Newsline 266 - 16 December 2011

Friday 16 December 2011

Read articles from the December 16 edition of Newsline

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Bike Trail Coastal Route Approved

Resource consent has been granted for the coastal cycle trail from the ASB Aquatic Centre (Richmond Deviation) to the Waimea River. Tenders for constructing some sections of the shared path will be let “pretty soon”, subject to any appeals being heard, says Dugald Ley, Tasman District Council engineer who oversees the Tasman’s Great Taste Trail project. The triangular cycle route will eventually go from Nelson Airport, through Richmond, Mapua, Motueka, Tapawera, Wakefield and Brightwater back to Richmond – subject to further funding becoming available beyond Stage 1.

Tasman’s Great Taste Trail is one of 18 cycle trails that make up the national cycle path network, and has received $2.1 million Government funding, plus $940,000 from the Council.

Dugald says the push is on to complete as many sections of the track as possible by summer 2012.

Work on parts of the coastal track near the Ravensdown area will be delayed until April 2012 to avoid disturbing bird habitat and the sensitive ecology of the area.

Dugald says engineers are already looking at sites for a 70m suspension bridge, 1.2m wide, across the Waimea River, and from there it’s a short hop to the completed path across Rabbit Island, linking with the new ferry to Mapua.

The bridge will be a sister structure to the one about to span the Wairoa River on the trail’s advance to Brightwater.

By summer 2012 these sections of the trail will be completed, Dugald says. Cycle paths already run from Nelson to Richmond and out to Sandeman Road.

Mayor’s Christmas comment

The Mayoral Column at this time is typically divided into three, with a view to the past year, the holidays and the year ahead.

The past year has been challenging not helped by an economy that is sluggish at best. As well as affecting businesses, employment opportunities and general confidence it has an impact on the decisions the Council has to make and will do so for some time as we see ratepayers living with uncertainty and increasing costs. However, these conditions do not lessen the demand placed on Council services within Tasman’s communities. There will always be a need for roading, water treatment and distribution, sewerage and rubbish collection and in these times the demand on community services such as parks and libraries increases.

The Annual Plan process for the 2011/12 year was certainly influenced by the economic climate, as it was the year before by the floods the District experienced. We have planned and operated within the realistic budget and people have seen the priority setting for what it is - living within our means.

The amalgamation debate has continued on throughout the year having begun post the 2010 local government elections. It will continue for some time yet with the Local Government Commission delaying its decision on whether or not to proceed to a poll in Tasman and a poll in Nelson until at least February next year.

While this Council’s views have been extremely clear, if the Commission decides to proceed with the proposal, the choice whether or not to amalgamate will be in the hands of voters of Tasman and Nelson. Until a definitive outcome is announced the Council will continue to deliver cost effective essential services to Tasman and will continue to plan for that to be an ongoing feature of our decision-making.

Next year will be just as challenging, with the amalgamation debate bubbling away the Council has to prepare a Long Term Plan (LTP) which must delivered within the first half of the year. While the LTP is focused on looking 10 years ahead it does so within the current economic climate. The LTP is a document that needs to provide some level of certainty. Infrastructure development, historically the dominant feature in our plans, does not happen in single year increments. It requires forethought and solid growth strategies. The multiyear focus of the LTP allows the Council to plan ahead, participate proactively and support the future of the District. It allows Council to prioritise things in the order of need, community desires and the ability to pay.

Our theme in the current round is incremental change with sustainability and accountability at its core. We need to ensure the plan will meet the needs of the future as well as giving as many people as possible the opportunity to participate in the decision-making.

While doing nothing is not an option the appropriate action is most important. Residents will have the opportunity to play a role in this process when we come to you early in the new year to discuss the LTP. I hope that you take the time to get involved.

We live in one of the most beautiful places in the world. One that we share with thousands of others over the holiday period and it is not a hard place to relax and enjoy what we have got. What is best of all is that we don’t have to go home after the holidays.

Over the past year we have seen how giving and prepared Tasman people are, helping their family, friends, neighbours and others in time of need. I would like to acknowledge the spirit of kindness and generosity displayed during the floods of this year, the assistance given to our Canterbury friends and those that have given their time and expertise to incidents like the Rena grounding. It is this selfless giving to others that make communities like Tasman special.

Finally, I wish you all a very happy Christmas and hope you have and take the time to relax and enjoy the summer season in Tasman. I also hope the New Year brings you rewarding and fulfilling opportunities.

Mayor Richard Kempthorne

Councils and Government Create New Funding Agency

The Tasman District Council has joined 17 other local authorities and central government to be a foundation partner in the recently launched Local Government Funding Agency.

Council planned and delivered capital works are funded by a mixture of loans, rates, financial contributions and subsidies, with loans being the predominant source of funds. One of the considerations in making the decision as to what method funding is used is “the period in or over which those benefits are expected to occur”. This is sometimes described as the inter-generational equity. Loans incur a cost, a cost that can be managed either through terms or conditions which are currently set within a commercial environment.

The attraction of the agency is its ability to provide access to competitively priced funding with terms that recognise the unique conditions the local government sector operates within. With this access the agency will enable significant savings on Council cost of borrowing and servicing debt.

