Bay

Collingwood Camping Ground – summer months
Commercial Street Takaka – from Pioneer Park to Top Town Dairy
Ligar Bay Beach – summer months, except between the hours of 5.00 am and 9.00 am
Onekaka Estuary Pakawau Beach (camp frontage) – summer months
Parapara Inlet
Patons Rock Beach in front of the settlement – summer months
Pohara Beach from the sign at the western end of the golf course to the mouth of the Motupipi Estuary
Pohara Beach from eastern camp boundary to Selwyn Street Reserve – summer months
Pohara Beach Top 10 Holiday Park
Rototai to Waitapu Estuary foreshore (excluding Controlled Dog Exercise area adjacent to Rototai Recreation Reserve
Ruataniwha Inlet Tata Beach – During the period of New Zealand Daylight Saving Time, and for the remainder of the year from one hour prior to sunrise until one hour after sunrise
Tukurua Beach (camp frontage) – summer months
Waikato Inlet – including beach area to Ruataniwha Inlet

Motueka/Kina

Abel Tasman National Park Foreshore Reserves on Tonga Island, Adele Island and Fisherman Island.
Breaker Bay Beach
Fearons Bush Camping Ground
Kaiteriteri Beach
Little Kaiteriteri Beach – summer months, except between the hours of 5.00 am and 9.00 am
Lower Moutere Recreation Reserve – except for Dog Obedience and Tracking classes Memorial Reserve Corner Riwaka
Motueka Sandspit – south of a line drawn through the point NZ Map Grid 2512857.1 (easting) 6009560.9 (northing), where you see the “No dogs past this point” sign.
Otuwhero Estuary and Sandspit Saltwater Baths – Motueka Stephens Bay Beach – summer months, except between the hours of 5.00 am and 9.00 am

Richmond/Mapua

Hope Recreation Reserve & Hall – except for Dog Events approved by Hall Committee
McKee Memorial Domain
Rabbit Island (including the beach)

Murchison

Riverview Motor Camp – Murchison

Exception to Dog Prohibited Area: This prohibition of dogs from specified areas does not apply to game hunting dogs engaged in legitimate hunting activities during the recognised hunting season.

Definitions: Summer months = 1 December to 1 March

Summary of the Tasman Draft Regional Passenger Transport Plan

Section 9 of the Public Transport Management Act 2008 requires all councils who wish to provide funding for bus services and taxi services such as the Total Mobility Scheme to adopt a regional passenger transport plan by January 2012. The Tasman Regional Transport Committee is releasing its draft plan for consultation. Section 20 of the Act also states that the Council must consult through a special consultative procedure before adopting the plan.

The Council proposes to adopt a regional passenger transport plan prepared by the Tasman Regional Transport Committee which outlines its passenger transport aims, funding and activities for the next 10 years. Key activities included in the draft plan are:

Continued support for the Total Mobility Scheme
Support for the Nelson- Richmond bus service currently operated by SBL Group Ltd
Continued support for other services such as the The Late Late Bus and the SuperGold Card scheme.

The draft Tasman Regional Passenger Transport Plan can be found online at www.tasman.govt.nz (please search for “regional passenger transport plan”). Copies of the draft Statement of Proposal can be obtained from any Tasman District Council office or public library (refer to the public notice in this edition of Newsline for further details). Consultation opens on Friday 4 November 2011 and closes at 10.00 am on Monday 5 December 2011.

Everyone is welcome to make a submission on the draft Regional Passenger Transport Plan.

Read the proposals and make an online submission.