Marlborough District Council

Temporary Road Closures

Mon, 21 May 2012 01:18:38 GMT

Sunday 27 May 2012

Seaview Road, Seddon

Pursuant to the Transport (Vehicular Traffic Road Closure) Regulations 1965, notice is given that

Seaview Road Seddon from the intersection of Reserve Road to the intersection of Flemings Road

will be closed to ordinary vehicle traffic on

Sunday 27May 2012 from 7.00 am to 2.00 pm

for the purpose of motor car racing.

During the periods of closure, ordinary vehicular traffic may use the road being closed between events under the supervision and authority of an officer of the New Zealand Police (Traffic Safety Branch).

It will be an offence under the above regulations for any person other than under the authority of an authorised permit to use the road for ordinary vehicular traffic during the period of closure.

Any enquiries should be addressed to Keith Turner Ph: 03 520 8335.

Redwood Pass Road

Pursuant to the Transport (Vehicular Traffic Road Closure) Regulations 1965, notice is given that

Redwood Pass Road, from the commencement of the gravel surface, travelling from the intersection with State Highway One to a point approximately 3 kilometres past the summit of the pass

will be closed to ordinary vehicle traffic on

Sunday 20May 2012 from 7.00 am to 6.00 pm

for the purpose of motor car racing.

During the proposed periods of closure, ordinary vehicular traffic may use the road being closed between events under the supervision and authority of an officer of the New Zealand Police (Traffic Safety Branch).

It will be an offence under the above regulations for any person other than under the authority of an authorised permit to use the road for ordinary vehicular traffic during the period of closure.

Persons wishing to object to the proposal are to lodge their objection and grounds thereof in writing before 22 April 2012 at the office of Marlborough Roads, The Forum, Market Street, (PO Box 1031) Blenheim 7240.

Any enquiries should be addressed to Keith Turner Ph: 03 520 8335.

Queen's Birthday Weekend Holiday Hours

Sun, 20 May 2012 22:41:43 GMT

Marlborough District Council, Blenheim office will be closed on Queen’s Birthday Monday 4 June 2012.

Council services over the Queen’s Birthday Weekend period are below.

Blenheim Refuse Bag and Recycling Collections and Transfer Station Hours

The Blenheim kerbside collection scheduled for Queen’s Birthday Monday 4 June will be collected Tuesday 5 June.
Blenheim and Picton’s Tuesday collections are as normal.

The following refuse transfer stations will be open for Queen’s Birthday Monday 4 June.

Blenheim	8.00 am to 4.30 pm
Havelock	8.00 am to 2.00 pm
Picton	8.00 am to 4.00 pm
Rai Valley	Closed
Wairau Valley	Closed
Seddon	Closed

The Resource Recovery Centre, Re-use Shop and Greenfingers Compost in Wither Road, Blenheim will be open Queen’s Birthday 4 June 8.00 am to 4.30 pm.

Marlborough District Library and Picton Library and Service Centre Hours

Saturday 2 June	10.00 am to 1.00 pm
Sunday 3 June	1.30 pm to 4.30 pm
Monday 4 June	CLOSED

Please Let Us Collect Your Council Rubbish Bags From The Kerb

Thu, 17 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Council contractor Luke Brosnan tosses one of the Council black bags onto the Earthcare truck as it makes its rounds in Blenheim.

We’d prefer everyone in Blenheim and Picton who uses our black Council rubbish bags to put them out for kerbside collection - rather than delivering them direct to the rubbish transfer station.

A Council contractor does the street collection in Blenheim and Picton. That contract is based on an expected number of bags and covers the cost of both collecting and disposing of the rubbish bags.

However, far more bags than expected are being dropped straight to the transfer station by members of the public.

The contractor running the transfer station then has to take them over to the landfill – and that’s incurring a cost.

We know it’s easy to throw your rubbish bag onto the trailer if you’re already heading to the transfer station. Some people even assume they’re being helpful by taking their own bags there rather than putting them at the kerb.

But we’d respectfully encourage people to use the kerbside service – we want to keep costs down as much as we can and, as ratepayers, you’re already paying for the kerbside rubbish collection service through your annual rates.

Water Supply Shutdown - Springlands, Blenheim - 22 May 2012

Thu, 17 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

The Marlborough District Council wishes to advise residents in

Colemans Road, Farnham Drive, Rutledge Crescent, Magnolia Drive, Fuchsia Place and Springhaven Place

that the water will be shut down

on:	Tuesday 22 May
from:	9.00 am
until:	12.00 pm noon

Residents are advised to store water prior to the shutdown for use during the period when water is not available.

Should the weather be unsuitable this shutdown will be postponed until the next fine working day.

This shutdown will enable work on the watermain.

Council apologises for any inconvenience that this may cause, and advises that the supply may be resumed at any time between these hours without further notice.

For enquiries please phone Paul Rapley at Council's offices on Ph: 03 520 7400.

Water Supply Interruptions John Street And Andrew Place 21 to 23 May

Thu, 17 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

The Marlborough District Council wishes to advise residents in

John Street and Andrew Place

That due to watermain alterations in this area, water supplies may be interrupted for up to two hour periods over the next few days commencing

on: Monday 21 May 2012

until: Wednesday 23 May 2012

Residents will be advised by loud hailer when shut downs are to take place. Every effort will be made to not have shut downs before 9.00 am and between 12.00 and 1.00 pm.

Residents are advised to store water prior to the shutdown for use during the period when water is not available.

Should the weather be unsuitable this shutdown will be postponed until the next fine working day.

This shutdown will enable better supply balance to this area. Council apologises for any inconvenience that this may cause, and advises that the supply may be resumed at any time between these hours without further notice.

For enquiries please phone Paul Rapley at Council's offices on Ph: 03 520 7400.

A Wizard Afternoon At The Library

Thu, 17 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Throngs of children found their favourite storybook characters at the Marlborough District Library in its Great Book Character Hunt last weekend with Professor Dumbledore (Mayor Alistair Sowman) a crowd favourite.

He was joined by a cast of other characters including the Wicked Witch of the West, Tin Tin, Captain Haddock, Skullduggery; Mrs Wishy Washy and some of the Rainbow Fairies. The crowd of about 150 children and their families had fun spotting the characters inside the library before they joined in with the sausage sizzle afterwards, outside on the library lawn.

The library’s book character hunt is held every two years to promote the New Zealand Post Children’s Book Awards.

Queen's Birthday Kerbside Collections

Thu, 17 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

There will be NO kerbside collection on MONDAY 4 June 2012.

Instead residents should put out their refuse and recycling by 7.30 am on TUESDAY 5 June 2012.

Courtesy Crossings Rely On Good Manners

Thu, 17 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Courtesy crossings are ‘shared space’ and rely on the courtesy of both drivers and pedestrians.
Responsibility rests with the pedestrians to make eye contact with approaching drivers and check they are slowing down before stepping out from the kerb.

The crossings rely on consideration from drivers and common sense from pedestrians.
Irritation can occur when drivers stop unnecessarily – when pedestrians are still approaching the crossing – or when pedestrians step out when a car is almost upon the crossing.

Blenheim’s crossings are in the 30 km/h zone in the town centre and also at the Redwoodtown shopping centre.
The philosophy behind speed humps in a town centre is that slower vehicle speeds will increase the safety of the environment.

The accident rate is very low: the courtesy crossings have a better safety record than ordinary pedestrian crossings.

Notices for 17 May 2012

Thu, 17 May 2012 01:37:07 GMT

Accolades for Council website and its administrator
Conferences and conventions bring business to Marlborough
Learning to care for our waterways
Where should the lines be drawn on freedom camping?
Unsealed road maintenance
A big thank you to winery truck drivers
Positive Ageing - Library resources and services
Community News - Did You Know? Marlborough Commuity Hospice Shop
Mobility scooter seminar in Picton
Road Safety Course for Drivers 65+ years
Rating Information Database
Dog Owners
Temporary Road Closure - Sunday 20 May 2012 - Redwood Pass Road
Public Notice of Proposed Plan Change to the Wairau/Awatere Resource Management Plan
Awatere and Seddon Drinking Water - Boil Water notice

Accolades for Council website and its administrator

The talented web administrator who looks after our Council website has been recognised for her skills with a national award.

More...

Conferences and conventions bring business to Marlborough

Five hundred of the professionals whose task it is to plan how communities should develop and how our natural environment should be managed gathered in Blenheim last week, offering a great chance to showcase our region’s performance.

More...

Learning to care for our waterways

This is the last chance to make a submission on the Council’s plan to introduce a bylaw that will allow freedom camping in Marlborough but impose some limits on the areas where freedom campers may put up their tents or park their campervans.

More...

Where should the lines be drawn on freedom camping?

More...

Unsealed road maintenance

Rural communities and our primary sector depend on hundreds of kilometres of unsealed roads across Marlborough.

More...

A big thank you to winery truck drivers

Over the 2012 vintage, Marlborough Roads has been called out to just three grape spills on district roads and state highways. This is a dramatic and most pleasing drop in the number of incidents compared with previous years.

More...

Positive Ageing - Library resources and services

A selection of large print and talking books is available from the Marlborough District Libraries.

More...

Community News - Did You Know?

Marlborough Community Hospice Shop

Marlborough Community Hospice Shop (Déjà vu) operates Monday to Saturday selling good quality secondhand clothing, furniture and bric-a-brac. Proceeds go directly to supporting the provision of services of our local community hospice.

For more information Ph: 03 579 4686.

Mobility scooter seminar in Picton

A free seminar for existing and intending users of mobility scooters is being held in Picton in May and registrations are invited now.

The seminar is being arranged by Grey Power and the Marlborough Road Safety Council.

It will run from 10.00 am to noon on Monday 21 May at the RSA in Wellington Street, Picton. Council staff, police and scooter dealers will be there to answer questions.

The seminar will cover:

purchasing a scooter
scooter safety and dealing with rough surfaces
maintenance and repair know-how for all skill levels.

To attend the seminar please contact:

Grey Power Marlborough, Ph: 03 578 4950 between 10.00 am and 2.00 pm.

Road Safety Course for Drivers 65+ years

The Marlborough Road Safety Council will hold a free driver training course:

On:	Tuesday 22 May 2012
At:	The Wesley Centre – Henry Street
Time:	1.30 pm to 4.30 pm
For:	Senior drivers and road users
Based on:	The New Zealand Road Code

Please register your interest in attending with Geoff, Ph: 03 578 8143.

Rating information database

Pursuant to Section 28 of the Local Government (Rating) Act 2002 the Rating Information Database of the Marlborough District Council is available for public inspection at the Marlborough District Council Office, 15 Seymour Street, Blenheim and the Marlborough District Council Picton Service Delivery Centre, 67 High Street, Picton between the hours of 8.00 am and 5.00 pm Monday to Friday.

An electronic version of the database is also available on our website Services/Rates/Rates-Search .

Dog Owners

Attention Dog Owners - Has your dog:

Changed address?
Changed owners?
Died?

Have your contact details changed?

If so please advise Animal Control so they can update your records.

Having correct information helps avoid delays during registration time in June and July.

Animal Control, 82 Seymour Street, Blenheim
Ph: 03 520 9033 or animalcontrol@xtra.co.nz

Picton Office of Marlborough District Council
High Street, Picton – Ph: 03 520 3200

Animal Control Promoting Responsible Dog Ownership and Care

Temporary Road Closure - Sunday 20 May 2012

Redwood Pass Road

Pursuant to the Transport (Vehicular Traffic Road Closure) Regulations 1965, notice is given that

Redwood Pass Road, from the commencement of the gravel surface, travelling from the intersection with State Highway One to a point approximately 3 kilometres past the summit of the pass

will be closed to ordinary vehicle traffic on

Sunday 20 May 2012 from 7.00 am to 6.00 pm

for the purpose of motor car racing.

It will be an offence under the above regulations for any person other than under the authority of an authorised permit to use the road for ordinary vehicular traffic during the period of closure.

Any enquiries should be addressed to Keith Turner Ph: 03 520 8335.

Public Notice of a Proposed Plan Change to the Wairau/Awatere Resource Management Plan

In accordance with the First Schedule of the Resource Management Act 1991, Marlborough District Council has accepted the following proposed private plan change:

Plan Change 60 – Maxwell Hills Zone (Read more on Plan Change 60)

Schedule of the Proposed Plan Change Wairau/Awatere Resource Management Plan

Plan Change

Subject

The site subject to the private plan change request is located in the Taylor Valley at the intersection of the Taylor Pass Road and Maxwell Pass Road. The site is currently used for pastoral activities and is zoned Rural 4. The legal description of the site is Lots 1-3 DP 357141, Lot 1 DP 9518 and Section SO 7014.

The plan change request is to rezone approximately 50 hectares of the site to enable the creation of approximately 160 residential lots ranging between 2,000 m2 and 4,000 m2. It is proposed to create a new zone is to be called Maxwell Hills Zone, with its own specific zone provisions managing activities within the zone.

The proposed plan change consists of the following:

Rezoning part of the property to a new Maxwell Hills Zone
New Appendix R Maxwell Hills Zone including an outline development plan to be added to Volume Two of the Wairau/Awatere Resource Management Plan
Amended zoning maps and legend to be added to the planning maps

The proposed plan change may be inspected without fee at any of the following locations at any time that these places are open to the public:

The Council’s Office, Seymour Street, Blenheim
The Marlborough Library, Arthur Street, Blenheim
The Havelock, Seddon, Ward and Rai Valley Community Libraries
The Council’s Picton Office and the Picton Library, High Street, Picton
Elma Turner Library, Halifax Street, Nelson
The Wellington Public Library, Victoria Street, Wellington
The Kaikoura Public Library, Kaikoura
The Christchurch Public Library, Gloucester Street, Christchurch

Any person may make a submission but, if the person could gain an advantage in trade competition through the submission, then the person may do so only if the person is directly affected by an effect of the proposal that –

Adversely affects the environment; and
Does not relate to trade competition or the effects of trade competition

Submissions must be in the form prescribed (Form 5) by the Resource Management Act (Forms, Fees and Procedure) Regulations 2003 and must state whether or not they wish to be heard on the submission. Submission Forms are available at the places listed above or from the Councils website. The closing date for making submissions is 5:00 pm Friday 15 June 2012. Submissions on the proposed plan change can be lodged –

By delivery at:

By mail to:

By email to:

Planning Technician
Marlborough District Council
Seymour Street
Blenheim 7201

Attention Planning Technician
Marlborough District Council
PO Box 443
Blenheim 7240

PC60@marlborough.govt.nz
By fax at: 03 520 7496

Once the closing date for lodging submissions has passed, all submissions received will be summarised, publicly notified and made available for public inspection. Any person who, represents a relevant aspect of the public interest, has an interest in the proposal greater than the general public may make a further submission in support or opposition to any submission already made.

The Council will then hold hearings to consider submissions that have been lodged and issue decisions on the matters raised. Anyone who has made a submission and who has indicated that they wish to be heard will have the right to attend the hearing and to present their submissions.

The Council will then issue a decision on the plan change. On receiving notice any person may refer the decision to the Environment Court for further consideration if they are in disagreement with or are dissatisfied with the decision made by Council. For further information contact Mark Caldwell Ph 03 520 7400 or Fax: 03 520 7496.

Dated at Blenheim on the 17 May 2012.

ANDREW BESLEY
CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Awatere and Seddon Drinking Water

Boil Water Notice

The water from Council’s reticulation in the Awatere and Seddon is untreated and does not meet the Drinking Water Standards for New Zealand 2000. This water may contain bacteria that are detrimental to human health. All water used for drinking, food preparation or cleaning teeth should be boiled.

For further information contact our Customer Service Centre Ph: 03 520 7400.

Where Should The Lines Be Drawn On Freedom Camping?

Thu, 17 May 2012 01:35:36 GMT

This is the last chance to make a submission on Council’s plan to introduce a bylaw that will allow freedom camping in Marlborough but impose some limits on the areas where freedom campers may put up their tents or park their campervans.

The new bylaw would allow campers to stay at a range of designated spots across the region – so long as the rules about refuse and waste are followed.

The new bylaw would also give Council the power to issue a spot fine of $200 to anyone camping in the wrong place.

The bylaw proposes a specific ban on freedom camping inside the town boundaries of Blenheim, Picton, Havelock, Seddon and Renwick, and to rule out freedom camping on Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Drive and the French Pass Road.

Council reserves would also be out of bounds to tents, campervans, house trucks and caravans – but there are designated reserves where some camping is allowed so long as the vehicle is self-contained (can carry own waste).

Previously, Council bylaws banned freedom camping except for designated camping sites.

More details of the draft bylaw can be found on Council's website under Parks & Reserves.

Submissions on new bylaw must be received by the Council by the end of the day on Friday 25 May.

Submissions by email should be addressed to: Freedomcampingsubmission@marlborough.govt.nz.

Accolades For Council Website And Its Administrator

Wed, 16 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

The talented web administrator who looks after our Council website has been recognised for her skills with a national award.

Mandy Evans was selected from a nationwide field of nominees from all local government websites for the Professional Development Award given to the individual who displays “excellent potential”.

The awards are run by the Association of Local Government New Zealand Information Management, the national body that looks after the interests of the information, communication and technology sector within all the urban and rural councils across the country.

As Web Administrator, Mandy co-ordinates the Council website www.marlborough.govt.nz with support throughout Council, particularly from web editors and technical development staff, including Grant Carroll, developer of Floodwatch. Floodwatch was another success for Council, coming second at the awards in the Best New Feature Website Under 50,000 Population.

The ALGIM Web Awards recognise and celebrate best practice in websites amongst New Zealand local authorities. Overall, the Marlborough District Council was ranked fourth of 78 councils nationwide, a move up from fourteenth place last year. The rankings are based on features and services offered and compliance with NZ Government website and accessibility standards.

Marlborough District Council’s website is continually evolving, with a refresh planned in the next few months and online payments and customer-friendly online forms coming soon.

Positive Ageing Library Resources And Services

Wed, 16 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

A selection of large print and talking books is available from the Marlborough District Libraries.

The libraries in Blenheim and Picton also have a special service for house-bound or convalescing people who cannot get into the library to choose their own books.

The house-bound service, run by the Friends of the Library, will bring a selection of books, magazines, talking books, music or jig-saws to those who request it.

A volunteer from the Friends will visit to get an indication of reading preferences, and then arrange for a regular selection of material to be delivered.

There are smaller community library services available in the Awatere, Marlborough Sounds and Rai Valley.

Arrangements can be made to supply a selection of books to elderly people living in outlying areas. Please contact the library to discuss your needs.

The library is also a good place to begin if you are setting out with your family research. The Marlborough District Libraries have books on this subject as well as a collection of local history and local family history books. Access to Ancestry.com is also provided for use in the libraries.

You can also learn about clubs and organisations in Marlborough through the library. Its Community Information Database has information and contacts. Ask at the library information counter if you need help to search for something, or view it online via the Marlborough District Libraries website, www.marlboroughlibraries.govt.nz

Blenheim Library Ph: 03 520 7491 Picton Library Ph: 03 520 7493

Learning To Care For Our Waterways

Wed, 16 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

The Marlborough District Council has built up a strong environmental education programme that slots into the school curriculum and helps teach our children about taking care of the Marlborough environment.

A good example is the Whitebait Connection Programme where the Council works in partnership with the Department of Conservation to teach students about the importance of our waterways. This is one of six regions in the country where children are getting the chance to take part in this particular environmental programme.

The children discover how to assess the health of the waterways, learning about the importance of keeping our rivers and streams clean and free of pollutants.

The downtown Taylor River is often the scene of study trips but recently a group from Witherlea School used a trip to Pine Valley to get a close look at the river life.

Witherlea pupils Esmee Davies and Niki Elliot were amongst the Room 13 pupils looking at such things as water flow, water clarity and temperature and food webs.

Find more information about Council’s environmental education on the Council website www.marlborough.govt.nz under Environment.

Unsealed Road Maintenance

Wed, 16 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Rural communities and our primary sector depend on hundreds of kilometres of unsealed roads across Marlborough.

Marlborough Roads knows these roads are vital links for country people and for important industries like dairying and logging so their maintenance gets a high priority.

With responsibility for 650 kilometres of unsealed roads, Marlborough Roads takes a two-stage approach to their maintenance:

Routine grading throughout the year to fix corrugations and rutting and reform table drains.
Road rehabilitation works during spring and autumn, involving placing, grading and compacting maintenance metal to rebuild the worn road pavement. Over the course of a year, the maintenance contractor spreads about 33,000 tonnes of maintenance metal across the region’s unsealed roads.

The autumn programme is nearing completion with work done in the Kenepuru and Croiselles/French Pass, the Northbank Road and the Awatere Valley Road. Work will begin shortly on the Waihopai Valley Road, Tin Line/Maungatapu Road, State Highway 6 side roads and in the Ure area.

A Big Thank You To Winery Truck Drivers

Wed, 16 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

This years’ clean-up cost for the three spills is estimated at less than $2000. Some of this cost will be recovered through operators’ insurances leaving very minimal costs for the Council or Marlborough Roads.

In past vintages, clean-up costs have been about $15,000.

The good safety record for this year has saved public money to the equivalent cost of re-sealing about half a kilometre of roading.

Marlborough Roads manager Frank Porter says the work the viticulture industry has put into achieving excellent operator practices and providing better vehicles has really hit the mark this vintage.

Conferences And Conventions Bring Business To Marlborough

Wed, 16 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

The planners are just one of the steadily growing numbers of national bodies holding conferences at Marlborough’s Convention Centre.

The previous week almost four hundred delegates arrived in town for the Creative Fibre Festival, and attendance numbers swelled by another hundred or so visitors to the event on each of its four days.

A lively conference calendar increases business in downtown Blenheim and it’s a particularly effective way of increasing visitor numbers to Marlborough over the winter months.

Multiple-day events bring the best returns to the town and in the coming months the Convention Centre will be hosting some big numbers, building up to September when Marlborough’s largest ever national conference will be held; the Maori Women’s Welfare League. More than 700 delegates are due to attend this five-day event.

Research from the industry suggests a conference delegate spends an average $400 a day while attending an event, taking in accommodation, food and entertainment.

First Frosts Signal Winter Is Coming Fast

Wed, 09 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Warmer houses help to combat the asthma, bronchitis and flu rates of winter and the Council supports the Government’s Heat Smart scheme encouraging people to warm up their homes using clean heating options.

The subsidised insulating and heating offered through EECA is still available in Marlborough and Council provides financial assistance to help fund that proportion of the costs not covered by an EECA grant for people in houses built before 2000.