In addition to enabling legislation being passed with the support of all parties the agency has had to fulfil a number of essential requirements. Included within these requirements has been the securing of a 20% cornerstone contribution funding from Central Government, sourcing international credit ratings commensurate with the NZ Government’s, the appointment of the NZ Debt Management Office within Treasury as the agency’s middle and back office service provider and the development of an efficient capital structure.

The agency will start issuing NZ dollar-denominated bonds in February 2012. In doing so they replicate the procedures and bond maturities of the NZ Government’s domestic bond programme.

The agency’s bonds will over time replace existing local authority bond securities. Currently there is approximately $5 billion of local authority debt on issue amongst 79 local authorities. Under existing ten year Long Term Plans Councils have signalled an intention to expand their borrowings to approximately $11 billion. If the agency becomes Councils’ primary source of funds, it will become the second largest NZ dollar non-bank borrower after the Crown.

The local authority shareholders of the company at incorporation are Auckland Council, Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Christchurch City Council, Greater Wellington Regional Council, Hamilton City Council, Hastings District Council, Masterton District Council, New Plymouth District Council, Otorohanga District Council, Selwyn District Council, South Taranaki District Council, Tasman District Council, Taupo District Council, Tauranga City Council, Waipa District Council, Wellington City Council, Western Bay of Plenty District Council, and Whangarei District Council.

Fast Internet ‘Finder’ Available

All Tasman residents can now find out when or if they will get fast broadband internet, thanks to a special finder “widget”. Go to www.tasman.govt.nz/link/broadband-finder, type in your address and it will tell if you stand to benefit from the Rural Broadband Initiative roll-out, a six-year project that started in the middle of 2011.

In the case of a “no” answer, the widget automatically links to a page where you can register interest for future expansion of coverage. The Ministry of Economic Development and telcos Telecom and Vodafone hope to use this feedback to assess which areas to focus on next.

The telcos won the tender to roll out the programme. Primary focus is on running fibre-optic cable to nearly all rural schools, giving them Internet speeds of 100 megabits per second (Mbps), or five times as fast as the best access now available to an urban household, says Peter Darlington, Information Services Manager with the Tasman District Council.

A school in the remote Marlborough Sounds is the only one to miss out in the Top of the South.

Businesses or properties close to the fibre-optic cable can also tap into it.

From the schools, cable will run to transmission towers. These can be accessed over a much wider area by wireless internet customers at speeds of 5Mbps. Peter says this will be a huge improvement for users now dealing with sluggish dial-up access, “drop-out” and interference from the likes of electric fences.

Nationwide, the roll-out will bring 5Mbps broadband to 86% of rural houses and businesses – a speed available to just 20% at present. Telecom and Vodafone have agreed that any cost savings made during the project will go towards expanding coverage.

Freedom Camping in Tasman

Freedom camping is the common term for camping at locations without specific camping facilities such as toilets, showers and cooking facilities.

Council encourages all travellers and campers to use camping grounds and other accommodation facilities as much as possible.

This is as much for the personal safety of travellers as for the protection of our environment. However, Council recognises that some visitors to our District choose to travel and stay in their own self-contained vehicles, not at registered camping grounds. Council has produced a brochure that is aimed at Freedom Campers and explains the rules and regulations around Freedom Camping within the Tasman District. These can be picked up from the Council office or service centres, i-SITEs, libraries and other outlets around the District.

Who Can Freedom Camp?

On Council-owned land, freedom camping is only allowed for mobile vehicles certified as self-contained with an installed self-contained toilet and at least three days storage capacity for drinking water, toilet waste and grey water.

Who Cannot Freedom Camp?

On Council-owned land, people in tents, or vehicles that are not certified as self-contained may not freedom camp on any Council-owned land, and are requested to stay in camping grounds. This does not apply to Baigent Memorial Reserve, where tents and other vehicles are permitted.

How Long Can People Freedom Camp in One Location?

People can only camp within one kilometre of a single location for two nights out of every four weeks. This means that after people have camped two nights they must move at least one kilometre away from their original campsite.

Where is Freedom Camping Prohibited?

Freedom camping is prohibited on the following public places:

1. Within 500 metres of any “No Camping” signs on Council-controlled land.

2. Kaiteriteri Beach area from Tapu Bay to Breaker Bay.

3. Any Tasman District Council reserve (apart from road reserve) in any area, except for:

(a) Edward Baigent Memorial Reserve, 8 Wakefield-Kohatu Highway;

(b) Motueka Beach Reserve, 10 Everett Street, Motueka

4. Marahau from the start of the residential area to the end of the Marahau-Sandy Bay Road.

5. The river side of any stopbank except that area in the vicinity of the State Highway Bridge at Waitapu, Golden Bay.

6. Any formed roadway.

7. Any location where the activity of freedom camping may cause an obstruction or hazard to traffic.

Disposing of Effluent and Rubbish

Human effluent and rubbish poses a health risk and causes damage to our environment. Effluent must be disposed of at a campervan waste dumping station (details can be found in the brochure and at www.tasman.govt.nz). Rubbish should be bagged and dropped off at any Resource Recovery Centre.

Incorrect disposal of effluent or rubbish may result in an instant fine or prosecution.

Resource Recovery Centres

Five recycling and rubbish collection centres are located in the Tasman District. They accept a variety of recyclable and reusable materials. Go to www.tamsan.govt.nz for more info or see the Freedom Camping brochure.

Freedom Camping Bylaw

The Tasman District Council passed a Freedom Camping Bylaw on Thursday 19 May 2011.

Coming into effect on 31 May 2011, the bylaw has been established as a response to public demand for controls and enforcement surrounding the well-publicised problems caused by a small minority of freedom campers throughout the District.

Changes to Rules about Water Meters

New national regulations for water measuring and reporting were introduced in 2010. These national requirements for water metering are a little different to how the Council manages water metering in the Tasman Resource Management Plan (TRMP).

Policy and rules require updating and amending through a Plan Change to ensure they are consistent with the regulations. The Council is proposing to amend the TRMP and will consult on the changes until the end of January 2012. Discussion documents and a draft of the Council’s proposal to manage water meters are available at www.tasman.govt.nz/policy/public-consultation or on request.

The Council intends to continue to require water meters for nearly all consented water takes, including those less than 5 l/sec (5l/sec is enough to irrigate 10 hectares). Water takes for household and stock use continue to be permitted and are not affected by the new regulations.

Water meters will be required to meet the regulation specifications including pulse output capacity for takes greater than 5 l/sec and all meters will be subject to the verification requirements contained in the regulations. The Council will continue to manage manual water meter returns, but is developing electronic reporting and recording systems to allow both Council and water users to take advantage of improvements in technology.

The transitional arrangements, which allow water users time to ensure compliance will mostly be as provided by the dates specified in the regulations and small takes (less than 5 l/sec) will need to comply by 2018. Resource consent conditions may require compliance earlier than what the regulations require in some zones.

The Council is intending to amend the rules for taking water from storage. Water takes from dams will be generally permitted so that water meters will not generally be required, however, the effects of the damming at all times of the year will be managed through the consent to dam water. Some dam owners may eventually need to amend their permits to dam water.

If you need further information about the plan changes see the Council’s website or call Mary-Anne Baker on Ph. 03 543 8486 or email: marya@tasman.govt.nz.

The Brightwater Wine and Food Festival – Anniversary Weekend 2012

For this years festival there’s not one, but three international acts, including Glenn Shorrock, a founding member of Aussie super band Little River Band, hometown girl Sharon O’Neill and Mark Williams, the vocalist from the reformed rock band, Dragon.

There’s also local bands The Peasants and Wizard Band, as well as acoustic duo, The House of Kramit and Irish band, The Saints.

Supercharge your Sunday with non-stop music, gourmet food, and award winning local wine, beer and ciders at the Brightwater Wine & Food Festival. Sunday 29 January 2012 between 11.00 am – 6.00 pm, in Bryant Road, Brightwater. Tickets available at www.bwff.co.nz, i-SITEs and the Richmond Mall.

Consultation: Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve Development Plan

The layout and management of the Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve is under review. More than 40,000 people access Abel Tasman National Park via the reserve annually, and it hosts over 90,000 bednights each year in its campground. In 2009, a 180ha mountain bike park was added to the reserve, and this is being developed with a track network and signs, and is an increasingly popular cycling destination.

The reserve is administered by an independent board (the Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve Board), which includes representation from the Tasman District Council, the Department of Conservation, iwi and other regional and local residents. A group of volunteers from the mountain bike community has formed Kaiteriteri Mountain Bike Incorporated and work with the Board to manage and develop the Kaiteriteri Mountain Bike Park.

In 2009 the Board identified that the current camp store building was past its best-by date and needed to be rebuilt. The Board took the opportunity to check whether the store was in an ideal location. This led to a major review of the layout of the entire reserve.

In early 2011 a set of development ‘ideas’ were put to local residents and campers at open days. Feedback led to a review of those development concepts, and a revised development plan is now available for comment.

The new proposal includes a realignment of the road into the reserve, reallocation of car, trailer and bus parking spaces, and the construction of a new store and community space where the current playground is located. The new store would house the ticketing booths for water taxis and the other concessionaires which are currently located in an existing car park. The playground would be redeveloped on the western side of the new store, facing the estuary. Improved pedestrian access would be developed around the estuary, creating better links with Bethany Park and better pedestrian flow along Martin Farm Road. There are few changes proposed for the campground itself, except a new camp office and entry layout, provision for more ensuite accommodation and improved traffic flow around the petrol pumps.

At the same time, the Board is reviewing its management plan for the reserve. The reserve is administered under the provisions of the Reserves Act, and this requires that a management plan defines the Board’s policies for administering, for example, the campground and commercial activities on the reserve, and the reserve’s natural and cultural values.

The revised development plan and the draft reserve management plan will be available for review and comment over summer. From late December 2011, both plans and a submission form can be downloaded from the reserve’s website – www.experiencekaiteriteri.co.nz – or they can be reviewed at the camp office in Kaiteriteri. The draft management plan will also be available for review at Tasman District Council offices and libraries. Submissions will close at the end of February 2012.