Property owners may be able to pay off their share of the costs by way of a targeted rate on the property, payable through the quarterly rates invoice. The extended repayment timeframe spreads the financial load of making the move to clean heating.

More information about the Heat Smart programme is on the Council website www.marlborough.govt.nz under Our Community (Energy Efficiency)
If you have questions about the EECA grant, how it works, and the insulation and clean heating available, email enquiries to info@eeca.govt.nz

2012 ShakeOut

Wed, 09 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Seddon School is leading the way in Marlborough as one of the first participants to register for the national Civil Defence exercise being held in September. CPM Marlborough Ltd is the first business to sign on to take part.

Families and individuals, businesses and schools across Marlborough are being asked to register for the national earthquake drill at 9.26 am on 26 September, 2012.

The earthquake risk in Marlborough is widely known and this is an opportunity for us all to test our own emergency preparedness arrangements.

Anyone wanting to participate can register by going to www.getthru.govt.nz and clicking on the NZ ShakeOut icon. A running tally is being kept of those registered – and it’s time for Marlborough to join in.

A publicity campaign is to be run to encourage the wider community to take part in this important national drill.

Drop, Cover and Hold – the official advice on how to respond to an earthquake.

Council Garden Giveaway Happens Twice A Year

Wed, 09 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Keen gardeners can pick up a windfall each season when the Council gardeners clear out the Seymour Square garden beds to make way for the next season’s annuals.

All the annuals have passed their best by the time they’re uprooted but many still have lots of life left. This month Ann Bulfin saved a colourful load of geraniums which should easily re-establish in her own garden.

The Council advertises the ‘help yourself’ day on this page, explaining how, for a couple of hours, any members of the public are welcome to bring their own forks and containers and collect the discarded annuals.

The next date for the changeover date for the garden beds is likely to be in early November when hundreds of pansies, viola, poppies and wallflowers will be there for the taking.

Positive Ageing - Working With Council

Wed, 09 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

The Marlborough District Council provides communication channels for discussing issues with older members of our community.

The Older Persons Forum meets each month at the Council Chambers. Representatives from groups that provide services for the elderly attend this meeting. The forum provides a communication channel between Council and the community and a way of addressing any issues that relate to the well-being of the elderly in our community.
The Access & Mobility Forum meets quarterly with representatives of groups working in the disability sector, including consumers. This forum helps Council with feedback and advice on matters such as access for mobility scooters, walking tracks on Council reserves, design and accessibility of public toilets, footpaths and pathways.
Council meetings, including committee meetings, are public meetings and any member of the public is entitled to attend. The meeting schedule is on Council’s website www.marlborough.govt.nz/Your-Council/Meetings section, or contact Council or a councillor directly.

Councillor Jenny Andrews takes a particular interest in matters relating to older residents. Contact Council for more information, Ph: 03 520 7400.

Ronga Road Washout

Wed, 09 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

The impact of floods can cause long term damage to our roads by weakening the road structure and the embankments, causing problems well after floodwaters have receded.

An example of this kind of damage can be seen at a new washout on Ronga Road, Rai Valley, where a 30 metre section of five metre high embankment has collapsed into the Ronga River above its confluence with the Opouri River.

Marlborough District Council’s rivers staff and Marlborough Roads’ highway maintenance contractor will be repairing the washout in the next few weeks.

“Living wall” technologies will be used to reinstate the embankment; a wall of structural layers created by backfill materials with a low-maintenance, aesthetically pleasing front face.
The work is expected to take two or three weeks and motorists should expect some minor delays from time to time.

Notices for 10 May 2012

Wed, 09 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Council garden giveaway happens twice a year
Ronga Road washout
First frosts signal winter is coming fast
2012 ShakeOut
Positive Ageing - working with Council
Council rubbish bags
Road safety course for drivers 65+ years
Boulevard Park on Taylor
Temporary Road Closure - Saturday 12 May 2012
Request for Information (RFI)
Community News - Did you Know? C.A.R.E Marlborough
Awatere and Seddon Drinking Water

Council garden giveaway happens twice a year

Keen gardeners can pick up a windfall each season when the Council gardeners clear out the Seymour Square garden beds to make way for the next season’s annuals.

More...

Ronga Road washout

The impact of floods can cause long term damage to our roads by weakening the road structure and the embankments, causing problems well after floodwaters have receded.

More...

First frosts signal winter is coming fast

More...

2012 ShakeOut

More...

Positive Ageing - working with Council

The Marlborough District Council provides communication channels for discussing issues with older members of our community.

More...

Council rubbish bags

Please let us collect yours from the kerb

We’d prefer everyone in Blenheim and Picton who uses our black Council rubbish bags to put them out for kerbside collection - rather than delivering them direct to the rubbish transfer station.

A Council contractor does the street collection in Blenheim and Picton. That contract is based on an expected number of bags and covers the cost of both collecting and disposing of the rubbish bags.

However, far more bags than expected are being dropped straight to the transfer station by members of the public.

The contractor running the transfer station then has to take them over to the landfill – and that’s incurring a cost.

Road safety course for drivers 65+ years

The Marlborough Road Safety Council is holding a free driver training course – details below.

On: Tuesday 22 May 2012

At: The Wesley Centre – Henry Street

Time: 1.30 pm to 4.30 pm

For: Senior drivers and road users

Based on: The New Zealand Road Code

Please register your interest in attending with Geoff, Ph: 03 578 8143

Boulevard Park on Taylor

Registration of interest is invited for Marketing of Council's Boulevard Park on Taylor Subdivision.

Contact:

Dean Heiford
Marlborough District Council
15 Seymour Street
PO Box 443
Blenheim 7240

Ph: 03 520 7400
Email: dean.heiford@marlborough.govt.nz

Temporary Road Closure - Saturday 12 May 2012

O'Dwyers Road, Blenheim - St Clair Vineyard Half Marathon

Pursuant to the Transport (Vehicular Traffic Road Closure) Regulations 1965, notice is given that on

Saturday the 12th day of May 2012 from 8.30 am to 10.30 am, O’Dwyers Road Blenheim, between Thompson’s Ford Road and Rapaura Road

will be closed to ordinary vehicle traffic for the purpose of a the Saint Clair Vineyard Half Marathon.

It will be an offence under the above regulations for any person other than under the authority of an authorised permit to use the road for ordinary vehicular traffic during the period of closure.

For all enquiries please contact Keith Turner, Ph: 03 520 8335.

Request for Information (RFI)

For Blenheim Sewage Treatment Plant Buffer Planting Establishment and Maintenance

Marlborough District Council is seeking information and price for the above.

The work involves the establishment and maintenance of a planted buffer around some of the Blenheim Sewage Treatment Plant site at Hardings Road, Riverlands.

RFI closes at 5.00 pm on 25 May 2012.

RFI documents can be obtained from Marlborough District Council at:

15 Seymour Street
Blenheim 7201
Ph: 03 520 7400

All inquiries should be directed to:

Paul Millen |Millen Associates
Ph: 03 574 1001
Mobile: 021 662 147
Email p.millen@xtra.co.nz

Community News - Did you Know?

C.A.R.E Marlborough

C.A.R.E Marlborough is a consumer run support house for those with mental health issues. The support centre has been developed to address the need for an informal, comfortable and warm environment that provides opportunities for recreation, socialisation and a meeting place to share common experiences.

For further information contact Ph: 03 578 0302.

Awatere and Seddon Drinking Water

Boil Water Notice

For further information contact our Customer Service Centre Ph: 03 520 7400.

Deadline Looming For Submissions On Draft Long Term Plan

Thu, 03 May 2012 23:05:01 GMT

There is one week left to lodge a submission on the Council’s draft Long Term Plan.

The deadline is 5.00 pm on Thursday 10 May.

The Long Term Plan is a 10-year plan, which directly affects the size of your rates bill – and this is the time when any ratepayer or resident has the chance to have a say on Council’s spending plans.

Making a submission is an easy process. It may be as brief as a few words on a single spending item or a general view on Council’s overall direction.

A submission can support or object (or a mixture of both) to parts of the proposed Plan.

It should include:

The reason for the submission
Whether you support or oppose the points in the draft Long Term Plan
Any changes you would like to see to what is being proposed in the Plan
Your name, postal address and phone number

Whether or not you wish to speak at a hearing (if you do not indicate this, you may not be invited to the hearing).
Submissions should be in written form (typed or handwritten and emailed, posted or faxed). Submissions may be made online- see the Council’s website Your Council Have Your Say.

Please note: your submission, including your personal information, will be available to the public and media as part of our decision-making process.

Responsible Dumping Of Electronic Waste

Thu, 03 May 2012 03:00:27 GMT

Assets and Services Committee member John Leggett with some of the Council's old electronic equipment that has reached the end of its useful life and is now bound for the E-waste recycling facility.

How to get rid of that old computer screen or printer? Where to dump an obsolete fax machine? And with so many people updating their television sets in the next year or two, what will happen to all the old TV sets?

If there’s no life left in your electronic appliances you can take them to a new E-waste drop-off site the Council is setting up at the Resource Recovery Centre.

It’s a three-month trial to assess whether people will support a user-pays process for disposing of this kind of waste.

The items will be collected by a Christchurch scrap-metal company and taken south to its plant where metals and plastics are recovered for recycling.

Charges will range from $5 to $15, depending on the item.

If just a fifth of Marlborough’s e-waste is disposed of this way, it will divert more than 100 tonnes of this kind of waste from our landfill.

The new service will begin on 1 May.

Council Position On King Salmon's Bid For Expansion In The Marlborough Sounds

Wed, 02 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

A range of opinions, from those who are for and against the application by New Zealand King Salmon, is being aired in the media.

Salmon farming, at eight of the nine sites proposed by New Zealand King Salmon, is a prohibited activity under the current Marlborough Sounds Resource Management Plan.

This case has gone to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and the Council is not intending to participate in public debate over individual points as the Board of Inquiry set up by the EPA is now the correct arena for this discussion.

The Council has stated that

It is legally responsible for the implementation of the Marlborough Sounds Resource Management Plan so it has lodged a submission which defends that Plan
An ad hoc planning decision to approve a new zone for the sole benefit of one applicant would undermine the integrated nature of the existing Plan
If approved, this application would have far-reaching precedent-setting implications for future activity in the Marlborough Sounds
By taking a position with its submission (rather than lodging a neutral submission), Council will have opportunity to participate in the full hearing process in front of the Environmental Protection Authority.

Great Book Character Hunt

Wed, 02 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

The Cat in the Hat is bound to be there – and you might spot the Queen of Hearts. Harry Potter is a cert. Who knows who else might be at the Marlborough District Library on Saturday afternoon, on 12 May?

The second week of May is festival week celebrating New Zealand Post Children's Book Awards and, as part of the celebrations in Blenheim, the “Great Book Character Hunt” is being held at our library.

There’s two hours of fun for primary-aged children inside the library, with spot prizes and a sausage sizzle on the library lawn.

The NZ Post Children’s Book Awards are to reward excellence in children's literature, recognising the best books for children and teenagers published annually in New Zealand.

The library will close at 1.00 pm on Saturday 12 May and re-open for the Great Book Character Hunt from 1.30 pm-3.30 pm.

Dog Policy Review

Wed, 02 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Well over three hundred people took the time to make a submission to the Council on the review of our dog policy.

Twenty-two people spoke directly to the review committee in support of their submissions.

The review is looking at all public places in Marlborough administered by the Council where dogs may be taken. In particular it is proposed that:

Dogs will not be permitted in the central business districts of Blenheim and Picton
Dogs will not be permitted on the Wither Hills Farm ParkLicence requirements for owners who keep more than two dogs are also under review.

A summary of all submissions can now be found on our website www.marlborough.govt.nz under the section Services subsection Dog and Animal Laws.

Included in the submissions is a petition of 559 signatures asking that dogs be allowed in Picton’s CBD and a smaller petition asking to preserve the current ban. There was a more equal mix of submissions in relation to the Blenheim CBD.

The Council subcommittee that is reviewing the policy is currently visiting the parks and dog walking areas that are under discussion in this review.

It’s expected the subcommittee will be able to prepare its report back to the full Council meeting by the middle of this year.

Dog owners will receive a copy of the revised policy once it has been finalised.

Positive Ageing Planning To Meet Funeral Costs

Wed, 02 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Many people set aside funds to pay for their own funeral and there are various ways of doing this.

One option is to make an arrangement with a funeral director of your choice.

This is usually done by setting aside an amount sufficient to cover the costs of a funeral at today’s rates.

Those funds are then invested in a funeral trust by the funeral director.

There are a range of pre-pay funeral plans on the market. In some plans, any funds left after the funeral costs are met may remain the property of the plan provider. Ensure you are clear about the terms of your contract before signing.

It’s also possible to set up a trust yourself for the express purpose of paying for your funeral.

There’s an upper limit on the amount that may be put into a funeral trust. However any unused funds, once all funeral-related expenses are met, will then go into your estate to be distributed under the terms of your will. Seek advice from your lawyer or accountant.

If you are setting up your own funeral trust, remember that in Marlborough plots cannot be pre-purchased in the public cemetery.

An MDC cemeteries clerk can help with enquiries about burials within Marlborough, Ph: 03 520 7400. There is more information about Marlborough cemeteries on the Council website
WINZ may be able to help in some cases with a Funeral Grant for “actual and reasonable” funeral costs, although there is a ceiling. This is subject to an asset and income test. More information Ph: WINZ 0800 559 009.

Notices for 3 May 2012

Tue, 01 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Council position on King Salmon's bid for expansion in the Marlborough Sounds
Great Book Character Hunt
Deadline looming for submissions on draft Long Term Plan
Dog Policy review
Responsible dumping of electronic waste
Positive Ageing - Planning to meet funeral costs
Community News - Asthma Marlborough
Boulevard Park on Taylor
Declaration of Stopping of Road - Forest Park Drive, Taylor Pass
Mobility scooter seminar in Picton
Awatere and Seddon - Boil water notice

Council position on King Salmon's bid for expansion in the Marlborough Sounds

A range of opinions, from those who are for and agains the application by New Zealand King Salmon, is being aired in the media.

More...

Great Book Character Hunt

The Cat in the Hat is bound to be there - and you might spot the Queen of Hearts. Harry Potter is a cert. Who knows who else might be at the Marlborough District Library on Saturday afternoon, on 12 May?

More...

Deadline looming for submissions on draft Long Term Plan

There is one week left to lodge a submission on the Council's draft Long Term Plan. The deadline is 5.00 pm on Thursday 10 May 2012.

More...

Dog Policy review

Well over three hundred people took the time to make a submission to the Council on the review of our dog policy. Twenty-two people spoke directly to the review committee in support of their submissions.

More...

Responsible dumping of electronic waste

More...

Positive Ageing - Planning to meet funeral costs

Many people set aside funds to pay for their own funeral and there are various ways of doing this.

More...

Community News - Did You Know?

Asthma Marlborough

Asthma Marlborough provides services in the community along with ongoing education and support for respiratory illness sufferers. Asthma Marlborough also holds exercise classes.

For more information contact Ph: 03 579 1609.

Boulevard Park on Taylor

Registration of interest is invited for Marketing of Council's Boulevard Park on Taylor Subdivision.

Contact:

Dean Heiford
Marlborough District Council
15 Seymour Street
PO Box 443
Blenheim 7240

Ph: 03 520 7400
Email: dean.heiford@marlborough.govt.nz

Declaration of Stopping of Road

Forest Park Drive, Taylor Pass

Pursuant to Section 342 of the Local Government Act 1974 the Marlborough District Council hereby declares the legal roads described in the Schedule hereto to be duly stopped; therefore they cease to be public road.

SCHEDULE

All that parcel of land situated in the District of Marlborough and shown as Section 1 on plan SO 437237 containing 7 square metres.

All that parcel of land situated in the District of Marlborough and shown as Section 1 on plan SO 437238 containing 2 squares metres.

Any enquiries should be directed to Judith North, Ph 03 520 7400.

Mobility scooter seminar in Picton

A free seminar for existing and intending users of mobility scooters is being held in Picton in May and registrations are invited now.

The seminar is being arranged by Grey Power and the Marlborough Road Safety Council.

It will run from 10.00 am-noon on Monday 21 May at the RSA in Wellington Street, Picton.

Council staff, police and scooter dealers will be there to answer questions.

The seminar will cover:

Purchasing a scooter
Scooter safety and dealing with rough surfaces
Maintenance and repair know-how for all skill levels.

To attend the seminar please contact:

Grey Power Marlborough, Ph: 03 578 4950 between 10.00 am and 2.00 pm.

Awatere and Seddon Drinking Water

Boil Water Notice

For further information contact our Customer Service Centre Ph: 03 520 7400.

Media Release War Memorial Clock Tower In Seymour Square

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMT

The first results of structural tests on the war memorial clock tower suggest it is sounder than initially suspected but work will be necessary to bring the foundations up to the standard required by the Building Code.

The Marlborough District Council is still awaiting further test results on the masonry.

Doubt about the adhesive strength of the stonework on the tower is now the primary reason the Council has left the area fenced off.

“Our war memorial clock tower in Seymour Square is a very important element of the townscape and no one has enjoyed seeing it surrounded by safety fencing. However, most people also understood that legal liability for public safety required action once doubt was raised about its structural security,” said Council’s Assets and Services manager Mark Wheeler.

“The Christchurch demands for specialist earthquake engineering expertise meant a longer-than-expected wait for detailed assessments but the preliminary assessment is that the underlying structure may not require major rebuilding. That’s a relief to us all,” he said.

“However some work will have to be done and it’s hoped that a more detailed engineering report, due in the coming weeks, will give us the parameters, and some idea of the cost, of the repairs that are going to be necessary,” said Mr Wheeler.

MARK WHEELER
MANAGER, ASSETS & SERVICES DEPARTMENT

Media Release Please Don't Smoke In Our Parks And Playgrounds

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMT

An anti-smoking rap performed in front of District Councillors at last year’s annual plan consideration has helped encourage a stronger signal that all Council-owned reserves, parks and sports parks should be smoke-free areas.

The students asked that all Marlborough’s parks, playgrounds and sportsgrounds, swimming pools and reserves be declared smoke free.

Government legislation already bans cigarette smoking from many places, including grandstands and pavilions.
Council’s Assets and Services Committee deputy chairman Terry Sloan says the Council is not in a position to impose a public ban. But, he says, the Council does have signs discouraging smoking in public spaces, like playgrounds, although its signs are often damaged by vandals.

He and his fellow councillors on the Assets and Services Committee think that signage should be extended from parks and playgrounds to include sportsgrounds, gardens and reserves and they want the smokefree logo included on any new signs that are put in.

“It’s about sending the right signals – please don’t smoke in our parks and gardens and don’t drop your butts in our green spaces. We want to get across the message that our sportsgrounds exist for the good health and wellbeing of our community – and smoking has no place in that,” he said.

Councillor Sloan said the students who came along to Council last year with an original approach to making a submission should feel proud that their efforts had an impact and has encouraged councillors to expand its no-smoking policy.

TERRY SLOAN
COUNCILLOR

Giving Away Annuals From Seymour Square

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:06:02 GMT

Twice each year, the Council gardeners plant out thousands of annuals in the flower beds of Seymour Square. With autumn here, the time has come for the annuals to be removed and the garden beds prepared for the spring planting.

The weather is always a factor for the flowering annuals and it’s been pretty erratic in recent months, but the gardeners are hoping that the beds will be in full bloom again by the end of August, perhaps early September this year.

So next week, the beds will be dug over and the geraniums, salvia, petunia, marigold and alyssum removed, to make way for the spring flowers of pansy, viola, poppy and wallflowers.

This is a chance for local gardeners to take home annuals for their own gardens. Our gardeners will be on site to give direction and ask that people bring their own garden fork and containers, remember that it’s annuals only that are being removed from the flowerbeds.

Happy gardening.

Seymour Square: Tuesday 1 May, 8.00 am to 10.00 am

Positive Ageing Is Your Bank Looking After You?

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Did you know that some banks offer concessions on bank charges if you have your New Zealand superannuation paid directly into your bank account?

It’s worth checking to see that you receive this entitlement. Not every bank offers it automatically.

Banks have various other offers to senior citizens: some wipe annual account fees on some kinds of credit cards while others have insurance premiums with discounts for senior citizens.

Sometimes concessions exist but you have to know to ask for them – or apply to receive them.

Banking is far more competitive today and services do vary. Fee and interest structures are also different from bank to bank so it can be worthwhile shopping around.

Even if you have been with your bank for many years, it’s not too late to change to a better deal.

At least ask your bank to review your accounts to see if they can minimise charges and maximise your returns.

All banks must comply with the Code of Banking Practice, which means they must have their own internal complaints procedure. If you have problems, approach your bank’s complaints officer. If still not satisfied, contact the Office of the Banking Ombudsman: Freephone 0800 805 950.

Notices for 26 April 2012

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Giving away annuals from Seymour Square
Speak up on the Council's Long Term Plan for Marlborough
Picking from public fruit and nut trees
What does the Council do for the people of Marlborough?
Positive Ageing - Is your bank looking after you?
Community News - Did You Know? - Riding for the Disabled
The Big Splash
Seymour Square - Annuals removal
Electronic waste collection facility
Awatere and Seddon Drinking Water - Boil Water

Giving away annuals from Seymour Square

Twice each year, the Council gardeners plant out thousands of annuals in the flower beds of Seymour Square.

More...

Speak up on the Council's Long Term Plan for Marlborough

Residents and ratepayers have a chance to speak directly to councillors considering one of the Council’s most important planning documents, the draft Long Term Plan.

More...

Picking from public fruit and nut trees

Edible fruit trees are planted on public land in Marlborough as part of the Council's commitment to providing resources for the community good.

More...

What does the Council do for the people of Marlborough

The Marlborough District Council is a large organisation responsible for delivering and maintaining a wide range of assets, activities and services for Marlborough.

More...

Positive Ageing - Is your bank looking after you?

Did you know that some banks offer concessions on bank charges if you have your New Zealand superannuation paid directly into your bank account?

More...

Community News - Did you Know?

Riding for the Disabled

Marlborough Riding for the Disabled gives people with disabilities confidence and improves their well-being through therapeutic riding and horse care. Their facilities are also available for activities.

For more information Ph: 03 578 3051.

The Big Splash

The new Marlborough Lines Stadium 2000 Aquatic Centre will be officially opened on Saturday 28 April with a free admission weekend.

Come down to the pool with friends and family any time on Saturday or Sunday and join in the fun and games or just take a look around. There will be competitions, prizes and give-aways as we celebrate the opening of the new pools complex.