Know the Code Be Safe on the Road

Fatigue

Many crashes are caused by people driving when they are tired. If you feel tired, don’t drive. A few tips to help you avoid driver fatigue:
Get a good night's sleep before driving, preferably eight hours.
Avoid driving during the hours when you are normally sleeping. For most people, this will be between 10.00 pm and 6.00 am.
If you normally have a mid-afternoon nap, then you should avoid driving at that time.
Make sure that following a period of sleep you are fully awake before driving.
Don't drink even small amounts of alcohol. It will make the effects of fatigue much worse.
When taking long trips, plan your journey to include rest breaks – at least every 2 hours or every 100 kilometres.
Share the driving if possible.
Snack on light, fresh foods. Avoid consuming fatty, sugary or carbohydrate-filled foods, which can make you tired.
Stop to revive, then drive

Towing

You must take extra care when towing a trailer or another vehicle. This is because, with the extra weight behind it, your vehicle will feel different to drive.

Important – if you are towing a trailer or another vehicle, check your rear-view mirror often to make sure you aren’t holding up vehicles behind you.

If you tow a light trailer (under 3500kg when loaded) it must have a WoF.

Note: the term trailer includes caravans, and boat and horse trailers.

For more information refer towww.nzta.govt.nz/resources/roadcode

Rules for Managing Fire Risk to New Rural Dwellings

The Council is intending to change the rules relating to the management of fire risk to new rural dwellings in areas where there is no water reticulation. At the moment Council requires that, in addition to a drinkable house supply, a water storage tank of at least 23,000 litres (with a fitting to allow fire appliances access to the water) is located on each property.

Council proposes to change requirements for new dwellings to improve fire risk management and also ensure plan requirements are consistent with the NZ Fire Service Code of Practice. A minimum of 45,000 litres or a supply of at least 25 litres per second for 30 minutes (both within 90 metres of the house) or a home sprinkler system is proposed to be required in addition to the drinkable domestic supply.

People considering building new homes in rural areas will need to consider the impact of these requirements when designing their home. Council will be consulting on this proposal until the end of January 2012.

The Council also encourages people already living in rural areas to consider fire risk management at their property and ensure they have sufficient water or home sprinkler systems installed in the event of a house fire. Management of flammable vegetation around dwellings and ensuring fire appliances can have access to a house in the event of a fire are also important considerations for people who live in the country.

Further information and a draft of the Council’s proposal to manage fire risk to new rural dwellings are available at www.tasman.govt.nz/policy/public-consultation or on request. If you wish to discuss this proposal further, please contact Mary-Anne Baker, Ph. 03 543 8486, email: marya@tasman.govt.nz

Ahoy Boaties!

With the warmer weather here, it is timely to put out a few reminders regarding the laws and obligations of those in charge of all vessels to ensure a safe and pleasant day out on the water.

Most complaints received by the Harbourmaster relate to speeding. Just as there are speed restrictions for vehicles on the roads, so there are for boats. Failure to go slower than 5 knots (about 9 kilometres per hour) within 200 metres of the water’s edge or a diver’s flag is the most common complaint. This has been the law in New Zealand since 1932. But here’s the challenge. Just how fast is 5 knots, and how far is 200 metres? As a guide, 5 knots is a fast walking speed, and 200 metres is the length of two football fields! If you have radar, it’s roughly the 1/8nm range ring. That’s actually quite a distance and there are good reasons for it. It’s a prime distance to encounter kayaks, divers, snorkellers, swimmers, rocks and headland reefs. Hitting any of these at speed could at worst result in death or injury and at best will probably significantly reduce the overall quality of your day and your bank balance, especially if you were the person in charge of the offending vessel.

Pick up a free boating brochure outlining the basic boating rules, plus the locations of seasonal speed restricted areas for the Tasman District from the Tasman District Council office, service centres or from most boat ramps.

Attention Water Skiers and Swimmers – Kaiteriteri

Kaiteriteri is a very popular summer destination with people coming from all over the country to enjoy the golden beach. People ranging from the very young to the old all use the beach and water differently – from swimming to waterskiing and everything in-between. At low tides and when the lagoon channel current is strong, these often incompatible activities aren’t safely separated by the usual rules. Combined with summer peak activity levels, the risk is unacceptable.

To prevent tragic holiday stories the Tasman District Council has put in place some temporary changes to the rules this summer. From 16 December 2011 to 27 February 2012 the Water Skiing Area will be reserved for priority use by waterskiers during the four hour period around high tide (two hours before, two hours after).

All other users (including swimmers) must stay out of the 'water skiing area' if waterskiing is in progress between that period. This area is near the lagoon outlet and is shown on signage. It is also marked by black buoys with white stripes. Any non-skiers using the waters of the reserved 'water skiing area' while skiing is happening are liable to a $100 fine.

The two hours after the end of the skiing period are when swimmers can expect the strongest currents in the lagoon channel. Beware of undertow or of being swept out of your depth. It is recommended that a wetsuit, lifejacket or boogieboard (with a leash) be used for floatation if you are not confident. There are no lifeguards.

Waterskiers do not have priority use outside of these times, so the skipper must assess whether it will be safe to waterski with regard to density and nature of other users. Be vigilant for swimmers caught in the lagoon outfall current. Any beach starts and landings must be dead slow (walking pace) inshore of the closest yellow '5 knot' buoy, so traditional waterskiing will require deep water starts. Alternatively, head to another ski area, such as Stillwell Beach, Adele Island spit or Browns Beach in Torrent Bay. Any waterskiers exceeding 5 knots within 50m of any person in the water or any other vessel, or inshore of the closest 5 knot buoys, outside of the priority period are liable to a $200 fine for both the skipper and skier(s). Failure to give way when required may attract a $100 fine, or prosecution if you cause an accident.

For more information on what you should know when using a boat in Tasman District pick up a copy of Council’s new Boating Brochure which includes tide times and waterski information.

Hummin’ for Summertime

Cheesy old movies under starlight, jazz in the park, cardboard boats and river rafts – summer in Tasman offers no excuse for boredom, quite apart from the natural attractions. Here’s a sampling of the treats on offer.

Outdoor Movies

Four movies are in the line-up for this popular annual event. Pack a picnic. Screenings start soon after dusk. If the weather is doubtful, updates available by phoning 022 130 2329 after 7.00 pm.

The Movies:

The Five Pennies (1959): Semi-biographical film of cornet player and band leader Red Nichols. Irresistible Dixieland jazz. Stars Danny Kaye and Louis Armstrong.
National Velvet (1944): A young girl is determined to train a wild horse to race in England’s Grand National. Stars Elizabeth Taylor (aged 12) and Mickey Rooney.
The Misfits: A sexy divorcee falls for an over-the-hill cowboy who is struggling to maintain his independent lifestyle in early-1960s Nevada. Stars Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable and Montgomery Clift – it was Gable and Monroe’s last film appearance. Written by Arthur Miller and directed by John Huston.
Silent Antics: Famous scenes and stunts from Harold Lloyd, Charlie Chaplin, Laurel and Hardy, Buster Keaton and more. From the days when safety came last.

The Screenings:

Thursday 5 January, Silent Antics, Decks Reserve, Motueka.
Sunday 8 January, Silent Antics, Village Green, Takaka.
Wednesday 11, Silent Antics, Jester House, Tasman.
Thursday 12 January, National Velvet, Tapawera School.
Friday 13 January, The Five Pennies, Washbourn Gardens, Richmond.
Wednesday 18 January, National Velvet, Wakefield School.
Thursday 19 January, National Velvet, Washbourn Gardens, Richmond.
Saturday 21, The Five Pennies, Lake Rotoiti, St Arnaud.
Wednesday 25 January, The Five Pennies, Moutere Hills Community Centre.
Thursday 26 January, Silent Antics, Washbourn Gardens, Richmond.
Monday 30 January, The Misfits, Washbourn Gardens, Richmond.

Other events

Golden Bay:

Jazz On The Green, Tuesday 3 January, 4.00 pm – 7.00 pm, Takaka Village Green (or Brigand Café if wet).
Tata Titanic Cardboard Boat Race, Sunday 22 January, 10.00 am start, Tata Beach (or the lagoon if windy).
Takaka Mardi Gras, Saturday 4 February, noon to midnight, Village Green.

Richmond:

Port Nelson Jazz and Blues, Saturday 7 January, 3.00 pm – 8.00 pm, Washbourn Gardens.
Sundial Summer Sounds, Friday 24 February, 4.00 pm – 9.00 pm, Sundial Square.
Last of the Summer Fare, Friday 23 March, 5.30 pm – 10.00 pm, Sundial Square.

Motueka:

New World Teddy Bears Picnic, Saturday 21 January, Motueka Recreation Centre, 11.00 am – 1.00 pm.
Waitangi Day Festival, Sunday 5 February, 3.00 pm – 8.00 pm, Te Awhina Marae.
Motueka River Raft Race, Monday 6 February, noon – 6.00 pm, from near Alexandra Bridge to Motueka River Bridge.
KBar, Kaiteriteri Beach Adventure Race, 10 – 11 March.

Murchison:

Summertimes Community Picnic, Monday 2 January, 11.30 am start, Riverview Campground.

St Arnaud:

Nelson Lakes Summer Festival, 21 – 22 January. Farmers market on the Saturday and an arts/craft market on the Sunday. Outdoor movie on Saturday night.
NZ Antique & Classic Boatshow, 3 – 4 March at Kerr Bay, Lake Rotoiti.

Tasman:

Woollaston Estates Winery is host to many events during the Jazz and Blues Festival, from 2 – 7 January. Pick up a programme or see the It’s On website for more info: www.itson.co.nz

Pick up a free copy of Hummin in Tasman – Summer Guide 2011/2012 for information on Tasman District events over the summer period.

Rating Revaluations – How this Affects You

Tasman District Council ratepayers will soon receive updated Rating Values, more commonly called Re-Valuations, from Quotable Value (QV).