It’s also a chance to check out the fantastic new gym with its state-of-the-art equipment.

Make sure you are there to go in the draw for gym membership and learn-to-swim lessons.

Marlborough Mayor Alistair Sowman will officially open the pool at 8.30 am on Saturday morning.

TVNZ’s Saturday Breakfast show will broadcast live from the pool for the opening and again during the morning.

“Big Splash” Pool Opening Hours

Saturday: 8.30 am – 5.00 pm

Sunday: 10.00 am – 5.00 pm

Opening Weekend Events

Saturday

8.30 am	Countdown with the Mayor for Marlborough's Big Splash, live on TV 1
10.15 am	Noodle Javelin
10.45 am	Aqua fun toys in the pool and rowing competition starts in the gym
11.15 am	Coin dive
11.45 am	Deep sea fishing
12.15 pm	Pool running race
12.45 pm	Noodle javelin
1.15 pm	Three point basketball
1.45 pm	Coin dive
2.00 pm	Water polo
3.00 pm	Water polo
4.00 pm	Swim meet

Sunday

10.00 am	Water polo match
10.15 am	Noodle Javelin
10.45 am	Aqua fun toys in the pool and rowing competition starts in the gym
11.00 am	Water polo match
11.15 am	Coin dive
11.45 am	Deep sea fishing
12.15 pm	Pool running race
12.45 pm	Noodle javelin
1.15 pm	3 point basketball
1.45 pm	Coin dive
2.15 pm	Deep sea fishing
2.45 pm	Pool running race

Seymour Square - Annuals removal

Annual flower plants are available for the public to remove on Tuesday 1 May – 8.00 am until 10.00 am. Bring your own fork and bags.

Please follow the instructions of garden staff.

Any enquiries please contact Brad Molony Ph: 03 520 7400.

Electronic waste collection facility

There is now an alternative to throwing out unwanted or broken electronic items. A new facility will be available opposite the Resource Centre on the Wither Road Extension in Blenheim for the drop off of electronic items. The facility opens on 1 May 2012 for an initial three month trial.

Electronic items can also be dropped at any of the transfer stations if you are not based in Blenheim.

The items will be sent from Blenheim to a processor in Christchurch for the reuse, recovery and recycling of metals, plastics and electronic components. The following table outlines the charges associated with this service.

Item	Charge
Desktop	$5
TV	$15
CRT Monitor	$10
Laptop	$5
LCD Screen	$10
Printers	$5
Videos	$5
Microwaves	$5
Fax	$5
Scanner	$5
Other items eg; photocopiers	$5

Opening Hours

Monday and Tuesday Closed

Wednesday to Sunday 10.00 am to 4.00 pm

For more information visit the Council website page Services/Refuse/EWaste-Collection-Facility.aspx

Awatere and Seddon Drinking Water

Boil Water Notice

For further information contact our Customer Service Centre Ph: 03 520 7400.

Speak Up On The Council's Long Term Plan For Marlborough

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Residents and ratepayers have a chance to speak directly to councillors considering one of the Council’s most important planning documents, the draft Long Term Plan.

The Long Term Plan explains the Council’s programme of activities for the next decade. It gives a detailed plan of how the Council will spend its money in the next three years and projected spending for the seven years after that.

The plan summary has already come to you inside the Marlborough Midweek newspaper. If you missed it, you can find the summary, and the whole draft Plan, on the Council’s website www.marlborough.govt.nz/yourcouncil/consultationlisting

Submissions may be made in writing, directly to the Council or online through the Council website.

Anyone making a submission may also ask to be heard in person on 30 and 31 May. This gives councillors an opportunity to ask you questions about the points you make.

Tips when speaking in support of your submission:

Focus on the points that are most important. Make it clear which parts of the application you are referring to (if possible, refer to the relevant section or part).
Be specific. Submissions should be relevant to the points being addressed.
Suggest alternatives to the proposed approach, giving reasons why the alternatives are more appropriate.

Remember, a submission can support or object (or a mixture of both) to parts of the proposed plan.

Please note that all submissions, including your personal information, will be available to the public and media as part of the Council decision-making process.

Picking From Public Fruit And Nut Trees

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Edible fruit trees are planted on public land in Marlborough as part of the Council's commitment to providing resources for the community good.

Members of the public may pick the fruit from these trees:

Ching Park (Endeavour Street): English walnut trees
McKendry Park: English walnuts, French walnuts, plums, quince
Fulton Stream (Kingwell Drive): English walnut trees, hazelnuts, pistachio nut.
Taylor Riverbank (between Brewer and Stratford Streets): English walnuts, a grove of black walnuts, chestnuts, Chinese wingnuts
Taylor Riverbank (near Monro Street): English walnut trees
A&P Park (off Alabama Road): English walnut tree
Cedar Grove Reserve (Solar Heights): English walnut trees
Faulkland Drive Reserve: English walnut trees
Rima Reserve (Hope Drive): English walnut trees
Wither Hills Buffer Strip (access from Weld Street, Solway Drive and Redwood Street): various fruit trees

Take only what you need – leave some fruit for others

What Does The Council Do For The People Of Marlborough?

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMT

The Marlborough District Council is a large organisation responsible for delivering and maintaining a wide range of assets, activities and services for Marlborough.

The total annual operating budget is about $83M and over the next decade that’s projected to rise to about $110M.

The great majority of Council spending goes into core services. As both a territorial and regional council it has responsibilities in many areas across the region:

People: culture and heritage, community housing, community safety, libraries, community grants and emergency management.
Community Facilities: parks and reserves, cemeteries and memorials, street berms and trees, community halls, public toilets and swimming pools.
Roading: roads and kerbing and channelling, bridges and footpaths.
Flood Protection: primarily in the Wairau Valley and Picton.
Sewerage: services for Blenheim, Renwick, Spring Creek, Grovetown, Riverlands, Picton, Havelock and Seddon.
Stormwater: drainage for Blenheim, Picton, Renwick, Riverlands, Spring Creek, Havelock, Rai Valley and Okiwi Bay.
Water Supply: Blenheim, Picton, Havelock, Renwick, Riverlands, Awatere and Wairau Valley.
Solid waste management: refuse collection in Blenheim and Picton including recycling, regional landfill and transfer stations, Resource Recovery Centre and Re-use shop.
Environmental management: all activity required under the Resource Management Act including environmental policy and protection, resource consents, and environmental monitoring.
Regulatory: animal control and pest management, harbours, building control and environmental health.
Regional Development: marketing and tourism, irrigation, parking, research and economic development.

The work in all these areas is guided by the Council’s Long Term Plan. The draft plan for 2012-22 is available now for public input. Submissions are welcomed on any of the matters listed here.

The draft plan, and a submission form, is on the District Council website www.marlborough.govt.nz/your-council/consultation-listing

Council Submission to EPA on NZ King Salmon Plan Change Application

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 22:24:00 GMT

The Marlborough District Council has lodged its submission to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) in the case of New Zealand King Salmon’s application for plan changes to allow salmon farming in areas currently prohibited by the Marlborough Sounds Resource Management Plan.

See more information and submission

Media Release - Anzac Day Commemorations

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Blenheim School will be the setting for this year’s ANZAC Day service in Blenheim which means Hutcheson Street between the school and the Clubs of Marlborough will be closed to traffic from 10.30 am until 1.00 pm that day.

The traditional parade will still be held on Wednesday 25 April but the wreath-laying service will be held in the school grounds while the War Memorial clock tower is under repair.

The Alfred Street car parking building will be open free of charge and the barrier arms will be up for ease of parking during the day.

Veterans and the families of those who fought in past conflicts will be joined by personnel from RNZAF Base Woodbourne and community organisations like the scouts and girl guides in the traditional parade, this year from the Clubs complex across to the school grounds.

Marlborough Mayor Alistair Sowman will deliver the formal address at the commemoration service and lay a wreath at 11.00 am. He will also attend the Picton dawn service where the guest speaker will be RAAF Squadron Leader Deborah Phillips, assistant Defence Advisor at the Australian High Commission. Councillor Francis Maher will attend the Anzac Day Dawn Parade in Seddon.

Mr Sowman says it is important that we continue to remember not only those who were at the Gallipoli campaign but all those servicemen and women who have followed in the tradition of committed service to our country.
ANZAC service times:

Picton War Memorial: 6.00 am
Seddon War Memorial: 6.30am
Renwick War Memorial: 9.00 am
Spring Creek Hall: 9.30 am
Havelock Town Hall: 10.00 am
Rai Valley War Memorial: 11.00 am

ALISTAIR SOWMAN
MAYOR

Bird Scaring Devices

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 04:18:00 GMT

Bird scarers are one of the sounds of rural Marlborough at this time of the year.

But vineyard managers should be checking them regularly to make sure they’re working within the rules for distance and frequency.

Bird scaring devices must be at least 160 metres away from the boundary of the nearest neighbouring house and at least 100 metres from any public road.

The gas guns should not be making any noise before 6.30 am or after 7.00 pm. They must not go off more than 12 times an hour; that’s either as 12 single bangs or as four groups of three bangs. The rules also specify a decibel limit.

All vineyards using these devices should have a legible notice fixed to the road frontage of the property, giving the name and telephone number (preferably a mobile phone number) of the person responsible for their operation.

Contact: MDC (24 hours) Ph: 03 520 7400
MDC Environmental Health, Ph: 03 520 7400 (office hours)

Sanitary Necessity Comes At A Cost

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 04:11:00 GMT

Dealing with the sewage waste of any urban area carries a heavy financial cost – increasingly so as more and more complex equipment is necessary to meet rising environmental standards. Today the capital value of Marlborough’s sewerage network is $126M and operating our solid waste management system runs into $8M a year – Council’s fifth-ranked most costly area of work.

Blenheim, Riverlands, Renwick, Grovetown, Spring Creek, Picton, Havelock and Seddon are all served by Council sewerage schemes.

In Picton and Waikawa a modern aeration and UV treatment plant was built over a decade ago but a major project is underway to build a new pipeline to replace the ugly, badly deteriorating Kaipupu Point outfall running around the inner harbour. Combined with the upgrade of the pumping stations and a new treatment plant in Dublin Street, it’s an $8M job but it will bring a cleaner, healthier, more efficient sewerage system to Picton. Further significant reticulation upgrades are planned for the next few years to replace and increase the capacity of aging pipes. This will reduce the overflow into the harbour that regularly happens in wet weather.

In Blenheim, residential and industrial growth has required more sewerage capacity -- Renwick, Riverlands, Spring Creek and Grovetown are all connected now -- and there have been major upgrades of the Riverlands treatment facilities. More measures are planned to improve the quality of the treated effluent that will eventually be discharged into the Wairau estuary and through the irrigation system in that area. The old Opawa River discharge will be replaced, which will benefit that river environment.

Havelock and Seddon have traditional oxidation ponds but, for the rest of the region, small population densities still make it too expensive to install and maintain costly sewerage infrastructure as yet.

Council does not believe it is in the best interests of the community to reduce the current levels of service. More information about the budgets and work programme supporting the region’s sanitary services is available in Council’s draft Long Term Plan.

Council seeks submissions on solid waste management issues: 5 April - 10 May 5.00 pm.

Don't Dump Rubbish In Our Rivers

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 04:10:00 GMT

A fishy mess in the Taylor River was an unpleasant clean-up job for Council ranger Murray Morgan early this month; the remains of dozens of fish had been dumped in the Taylor River near Wither Road.

The remains of three dozen butterfish and some moki, cod and terakihi – a few of them under-sized – plus 20 paua shells all had to be cleared out of the water.

Mr Morgan says it may have been straight out rubbish dumping or possibly someone using the fish frames as eel bait. A dog walker had discovered the rubbish and reported it, enabling it to be cleaned up promptly.

MAF says another load of paua shells was found a fortnight before at the Taylor Dam, some of them under legal size.

Report any suspicious activity at our riverbeds, including car number plates, to our Council Ranger on 021 342 071 or phone the Council on 03 520 7400 (24 hour service).

Blue Fish On Stormwater Drains

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 04:08:00 GMT

Front Row: Amy Gibbs, Kaylee Metcalfe, Holly Blake, Lindsay McGinlay, Emma Grigg, Amelia Wilson, Meriana Ave, Tarryn Metcalfe, Olivia Neil

A fishy mess in the Taylor River was an unpleasant clean-up job for Council ranger Murray Morgan early this month; the remains of dozens of fish had been dumped in the Taylor River near Wither Road.

The remains of three dozen butterfish and some moki, cod and terakihi – a few of them under-sized – plus 20 paua shells all had to be cleared out of the water.

MAF says another load of paua shells was found a fortnight before at the Taylor Dam, some of them under legal size.

Report any suspicious activity at our riverbeds, including car number plates, to our Council Ranger on 021 342 071 or phone the Council on 03 520 7400 (24 hour service).

Autumn Leaves Are Dropping

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 04:05:00 GMT

As autumn has arrived, street sweeping of the kerbs, channels and carriageways of our roads is done regularly.

Sweeping footpaths is not part of the regular maintenance work of Marlborough Roads unless a definite safety risk is being caused by debris, so it is appreciated whenever residents are able to assist in keeping the footpaths clear outside their properties.

Street flooding can be prevented by the simple neighbourly act of removing rubbish or leaves from roadside drains.

Residents can help by checking street drains outside their properties when heavy rain is forecast. If you're in a low-lying or flood-prone area then the simple act of clearing away rubbish or leaves may avert flooding.

If you spot any blockages or if you need a hand to clear a drain or footpath, call the Council, Ph: 03 520 7400.

Marlborough's Big Splash

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 02:57:00 GMT

The new Marlborough Lines Stadium 2000 aquatic complex will be officially opened by Mayor Alistair Sowman at 8.30 am on Saturday 28 April ahead of a fun-filled weekend of games, prizes and give-aways.

Saturday morning’s opening will be broadcast live on TVNZ’s “Saturday Breakfast”.

There’ll be free entry to the pool complex all weekend with all areas open. Come down for a dip, bring the family and enjoy the sausage sizzle or just drop in to take a look through all the new facilities.

Notices for 19 April 2012

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 02:44:58 GMT

Marlborough's big splash
Autumn leaves are dropping
Blue Fish on stormwater drains
Don't dump rubbish in our rivers
Sanitary necessity comes at a cost
Bird scaring devices
Positive Ageing - Mobility scooter safety seminar in Picton
Rinse Return Reward$
Community News - Did you Know? Returned Services Association
Care on the roads
Notification of meetings - May 2012
Proposed Regional Land Transport Programme
Opawa Loop herbicide spray application
Tender for Awatere Cemeteries and Open Space Maintenance Services (Contract 2012/09)
Book Chat
Temporary road closure and closure of public facilities - Anzac Day
Awatere and Seddon Drinking Water - Boil Water Notice

Marlborough's big splash

More...

Autumn leaves are dropping

As autumn has arrived, street sweeping of the kerbs, channels and carriageways of our roads is done regularly.

More...

Blue Fish on stormwater drains

Fairhall School is one of the Council’s partners in Marlborough’s school community helping to spread the word about the importance of keeping our stormwater drains clear of rubbish and other pollutants.

More...

Don't dump rubbish in our rivers

A fishy mess in the Taylor River was an unpleasant clean-up job for Council ranger Murray Morgan early this month; the remains of dozens of fish had been dumped in the Taylor River near Wither Road.

More...

Sanitary necessity comes at a cost

Dealing with the sewage waste of any urban area carries a heavy financial cost – increasingly so as more and more complex equipment is necessary to meet rising environmental standards.

More...

Bird scaring devices

Bird scarers are one of the sounds of rural Marlborough at this time of the year.

More...

Positive Ageing - Mobility scooter safety seminar in Picton

Did you know that some banks offer concessions on bank charges if you have your New Zealand superannuation paid directly into your bank account?

More...

Rinse Return Reward$

Win one of ten $500 vouchers to spend with your preferred rural supplier!

Simply recycle your eligible plastic containers with Agrecovery at 70 collection sites nationwide during March and April 2012.

Agrecovery container recycling provides a safe and fully compliant programme for the recycling of plastic agrichemical, biological, animal health and dairy hygiene containers.

Containers from over 55 participating brand owners are FREE to recycle through Agrecovery.

Containers must be empty, triple rinsed and from 1–60 litres in size. To be eligible containers must still have their label on.

Every collection receipt issued by an Agrecovery collection site during March and April 2012 constitutes an entry into the draw. You automatically become a member of Agrecovery by using the programme.

The prize draw will be held on 25 May 2012. Winners will be notified within a week by email, post or phone. Agrecovery Competition Term and Conditions apply. For more information visit www.agrecovery.co.nz or freephone 0800 AGRECOVERY (0800 247 326).

Good luck!

Agrecovery in association with Marlborough District Council

Community News - Did You Know?

Returned Services Association

The Returned Services Association provides welfare, support, fellowship and social activities for ex servicemen and their families.

For more information Ph: 03 578 5230.

A reminder that 20 April is Poppy Day.

Care on the roads

Roadworks

Some of Marlborough’s busiest roads will be extra-busy in the next fortnight while asphalt surfacing is laid as part of our re-sealing programme.

Drivers are asked to be patient when travelling through these work sites:

SH 63 - Waihopai intersection and the Hawkesbury intersection
SH 1 - Grovetown intersection
SH 6 - Woodbourne
SH 6 - Godfreys Road
SH 1 - Riverlands

Slippery surfaces

We are in the middle of the 2012 vintage and, despite best efforts, inevitably there will be small quantities of grape juice leaking from trucks and tracked around our roads. Grape juice on road surfaces makes those surfaces far more slippery than usual.

During vintage Marlborough Roads recommends you don’t corner at usual cornering speed and that you should treat all rural road surfaces, especially near intersections, as potentially more slippery than normal driving conditions.

Notification of Meetings

May 2012

The Marlborough District Council hereby gives notice pursuant to the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 of the following meetings:

Community and Financial Planning Committee
Tuesday 1 May 2012 at 8.30 am
Environment Committee
Thursday 3 May 2012 at 1.30 pm
Council
Thursday 17 May 2012 at 3.00 pm
Special Hearing Committee (Hear submissions on ‘Draft’ LTP)
Wednesday 30 May 2012 at 8.45 am
Thursday 31 May 2012 at 8.45 am
Friday 1 June 2012 at 8.45am (if required).

The above-listed meetings will be held in the Council Chambers, District Administration Building, Seymour Street, Blenheim. The times and dates may be subject to alteration and confirmation thereof prior to the meeting is advised by contacting Judith North, Support Services Administrator, Ph: 03 520 7400.

Proposed Regional Land Transport Programme

The Regional Land Transport Committee has approved a programme of roading maintenance and capital works for public consultation. State Highway and local road projects are included and prioritised. Following submissions and hearings (if required) the programme will be finalised and submitted to the NZ Transport Agency for funding approval.

You can view the programme on Council's website or request a written copy by contact the Customer Service Centre 03 520 7400. More information.

Submissions are welcomed and must be received by 5.00 pm Thursday 24 May 2012.

Submissions can be posted, addressed as follows:

Regional LTP
C/O Mike Porter
Marlborough District Council
PO Box 443
Blenheim 7240

or emailed to mike.porter@marlborough.govt.nz

Your submission should indicate if you wish to be heard at a hearing to be held soon after 24 May 2012.

Opawa Loop herbicide spray application

As part of Council’s annual Opawa River Loop aquatic weed maintenance an application to the water surface of the Opawa Loop of the herbicide ‘Reglone’ will be carried out from 23 April 2012.

Property owners adjoining the Loop should not take watercress or use this water for irrigation or stock use at this time. All reasonable precautions should be taken to ensure that pets and domestic animals do not drink from this water source for at least 48 hours following the spray application. Alterations to water levels within the Opawa Loop may occur due to control gate operations.

The application will be carried out by Dave Fowler Contracting, registered chemical applicators, contractors to the Marlborough District Council.

Any alteration to the proposed programme will be further publicly notified.

The spray operation is in accordance with Resource Consent U070702 granted under Sections 104 and 105 of the Water Resource Management Act 1991.

For further enquiries please contact Steve Bezar Ph: 03 520 7400.

Tender for Awatere Cemeteries and Open Space Maintenance Services - Contract 2012/09

Marlborough District Council invites tenders for the above contract.

The contract involves maintenance of open space for activities such as sport and recreation together with cemetery services in the Awatere area.

Tenders close at 4.00 pm Thursday 31 May 2012.

Tender documents can be obtained from Marlborough District Council at:

15 Seymour Street
Blenheim 7201
Ph: 03 520 7400

All enquiries should be directed to:

Elisha Oldridge
Marlborough District Council
PO Box 443
Blenheim 7240

Ph: 03 520 7400
Fax: 03 520 7496
email: Elisha.oldridge@marlborough.govt.nz

Book Chat

Book Chat is held at the Blenheim and Picton libraries each month. Enjoy an opportunity to see new books, talk about books (themes have included architecture, travel, biographies and Marlborough books), and meet fellow book lovers.

Picton Library Book Chat Timetable 2012

Second Wednesday of every month (March to November) 10.30 am to 11.30 am

9 May
13 June
11 July - No Book Chat - School Holidays
8 August
12 September
10 October - No Book Chat - School Holidays
14 November

Marlborough District Library Book Chat Timetable 2012

Second Wednesday of every month (March to November)10.00 am to 11.00 am.

9 May
13 June
11 July
8 August
12 September
10 October
14 November

Temporary road closure and closure of public facilities - Anzac Day

Traffic Arrangements

NOTICE is hereby given under Section 342 of the Local Government Act 1974 that the following streets will be closed to ordinary vehicular traffic on Anzac Day, Wednesday, 25 April 2012.

BLENHEIM

Hutcheson Street (from John Street to Alfred Street) and Russell Terrace (from Alfred Street) from 10.30 am to 1.00 pm.

PICTON

London Quay (from Auckland Street to Wellington Street) and High Street (from London Quay to the intersection of Dublin Street/Waikawa Road/High Street) from 5.45 am to 6.30 am.

NOTICE is also hereby given that parking will be prohibited as follows:

BLENHEIM

Russell Terrace (from Alfred Street) and Clubs of Marlborough Carpark from 6.30 am to 1.00 pm. Cars will be towed if parked in these areas.

Note: Free parking will be available in the Alfred Street parking building. The barrier arms will not be in use; they will be left open on Anzac Day only. Limited parking will be available on Seymour Street and John Street.

Closure of Public Facilities

Transfer Stations

Blenheim: The Blenheim Transfer Station will be open from 1.00 pm to4.30 pm.