The 2011 Re-Valuations will be used by Council as the basis for setting rates for the 2012/13 year, as specified by law. However, just because your Rating Value may show a change in value, it does not necessarily mean that your future rates will proportionately change. The total amount of rates required does not change as a result of the total value of properties in the District. Rating Values are just one component, which is used to determine the share of the total rates that individual ratepayers need to pay.

Your Re-Valuation was posted by Quotable Value on 9 December 2011. You may feel that your valuation is incorrect, and if so, there is something you can do. If you believe your valuation is wrong, or incorrect, you have until 27 January 2012 to place an objection with QV. Please be aware that this is over the Christmas/New Year holiday period. You can make an objection online at www.QV.co.nz, or call 0800 787 284 to request an objection form. Please note, you must contact Quotable Value to make an objection, not Tasman District Council.

What does it all mean?

Capital Value – This is the assessment of the probable price that would have been paid for the property if it had been for sale at the date of the latest general revaluation 1 September 2010. This valuation does not include chattels, dairy company shares, stock, crops, machinery or trees. The valuation is deemed to include GST (if any) for residential property, and exclude GST for other property types.

Land Value – Land Value is the probable price that would be paid for the bare land as at the date of valuation. The Land Value includes any development work, which may have been carried out, such as draining, excavation, filling, retaining walls, reclamation, grading, leveling, clearing of vegetation, fertility build-up or protection from erosion or flooding.

Value of Improvements – This is the difference between Capital Value and the Land Value. It reflects the added value given to the land by any buildings or other structures present on the property, and any landscaping that has been done.

Ratepayer – The owner is deemed to be the ratepayer, unless there is a registered legal agreement giving another person the right to occupy the property for a minimum of ten years.

Rating Values reflect the value of property (excluding the chattels) as at the effective date of 1 September 2011. They are prepared on behalf of the Tasman District Council by Quotable Value (QV). Rating valuers consider relevant property sales from your area around the time of the valuation. A market trend is established and applied to similar properties. The mass-appraisal process is supported with a proportion of valuation assessments of individual properties every year as a result of building consents which were issued, subdivisions, sales inspections, objections and ratepayer requests to update Rating Values.

The process for calculating Rating Values is then independently audited by the Office of the Valuer General, a government department. Stringent quality standards need to be met before a revaluation is confirmed.

David Nagel, QV Operations Manager, said; “In the Tasman District Council, Rating Values are updated once every three years. When viewing the Tasman District Council property value index over time, you can see the change in property values that occurred up to 2011.”

“Since the last revaluation in 2008, property values have trended up and down within a narrow band with values sitting slightly lower than they were three years.” David Nagel said.

The 2011 Rating Values will not be used for rating purposes until the July 2012 – June 2013 financial year as specified by law. Just because your Rating Value may show a change in value, it does not necessarily mean that your future rates will proportionately change. The total amount of rates required does not change as a result of the total value of properties in the District. Rating Values are just one component, which is used to determine the share of the total rates that individual ratepayers need to pay.

Owners will receive their new rating valuations by post from the 9 December 2011 onwards. If you believe that your Rating Value is not accurate, you should object. The objection close date is 27 January 2012. You can object online at QV.co.nz or call 0800 787 284 to request an objection form.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Rating Value?

A “Rating Value” is assigned to every property in New Zealand. It is made up of:

1. The Capital Value; the likely price a property would sell for at the time of the valuation.

2. The Land Value; the likely price that just the land (minus buildings) would sell for at the time of the valuation.

3. The Value of Improvements; the difference between the Capital Value and Land Value. It reflects the value, which buildings and improvements add to the bare land.

The Rating Value may also include an Annual Value, which is a calculation involving the rental value.

If you don’t look inside my house, how do you know what it is worth?

Councils store details on every property in New Zealand, including yours. Properties with similar attributes such as land area, floor area, age of building, condition and location are grouped together. A value trend (determined by relevant sales) will then be applied to the group in which your property sits. Some properties are also inspected throughout the year to make sure details are updated where changes have occurred (as notified on a building consent).

Why is the change in my Rating Value different from the value changes reported in the news?

As most councils re-value properties every three years, any change in your Rating Value is compared with the last revaluation three years ago. Most media coverage refers to changes in property values over the recent past, such as 12 months. Therefore, different time periods are being reported, resulting in different numbers.

If my house value drops, won’t my rates go down?

This is not always the case. Your Rating Value is expressed as a percentage of the total value of all properties when your Council sets your rates. If all Rating Values drop by the same amount, your percentage remains the same, and so do your rates. Of course, this assumes your Council’s spending requirements remain the same. If Council needs more money in their budget, your rates could rise, regardless of changes to your Rating Value.

What is the difference between a Rating Value and a current Market Valuation?

Your Rating Value is one factor used to apportion your rates at an effective date set by your Council. Your Rating Value is typically updated every three years.

Market Valuations are different. You can request one at any time from a Registered Valuer; QV has many across NZ. The Registered Valuer will thoroughly inspect the interior and exterior of your property. They will also use their local knowledge and analyse recent sales data. All this information will be presented in a comprehensive report that will include a market value for your property, which will be current at the date you request it.