Picton: The Picton Transfer Station will be open from 1.00 pm to 4.00 pm.

Havelock: The Havelock Transfer Station will be open from 1.00 pm to 2.00 pm.

Wairau Valley: The Wairau Valley Transfer Station will be open from 1.00 pm to 5.00 pm.

Seddon and Rai Valley Transfer Stations will be closed on Anzac Day Wednesday, 25 April 2012.

Marlborough Resource Recovery Centre: The Marlborough Resource Recovery Centre will be open from 1.00 pm to 4.30 pm.

Greenfingers Composting: Greenfingers Composting will be open from 1.00 pm to 4.30 pm.

Kerbside Collection: Rubbish and recycling scheduled to be collected on Anzac Day Wednesday, 25 April will be collected on Tuesday, 24 April 2012.

Sports Grounds

All Council operated sports grounds in Marlborough will be CLOSED UNTIL 1.00 pm on Anzac Day, Wednesday, 25 April 2012.

Any enquiries should be directed to Mr Robert Hutchinson, Ph: 03 520 7400.

Marlborough Aquatic Centre

The Marlborough Aquatic Centre will be CLOSED UNTIL 1.00 pm on Anzac Day, Wednesday, 25 April 2012.

Library Services

The Blenheim and Picton Libraries will be CLOSED on Anzac Day, Wednesday, 25 April 2012.

Awatere and Seddon Drinking Water

Boil Water Notice

For further information contact our Customer Service Centre Ph: 03 520 7400.

Positive Ageing - Mobility Scooter Safety Seminar In Picton

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMT

A free seminar for existing and intending users of mobility scooters is being held in Picton in May and registrations are invited now.

The seminar is being arranged by Grey Power and the Marlborough Road Safety Council.

It will run from 10 am-noon on Monday 21 May at the RSA in Wellington Street, Picton.

Council staff, police and scooter dealers will be there to answer questions.

The seminar will cover:

purchasing a scooter
scooter safety and dealing with rough surfaces

maintenance and repair know-how for all skill levels.

To attend the seminar please contact Grey Power Marlborough Ph: 03 578 4950 between 10.00 am and 2.00 pm.

Anzac Hours

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 17:38:00 GMT

Anzac Day - Wednesday 25 April 2012

Traffic Arrangements

NOTICE is hereby given under Section 342 of the Local Government Act 1974 that the following streets will be closed to ordinary vehicular traffic on Anzac Day, Wednesday, 25 April 2012.

BLENHEIM

Hutcheson Street (from John Street to Alfred Street) and Russell Terrace (from Alfred Street) from 10.30 am to 1.00 pm.

PICTON

London Quay (from Auckland Street to Wellington Street) and High Street (from London Quay to the intersection of Dublin Street/Waikawa Road/High Street) from 5.45 am to 6.30 am.

NOTICE is also hereby given that parking will be prohibited as follows:

BLENHEIM

Russell Terrace (from Alfred Street) and Clubs of Marlborough car park from 6.30 am to 1.00 pm. Cars will be towed if parked in these areas.

Note: Free parking will be available in the Alfred Street parking building. The barrier arms will not be in use. They will be left open on Anzac Day only. Limited parking will be available on Seymour Street and John Street.

Closure of Public Facilities

Transfer Stations

Blenheim : The Blenheim Transfer Station will be open between 1.00 pm and 4.30 pm.

Picton : The Picton Transfer Station will be open between 1.00 pm and 4.00 pm.

Havelock : The Havelock Transfer Station will be open between 1.00 pm and 2.00 pm.

Wairau Valley : The Wairau Valley Transfer Station will be open between 1.00 pm and 5.00 pm.

Seddon and Rai Valley Transfer Stations will be closed on Anzac Day Wednesday, 25 April 2012.

Marlborough Resource Recovery Centre : The Marlborough Resource Recovery Centre will be open between 1.00 pm and 4.30 pm.

Greenfingers Composting : Greenfingers Composting will be open between 1.00 pm and 4.30 pm.

Kerbside Collection : Rubbish and recycling scheduled to be collected on Anzac Day Wednesday, 25 April will be collected on Tuesday, 24 April 2012.

Sports Grounds

All Council operated sports grounds in Marlborough will be CLOSED UNTIL 1.00 pm on Anzac Day, Wednesday, 25 April 2012.

Any enquiries should be directed to Mr Robert Hutchinson, Ph: 520 7400.

Marlborough Aquatic Centre

The Marlborough Aquatic Centre will be CLOSED UNTIL 1.00 pm on Anzac Day, Wednesday, 25 April 2012.

Library Services

The Blenheim and Picton Libraries will be CLOSED on Anzac Day, Wednesday, 25 April 2012.

Water Discussion Document Coming Up

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 02:40:11 GMT

Council is working on a discussion paper on the future of the region’s water resources.

It will canvass the issues surrounding the future management of our water resources now that water is fully allocated in much of the region.

After a recent two-day Water Forum, arranged by the District Council and attended by representatives from interest groups across Marlborough, it’s intended that focus groups will be established to be part of the discussion process with the aim of producing a policy statement by the end of this year.

The discussion document is likely to propose some enhancements, rather than a radical change to the current water allocation regime, looking at such things as making more efficient use of existing water rights, allowing for easy exchange of water between consent-holders and ensuring the region has sufficient, reliable water supply to allow for economic growth.

There are currently 1600 water permits issued by the Marlborough District Council, allowing for the allocation of more than 80 million cubic metres per year from groundwater resources and 110 million cubic metres per year from surface water resources.

Roads The Big Ticket Item For Council

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 02:38:16 GMT

Much of the very first year of business of the old Blenheim Borough Council was spent debating how to pay for roads and bridges – today it’s still the biggest single area of cost for the Marlborough District Council.

More than one fifth of the Council’s operating budget goes into the bitumen and concrete, heavy machinery and manpower that keeps our roads and footpaths in good order. That’s about $17M every year.

One of the long-running debates within local government is how to fairly distribute between town and country ratepayers the cost of maintaining heavily used urban roads and often unsealed rural roads used by far fewer people. Unfortunately, the more remote areas are also often subject to significant storm damage. It’s caused healthy debate amongst councillors and led to some adjustment to the way roading rates are applied.

The Council has a fiscally efficient model for managing the roads it’s responsible for; everything except the state highways. Council contracts the work to the NZTA office; Marlborough Roads, gaining the advantage of national expertise and economies of scale.

However in the year ahead, as Council examines its budgets for the Long Term Plan, some of the roading projects that had been planned are likely to be deferred. Even with the big NZTA subsidies, which sometimes cover half the cost of our projects, Council has proposed deferring some work in order to hold down rates.

Amongst the suggested deferrals are seal extensions, some renewal works and some Blenheim CBD upgrade projects. We’ve also been able to make other savings by putting off some footpath renewals until work is finished laying the fibre optic cable around Blenheim.

Members of the public are invited to make their views known on the details of the roading budget in the draft Long Term Plan.

Read the Long Term Plan summary in the Midweek Express on 18 April - or get the full document on the Council website www.marlborough.govt.nz

Submissions on the Long Term Plan opened 5 April and the final date for submissions is 10 May 5.00 pm.

Road Safety During Vintage

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 02:31:00 GMT

The annual grape harvest is getting underway so there’ll be a big increase in the number of trucks and slow-moving harvesters on our roads soon.

Please be patient.

Expect to get caught up in a procession of tractors and harvesters at some point.

Please take a relaxed approach if you become part of a viticultural procession - the worst that’s likely to happen is that your trip might take an extra minute or two.

Tractor and machinery drivers will be courteous and let motorists pass when they can.

Remember, trucks can’t stop as quickly as cars.

If a grape-laden truck has to make an emergency stop, the grapes don’t stop moving - an unnecessary grape spill is likely to be the result. Grapes make for a slippery road surface, which is a serious hazard and the cost of a clean-up can run into several hundred dollars.

Marlborough Roads manager Frank Porter says, as part of the district-wide contribution to our viticulture industry, all of us can help to keep our roads safe during vintage:

Expect to meet tractors and harvesters on rural roads
Be patient when in a queue
Expect to meet lots more trucks on the road
Give these trucks lots of space to manoeuvre
Report any grape spills to Marlborough Roads
And, truckies, please take extra care to drive slowly and carefully at corners and intersections.

Marlborough Roads, Ph: 03 520 8330 (24 hour service).

Pests Not Wanted In Our Clean Streams

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 02:19:22 GMT

Native riverside and aquatic plants are an essential part of the natural ecosystems of Marlborough’s waterways. But there are some varieties of plant that are unwelcome.

At certain times, excessive growth – or unwelcome plant species - can degrade both water quality and the fish habitats.

The District Council aims to maintain the balance in our streams and waterways, removing any excessive weed growth that inhibits flow at the time of year when it’s least likely to disturb the lifecycles of streamlife.

And as part of the Council’s Wai Korero (Water Talk) Project in schools, students are being taught about the need to keep pest fish and waterweeds out of our local waterways.

The Pest Fish & Pests Waterweeds Programme introduces students to the problems caused by invasive waterweeds and pest fish and their effect on our native fish and plants and teaches them how to identify the pests.

This term classes from Mayfield, Fairhall, Riverlands Schools are taking part in the programme.

More information found on the biosecurity page.

Council's Partnership With Marlborough

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 02:16:00 GMT

Hayley Millard, Logan Silcock and Jono Cash with Duncan McKenzie planning for the intergenerational event.

One of the ways the Marlborough District Council helps the young people of Marlborough is by allocating financial support through the Marlborough Youth Trust, an entity that then enables the region to access government and charitable funding for youth activities here.

The Marlborough Youth Trust is the umbrella body for various events and programmes as well as the down-town ‘drop-in’ HQ Youth Centre, the CACTUS programmes and the community youth worker.

Community Constable Russ Smith who chairs the Trust doubts it would be able to continue without the $40,000 budget allocated by the Council.

The CACTUS programme is one of the success stories promoted by the Trust. It is a fitness and self-discipline programme that has been helpful in ‘putting kids back on track’. It relies heavily on Police support. Fourteen programmes have now been run successfully in Picton and Police believe the programme has a significant impact on reducing nuisance crime. A funder is still being sought for one of the two programmes scheduled for Blenheim this year.
HQ Youth Centre: a central venue (in Alfred Street opposite Marlborough Lines) providing a place for teens to be from 3.30 pm to early evening on Wednesday and Thursday and open until 9.00 pm on Friday and Saturday nights. No smoking, drugs or alcohol permitted and the supervisor present means it’s a safe place for younger teens to hang out, with pool tables, gaming consoles and music.

The Council also has a Youth Council which provides a voice for young people in our community. This council works to an annual plan and its members develop valuable skills organising events and activities.

The latest initiative by the Youth Council is coming up next month; an "intergenerational” event. It’s a new idea to build links between the younger and older generations; a team event which will test the different age groups on new skills and old ones. The organisers hope they’ve come up with something that will catch on, maybe even in other regions.

To be held at Marlborough Boys’ College on Sunday 22 April.

Notices for 12 April 2012

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 02:06:27 GMT

Pests not wanted in our clean streams
Roads the big ticket item for Council
Water discussion document coming up
Positive Ageing - Dont' forget your medication in emergency planning
Community News - Did You Know? Marlborough Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinsons Society
Overhanging vegetation management - accessible footpaths
Temporary road closure and closure of public facilities - Anzac Day
Freedom Camping Bylaw
Opawa Loop herbicide spray application
Awatere and Seddon drinking water - boil water notice

Pests not wanted in our clean streams

Native riverside and aquatic plants are an essential part of the natural ecosystems of Marlborough waterways. But there are some varieties of plant that are unwelcome.

More...

Roads the big ticket item for Council

Much of the very first year of business of the old Blenheim Borough Council was spent debating how to pay for roads and bridges - today it's still the biggest single area of cost for the Marlborough District Council.

More...

Water discussion document coming up

Council is working on a discussion paper on the future of the region's water resources.

More...

Positive Ageing - Don't forget your medication in emergency planning

Consider keeping one week's supply of medicines (rotate it regularly) and instructions for their use (dosage, frequency, doctor's name etc) in one container in your refrigerator marked for emergency use.

More...

Community News - Did You Know?

Marlborough Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinsons Society

The Marlborough Multiple Sclerosis & Parkinson’s Society has a Field Officer who is available for information, education, support and advocacy for persons with Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s and other allied neurological conditions. Support is also available for their carers and families.

For more information Ph: 03 578 4058.

Overhanging Vegetation Management

Accessible footpaths

Now is a good time to get out the clippers and prune back any branches or vegetation overhanging the footpaths from your property. This particularly applies to property owners located south of Alabama Road in Blenheim and to Picton Renwick and Seddon property owners.

Footpath and overhanging vegetation inspections will take place in these areas commencing early April so your early attention may save you being issued a reminder overhanging growth notice.

Please check your property frontage and prune back if required to ensure vegetation is well back from the footpath to allow clear access for all users.

Thanks for helping to keep Marlborough tidy and accessible

For more information contact the Reserves Section Ph: 03 520 7400.

Temporary road closure and closure of public facilities - Anzac Day

Traffic Arrangements

NOTICE is hereby given under Section 342 of the Local Government Act 1974 that the following streets will be closed to ordinary vehicular traffic on Anzac Day, Wednesday, 25 April 2012.

BLENHEIM

Hutcheson Street (from John Street to Alfred Street) and Russell Terrace (from Alfred Street) from 10.30 am to 1.00 pm.

PICTON

London Quay (from Auckland Street to Wellington Street) and High Street (from London Quay to the intersection of Dublin Street/Waikawa Road/High Street) from 5.45 am to 6.30 am.

NOTICE is also hereby given that parking will be prohibited as follows:

BLENHEIM

Russell Terrace (from Alfred Street) and Clubs of Marlborough Carpark from 6.30 am to 1.00 pm. Cars will be towed if parked in these areas.

Note: Free parking will be available in the Alfred Street parking building. The barrier arms will not be in use they will be left open on Anzac Day only. Limited parking will be available on Seymour Street and John Street.

Closure of Public Facilities

Transfer Stations

Blenheim: The Blenheim Transfer Station will be open from 1.00 pm to 4.30 pm.

Picton: The Picton Transfer Station will be open from 1.00 pm to 4.00 pm.

Havelock : The Havelock Transfer Station will be open from 1.00 pm to 2.00 pm.

Wairau Valley : The Wairau Valley Transfer Station will be open from 1.00 pm to 5.00 pm.

Seddon and Rai Valley Transfer Stations will be closed on Anzac Day Wednesday, 25 April 2012.

Marlborough Resource Recovery Centre: The Marlborough Resource Recovery Centre will be open from 1.00 pm to 4.30 pm.

Greenfingers Composting: Greenfingers Composting will be open from 1.00 pm to 4.30 pm.

Kerbside Collection: Rubbish and recycling scheduled to be collected on Anzac Day Wednesday, 25 April will be collected on Tuesday, 24 April 2012.

Sports Grounds

All Council operated sports grounds in Marlborough will be CLOSED UNTIL 1.00 pm on Anzac Day, Wednesday, 25 April 2012.

Any enquiries should be directed to Mr Robert Hutchinson, Ph: 520 7400.

Marlborough Aquatic Centre

The Marlborough Aquatic Centre will be CLOSED UNTIL 1.00 pm on Anzac Day, Wednesday, 25 April 2012.

Library Services

The Blenheim and Picton Libraries will be CLOSED on Anzac Day, Wednesday, 25 April 2012.

Freedom Camping Bylaw

Marlborough District Council is seeking your views on a proposal to introduce a new bylaw to manage freedom camping on land administered by Council in Marlborough.

You may view full the Statement of Proposal (including the draft Bylaw):

on Council’s website at http://www.marlborough.govt.nz/Your-Council/Consultation-Listing.aspx
at Council Administration Buildings, Seymour Street, Blenheim
at the Marlborough District Library, Arthur Street, Blenheim
at the Picton Library, 67 High Street, Picton

Submissions must be in writing and may be posted to Marlborough District Council, PO Box 443, Blenheim 7240 or emailed to FreedomCampingSubmission@marlborough.govt.nz by the close of 25 May 2012.

Submissions close on 25 May 2012.

For further information, email Rosie at FreedomCampingSubmission@marlborough.govt.nz

Opawa Loop herbicide spray application

The application will be carried out by Dave Fowler Contracting, registered chemical applicators, contractors to the Marlborough District Council.

Any alteration to the proposed programme will be further publicly notified.

The spray operation is in accordance with Resource Consent U070702 granted under Sections 104 and 105 of the Water Resource Management Act 1991.

For further enquiries please contact Steve Bezar Ph: 03 520 7400.

Awatere and Seddon Drinking Water

Boil Water Notice

For further information contact our Customer Service Centre Ph: 03 520 7400.

Notices for 29 March 2012

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 02:06:00 GMT

Council's partnership with Marlborough's young people
Road safety during vintage
Positive Ageing - Don't fall for fraudsters
Council Services Easter holiday hours
Community News - Did You Know? The Marlborough Community Commnittee of the Foundation of the Blind
Temporary Road Closure - Tuamarina Track - Sunday 1 April 2012
Owner/Occupier unit for sale
Awatere and Seddon Drinking Water - Boil Water Notice

Council's partnership with Marlborough's young people

One of the ways the Marlborough District Council helps the young people of Marlborough is by allocating financial support through the marlborough Youth Trust, an entity that then enables the region to access government and charitable funding for youth activities here.

More...

Road safety during vintage

The annual grape harvest is getting underway so there’ll be a big increase in the number of trucks and slow-moving harvesters on our roads soon.

More...

Positive Ageing - Don't fall for fraudsters

The evening telephone calls alerting you to a supposed computer virus are still making the rounds in Marlborough. The callers are friendly and ask for you by name then suggest you have a computer virus that they can fix. Don’t be fooled. Engaging with these callers is opening the door to a scam.

More...

Council Services Easter holiday hours

Marlborough District Council, Blenheim office will be closed from 5.00 pm Thursday 5 April 2012 and reopen on Tuesday 10 April 2012 at 8.00 am.

Transfer Stations

Good Friday
6 April 2012

Saturday
7 April 2012

Easter Sunday
8 April 2012

Easter Monday
9 April 2012

Blenheim

Closed

10.00 am
to
4.00 pm

8.30 am
to
4.30 pm

Picton

Closed

8.00 am
to
midday

Midday
to
4.00 pm

8.00 am
to
4.00 pm

Havelock

Closed

Midday
to
4.00 pm

8.00 am
to
2.00 pm

Seddon

Closed

1.00 pm
to
5.00 pm

Closed

Wairau Valley

Closed

1.00 pm
to
5.00 pm

Closed

Rai Valley

Closed

1.00 pm
to
4.00 pm

Closed

Good Friday
6 April 2012

Saturday
7 April 2012

Easter Sunday
8 April 2012

Easter Monday
9 April 2012

Resource Recovery Centre

Closed

10.00 am
to
4.00 pm

8.00 am
to
4.30 pm

Greenfingers Compost facility

Closed

10.00 am
to
4.00 pm

8.00 am
to
4.30 pm

Kerbside rubbish bag and recycling collections

Rubbish bags and recycling crates normally collected on Fridays will be collected on Thursday 5 April instead of Friday 6 April.

Rubbish bags and recycling crates normally collected on Mondays will be collected on Tuesday 10 April instead of Monday 9 April.

Please make sure your bags and crates are out on the kerb by 7.30 am.

Marlborough District Library

Thursday 5 April

Open 8.00 am to 5.00 pm

Friday 6 April

CLOSED

Saturday 7 April

Open 10.00 am to 1.00 pm

Sunday 8 April

CLOSED

Monday 9 April

CLOSED

Tuesday 10 April

Normal hours resume

Picton Library and Service Centre

Thursday 5 April

Open 8.00 am - 5.00 pm

Friday 6 April

CLOSED

Saturday 7 April

Open 10.00 am - 1.00 pm

Sunday 8 April

CLOSED

Monday 9 April

CLOSED

Tuesday 10 April

Normal hours resume

The Alfred Street parking building will be free of charge over the Easter holiday from 5.30 pm Thursday 5 April until 9.00 am Tuesday 10 April.

Community News - Did You Know?

The Marlborough Community Committee of the Foundation of the Blind

The Marlborough Community Committee of the Foundation of the Blind helps to meet the needs of its members through information provision and liaison with professional services.

For more information contact Ph: 03 577 6818.

Temporary Road Closure - Sunday 1 April 2012

Tua Marina Track

Pursuant to the Transport (Vehicular Traffic Road Closure) Regulations 1965, notice is given that Tua Marina Track from a point 6.4 kilometres from the State Highway Six intersection, to the Waikakaho Bridge, will be closed to ordinary vehicle traffic on Sunday 1 April 2012 from 7.00 am to 6.00 pm for the purpose of motor car racing.

During the proposed period of closure, ordinary vehicular traffic may use the road being closed between events under the supervision and authority of an officer of the New Zealand Police (Traffic Safety Branch).

It will be an offence under the above regulations for any person other than under the authority of an authorised permit to use the road for ordinary vehicular traffic during the period of closure.

Any enquiries should be addressed to Keith Turner, Marlborough Roads, Ph: 03 520 8335.

Owner/Occupier unit for sale

2 bedroom unit for sale

A unique opportunity is available for persons aged 60+ to purchase a two-bedroom ownership unit in Picton.

The unit is within a private cul-de-sac with a total of 10 units. The cladding on the unit is Oamaru stone with aluminium joinery and much more.

The sale is for buildings only. An agreement will be entered into where Council guarantees that in the future they will buy back the property at the building valuation.

To make your life easy you pay a weekly fee to the Council that covers lawn mowing, rates and external maintenance, which will be carried out for you.

For more information and conditions please contact:

APL Property Blenheim Ltd
Level 1
27 Scott Street
PO Box 185
Blenheim 7240
Phone: 03 577 7780

(No Real Estate Agents Please)

Awatere and Seddon Drinking Water

Boil Water Notice

For further information contact our Customer Service Centre Ph: 03 520 7400.

Fresh Look To Council's Page

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 23:14:51 GMT

The sunshine symbol at the top of the Council page in the Marlborough Express on Thursdays is the Marlborough District Council’s refreshed logo.

It’s a modernised take on the maroon and gold sun logo that has served us well for more than a decade.

There were technical difficulties using the old design in some of our new digital material so the original designer, Alex Lloyd, has given it a make-over – so it is usable for all our on-line services as well as our publications. It can now be easily reproduced in different sizes on everything from pamphlets and signs to the doors of Council vehicles.