How can my house have a Rating Value if it wasn’t built at the time of the valuation?

Houses that have been newly built or renovated since the last valuation receive an updated Rating Value that reflects what it would have been worth if it existed at the effective date. As Rating Values are used to apportion rates for up to three years, all properties remain comparable, which enables the Council to allocate rates fairly.

How is the index calculated to show the property values over time?

The values of properties in an area are measured using the QV House Price Index. This takes into account the ‘Average Sale Price’ in relation to the ‘Average Capital Value’ of properties sold, as well as the volume of sales within that area. The index provides a measure of property values without fluctuations caused by higher sales volumes in one or more property sectors (e.g. high volumes of apartment sales or investment properties).

Beach Access for All

“Tasman is known for its beaches so it’s sad that not everyone can access them,” says wheelchair user Donna Smith. After beach access troubles of her own, the Nelson CCS Disability Action co-ordinator got together with the Richmond-based Accessibility For All group to fundraise for some form of beach transport to be made available to anyone who would benefit from it. The result is two fat-tyred chairs to carry the disabled across soft sand to the water.

The chairs are available free to use by those with mobility issues – and it would pay to book early. They dismantle and fit into almost any car boot. Reassembly takes a couple of minutes, says Donna.

The project came about after her family visiting from Christchurch suggested a trip to Tahunanui Beach. One suggested option for getting Donna into the water was “throwing me off Rocks Road at full tide,” she says with a laugh. In the end Donna’s husband had to carry her across the sand – hardly an ideal arrangement.

An initial plan to provide wheelchair-friendly beach mats at selected sites was discarded. Thanks to funding from the Tasman District Council, Pelorus Trust and RE and EF Macdonald Trust, the region now has the pair of beach “buggies” in time for summer.

The chairs cost $3500 each. One is being trialled by families at the ASB Aquatic Centre in Richmond. Donna says she can get into and out of the chairs by herself. She sees them as being handy for trips to rivers, and even Rainbow Ski-field in winter.

To book one of the chairs, contact CCS Disability Action at 65 Trafalgar Street, Nelson, Ph. 03 548 4479.

Check Before Swimming

Heavy rain affects water quality in our rivers, so swimmers should exercise a bit of caution before jumping in, says Council Resource Scientist Trevor James.

The swollen rivers and streams pick up disease-causing organisms, mainly from the faeces of farm animals, and in urban streams, from dogs and ducks. After moderate to heavy rain, waterways and the coastal areas near river mouths can be unsafe for swimming for a day or two.

Notices will be posted at affected areas if the risk from swimming is too high and beyond that induced by a rainfall event. However, this has happened just twice in the last five years, and risk levels were back to normal within several days.

The latest information on water quality at different sites is available via the Council website, www.tasman.govt.nz, under Environment and Swimming Water Quality. If it has rained recently, check before heading off for a picnic and swim.

The disease-causing organisms soon die off or dissipate. The good news is that with the recent rain the waterways have been flushed of blue-green algae for a month or so. These algae can produce toxins that cause illness and even death in rare instances. Dogs are particular susceptible because they often lick up the algal slime.

The quality of fresh water in Tasman District is checked at 50 different sites as part of the Council's monitoring programme.

The Dairy Industry is Providing Best Practice Leadership

A new code of practice for the design of effluent systems and user friendly guides have been developed to help dairy farmers manage dairy effluent according to best practice.

The dairy industry, along with regional councils and supporting effluent design and engineering industries have developed a series of design and management guides for farmers and their designers to make sure effluent is managed to reduce impacts on the environment.

The Farm Dairy Effluent Design (FDE) Code of Practice and Standards provide a new way forward for effluent system design in New Zealand.

An accreditation programme for effluent designers is also on the way with the first accredited designers expected by March 2012. Accredited companies should provide greater confidence in farmers of their ability to design systems that are up to the FDE standards.

The goal is to ensure all dairy farmers have effluent systems that can achieve dairy industry and wider communities’ expectations for the land application of dairy effluent:

To keep all untreated effluent out of surface and groundwater.

To keep land applied effluent nutrients in the root zone to capture their nutrient and economic value.

To ensure all systems are compliant 365 days a year.

The Tasman District Council expects farmers will seek out the services of suppliers who follow the recommendations in the new code and standards because those recommendations will lead to more profitable effluent nutrient management, reduce the risk of compliance action by the Council and provide improved environmental benefits as well.

Good support resources provided by DairyNZ and related industries will let dairy farmers using services from the accredited suppliers have more confidence in the design, engineering and construction advice and expertise they receive. They’ll make better investment decisions and better storage ponds will be built as a result. The Council acknowledges and supports this approach to better environmental outcomes.

The Council as well as the dairy industry and the supporting effluent services industry see this as a way of lifting the bar on the level of services and equipment provided to farmers in this area. Martin O’Connor Federated Farmers dairy section chair for Nelson considers this is a positive new trend in the dairy industry. “The industry is providing great support and back-up to farmers. It’s great to part of this proactive initiative,” he says.