We’ve kept the blue and gold colours of the sea, sky and sun that is synonymous with Marlborough and the refreshed logo is clean, sharp and simple – the essence of good design.

The old version of the Council brand will be about for some time yet – we’ll be using up all the old stationery, brochures and order forms first.

Positive Ageing - Dont Forget Your Medication In Emergency

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Try to always maintain at least a 7 to 14 day supply of essential medications. Talk to your doctor about holding a small extra supply of medication, or prescription. Keep your medication, or prescription, with you if you are evacuated.

In an emergency it may be critical to have important information readily available in case of injury, evacuation, or as a result of shock in a traumatic event. Written life-saving information may be vital.

Create an emergency health information card to tell rescuers what they need to know about you if you are unconscious, incoherent or if you are evacuated.
Include information about medications, equipment you use, communication, hearing or mobility difficulties, preferred treatment, medical providers and important contact people.
Make multiple copies of this card to keep in your wallet, give to people in your personal support network, and display on your fridge or noticeboard.
Include contact details for friends or family.
A Life Tube serves a similar purpose. The Life Tube is a small security measure, priced at $5 per tube, which can give emergency services immediate access to essential medical information in the event of accident or collapse. Keep your life tube in the fridge with the bright red Life Tube alert sticker on the fridge door.
Available in Blenheim from Age Concern Marlborough, 25 Alfred Street.

Notices for 5 April 2012

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 03:36:23 GMT

Fresh look to Council's page
Cost recovery
Encouraging dairy farmers to lift environmental standards
Keeping floodwaters at bay
Marlborough's cleanest swimming spots
Free parking over Easter holiday weekend
Positive Ageing - prepare for a major earthquake
Community News - Did You Know? Prisoners' Aid and Rehabilitation Society Inc (PARS) Marlborough
Council Services Easter Holiday Hours
Owner/occupier 2 bedroom unit for sale
Draft Long Term Plan 2012-22
Open fire season
Request for Proposal (RFP) for CCTV Solutions
Temporary road closure - 8 April 2012
Temporary road closure and closure of public facilities - Anzac Day
Proposed road stopping - Forest Park Drive, Taylor Pass
Proposed temporary road closures - 27 May 2012
Overhanging vegetation management
Awatere and Seddon drinking water - boil water notice

Fresh look to Council's page

The new sunshine symbol at the top of Council's news page in Thursday's Marlborough Express is the Marlborough District Council’s refreshed logo.

More...

Cost recovery

When there’s an accident on the road, someone has to pay for the clean-up and the damage.

More...

Encouraging dairy farmers to lift environmental standards

Council’s work with Marlborough’s dairy industry is being stepped up as part of the battle for cleaner water for the region.

More...

Keeping floodwaters at bay

Some of the most important work the Marlborough District Council does for the people of Marlborough is flood protection.

More...

Marlborough's cleanest swimming spots

The Council’s weekly summer-time testing of the water quality of our rivers and beaches has just finished, and will resume again in November.

More...

Free parking over Easter holiday weekend

The Taste Marlborough market day will be held in Market Square on Easter Saturday – the perfect time for a stroll in the autumn sunshine.

More...

Positive Ageing - Prepare for a major earthquake

We have seen from the experience in Christchurch just how traumatic a major earthquake can be. It has also underlined the importance of being as well-prepared as possible.

More...

Community News - Did You Know?

Prisoners' Aid and Rehabilitation Society Inc (PARS) Marlborough

Prisoners’ Aid and Rehabilitation Society Inc (PARS) Marlborough contributes to the reduction of re-offending by providing liaison and support between prisoners, their families and government departments and other community based groups.

For more information Ph: 577 9821.

Council Services Easter Holiday Hours

Marlborough District Council, Blenheim office will be closed from 5.00 pm Thursday 5 April 2012 and reopen on Tuesday 10 April 2012 at 8.00 am.

Transfer Stations	Good Friday 6 April 2012	Saturday 7 April 2012	Easter Sunday 8 April 2012	Easter Monday 9 April 2012
Blenheim	Closed	10.00 am to 4.00 pm	10.00 am to 4.00 pm	8.30 am to 4.30 pm
Picton	Closed	8.00 am to midday	Midday to 4.00 pm	8.00 am to 4.00 pm
Havelock	Closed	Midday to 4.00 pm	Midday to 4.00 pm	8.00 am to 2.00 pm
Seddon	Closed	1.00 pm to 5.00 pm	Closed	Closed
Wairau Valley	Closed	1.00 pm to 5.00 pm	Closed	Closed
Rai Valley	Closed	Closed	1.00 pm to 4.00 pm	Closed

	Good Friday 6 April 2012	Saturday 7 April 2012	Easter Sunday 8 April 2012	Easter Monday 9 April 2012
Resource Recovery Centre	Closed	10.00 am to 4.00 pm	10.00 am to 4.00 pm	8.00 am to 4.30 pm
Greenfingers Compost facility	Closed	10.00 am to 4.00 pm	10.00 am to 4.00 pm	8.00 am to 4.30 pm

Kerbside rubbish bag and recycling collections

Rubbish bags and recycling crates normally collected on Fridays will be collected on Thursday 5 April instead of Friday 6 April.

Rubbish bags and recycling crates normally collected on Mondays will be collected on Tuesday 10 April instead of Monday 9 April.

Please make sure your bags and crates are out on the kerb by 7.30 am.

Marlborough District Library

Thursday 5 April	Open 8.00 am to 5.00 pm
Friday 6 April	CLOSED
Saturday 7 April	Open 10.00 am to 1.00 pm
Sunday 8 April	CLOSED
Monday 9 April	CLOSED
Tuesday 10 April	Normal hours resume

Picton Library and Service Centre

Thursday 5 April	Open 8.00 am - 5.00 pm
Friday 6 April	CLOSED
Saturday 7 April	Open 10.00 am - 1.00 pm
Sunday 8 April	CLOSED
Monday 9 April	CLOSED
Tuesday 10 April	Normal hours resume

Blenheim Bus Service

During the Easter holiday weekend the Blenheim Bus Service will not operate on Good Friday, 6 April or on Easter Monday, 9 April.

Normal services will however operate on Saturday 7 April, from 9.00 am to 1.00 pm.

Timetable information can be obtained from Council’s website.

Owner/Occupier unit for sale

2 bedroom unit for sale

A unique opportunity is available for persons aged 60+ to purchase a two-bedroom ownership unit in Picton.

The unit is within a private cul-de-sac with a total of 10 units. The cladding on the unit is Oamaru stone with aluminium joinery and much more.

The sale is for buildings only. An agreement will be entered into where Council guarantees that in the future they will buy back the property at the building valuation.

To make your life easy you pay a weekly fee to the Council that covers lawn mowing, rates and external maintenance, which will be carried out for you.

For more information and conditions please contact:

APL Property Blenheim Ltd
Level 1
27 Scott Street
PO Box 185
Blenheim 7240
Phone: 03 577 7780

(No Real Estate Agents Please)

Draft Long Term Plan 2012-22

The Draft Long Term Plan (LTP) for 2012-22 will be adopted for presentation to the public at today’s Council meeting.

The Draft LTP provides financial information and funding impacts on activities and special projects that Council proposes to be involved in during the 2012-22 financial years.

Public submissions on the Draft LTP are now invited and details on how to make submissions are included in the LTP.

Submissions close on Thursday 10 May at 5.00 pm.

Following adoption the LTP can be viewed on Council’s website and at the following locations:

District Administration Building, 15 Seymour Street, Blenheim
Picton Service Centre, 67 High Street, Picton
Marlborough Library, corner Arthur and Seymour Streets, Blenheim
Havelock School/Library, Main Road, Havelock
Rai Valley School Community Library, Main Road, Rai Valley
Seddon School Community Library, Redwood Street, Seddon
Ward School Community Library, Duncan Street, Ward
Waitaria Bay School Community Library, 5668 Kenepuru Road, Waitaria Bay

Copies of the LTP are available free of charge at any of these locations, or by contacting Council on 03
520 7400.

The Draft LTP Summary is being distributed to Marlborough households in the Marlborough Midweek newspaper on 18 April. Additional copies can be requested from Council by calling 03 520 7400.

Open Fire Season

Under Section 22 of the Forest and Rural Fires Act 1977, the Restricted Fire Season currently in place in the Marlborough South area will be lifted and replaced with an Open Fire Season in all areas south of the Wairau River including the diversion except for the special fire zones detailed in the schedule below.

This notice is effective from 8.00 am on Wednesday 4 April 2012.

The Open Fire Season means that fire permits are not required for all fires in open air. However, this does not diminish the responsibility or potential liability for those who light fires. This means that you can still be held liable for the costs to extinguish a fire if you were responsible for lighting a fire that escapes or endangers neighbouring properties.

The Restricted Fire Season will remain in force in the special Rural Fire Zones detailed in the schedule below:

Zone 1 – Upper Wairau Valley
Zone 2 – Wairau Valley
Zone 4 – Wither Hills/Taylor Pass
Zone 11 – Benhopai

To apply for a fire permit in the special fire zones in the schedule above please phone Customer Service at the Marlborough District Council Ph: 03 520 7400.

You are reminded you are not to burn plastics, car tyres, treated wood, food scraps, any oil based products, hazardous substances, aerosol cans, wet or green vegetation.

Fire is not a permitted activity in an Industrial Zone; the owner of the property will require resource consent before applying for a fire permit to burn.

For more information and to view the current fire status for Marlborough North and Marlborough South fire zones.

ROSS HAMILTON
PRINCIPAL RURAL FIRE OFFICER

Request for Proposal (RFP) for CCTV Solutions

Marlborough District Council is seeking proposals for the above contract.

The contract involves providing CCTV solutions for the Blenheim and Picton central business districts together with various other sites over time.

Responses close at 4.00 pm on Monday 30 April 2012.

RFP documents can be obtained from Marlborough District Council at:

15 Seymour Street
Blenheim 7201
Ph: 03 520 7400

All enquiries should be directed to:

Dean Heiford
PO Box 443
Blenheim 7240
Ph:      03 520 7447
Fax:     03 520 7496
Email   dean.heiford@marlborough.govt.nz

Temporary Road Closure - 8 April 2012

Clubs of Marlborough Car Park

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN under Section 342 of the Local Government Act 1974 that
the Clubs of Marlborough Car Park will be closed to all vehicular traffic on Saturday 8 April 2012 and on Sunday 9 April 2012 from 7.00 am to 10.00 am for the purpose of the assembly and departure of Jaguar Car Rally 2012 vehicles.

It will be an offence under the above regulations for any person other than under the authority of an authorised permit to use the road for ordinary vehicular traffic during the period of closure.

Any enquiries should be addressed to Keith Turner, Marlborough Roads, Ph: 03 520 8335.

ALISTAIR SOWMAN
MAYOR

Temporary road closure and closure of public facilities

Anzac Day - Wednesday 25 April 2012

Traffic Arrangements

NOTICE is hereby given under Section 342 of the Local Government Act 1974 that the following streets will be closed to ordinary vehicular traffic on Anzac Day, Wednesday, 25 April 2012.

More...

Proposed road stopping - Forest Park Drive Taylor Pass

In exercise of the power contained in section 342(1)(a) of the Local Government Act 1974, and in accordance with the Tenth Schedule of that Act, public notice is hereby given that the Marlborough District Council proposes to stop two small portions of legal road containing (1) 7m² adjoining Lot 4 DP 389545 (CT 358250), Lot 5 DP 389545 (CT 358251), and Lot 6 DP 389545 (CT 358252) Marlborough Land District and shown as Section 1 on plan SO 437237; (2) 2m² adjoining Lot 25 DP 409373 (CT 445306), and Lot 613 DP 409373 (CT 457427) Marlborough Land District and shown as Section 1 on plan SO 437238.

Explanation

When the Forest Park View Stage 9 and Boulevard Park On Taylor Stage 1 subdivisions were undertaken it was intended there would be two isolation strips. The omission has the effect of making fencing constructed on the roadside property boundaries non-compliant with the subdivision covenants.

The creation of such isolation strips do not impact on the formed legal road.

Purpose

Should the road stopping be completed the land will sit in Council’s title.

Further information

Further details of the proposed road stopping, including the plan of survey showing the portions of roads to be stopped, may be inspected at the office of the Marlborough District Council, Seymour Street, Blenheim.

Anyone wishing to object to this proposed stopping can submit a written objection to the Council no later than Tuesday, 1 May 2012. The submissions should be addressed to Judith North, Marlborough District Council, PO Box 443, Blenheim 7240.

Proposed temporary road closures - 27 May 2012

Seaview Road, Seddon

Redwood Pass

Overhanging vegetation management

Accessible footpaths

Footpath and overhanging vegetation inspections will take place in these areas commencing early April so your early attention may save you being issued a reminder of overhanging growth notice.

Please check your property frontage and prune back if required to ensure vegetation is well back from the footpath to allow clear access for all users.

Thanks for helping to keep Marlborough tidy and accessible.

For more information contact the Reserves Section Ph: 03 520 7400.

Awatere and Seddon Drinking Water

Boil Water Notice

For further information contact our Customer Service Centre Ph: 03 520 7400.

Anzac Day Memorial Service

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMT

ANZAC Day is a time when the people of New Zealand – and Australia - remember and give thanks for those who have served with our armed forces.

In particular, it is a time to recall those soldiers of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps who landed on the beaches of the Gallipoli Peninsula in 1915. Thousands of lives were lost in the campaign; Turkish, French, British, Australian and New Zealand casualties.

The emblem of ANZAC Day is the red poppy, taken from the red poppies that bloomed across the First World War battlefields of Flanders, symbolising remembrance for our war dead.

At the first ANZAC Day ceremony - in 1916 in Britain – two thousand Kiwi and Aussie troops marched through the London streets.

Today ANZAC Day is commemorated with ceremonies at war memorials across the country and in the places overseas where New Zealanders gather.

Each year in Marlborough dawn services are held at war memorials across the region with other services held during the course of the morning. This year the services will be at:

Picton	6.00 am	War Memorial
Awatere	6.30 am	Seddon War Memorial
Renwick	9.00am	War Memorial
Spring Creek	9.30 am	Spring Creek Hall
Havelock	10.00 am	Town Hall
Rai Valley	11.00 am	War Memorial
Kaikoura	11.00 am	Memorial Hall
Blenheim	11.00 am	Blenheim School

Encouraging Dairy Farmers To Lift Environmental Standards

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Council’s work with Marlborough’s dairy industry is being stepped up as part of the battle for cleaner water for the region.

There are only 62 dairy farms in Marlborough yet livestock are a key source of faecal contamination of our rivers and also some beaches.

The Council has been working cooperatively with the dairy industry for several years now but Council’s environment committee chairman Peter Jerram says the time has come to step up the effort all round.

The Council has adopted a three-year strategy aimed at seeing more progress in lifting the environmental performance of the dairy industry.

Improvements to land management practices, like fencing off waterways, will be actively promoted through Federated Farmers. Subsidised environmental planning assistance will be available to farmers to help them plan and prioritise the work they need to do on their properties. Initially dairy units within the wider Marlborough Sounds area will be targeted as only 10 of these 43 farms currently have farm plans dealing with environmental issues.

New resource management plans, due in a few years, are likely to contain higher standards.

Councillor Jerram says all dairy farmers are being made aware of the Council’s three-year strategy to make faster progress before those new plans come into effect.

“This is the non-regulatory approach and I hope it’s going to achieve the results we need to see for the sake of our water quality. The Council has shown its faith in the industry by getting alongside farmers and encouraging them rather than taking a stick to them. This is not without cost, but demonstrates Council’s wish to work with, rather than against, farmers,” he said.

Keeping Floodwaters At Bay

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Wairau River downstream to the SH 6 Bridge at Renwick

Some of the most important work the Marlborough District Council does for the people of Marlborough is flood protection.

Keeping a watch on the Wairau River, to quote one of our most experienced river management team members, is like having a tiger by the tail. The river literally never sleeps; it is a constant battle to direct the river away from the stopbanks that protect Blenheim and the surrounding plains from the risk of being submerged in a major flood.

The damage caused by the moderate floods of late 2010 and May 2011 is still emerging. As more erosion sites have been discovered, it’s anticipated there’s an extra quarter of a million dollars’ worth of work going to be necessary over this autumn to repair the rock groynes and secure the rock armouring which help keep the riverbanks intact.

Over the years, many millions of dollars have gone into building and maintaining flood control works to keep Blenheim and the adjacent flood plains safe. In the past, the massive volumes of water that come down the Wairau in flood have had devastating impact. Today still, flood protection is the sixth most costly area of work for the Marlborough District Council, ranked just below core activities like solid waste and sewerage.

It costs the region over $4M a year to hold the Wairau, and the other, smaller rivers, in check. Under Council’s draft Long Term Plan 2012-22, capital expenditure of about $1M a year is also to be provided to undertake further stopbank upgrades, replace aging Blenheim stormwater pump stations and improve the rural drainage network.

More information about Council’s flood control is available in the Council’s draft Long Term Plan which will be on the Council’s website following adoption by Council on the afternoon of Thursday, 5 April www.marlborough.govt.nz

Make a submission on the draft Long Term Plan. Submissions open 5 April.

Media Release NZ King Salmon Application Now Publicly Notified

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMT

The Marlborough District Council has confirmed it will lodge a submission in opposition to the application from New Zealand King Salmon Ltd for private plan changes to enable the company to expand its operations in the Marlborough Sounds.

A Board of Inquiry has been established by the Minister of Conservation to hear the submissions. The timeframe for public submissions is 20 working days from today’s date.

Council environment committee chairman Peter Jerram says the Council will prepare a submission because the application by King Salmon seeks to change the Marlborough District Council’s own Plan and it is entirely appropriate the Council lodge a submission to address the planning implications.

“The decision made by the Board of Inquiry will effectively set a precedent for future activities within the Sounds; therefore the Council has a direct interest in the debate about what is, or is not, appropriate.”

It is important that it is widely understood that there is no right of appeal by any party in this matter and that the outcome will effectively create case law for the future development and protection of our coastline, said Councillor Jerram.

It’s also important that the public appreciates that the decision-making power in this case rests with the Board of Inquiry; it is not in the hands of the Marlborough District Council, he said.

It will be the first case involving a coastal area to be considered through the Environmental Protection Authority process.

“This is a case of enormous significance to Marlborough,” he said.

“It raises many issues, not least of which is how resolution should be reached on the fundamental question about the future use of the Marlborough Sounds and where the divide should lie between economic development and the preservation of a world-renown area of outstanding natural beauty and its recreational amenity,” said Councillor Jerram.

Councillor Jerram said he would expect the District Council’s depth of expertise in aquaculture regulation to be given due consideration in the course of the hearing.

“The applicant is seeking to change a Plan that is the result of 35 years of research, consultation and consideration. The Council would wish to see appropriate respect accorded to the work and experience that has gone into its Plan. And, as the current Plan reflects the community’s views and values, it is the Council’s responsibility to protect the integrity of that Plan.”

Councillor Jerram said the Council is of the view that, by taking its case direct to the EPA, King Salmon has also taken on the obligation to show why its expansion proposal should not be subject to the existing resource management plan for the Sounds.

He notes the Government has already gazetted other sites within the Sounds, waiting on the outcome of this case.

“If this application is approved, there will undoubtedly be further applications lodged,” he said.

The Council has agreed that a subcommittee, consisting of Councillor Jerram, environment committee deputy chair Trevor Hook and plan review subcommittee chair David Dew will be responsible for Council’s submission to the Board of Inquiry.

PETER JERRAM
CHAIRMAN SUB COMMITTEE

Marlborough's Cleanest Swimming Pools

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMT

The Council’s weekly summer-time testing of the water quality of our rivers and beaches has just finished, and will resume again in November.

Every summer the Council tests water from 13 river swimming spots and 18 beaches with results published on the Council website so people know where the water is best for swimming. Of all the testing sites in the summer of 2010-11, the consistently best water quality results were shown at Marfells Beach, Mistletoe Bay and Te Mahia.

The water monitoring summary (2010-11) has just been completed and the data will be used to grade our beaches and rivers for recreational use. That report is also on the Council website.

Our rivers can get a high bacteria load during wet weather and even beaches are affected by very heavy rainfall. Pollution from agriculture, in particular cattle, is the biggest threat to recreational water quality in Marlborough

Help protect Marlborough’s water quality

Keep stock out of waters to prevent faecal contamination
Ensure sewage from boats and campervans is disposed of correctly
Maintain septic tanks properly so they can cope with increased volumes

Positive Ageing - Prepare For A Major Earthquake

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMT

We have seen from the experience in Christchurch just how traumatic a major earthquake can be. It has also underlined the importance of being as well-prepared as possible.

In a big shake:

If you are in a bed or out of a wheelchair, don’t try and move too far but cover your head
If you are in a wheelchair, stay in it and go into a doorway. Put the brakes on and cover your head and neck with your hands
Be prepared for aftershocks
Listen to your transistor radio for any civil defence instructions.

Have some kind of personal support network with family or neighbours so that someone will check on you as soon as possible. Make sure your friend or family member:

Has a spare key
Knows where your emergency supplies are kept
Is aware of your medication, special equipment or other life support needs.

Your emergency kit may need to include:

Extra pair of glasses, hearing aid, batteries, mobility aids etc (in case yours are damaged)
Extra blankets for warmth
A list of who to contact in an emergency, including cellphone numbers and addresses (remember to put a date on the list)
A list of your medications, allergies, special equipment, doctor's contact details
If you have difficulty with communication, your kit might include written instructions about any special needs.

Dehydration is a health risk for older people so water is a vital part of your emergency kit:

Keep a minimum of 12 litres of stored water - four litres per day for a three-day period. Store water in sealed unbreakable containers that are easy to handle (e.g. two-litre easy opening bottles)
Replace stored water with fresh water every six months.

If mobility is an issue:

Keep important equipment in a convenient place so you can find it quickly and easily
Decide whether you should have extra mobility aids (e.g. canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchair) as a back-up.

Thinking ahead:

If you have a care-giver, make sure you, or your family, know what arrangements they have in place for an emergency
Have a plan to try and contact one friend or relative out of the district so that others know how they can check on you
Establish where you would go to be reunited with family or friends after a major quake.

Cost Recovery

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMT

The highway barrier ensured the accident at this spot on the Rai Saddle was far less serious than might otherwise have been the case.

When there’s an accident on the road, someone has to pay for the clean-up and the damage.

Often there’s damage to guard rails, signs or fences. The cost of repairing or replacing safety features is considerable but it’s a small fraction of the cost of another, more serious crash so Marlborough Roads gives high priority to reinstating such barriers.