Joint Waste Management and Minimisation Plan Released

The release of the Joint Waste Management and Minimisation Plan is a call for real behavioural change in the communities of Tasman and Nelson.

Driven by the Tasman and Nelson councils, the plan is focused on creating community responsibility for minimising and managing waste in the region.

It is a challenge that will need to be taken up by residents and businesses as well as the Councils, says working party chair Tasman Councillor Judene Edgar.

“In the past the Councils have delivered waste management in terms of providing transfer stations and recycling initiatives focused on managing what is produced and disposed of,” she says.

“The time has come for the community as a whole to look seriously at what we can do to minimise our waste before disposal. Not creating waste in the first place is more sustainable.”

“Over the past few years we have seen what we can do with recycled glass for infrastructure in roading and as a base for the Trafalgar Park playing surface. However, ingenious and well-intentioned as it is it is still driven by the question of ‘what are we going to do with this pile of material?’. We need to continue thinking and investing in waste minimisation.

“We must continue to make incremental changes. The Council, while maintaining and developing the waste management, is doing so in a world where costs of disposal will only continue to rise, financially and environmentally.”

“Good waste management is about managing the inputs, not just the outputs, through recycling and refuse stations - Councils cannot do it alone’, Councillor Edgar concluded.

The Joint Waste Management and Minimisation Plan is out for consultation with submissions accepted up to 31 January 2012.

Copies of the Plan can be found at www.tasman.govt.nz. They are also available for viewing during normal office hours at the following Tasman District Council offices and Libraries:

Tasman District Council:

Richmond Office, 189 Queen Street, Richmond
Motueka Office, 7 Hickmott Place, Motueka
Takaka Office, 78 Commercial Street, Takaka
Murchison Office, 92 Fairfax Street, Murchison
Richmond Library, 280 Queen Street, Richmond
Motueka Library, Pah Street, Motueka
Takaka Memorial Library, Junction Street, Takaka
Murchison Library, 92 Fairfax Street, Murchison

Tips for waste minimisation

The question is often asked ‘what can we do?’

Ask the simple question : ‘do I really need this?’

Choose products that have the least packaging.

Community Recreation

Looking for things to do this summer with family, friends or by yourself? The 2011 /2012 Summer Guide – Hummin in Tasman is out now and full of information to make your summer in Tasman the best ever. For events, activities and a business directory pick up your free copy today from Council offices, libraries, i-SITEs. Richmond Mall and many other outlets.

Creative Communities Grants – apply today!

The Tasman Creative Communities Scheme provides funds to support local communities to create opportunities for participating in arts activities.

Who can apply?

An application can be from an individual or from a group – Individual applicants must be New Zealand citizens or permanent residents.

The project must:

have an arts or creative cultural focus
meet one or more of the three funding criteria (see below)
be completed within 12 months after funding is approved
benefit local communities
take place within Tasman District or benefit local communities within Tasman District
not have started before funding is approved.

Funding criteria – Projects must meet one or more of the following funding criteria

1. Broad community involvement – The project will create opportunities for local communities to engage with and participate in arts activities.

2. Diversity – The project will support the diverse arts and cultural traditions of local communities, enriching and promoting their uniqueness and cultural diversity.

3. Young people – The project will enable and encourage young people (under 18 years) to engage and actively participate in the arts.

The closing date for applications to the next round of funding is 10 March 2012 – get your application in today.

Application forms are available at Tasman District Council offices and Libraries or at www.tasman.govt.nz

Fine woodworking annual exhibition

The Centre for Fine Woodworking annual exhibition ‘Been there - made this” is on at the Refinery Gallery, Halifax Street, Nelson, from Friday 9 December 2011 until Friday 20 January 2012. Monday to Friday 9.00 am –5.00 pm and Saturday 10.00 am – 2.00 pm. Entry is free and works are on sale or can be commissioned. The exhibition features work by both students and tutors celebrating the first five years of the Centre. Some of the works on show include a stunning wooden surfboard, classical acoustic guitars, furniture and other fantastic creations from wood.

Tasman Karaoke Superstars 2011

The next generation of singing superstars has arrived. 23 of the regions finest young stars performed in the Grand Final as the Tasman Karaoke Superstars competition crowned its champions for 2011.

Over the last three months five regional heats have taken place across the District, attracting over 100 popstar wannabe’s. The winner and runner up in each age-group gained prestigious automatic entry into the Grand Final showdown.

Poppy Ford from Richmond took out the junior category. She was followed in 2nd place by Anahera Hailes-Paku from Motueka, with Britney Addison-Robinson from Upper Moutere picking up third place.

A strong field contested the intermediate section, with Esther Terrill from Nelson narrowly outscoring Richmond’s Ella Atkinson and Motueka’s Laquisha Edwards for first, second and third places respectively.

The senior section was won by Wakefield’s own Mackenzie Lightwood, with Michala Keene from Appleby and Georgia Chapple from Upper Moutere receiving second and third places respectively.

A big thank you goes out to all the finals contestants, as well as to all the other singers who sang their hearts out as part of the Tasman Karaoke Superstars for 2011.