Marlborough Roads expects to recover the cost of this work from those who cause the damage. This recovery is sought by invoice to the vehicle owner or their insurance company. Last year, about $50,000 was recovered from drivers for accidents across Marlborough.

The Marlborough District Council also insures a number of its bridges against loss. The Council made its first claim against this policy after the loss of Gillespies Bridge in the Northbank area in the December 2010 storms.

With the grape harvest about to start in earnest, Marlborough Roads needs to be advised of any grape spills, to enable the cost of the clean-up to be recovered.

In a big grape spill, the first call should be to the 111 emergency service. Contact Marlborough Roads after you have called emergency services.
If you have a crash, or witness one, Marlborough Roads staff ask that you contact their office, Ph: 03 520 8330.

Free Parking Over Easter Holiday Weekend

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMT

The Taste Marlborough market day will be held in Market Square on Easter Saturday – the perfect time for a stroll in the autumn sunshine, taking in the stalls offering arts and crafts and everything from seasonal fruit and vegetables to oils and preserves. It’s a nice place to bring your out-of-town visitors too.

And if you love what you see at the World of Wearable Arts you might be interested in dropping into the Creative Fibre National Exhibition being held this Easter at the Millennium Art Gallery. This exhibition brings together spinners, weavers, knitters, dyers, flax workers, felters, free form fibre artists and the various others who use fibre in their craft.

Parking over Easter at the Alfred Street parking building will be free of charge. The barrier arm will be up and tickets won’t be required over the long Easter Weekend, after 5.30 pm on Thursday until 9.00 am Tuesday morning. It’s a good chance to get familiar with the building if you’ve never parked there before.

Marlborough South Open Fire Season

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 22:02:19 GMT

This notice is effective from 8.00 am on Wednesday 4 April 2012.

The Open Fire Season means that fire permits are not required for all Fires in Open Air. However this does not diminish the responsibility or potential liability for those who light fires. This means that you can still be held liable for the costs to extinguish a fire if you were responsible for lighting a fire that escapes or endangers neighbouring properties.

The Restricted Fire Season will remain in force in the special Rural Fire Zones detailed in the schedule below:

Zone 1 – Upper Wairau Valley
Zone 2 – Wairau Valley
Zone 4 – Wither Hills/Taylor Pass
Zone 11 – Benhopai

To apply for a fire permit in the special fire zones in the schedule above please phone Customer Services at the Marlborough District Council Ph: 520 7400.

You are reminded you are not to burn plastics, car tyres, treated wood, food scraps, any oil based products, hazardous substances, aerosol cans, wet or green vegetation.

Fire is not a permitted activity in an Industrial Zone, the owner of the property will require resource consent before applying for a fire permit to burn.

For more information and to view the current fire status for Marlborough North and Marlborough South fire zones, visit the Fire Permits page.

ROSS HAMILTON
PRINCIPAL RURAL FIRE OFFICER

Positive Ageing - Don't Fall For Fraudsters

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 11:00:00 GMT

It’s just one of many scams aimed at vulnerable people. Fraudsters are said to be earning millions of dollars from trusting people in this country.

New versions of old scams are constantly appearing. If you feel at all suspicious, follow your instinct. Don’t ever feel compelled to continue a telephone conversation or an email communication when you have any doubts.

Apart from the computer scam, beware of fraudulent requests for you to update bank account details by supplying pin number and password. Legitimate banks do not do this.

Don’t be fooled by claims you have won amazing lottery prizes. Never send ‘fees’ to ensure your prize will be delivered. Beware of emails from friends facing an emergency and asking for money to be deposited in a bank account or calls about unexpected legacies where your bank details are required before payment can be made.

Remember that a bank or Inland Revenue will never contact you to ask you to confirm your password, credit card or account details
Tell relatives, neighbours or the police if you think a scammer has approached you
If an offer sounds too good to be true, or sounds weird, it’s almost certainly a scam.

Unsure about a call? The information on the Ministry of Consumer Affairs website may help: www.consumeraffairs.govt.nz/scam-news/get-scam-savvy

Council Services Easter Holiday Hours

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 03:03:00 GMT

Council Hours

Marlborough District Council, Blenheim office will be closed from 5.00 pm Thursday 5 April 2012 and reopen on Tuesday 10 April 2012 at 8.00 am.

Transfer Stations	Good Friday 6 April 2012	Saturday 7 April 2012	Easter Sunday 8 April 2012	Easter Monday 9 April 2012
Blenheim	Closed	10.00 am to 4.00 pm	10.00 am to 4.00 pm	8.30 am to 4.30 pm
Picton	Closed	8.00 am to midday	Midday to 4.00 pm	8.00 am to 4.00 pm
Havelock	Closed	Midday to 4.00 pm	Midday to 4.00 pm	8.00 am to 2.00 pm
Seddon	Closed	1.00 pm to 5.00 pm	Closed	Closed
Wairau Valley	Closed	1.00 pm to 5.00 pm	Closed	Closed
Rai Valley	Closed	Closed	1.00 pm to 4.00 pm	Closed

	Good Friday 6 April 2012	Saturday 7 April 2012	Easter Sunday 8 April 2012	Easter Monday 9 April 2012
Resource Recovery Centre	Closed	10.00 am to 4.00 pm	10.00 am to 4.00 pm	8.00 am to 4.30 pm
Greenfingers Compost facility	Closed	10.00 am to 4.00 pm	10.00 am to 4.00 pm	8.00 am to 4.30 pm

Kerbside rubbish bag and recycling collections

Rubbish bags and recycling crates normally collected on Fridays will be collected on Thursday 5 April instead of Friday 6 April.

Rubbish bags and recycling crates normally collected on Mondays will be collected on Tuesday 10 April instead of Monday 9 April.

Please make sure your bags and crates are out on the kerb by 7.30 am.

Marlborough District Library

Thursday 5 April	Open 8.00 am to 5.00 pm
Friday 6 April	CLOSED
Saturday 7 April	Open 10.00 am to 1.00 pm
Sunday 8 April	CLOSED
Monday 9 April	CLOSED
Tuesday 10 April	Normal hours resume

Picton Library and Service Centre

Thursday 5 April	Open 8.00 am - 5.00 pm
Friday 6 April	CLOSED
Saturday 7 April	Open 10.00 am - 1.00 pm
Sunday 8 April	CLOSED
Monday 9 April	CLOSED
Tuesday 10 April	Normal hours resume

Intergenerational Event

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 20:40:00 GMT

Message from Marlborough Youth Council

This year the Marlborough Youth Council is organising an event we are calling the "Intergenerational Event". This event is aimed at building an understanding and bond between the youth generation of Blenheim and the elderly generation. People participating in the event will be in teams of six (three youth and three elderly). The event will consist of a series of stations with activities oriented towards either the youth or older generation.

The Intergenerational Event is being held at Marlborough Boys’ College on 22 April and we would love to have as many members of your organisation participating as possible.

There are a limited number of teams that can participate so if you are keen let us know as soon as possible so you don't miss out!

For more information, feel free to contact us.

Intergenerational Event Registration Form

Max Bicknell
Event Director
maxbicknell@hotmail.com

Hayley Millard
Event Director
hayleymillard13@gmail.com

Changes To Give Way Rules

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 11:00:00 GMT

At 5.00 am on Sunday 25 March, two of the give way rules are changing to make New Zealand’s roads safer.

Whether you drive, walk, cycle or ride, you’ll need to know about the changes to stay safe on our roads.

Change 1: The left-turn versus right-turn rule

This new rule will require all traffic turning right to give way to all vehicles coming from the opposite direction and turning left.

This new rule will apply at cross roads, T-intersections and driveways where:

both vehicles are facing each other with no signs or signals (as shown above)
both vehicles are facing give way signs
both vehicles are facing stop signs
both vehicles are facing green traffic signals.

Think: If you’re turning right, give way.

Change 2 - Uncontrolled T-intersections

The new rule will require all traffic turning right from a terminating road (bottom of the T) with no signs or signals, to give way to all vehicles on the continuing road (top of the T).

This change will bring it into line with T-intersections whre there are Stop or Give Way signs on the terminating road.

This change will also apply at driveways including public driveways such as at a supermarket or hospital. Vehicles shoudl continue to give way to pedestrians on a footpath or cyclists and pedestrians on a cycle path or shared path.

Think: Top of the T goes before me.

Be Aware Of Roadworks

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 11:00:00 GMT

Maintenance means that roads and highways around Marlborough are reduced to one lane from time to time. When that happens Marlborough Roads asks drivers to observe instructions and to be patient – the work is necessary to keep roads in good order.

Drivers using these roads will find single lanes and may face some delays in the weeks ahead:

SH6 Wakamarina - road reconstruction
SH1 Weld Pass - road repairs
SH6 Wakamarina - bridge repair work
SH63 Walkers Stream - road reconstruction
SH1 Marfells Beach -road reconstruction
Some kerb and channel work and footpath re-seals will be taking place along Waikawa Road.

Enquiries about undue delays or any other information; Ph: Marlborough Roads 03 520 8330.

Positive Ageing - Rates Rebates Available To Superannuitants And Lower Income Homeowners

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 11:00:00 GMT

The uptake of the widely-promoted rates rebate has been higher than ever in Marlborough this year; by the middle of this month more rebates have already been granted than for the previous full rating year.

If you have not yet applied, you own your own home and are on a low income, don't forget to come into the Council to see if you qualify.

You could find you are entitled to rates assistance, which comes in the form of a payment from Internal Affairs, of up to $580.00 to your rates account.

The level of rebate depends on the amount of your rates bill, your income and the number of dependents who live at the property.

Remember that a new application needs to be lodged each year. For those of you who have already applied to the Council, we look forward to seeing you again in August this year.

More information is available on the Council website in the section under Services, Rates, Rebates.

A rates rebate application form is also available from www.ratesrebates.govt.nz

Rinse Return Reward$

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 11:00:00 GMT

Win one of ten $500 vouchers to spend with your preferred rural supplier!

Simply recycle your eligible plastic containers with Agrecovery at 70 collection sites nationwide during March and April 2012.

Agrecovery container recycling provides a safe and fully compliant programme for the recycling of plastic agrichemical, biological, animal health and dairy hygiene containers.

Containers from over 55 participating brand owners are FREE to recycle through Agrecovery.

Containers must be empty, triple rinsed and from 1 – 60 litres in size. To be eligible containers must still have their label on.

Every collection receipt issued by an Agrecovery Collection site during March and April 2012 constitutes an entry into the draw. You automatically become a member of Agrecovery by using the programme.

The prize draw will be held on 25 May 2012. Winners will be notified within a week by email, post or phone. Agrecovery Competition Term and Conditions apply . For more information visit www.agrecovery.co.nz or freephone 0800 AGRECOVERY (0800 247 326).

Good luck!

Agrecovery in association with Marlborough District Council.

Its A Big Job

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 11:00:00 GMT

Marlborough Roads looks after the roading network of Marlborough for the Marlborough District Council. The assets are owned by the Council, on behalf of all ratepayers, and the work is contracted to Marlborough Roads.

It’s a massive job – because the roading assets that have to be maintained are worth more than $600M:

1519km of formed road

873km sealed
646km unsealed

231km of footpath
302km of kerb and channel
348 bridges (83 timber)
7 footbridges
12 wharves (including Wairau Bar)
5947m of retaining walls
5772 culverts
3937 streetlights
13 off-street car parks
Street furniture
Traffic signs and barriers.

Roading and footpath maintenance and construction is the single biggest expense for the Council. In a bid to keep rates down in the year ahead, the Council’s Long Term Plan proposes to delay some of the roading maintenance programme. The public has opportunity to send in feedback on this, and all the other proposals in the draft Long Term Plan, when submissions open early next month.

Timeline for Council’s Long Term Plan review:

 Draft Plan Adopted Scheduled for 5 April

 Submissions Open 5 April

 Submissions Close 10 May (5.00 pm)

 Submissions Heard 30 and 31 May, 1 June (if required)

 Plan Adopted 28 June

Notices for 22 March 2012

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 11:00:00 GMT

Connecting your neighbourhood
Children learn to value Marlborough's water quality
Be aware of roadworks
Bird scaring devices
It's a big job
Changes to give way rules
Rinse, return, reward$
Positive Ageing - Rates rebates available to superannuitants and lower income homeowners
Council services Easter holiday hours
Community News - Epilepsy NZ Nelson Malborough Branch
Overhanging vegetation management
Proposed road stopping - Forest Park Drive, Taylor Pass
Marlborough Airport car park
Notification of Meetings - April 2012
Picton Transfer Station and the Grape Ride
Temporary road closure 24 March 2012
Wither Hills Mountain Bike Family Fun Day
Awatere and Seddon Drinking Water - Boil Water Notice

Connecting your neighbourhood

When did you last take a moment to chat over the fence to the neighbour?

More...

Children learn to value Marlborough's water quality

Ben Henderson, Damian Gull and Aramac Walker checking out the water clarity at the Taylor River as part of their Whitebait Connection Project.

More...

Be aware of roadworks

Maintenance means that roads and highways around Marlborough are reduced to one lane from time to time.

More...

Bird scaring devices

Birds are particularly unpopular visitors to vineyards at this time of the year and while bird scaring devices are permitted in rurally zoned areas they must be operated within the rules.

More...

It's a big job

Marlborough Roads looks after the roading network of Marlborough for the Marlborough District Council.

More...

Changes to give way rules

At 5.00 pm on Sunday 25 March, two of hte give way rules are changing to make New Zealand's roads safer.

More...

Rinse, return reward$

Win one of ten $500 vouchers to spend with your preferred rural supplier!

More...

Positive Ageing - Rates rebates available to superannuitants and lower income homeowners

More...

Council services Easter holiday hours

Marlborough District Council, Blenheim office will be closed from 5.00 pm Thursday 5 April 2012 and reopen on Tuesday 10 April 2011 at 8.00 am.

More...

Community News - Did you Know?

Epilepsy NZ Nelson Marlborough Branch

Epilepsy NZ Nelson Marlborough Branch has a field officer who is available to provide services including client support, advocacy and educational presentations on epilepsy to the wider community.

For further information contact Jackie on Ph: 0800 20 21 22.

Overhanging vegetation management

Footpath and overhanging vegetation inspections will take place in these areas commencing early April so your early attention may save you being issued an overhanging growth reminder notice.

Please check your property frontage and prune back if required to ensure vegetation is well back from the footpath to allow clear access for all users.

Thanks for helping to keep Marlborough tidy and accessible.

For more information contact Council’s Reserves Section, Ph: 03 520 7400.

Proposed road stopping

Forest Park Drive, Taylor Pass

Explanation

The creation of such isolation strips do not impact on the formed legal road.

Purpose

Should the road stopping be completed the land will sit in Council’s title.

Further information

Marlborough Airport car park

Sweeping and re-painting of the public carpark at Marlborough Airport

This will be completed in two stages.

Stage 1 that encompassed the area of the car park to the east of the Pay and Display kiosk took place on Wednesday March 21 2012.

Stage 2 will be undertaken next week and the western end will be controlled from Monday 26^thto clear it of all vehicles with the work taking place on:

Wednesday March 28 2012 (weather permitting).

Please do not park in the coned area until the work is completed.

All queries to Ph: 03 579 4351.

Marlborough Airport Limited apologises for any inconvenience and thanks you for your co-operation.

Notification of Meetings

April 2012

The Marlborough District Council hereby gives notice pursuant to the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 of the following meetings:

Council (Adopt ‘Draft’ LTP and Budgets for public consideration)
Thursday 5 April 2012 at 3.00 pm
Assets and Services Committee
Thursday 26 April 2012 at 8.30 am.

Picton Transfer Station and the Grape Ride

Picton Transfer Station

Change of Open Hours for one day

Saturday 24 March 2012

Please note that on this day the Picton Transfer Station will be open between 11.00 am and 3.00 pm instead of between 8.00 am and noon.

This is to provide for increased safety of competitors in the Grape Ride cycling event.

Thank you for your co-operation.

Temporary Road Closure - 24 March 2012

Neighbours Day 2012 - Riley Crescent, Blenheim

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN under Section 342 of the Local Government Act 1974 that Riley Crescent from the intersection of Alabama Road to the intersection of Rudd Crescent will be closed to all vehicular traffic on Saturday the 24^th of March 2012 from 4.00 pm to 6.00 pm for the purpose of Neighbours Day 2012.

It will be an offence under the above regulations for any person other than under the authority of an authorised permit to use the road for ordinary vehicular traffic during the period of closure.

Any enquiries should be addressed to Keith Turner, Marlborough Roads, Ph: 03 520 8335.

ALISTAIR SOWMAN
MAYOR

Wither Hills Mountain Bike Family Fun Day

Awatere and Seddon Drinking Water

Boil Water Notice

For further information contact our Customer Service Centre Ph: 03 520 7400.

Bird Scaring Devices

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 11:00:00 GMT

Birds are particularly unpopular visitors to vineyards at this time of the year and while bird scaring devices are permitted in rurally zoned areas they must be operated within the rules.

Vineyard managers are encouraged to check their bird scaring devices regularly throughout the season to make sure they’re working within the rules for distance and frequency – and only going off during permitted times.

At present they shouldn’t be making any noise before 7.00 am or after 8.00 pm. From April 1, those times will change to 6.30 am and 7.00 pm.

Bird scarers must be at least 160 metres away from the boundary of the nearest neighbouring house and at least 100 metres from any public road.

The rules mean the gas guns must not go off more than 12 times an hour; that’s either as 12 single bangs or as four groups of three bangs. The rules also specify a decibel limit.

Contact: Marlborough District Council (24 hours) Ph: 03 520 7400

Marlborough District Council Environmental Health, Ph: 520 7400 (office hours).

Children Learn To Value Marlborough's Water Quality

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 11:00:00 GMT

Ben Henderson, Damian Gull and Aramac Walker checking out the water clarity at the Taylor River as part of their Whitebait Connection Project.

The Riverlands School children are taking part in Marlborough District Council’s Wai Korero (Water Talk) programme. This education programme has been designed for Marlborough primary school children to encourage them to learn more about our waterways and the importance of water quality.

A Council-employed educator works with pupils and teachers, looking at issues like water temperature and clarity and the natural life within the rivers and streams, so children can get a real understanding of the importance of our waterways.

The programme involves classroom and field activities and encourages children to take action and make a difference in our region.

Wai Korero (Water Talk) programme; contact MDC environmental scientist Peter Hamill or MDC environmental educator Ali Kay, Ph: 03 520 7400.

Connecting Your Neighbourhood

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 11:00:00 GMT

Deputy Mayor Jenny Andrews catches up with her new neighbours Barry and Diane Kerr in Kensington Place, Springlands. After relocating from sumner in Christchurch, the couple say they're finding a warm welcome here and have already joined various local groups.

When did you last take a moment to chat over the fence to the neighbour?

It’s something everyone used to do – before life got so busy.

But it’s something we can all do to help build the happiness and safety of our community.

A connected neighbourhood is a secure neighbourhood.

This weekend it’s Neighbours Day – a good reason to get together for a barbecue or a cuppa.

Some areas don’t need a designated day as a reminder to be neighbourly; they’ve close-knit streets with Neighbourhood Watch schemes and close, supportive contact between households. But if you don’t know your neighbours, this is a good excuse to extend the hand, introduce yourself, offer some hospitality. Help make your street into a neighbourhood.

If you want advice about setting up your own Neighbourhood Watch group contact this Council-supported group:

Safer Communities Marlborough, Ph: 03 577 5370 ext 8, Mon-Wed, 9.00 am-12 noon.

Media Release - Marlborough Mayor Offers Cautious Welcome To Local Government Proposals

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 11:00:00 GMT

Marlborough Mayor Alistair Sowman has welcomed the government’s reform plan for local government but says there are lots of questions yet to be answered about its practical application to areas like Marlborough.

The Marlborough District Council was a low debt council which had already undergone major reorganisation when it became a unitary authority with all the efficiencies that introduced, he said. It was already actively exploring more ideas for sharing some services with Nelson and Tasman, Mr Sowman said.

“We may be less affected by the structural reorganisation that looks likely in other parts of the country,” he said.

However, Mr Sowman said, as the government tried to re-focus the role and purpose of local government, one thing very relevant to Marlborough would be how exactly the government would define the term ‘public good’ in the coming legislation.

That was one of the key questions yet to be answered given that councils provided many things for the public good because no one else provided them, said Mr Sowman.

“Is this going to mean we should cancel our plan to put security cameras in the CBD and leave downtown security up to the police and the business community to deal with the damage and safety issues?” he said.

At the moment, local government often filled the vacuum left by central government and the private sector, he said.

The reform plan would require councils to provide "good quality local infrastructure, public services and regulatory functions at the least possible cost to households and business".

“I note that’s being explained as an attempt to limit spending increases to ‘no faster than inflation and population growth, except in extraordinary events’,” said Mr Sowman.

Marlborough’s rate increases between 2002 and 2010 had been right on the national average of 7%.

“The 7% figure is calculated by looking at all rates collected in that period and much of the increase over that time was due to the far-from-ordinary pressures of rapid population and housing growth in this period and our industrial growth and the need to face up to the infrastructural demands that created,” said Mr Sowman

But Mr Sowman said that average increase figure was a calculation that did not show how rates increases were shouldered by those who directly benefitted from the projects, and not by all ratepayers. For many Marlborough ratepayers the average increase was considerably less than 7%.

“For example, the Southern Valleys irrigation scheme resulted in a considerable increase in rates revenue but this didn’t affect ratepayers who were not on that scheme and the booming wine industry helped prompt the Riverlands industrial estate sewage upgrade which in turn raised rates on that industrial area.”

The Mayor also noted the community itself had driven the desire for many of the big projects which accounted for rates increases in Marlborough over recent years.

“The people of Renwick and Grovetown wanted sewerage improvements. These projects resulted in total rates increasing but that didn’t affect people outside these areas.”

At the same time other big costly projects were the direct result of central government standards, like the National Drinking Water Standards, which drove the Blenheim town water supply upgrade, he said.

Central government would have to consider how to deliver on its own policies and standards if it didn’t want to see them funded through the rating system, he said.

Mayor Sowman and Council CEO Andrew Besley will attend a Local Government New Zealand briefing on the local government reform proposals in Christchurch on Friday.

ALISTAIR SOWMAN
MAYOR

Positive Ageing Good Heath Aids Longevity

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 11:00:00 GMT

There are many factors that affect our health as we age but everyone can take steps to give themselves the best chance of staying healthy and active. Physical and mental exercise is vital. Getting attention for any health issues as early as possible is important:

Get regular physical examinations from your GP
Maintain dental health by seeing a dentist, or dental hygienist, regularly
Keep up to date on any recommended immunisations.

Keeping an active body and maintaining social contact are also crucial for an active mind (as well as reducing stress and depression). The brain is like any muscle – it needs regular workouts so keep it busy:

Keep up your social life by visiting friends or joining clubs
Read a variety newspapers, magazines and books
Play games like scrabble, cards or chess
Take up a new hobby or join a class
Do crossword puzzles and word games.

Blenheim’s library maintains a database of information about the clubs and groups here. Visit the library or look on the library website at www.marlboroughlibraries.govt.nz and use the quick link to Community Information or see information and a link to the Community Information Database on the MDC website.

Draft Long Term Plan

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 11:00:00 GMT

The Marlborough District Council’s draft 10-year plan directly affects the size of your rates bill – and this is the time when any ratepayer or resident gets the chance to have a say on Council’s spending plans.

The Council has worked hard to keep costs down but huge insurance premium increases and big demands from central government for councils to deliver on the new Drinking Water Standards, the Building Act, the RMA and the Local Government Act have added to our budgetary burden.

In the coming year, our draft plan is proposing to keep up spending levels on core infrastructure but is pushing out the timetables for some projects to cut the costs in the immediate years ahead.

The draft plan shows how more than 80% of the Council’s capital spending programme goes into:

Roads and footpaths
Water Supply
Sewerage
Solid waste management
Flood protection
Community facilities.

In the year ahead, the key factors driving up Council costs are in the areas of:

Water and stormwater
Sewerage
Community facilities (the Aquatic Centre) and reserves.

The draft plan projects average annual rate increases of between 3.03% and 5.24% over the next ten years. That means Marlborough’s forecast rates increases are tracking below most other local bodies.

Although the overall general rate increase this year has been held to just over 3% for the coming year, the impact of targeted rating and the recent district-wide revaluation of properties is going to mean ratepayers living in different parts of Marlborough are going to experience significant shifts in rates this year.

Text version of adoption process timeline:

Draft Long Term Plan adopted for consultation	5 April 2012
Submissions open	5 April 2012
Submissions close	10 May 2012 (5.00 pm)
Submission hearings	30-31 May, 1 June 2012 (if required)
Council considers submissions on Draft Long Term Plan	5 June 2012
Long Term Plan adopted and rates set for 2012-13 rating year	28 June 2012
New rates effective	1 July 2012

Changes To Give Way Rules

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 11:00:00 GMT

At 5.00 am on Sunday 25 March, two of the give way rules are changing to make New Zealand’s roads safer.

The left-turn versus right-turn rule

This new rule will require all traffic turning right to give way to all vehicles coming from the opposite direction and turning left.

Think: If you’re turning right, give way

Uncontrolled T-intersections

The new rule will require all traffic turning right from a terminating road (bottom of the T) with no signs or signals, to give way to all vehicles on the continuing road (top of the T).

Think: Top of the T goes before me

Media Release Brand Refresh For Marlborough District Council

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 11:00:00 GMT

The Marlborough District Council is adopting a refreshed brand incorporating the sun and blending the blue and gold shades of Marlborough.

The refreshed brand is the work of Blenheim designer Alex Lloyd who was asked to update his original 1990's design of a gold sun and maroon brand to meet today’s digital demands and increase the brand's usability regardless of whether it is being used in digital or paper form.

The refresh was necessary because the existing, more detailed logo was created before electronic technology was in wide use and there have been technical difficulties achieving good quality reproduction in the on-line use of the logo and in Council’s many different publications.

Mayor Alistair Sowman says the aim of the brand refresh was to create a simple but recognisable image with clean lines that can be reproduced in different sizes and easily applied to a wide variety of uses, from Council leaflets and forms, to the website, vehicles and signs.

The refresh is beginning now because the Council is currently updating its website and the refreshed design and colour palette will be part of that process.

"We're using electronic communication more and more across all Council activity so it makes sense to have a brand that will work well in all contexts," said Mr Sowman.

The design work is expected to cost $4000. However, it will quickly reduce printing costs because it will be easier to reproduce, he said.

"Doubtless someone will raise the question of cost so can I just underline the fact that all existing stocks of stationery and resources will be used up before new stocks with the refreshed brand are introduced," said Mr Sowman. The implication of this is that there will be a transition period with the old brand and the refreshed brand in use at the same time.

The existing formal Council crest and its usage (Mayoral stationery, civic functions etc) will remain unchanged.

From early April, the public will start to see the refreshed brand on all Council materials.

Alistair Sowman
Mayor

Public Views Invited On Design For 2 High Street

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 11:00:00 GMT

Councillors want to gauge public support for this landscape design option for the Council-owned land at 2 High Street next to the Taylor River amphitheatre.

Local architect Tim Barton has drawn up a plan that retains a flat area at road level in High Street while allowing for a gentle gradient of public green space and a walkway down to the Taylor River’s edge.

Councillors are satisfied that the design complies with the Council’s Urban Design Strategy and will help connect pedestrian movement between the town centre and the riverside.

However, this design option is estimated to cost about $650,000 to develop so a commercial tenant would be required on the site to fund the landscaping.

It’s not something the Council has allocated funding to at this time so a commercial lease would be needed before this could go ahead, said Mayor Alistair Sowman.

Send in your comments to MDC Projects Manager Jamie Lyall at Marlborough District Council or by email to Jamie.lyall@marlborough.govt.nz before Tuesday 10 April 2012 .

Details, such as the maximum dimensions of a building footprint, will be available when the Council publicly advertises for expressions of interest in the site. It is intended that the opportunity would be advertised outside Marlborough.

Clearing Overhanging Vegetation

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 11:00:00 GMT

It’s a good time now to get out the clippers and trim back any branches or vegetation overhanging the footpaths from your property.

Remember that, when it rains, wet branches hang lower and cause problems for the postie, prams, kids on scooters, pedestrians and mobility scooter riders.

Did you know?

Council is responsible for making sure footpaths, berms and roads are accessible and clear of low-hanging branches and any other vegetation.

This means:

a clear space of 3.0 metres above the footpath, berm or walkway
vegetation to extend no more than 50 mm (2 inches) from the boundary of private property
a clearance above the road to 4.25 metres; this allows trucks to pass safely underneath.

Did you know?

Property owners are responsible for pruning and removing branches or vegetation along their street frontage themselves.

Footpath inspections

In order to check that the footpaths are accessible and safe inspections are carried out every six months, (March/April and September/October).

During the inspections properties are notified via a notice being placed in their letter box if their property frontage needs attention. Property owners are then given 21 days to carry out the work, instruct someone else to carry out the work or ask Council’s contractor to carry out the work on their behalf.

A re-inspection takes place after 21 days and if the work has not been carried out a second notice is issued. If there is still no response or the work hasn’t been carried out within the specified 14 days Council’s contractor will carry out the work and the property owner will become liable for the contractor’s charges.

If you have any queries about overhanging growth contact the Marlborough District Council, Ph: 03 520 7400
If you would like any work carried out by our contractor contact Nelmac Marlborough on 03 577 8910.

Notices for 15 March 2012

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 11:00:00 GMT

Public views invited on design for 2 High Street
Draft Long Term Plan
Clearing overhanging vegetation
Changes to give way rules
3000 tonnes in a year
Positive Ageing - good health can add years to your life - and life to your years
Community News - Synergy Youth Mentoring
Picton Transfer Station and the GrapeRide
Awatere and Seddon drinking water - boil water notice

Public views invited on design for 2 High Street

Councillors want to gauge public support for this landscape design option for the Council-owned land at 2 High Street next to the Taylor River amphitheatre.

More...

Draft Long Term Plan

More...

Clearing overhanging vegetation

It’s a good time now to get out the clippers and trim back any branches or vegetation overhanging the footpaths from your property.

More...

Changes to give way rules

At 5.00 am on Sunday 25 March, two of the give way rules are changing to make New Zealand’s roads safer.

More...

3000 tonnes in a year

The Resource Recovery Centre is on track to recycle over 3,000 tonnes of material a year that would have otherwise have gone to landfill.

More...

Positive Ageing - good health can add years to your life - and life to your years

There are many factors that affect our health as we age but everyone can take steps to give themselves the best chance of staying healthy and active.

More...

Community news - did you know?

Synergy Youth Mentoring

Synergy Youth Mentoring has made hundreds of matches between primary school aged children and caring adults in our community. They spend some 1:1 time each week enjoying activities and each other's company.

If you'd like to join the team please contact Nancy on Ph: 03 577 9005 or email nancys@psusi.org.nz.

Picton Transfer Station and the GrapeRide

Picton Transfer Station change of open hours for one day: Saturday 24 March 2012
Please note that on this day the Picton Transfer Station will be open between 11.00 am and 3.00 pm instead of between 8.00 am and noon.

This is to provide for increased safety of competitors in the GrapeRide cycling event.

Thank you for your co-operation.

Awatere and Seddon Drinking Water

Boil Water Notice

For further information contact our Customer Service Centre Ph: 03 520 7400.

3000 Tonnes In A Year

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 11:00:00 GMT

The Resource Recovery Centre is on track to recycle over 3,000 tonnes of material a year that would have otherwise have gone to landfill.

To keep this level up we need to ensure the material in the recycling crates is free from rubbish. Please ensure your newspapers and glossies are bagged separately where possible.

This assists the contractor when segregating the material on the truck and reduces the likelihood of damaging the sorting belts at the Resource Recovery Centre.

Media Release - Public Views Welcomed On 2 High Street Design

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 11:00:00 GMT

A preferred option for landscape design for the Council-owned land at 2 High Street next to the Taylor River amphitheatre will be in the public arena for feedback for another four weeks before the Council formally seeks expressions of interest from prospective tenants for the site.

The Council has selected a design prepared by local architect Tim Barton which retains a flat area at road level while allowing for a gentle gradient of public green space and walkway down to the riverside.

Councillors are satisfied the design complies with the Council’s Urban Design Strategy.

However this design option is estimated to cost about $650,000 to develop so a commercial tenant would be required on the site to fund the landscaping.

“A commercial lease would be necessary to finance the work if it was to go ahead any time soon on this site as the Council is not in a position to allocate new funds to such a project at present,” says Mayor Alistair Sowman.

The Mayor says, after the Council’s Community and Financial Planning Committee approved the design option last month, the comment seems to have been largely positive.

“We think this is a design option which allows space for commercial activity as well as public access and recreation, and perhaps a piece of public art at a later date, while still recognising that the river is a central part of the town landscaping,” he said.

“Councillors believe this is the right option to pursue but there is time yet for feedback to ensure we’re in tune with public opinion,” said Mr Sowman.

Details such as the maximum dimensions of a building footprint will be available when the Council publicly advertises for expressions of interest in the site. It is intended that the opportunity would be advertised outside Marlborough, said the Mayor.

Rates Final Reminder

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 11:00:00 GMT

Instalment Three - 2011/2012 Rates Final Reminder - due on or before 12 March 2012

NOTICE is given that under Sections 57/58 of the Local Government (Rating) Act 2002, a ten percent PENALTY will be added to INSTALMENT THREE 2011/2012 rates unpaid after 12 March 2012.

Media Release - Draft Long Term Plan Being Prepared

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 11:00:00 GMT

A draft 10-year plan maintaining current service levels while continuing to invest in core infrastructure, focusing expenditure in the areas of Roads, Water, Sewerage, Solid Waste Management, Flood Protection and community facilities.

The Council today looked at the proposals set out in its draft Long Term Plan 2012-2022 which determines the council’s work programme.

Most of the increased costs in the immediate year ahead relate to costs flowing from major water, Stormwater and sewerage projects and in activities such as community facilities, swimming pools and environmental monitoring. Savings have been achieved through pushing out the timeframes for major infrastructural work, particularly roading and applying $5M from the Infrastructure Upgrade Reserve towards the construction of the Blenheim Sewerage Treatment Plant, which indirectly benefits Blenheim, Picton, Grovetown, Spring Creek, Renwick, Havelock and Seddon residents as members of the Combined Sewerage Scheme.

The public will get a chance to make submissions on the Plan in April and the final Plan, including any changes as a result of consultation, must be approved by the end of June.

Mayor Alistair Sowman says councillors did not want to slash levels of service to Marlborough ratepayers but they all realised the need to be financially prudent.

“We were left with very little wriggle room to make decisions. So it will be important for people to remember that, when they come to make their submissions to us this year, the Council just does not have the funds for new spending.”

The Draft Plan projects average annual rate increases for the region of between 3.03% and 5.24% over the next ten years – tracking below most other local bodies and at lower annual levels than was thought likely to be achieved here three years ago.

“Our budget is not only an attempt to meet community aspirations but also the requirements of Central Government as reflected in the NZDWS, Building Act, RMA and Local Government Act. On top of that, our insurance costs have doubled. These are big costs at a time when our district is feeling the economic squeeze.”

“Fortunately the Council itself is in a sound financial state. But we have used the funds from our Reserves quite extensively in this budget round in order to reduce the direct burden on ratepayers,” said Mr Sowman.

Sound financial management in past years had enabled the Council to be able to do this, he said.

Few councils in the country will be able to hold down their overall average rate increase to just 3.25% which is proposed for Marlborough this year, he said.

However, the Mayor also noted that the recent district-wide revaluation of properties was going to mean some significant shifts in rates in different parts of Marlborough.

Some ratepayers would find their rates have gone down, where their property values have decreased by more than the average valuation movement for their rating area. For those properties where values have either increased or decreased by less than the average, the opposite will be true.

Particular examples of this have occurred in the Blenheim Vicinity Rating Area, where some landowners in Wratts, Rapaura and Old Renwick Roads, for example would see their rates drop between 10 to 15.5% as a result of the significant drops in value experienced. By contrast, ratepayers in Renwick, where a lesser valuation decrease has occurred are likely to receive a rates increase. If this Plan is approved, Mr Sowman said the rates impact would be felt differently all over the region.

“We have kept the overall rates increase across the district down to a very creditable level, but the impact on individual properties is going to vary enormously because valuations have changed so widely across the district, Mr Sowman said.

“However, we are acutely conscious of the current pressures on our households and councillors and staff have taken a stringent approach when preparing these budgets.”

NOTE: Timeline for Council’s Long Term Plan review

Draft Plan Adopted Scheduled for 5 April
Submissions Open 5 April
Submissions Close 10 May (5.00 pm)
Submissions Heard 30 & 31 May, 1 June (if required)
Plan Adopted 28 June

Alistair Sowman
Mayor

Media Release - Council Acted On Boatyard In Response To Complaints

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 11:00:00 GMT

Mayor Alistair Sowman is urging new businesses intending to re-locate to Marlborough to first contact the District Council before committing to a site.

Boatbuilder Ian Franklin, who has been operating from Waikawa in breach of the Marlborough Sounds Resource Management Plan, has been the subject of formal complaint to the Council from some Waikawa residents and the matter has now gone to the Environment Court.

“We want new businesses to know they’re very welcome here and that Council staff are very happy to give out information on potential sites. Unfortunately, in this case, there was a problem with the location. Even though, historically, it had been a boatyard, residents know that industrial activity is being phased out to make way for further residential expansion,” said Mr Sowman.

“We don’t want to see new arrivals facing these difficulties,” said Mr Sowman.

The boatyard is located in an area which was re-zoned as residential many years ago.

Council Environmental Protection officer Mark Witehira said the Council had no option but to apply the law when formal complaints were received about the Waikawa boatyard late last year.

“The only way the business could have continued to operate under existing use rights was for activity to have resumed within 12 months of its previous owner stopping business. The complainants say there had been no activity at the yard for more than 12 months; therefore it no longer had existing use rights,” said Mr Witehira.

If Mr Franklin wishes to try and re-establish the activity he will now require resource consent, he said.

“It’s not a case of how clean or tidy or picturesque the boatyard looks, nor is it the Council’s wish to see Mr Franklin shut his business. But letting lapse the existing use right opened the way for his neighbours to act,” said Mr Witehira.

This was a case where the Council had become the meat in the sandwich, Mr Witehira said.

The Environment Court has granted Mr Franklin a stay so he can continue operating his business until it can hear his case. No date has been set.

Alistair Sowman
Mayor

Media Release - Councillors Approve Landscaping Option For Number 2 High Street

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:00:00 GMT

A landscape design showing gently grassed terracing coupled with space for a commercial activity at street level at Number 2 High Street has won councillors’ backing at a meeting of the Council’s Community and Financial Planning Committee today.

The Mayor says the favoured option for the Council-owned site is the closest design he has seen to the original concept that was the subject of a public workshop during the preparation of the Council’s Urban Design Strategy.

“It maintains the town’s connection with the river itself; it will give us usable public green space along the riverside and it will create an attractive view of the town for traffic coming off State Highway One,” he said.

Mr Sowman says the support for the proposed landscape plan is also a message to developers.

“They can see the footprint that will be available for a commercial activity on the balance of the High Street site,” he said.

However Mayor Alistair Sowman says there are issues yet to be resolved before this proposal can become a reality.

“Today’s decision was simply about landscaping that would acknowledge the value of the site to the town. If the full Council decides this is the preferred landscaping option, further decisions would have to be made about how to fund that work and the time-frame for it.”

Mr Sowman said he would want to see a commercial proposal which would help fund the landscape work.

However that would be a decision for a later date, he said.

“Today’s decision wasn’t about an ale house or a peace house or any other activity. We were simply looking for a landscaping option for the site that meets the objectives of our Urban Design Strategy and I’m pleased that there was an option that won clear approval.”

The plan was prepared by Blenheim architect Tim Barton.

Jamie Lyall
Executive Projects Manager

Media Release - New Trustee For Destination Marlborough

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 04:01:02 GMT

The owner of a farm holiday park at Linkwater and a member of the Pelorus Promotions group, Barbara Faulls, has been appointed to the board of Destination Marlborough.

Her appointment was approved by the Council at today’s meeting. She replaces Dain Simpson as one of two Marlborough District Council-appointed trustees on the board.

Mrs Faulls and her husband established Smiths Farm Holiday Park on Queen Charlotte Drive in 1997.

Mayor Alistair Sowman says Mrs Faulls was one of 13 applicants for the vacancy and the calibre of applicants was very high.

Mr Sowman says Mrs Faulls was such a strong contender as she is passionate about tourism with a good understanding of the travel sector and previous experience with a community-based tourism promotion organisation.

A local woman who attended Linkwater School, Mrs Faulls’ first career was as an officer with the New Zealand Army where she was commended for her work in reactivating the Army newspaper.

As a former chair of Pelorus Promotions, a Trustee of the Havelock Vision 20/20 and as a member of Queen Charlotte Track Inc, Mrs Faulls will bring the voice of small business to the board table, said Mr Sowman.

Mrs Faulls believes Destination Marlborough should aim to become the top performing RTO in New Zealand and she will support increased collaboration between those working in the Marlborough tourism sector.

Mr Sowman says the Council committee has confidence that Mrs Faulls will bring to the board a valuable mix of skills and a good understanding of the current issues.

ALISTAIR SOWMAN
MAYOR

Media Release - New Director At MDC Holdings Ltd

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 11:00:00 GMT

The executive director of the Indevin Group, Richard Olliver, has been appointed an independent director of MDC Holdings Ltd, the Marlborough District Council’s commercial arm.

He replaces Joe Wallace, the current chairman of the holding company, whose term has ended.

Mayor Alistair Sowman says Mr Wallace has given exceptional service to MDC Holdings over nine years.

“We are fortunate to have secured a high-calibre applicant with excellent credentials to fill the vacancy,” said Mr Sowman.

Mr Olliver’s extensive business experience, his financial acumen and the depth of his experience both in New Zealand and internationally made him an outstanding candidate for the role, Mr Sowman said.

Mr Olliver, a former Marlborough Boys’ College student, has worked for Macquarie Bank Ltd, Carter Holt Harvey and Price Waterhouse Coopers. As well as his role at Indevin, he is a director for Marlborough-based Rangitane Holdings Ltd.

ALISTAIR SOWMAN
MAYOR

Media Release - Blenheim Clock Tower to be Assessed for Earthquake Risk

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 22:09:00 GMT

Blenheim’s War Memorial Clock Tower in Seymour Square is to be cordoned off from public access until an engineer’s report can establish the degree of risk it would pose in a serious earthquake.

Marlborough Mayor Alistair Sowman says an initial assessment suggests the risk of structural damage is high enough to convince the Council that it is in the public interest to keep people away from the clock tower until further investigations can be completed.

As part of its earthquake preparedness planning, the Council has already assessed pre-1977 buildings where there’s likely to be a high risk of damage or danger to people in the event of a quake and is now examining other Council assets to assess their risk status.

The 16-metre stone clock tower has been identified as the highest risk and further assessment has been commissioned from structural engineers to establish the degree of strengthening that is required.

There has been a problem with the stone tower in the past when a weathered piece of stone cracked and water got behind it, causing it to break off. Some maintenance work was done on the tower at that time.

A check after Saturday evening’s earthquake did not reveal any damage to the tower.

"We are all acutely aware of the impact of crumbling masonry in a major quake so it is common sense to take a proactive approach to public safety – until we know what we are dealing with here," said the Mayor.

There are likely to be a number of options for any strengthening work but that would depend on the structural report, said Mr Sowman. The cost and timeframe would not be known until that report can be completed.

In the meantime, Council staff will no longer make the twice weekly climb to maintain the timing device and the clock will be left to run down.
Paid for entirely by public donation and unveiled in February 1928, the clock tower was erected in remembrance of Marlborough’s First World War casualties. It was constructed of masonry and river boulders using stone from all over the Marlborough region including Awatere River stones, Wharanui limestone and greywacke and, acknowledging the ANZAC spirit of that time, sandstone from Australia. Today it is regarded also as the region’s principal memorial to those who died in later conflicts and is ranked Category 1 on the NZ Historic Places register.

Mr Sowman says the War Memorial and Clock Tower have great significance for the whole region, not just as a memorial but as a focus for the town’s civic activity today. "It is a real landmark and I know the public will expect the Council to take all necessary steps to ensure it is made safe and secure."

Other Council assets which will need further assessment are the old grandstand at A&P Park, and grandstands at Lansdowne and Athletic Parks.
Sports codes which use these facilities, including the toilets and changing rooms beneath the stands, are being advised that they are going to be unavailable for some time.

The Council will try and help the sports groups make alternative arrangements said Mr Sowman.

For example, portable toilets and changing facilities could be possible at Athletic Park and a temporary location found for groups like the Darts Club which currently lease clubrooms under the A&P stand, said Mr Sowman.

Alistair Sowman

Mayor

Media Release - Cycle Lanes And Shade Trees For Seymour Street And Maxwell Road

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 11:00:00 GMT

Tree planting will begin in Seymour Street this week as work starts on the first section of cycleway through Blenheim’s CBD.

It’s also the first project to get underway from the Urban Design Strategy prepared for Blenheim’s town centre in the Council’s long-term planning exercise led by UrbanismPlus.

Eleven Liquidambar trees will be planted along Seymour Street and green and white cycle lanes will be painted along sections of Seymour Street and Maxwell Road. The work should be finished by early December.

Councillor Terry Sloan, the councillor with responsibility for the CBD, says it’s great to be able to get cracking on the recommendations for the CBD.

“The stretch of road where the cycle lanes are being marked out does carry high volumes of traffic so clearly identified lanes which keep cyclists separated from vehicles should increase cyclists’ safety.”

Councillor Sloan says Seymour Street was chosen for more tree planting both to enhance the street view looking south to the Wither Hills and because roadside trees are considered to be a traffic-calming influence.

“Seymour Street can be a bit of a speedway and we hope both these improvements will encourage motorists to slow down.”

Councillor Sloan said all the businesses along the route seemed to appreciate the thinking behind the measures being taken and parking loss would be minimal as "No Parking" yellow lines currently occupy much of the space that will be given over to the cycle lane and tree planting areas.

Chamber of Commerce general manager Brian Dawson says it’s good to see the CBD plan starting to be rolled out.

“It’s critical for the future of the CBD that it is attractive and user-friendly,” he said.

Further improvements identified in the CBD plan will be introduced as details are approved and funding permits, said Councillor Sloan.

Public submissions were received after the publication of the planning document, Blenheim Town Centre "A Vision for the Future" 2009. This plan was adopted by the Council last year. Since then, consultation with local businesses has taken place and feedback has been supportive.

The cycle lanes are also identified within Marlborough's Walking and Cycling Strategy 2010 and fit with the district’s Regional Land Transport Strategy.

Robin Dunn

Regional Pest Management Strategy Cost Recovery Fees

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 11:00:00 GMT

Under the Biosecurity Act 1993, Marlborough District Council is the Management Agency responsible for implementing the Regional Pest Management Strategy for Marlborough 2007.

During 2009 Council set fees for the purpose of the issue of notices and inspections, which were:

Notice of Direction	$160 + GST
Notice of intention to work on default	$160 + GST
Inspection fee post notice	$96 + GST per hour

Council is required to annually review the fees. That review has been carried out and the following reduced fees were approved by Council, on Thursday 3 November 2011, subject to public consultation.

Notice of Direction	$120 + GST
Notice of intention to work on default	$120 + GST
Inspection fee post notice	$82 + GST per hour

The public are hereby notified that the consultation period is 17 November to 16 December 2011. Please direct any enquiry to D Grueber, Biosecurity Coordinator, at the Marlborough District Council, PO Box 443, Blenheim or by email to dave.grueber@marlborough.govt.nz

Media Release - Armistice Day Memorial Service In Seymour Square

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 11:00:00 GMT

A memorial service will be held at the Blenheim War Memorial clock tower at 11.00 am on Friday, 11 November to mark Armistice Day.

This 11^th hour of the 11^th day of the 11^th month is the symbolic moment chosen to remember the cease to hostilities on the Western Front in 1918.

The traditional wreath of red poppies will be laid at the war memorial, a reminder of the wild poppies that grew across the fields of Flanders where so many Allied troops lost their lives in the First World War.

Marlborough Mayor Alistair Sowman and Marlborough Police Inspector Steve Caldwell will each give a short address and RNZAF Base Woodbourne will be represented by Wing Commander Al McIntosh.

Alistair Sowman
Mayor

Media Release - Action Still Needed By Some Marlborough Dairy Farmers

Sun, 06 Nov 2011 11:00:00 GMT

The latest report on dairy shed effluent and stream crossings shows the Marlborough dairy industry must lift its game to meet the standards being achieved by the industry in other parts of the country.

Farms are reviewed annually to see whether the conditions of any resource consent relating to the property and all Plan Rules within the Marlborough Sounds Resource Management Plan are being met.

In the past, reporting rates of dairy effluent compliance have varied dramatically around New Zealand. An industry-driven move towards national consistency resulted in Regional Councils reviewing dairy effluent compliance reporting. In 2009/10, the Marlborough District Council changed the way its annual dairy effluent survey was undertaken to come into line with the national guidelines.

In that survey, urgent action was identified as necessary on 10 of the 61 Marlborough dairy farms including some Sounds properties where, in the past, milking sheds and effluent storage ponds had been built closer to waterways than the current rules allow. Action was also required on 103 stream crossings, a key issue of concern for the Rai, Pelorus and Kaituna Rivers and at Linkwater.

The latest audit highlights the fact that all stream crossings currently designated as high priority must be eliminated by the end of the 2012 season. The audit also shows some Marlborough farms still lack contingency measures to deal with the effects of a major flood or storm regarding storage and disposing of effluent.

“There was still significant non-compliance in Marlborough at the end of last season, although we understand that many of the issues have since been addressed,” said Councillor Peter Jerram, Chair of the Council’s Environment Committee.

Federated Farmers has recently rung around the farmers whose properties needed further work and the majority of them have made genuine efforts to meet the standards, said Marlborough Federated Farmers dairy section chair, Sharon Parkes.

However she said some farmers have yet to give the necessary attention to improving their stream crossings and culverts even though it was made very clear last year that the work was necessary.

Councillor Jerram said while there had been some complications for farmers with effluent disposal, with a wetter than average season underlining the inadequacy of storage ponds on some properties, the lack of progress was a matter of some concern.

The next dairy audit is already underway and the District Council’s new compliance officer has begun making contact with dairy farmers to ascertain if there is compliance and to address any outstanding issues.

In the past, the Council has taken a collaborative rather than punitive approach, agreeing to work with the local dairy industry to encourage farmers to raise environmental standards. This approach will continue for those farmers who show a willingness to work with Council to overcome the areas of concern on their farms, said Mr Jerram.

“I congratulate those dairy farmers who have taken the necessary steps but I also want to underline to the others that there are standards that will have to be met. It’s acknowledged that in some cases this will have financial cost but the quality of our water is of paramount importance,” he said.

Further information:

Marlborough District Council Dairy Audit Compliance Officer: Shelley Lines, Phone 520 7400

PETER JERRAM
CHAIRMAN ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE

Media Release - Marlborough To Be Featured In The Hobbit - An Unexpected Journey

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 11:00:00 GMT

Marlborough Mayor Alistair Sowman says Marlborough stands to gain from the international publicity surrounding director Sir Peter Jackson’s “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” with a scene from the film to be shot near Pelorus Bridge.

The film is the first of two movies adapting the enduringly popular masterpiece The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien. The second film will be “The Hobbit: There and Back Again.”

Mayor Sowman says this is an unparalleled promotional opportunity for one of Marlborough’s most stunning scenic spots where a majestic river cuts through a beautiful scenic reserve of mature native forest.

Part of the filming activity centres on the Nelson region where the film production company, 3 foot 7, is reported to have made bookings for several hundred rooms throughout Nelson and Golden Bay in December.

It’s understood the Pelorus River will feature in a scene showing barrels plunging down the river—part of the perilous journey undertaken by Bilbo Baggins and the dwarves.

The crew involved at the Pelorus River location are expected to travel in from Nelson each day.

There will be extra traffic controls in place on the state highway due to the extra vehicle movements around the location, he said.

“We are assured that everything will be completed well before the Christmas traffic peak begins. Besides, I believe the opportunities this presents will more than make up for any slowing of the traffic flow through the area,” said Mr Sowman.

“We know from Matamata’s experience that “The Lord of the Rings” boosted tourist numbers by tens of thousands over a period of several years. We believe that this film will take our scenery to an international audience on a scale beyond our imagination,” said Mr Sowman.

“The Lord of the Rings” has provided continuing high exposure for New Zealand in the UK, North America and Australia tourist markets.

“This is going to be an opportunity for the magnificence of Marlborough’s rivers and landscapes to be seen by a global audience and, while we cannot quantify the value of that opportunity, it has got to be the ultimate travel promotion,” said Mr Sowman.

It’s even possible that this may lead to future film or advertising photography opportunities for Marlborough, he said.

Jared Connon, Supervising Location Manager for the films, says since the very first survey of the location, the film company had received a warm welcome from the community.

“Local support has been tremendous, particularly from the operators of the Pelorus Bridge Cafe, Department of Conservation, Ngati Kuia, Forest & Bird Protection Society, Marlborough District Council and the residents of the Pelorus Bridge area. It is a unique location, rich with beautiful scenery, wildlife and history and it’s a privilege for us to work there. We will treat it with the utmost respect and our thanks go out to all those who have assisted us in making filming possible," he said.

Filming in Wellington is already underway on the two films. The adventure follows the journey of title character Bilbo Baggins, who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug. Approached out of the blue by the wizard Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo finds himself joining a company of thirteen dwarves led by the legendary warrior, Thorin Oakenshield. Their journey will take them into the Wild; through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs and Giant Spiders, Shapeshifters and Sorcerers.

Ian McKellen returns as Gandalf the Grey, the character he played in “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, and Martin Freeman in the central role of Bilbo Baggins. Also reprising their roles from “The Lord of the Rings” movies are: Cate Blanchett as Galadriel; Ian Holm as the elder Bilbo; Christopher Lee as Saruman; Hugo Weaving as Elrond; Elijah Wood as Frodo; Orlando Bloom as Legolas; and Andy Serkis as Gollum. The ensemble cast also includes (in alphabetical order) Richard Armitage, John Bell, Jed Brophy, Adam Brown, John Callen, Luke Evans, Stephen Fry, Ryan Gage, Mark Hadlow, Peter Hambleton, Barry Humphries, Stephen Hunter, William Kircher, Evangeline Lilly, Sylvester McCoy, Bret McKenzie, Graham McTavish, Mike Mizrahi, James Nesbitt, Dean O’Gorman, Lee Pace, Mikael Persbrandt, Conan Stevens, Ken Stott, Jeffrey Thomas, and Aidan Turner.

The screenplays for both “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” and “The Hobbit: There and Back Again” are by Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Guillermo del Toro and Peter Jackson. Jackson is also producing the films, together with Fran Walsh and Carolynne Cunningham. The executive producers are Alan Horn, Ken Kamins and Zane Weiner, with Boyens serving as co-producer.

“The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” and “The Hobbit: There and Back Again” are productions of New Line Cinema and MGM, with New Line managing production. Warner Bros Pictures is handling worldwide theatrical distribution, with select international territories as well as all international television licensing, being handled by MGM.

“The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” will be released on December 14, 2012. The second film, “The Hobbit: There and Back Again,” is slated for release the following year, on December 13, 2013.

Alistair Sowman
Mayor

Media Release - Boer War Memorial Service

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 04:10:04 GMT

A wreath will be laid at Marlborough’s memorial at Tua Marina cemetery at 10.00 am on Friday, 21 October, to commemorate the departure of the first troops to leave our shores for the Boer War and to remember the eleven Marlborough casualties of that conflict.

New Zealand was the first of the British colonies to send troops and the first Marlborough soldiers arrived in South Africa less than three weeks after war was declared.

The first contingent of Blenheim Mounted Rifles left for South Africa, on 10 October 1899 led by Lieutenant D’arcy Chaytor, son of the Marlborough military family who farmed the family estate at Marshlands.

His elder brother Lieutenant Edward Chaytor also served in South Africa, leading the North Island Company of the Third (Rough Riders) Contingent.

During the course of the conflict, the Marlborough Mounted Rifles sent sixty men with the various New Zealand contingents to South Africa.

Marlborough RSA president Ernie Thomson will lead the service and the guest speaker will be Marlborough Girls’ College principal Karen Stewart.

The service is held at the memorial to the South African war, at the Tua Marina cemetery.

Media Release - First Property Files Now Available Online

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 11:00:00 GMT

A large Council project to convert all property and resource consent files from paper files to electronic records is underway.

After 28 October 2011, there will no longer be any paper files held at the Council offices.

Instead, anyone will be able to view these files online, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from their own computer. It will also be possible to come into the Council and view files online.

It’s expected to take about two years to complete the scanning and digital conversion of all files. So far, more than a thousand property files have been scanned and are now viewable online.

Some of the commercial property files contain a large amount of electronic information and may take a little time to open online. Please be patient when searching and retrieving this information.

From 1 November this year, all property and resource consent information received by Council will be scanned and made available online as part of the consent processing procedure.

Customers who need information from files not yet scanned should use the online request form.

Customers may request any file to be scanned at any time. Requests may take up to two working days for the scanning process to be completed.

In urgent cases, customers are asked to call the Council’s Customer Service Centre; Ph: 520 7400.

Help and tips for searching property files are provided online. This includes information on what is contained in each of the electronic property files and more details on this new online service.

Further information is available at www.marlborough.govt.nz/Services/Property-File-Search

More information: MDC, Ph: 520 7400 or email mdc@marlborough.govt.nz

Stacey Young
CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER

Media Release - No. 2 High Street

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 11:00:00 GMT

The Marlborough District Council Community and Financial Planning Committee has come out in favour of retaining the Council-owned land at Number 2 High Street to develop as a green space rather than give the go-ahead to a Speight’s Ale House on the site.

A majority of the Council committee supported the option which must now go to the next full meeting of the Council, later this month.

Various councillors indicated that, since they had now studied in more detail the Council’s Urban Design Strategy which proposed public green space linking the High Street site to the river, they did not think the Alehouse proposal was right for the location at this time.

Councillors noted that the green space was part of a Design Strategy that had been the subject of public consultation and formal approval and that further consultation would be needed if there was a wish to move away from its concepts.

Councillors suggested it was time “to take a breath and explore the options further” including the possibility of shutting 12^th Lane and realigning the boundary of the site before future development.

Councillors who advocated more time be given to considering the future of the site noted that they had only one chance to get the decision right as there would be a long-term lease that would be in place, “possibly for the next two or three generations”.

Mayor Alistair Sowman said later that it was important that the business sector in Marlborough and beyond understood that the majority of councillors were not opposed to the Lion Nathan proposal but that they could not advance a plan that was not sufficiently compatible with the existing Council Design Strategy.

“Blenheim is very much open for new developments and there are a number of privately-owned sites available to developers. I hope that Lion Nathan will consider the other options open to it in Marlborough,” he said.

Alistair Sowman
Mayor

Media Release - Understanding Your Property Valuation

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 03:21:00 GMT

More free advice is available for people wanting to better understand their new property valuation.

A brochure from Quotable Value (QV), the independent valuation service which has assessed Marlborough’s properties for the Marlborough District Council, is available from the Council office. The Council uses QV’s valuations to set rates across the district.

The brochure explains how to access a property website established by Quotable Value which will give a property owner a free local sales report with information on up to 10 property sales in their immediate neighbourhood.

To access the website, a property owner must obtain an individual code which is available only through the brochure and only until 27 October. The code allows an individual to access a report once only.

The local sales report gives a snapshot of sales and capital values for properties sold recently.

“It will help people to see how their valuation sits alongside other properties which have sold recently and it may help them to decide whether or not they will formally object to the valuation notice they will have received in the mail last week,” says Council’s Corporate Finance Manager Martin Fletcher.

People who have concerns about their valuation are encouraged to pick up the brochure as soon as possible, remembering that Labour Weekend immediately precedes the deadline for any objections; 27 October 2011.

An advisor from Quotable Value will be at the Council’s Blenheim office to assist people with any inquiries on Thursday, 6 October, from 9am to 4pm. There is no fee for this advice.

The Council will be advising all property owners of the effect the new valuation on individual property rates in November this year.

MARTIN FLETCHER
CORPORATE FINANCE MANAGER

Media Release - Council Property And Resource Consents Files Go Online

Sun, 02 Oct 2011 11:00:00 GMT

All property and resource consent paper files held by the Marlborough District Council are being converted to electronic records as the Council prepares to make this information available online.

This will mean that customers will be able to view files at any time from their home, office or laptop.

However, anyone who does not have access to a computer, or who wants assistance finding a file online, can visit Council’s Blenheim or Picton offices where there will be viewing stations in the reception area for customers to use.

Currently the Council runs a dual records system with paper files as well as electronic records.

Council Chief Information Officer Stacey Young says the move is in line with the local government philosophy of making information easily accessible.

“It’s about transparency, openness and efficiency. Today’s technology makes it possible to circulate information very easily. We can see that this will save time and therefore money for our customers and it will be more efficient for the Council,” she said.

On October 28, all property and resource consent files will be removed from Council offices to be scanned. It is anticipated that scanning will be completed by December 2013. Any file that has been scanned will be viewable online. Customers can request information from files not yet scanned using the online request form, on the Council’s website.

“It may take up to 24-48 hours to do this. We appreciate that this may create small delays and we do ask for patience,” says Ms Young.

“We believe that long-term, this will be a much more efficient system for everyone, not only cutting down on time and paper but also making information more readily available,” she said.

STACEY YOUNG
CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER

Media Release - Library Searches Faster, Easier From Anywhere At Anytime

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 02:55:30 GMT

Finding books, magazines, DVDs, CDs, online articles, e-books and everything else held in Marlborough District Libraries has just got easier with the installation of a new library management system that includes leading edge search technology.

“Our customers will now have more information at their finger tips,” says library manager Glenn Webster. “Rather than accessing our catalogue and electronic content separately, at the push of a button, they can now search across most of what we purchase and license.”

“This improved searchability will be particularly beneficial to people who need the most up-to-date research or findings on a topic or issue. A single search will identify not only the books on our shelves but also the latest information contained in the online journals we subscribe to.”

“Our library members can also access this information at anytime [now] by remotely accessing our website www.marlboroughlibraries.govt.nz using their PC, lap top or cell phone.”

The new service, Kōtui, went live today following months of preparation, including the migration of some 130,000 records into the new system.

Kōtui is the result of a collaboration between a group of public libraries, the Association of Public Library Managers (APLM), Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) and the National Library that identified the need for an affordable, efficient collection management and access service with excellent functionality.

“By operating collectively at a national level, we are able to provide our local community with the same level of service usually reserved for the metropolitan libraries,” says Marlborough District Council Support Services Manager, Dean Heiford. “We are always looking for ways to get more value for rate payers’ dollars and sharing services such as Kōtui is the way of the future.”

Marlborough District Libraries is the first of 15 public libraries over the next three years to implement Kōtui and more may join the subscription based service in the future.

The Kōtui service comprises four components: a system to manage a library’s physical items (provided by SirsiDynix), a search facility across a library’s physical and electronic items (provided by EBSCO Publishing’s EBSCO Electronic Discovery Service), and a centralised data hosting service (provided by Computer Concepts Ltd). The National Library provides the fourth component – the New Zealand based support and administrative function of the Kōtui service.

ENDS

More information is available at: www.kotui.org.nz or by contacting Glenn Webster, District Libraries Manager 03 520 7471.

Media Release - Customer Satisfaction Levels Up On Last Year

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 03:57:18 GMT

Marlborough residents’ satisfaction level with their District Council compares very favourably with other regions according to the professional research company Research First.

The results of the annual Resident Satisfaction Survey conducted for the Council by Research First show an overall rating of 6.9 out of 10 for the quality of our services, a slight increase on the 6.8 of the previous year.

Roger Larkins, of Research First, says the Marlborough District Council’s performance compares “very favourably” with the other councils it surveys around the country.

A total of 602 randomly selected people were surveyed and asked to rank Council performances across its services.

Top rating goes to the Council’s Library Services (8.6), with people also well satisfied with the standard of Sewerage Services (8.2), the drinking water supply (8) and Emergency Management (8). The feedback also shows that people are very pleased with the kerbside recycling service and the high standard of our parks and gardens.

The survey also gave people a chance to rate Council services in their order of importance. This year top priorities were Emergency Management (8.5), Water supply (8.4) Sewerage (8.4) and Community Safety (8.4).

Marlborough Mayor Alistair Sowman says the research is important as it helps keeps the Council in touch with public priorities as well as offering valuable feedback about areas for improvement.

“When so often it’s the negative comment that gets the headline, it’s very satisfying for us to know that the public is pretty happy with the quality of service they’re receiving from the Council,” he said.

“We have a highly professional staff, including experts in some highly specialised fields, so it’s good to know the wider community does recognise that,” he said.

Alistair Sowman
Mayor

Media Release - Kinetic Sculpture Gifted To Marlborough

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 03:56:56 GMT

A Marlborough arts trust has offered a large kinetic (wind-activated) sculpture to the people of Marlborough with the suggestion that it be located on the banks of the Taylor River opposite the new theatre site.

The donation comes from the Coulthard Arts Trust, formed from a bequest from the late Mrs Dorothy Coulthard, one of the first New Zealand women to train as an architect and who subsequently worked for British Intelligence Service during WW2 before returning to New Zealand.

Mrs Coulthard moved to Blenheim in 1973, living here until she passed away in 2007.

One of the trustees, Willie Crosse, says she was a generous benefactor who loved this district and, having seen how public art had enriched the Wellington cityscape, she decided to leave a bequest for public art in Marlborough.

The trustees have found a sculptor, Grant Williams of Auckland, who is already experienced in producing large pieces of public art which sit gracefully within their environment.

The design proposed for the Taylor River bank is in stainless steel rising 10 metres high with a pair of leaf-shaped pods balanced on precision bearings designed to move gently with the wind. The pods will be four metres off the ground at their lowest point; higher than the underside of the Hutcheson Street bridge.

“We were looking for a design that would have broad appeal,” said Mr Crosse.

Grant Williams has completed commissions for private and public collections, including sculpture for Manakau City, the law courts in Whangarei, Westfield in Albany and Housing New Zealand.

It was also hoped that this donation might be a catalyst for the donation of other significant pieces of public art for Marlborough in future, Mr Crosse said.

At a meeting of the Council’s Community and Financial Planning Committee yesterday, District Councillor David Dew described it as a very generous gesture and that, in principle, the site looked appropriate. However a full meeting of the District Council will be required to approve the location.

Media Release - Landscaping For Parking Building

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 03:56:33 GMT

Landscaping around the new Alfred Street carpark is underway with seven more trees to be planted to enhance the exterior.

The parking building is proving very popular while parking is free and drivers are being urged to go beyond the ground floor if they intend to make a long stay.

Surfaces are uneven around the perimeter of the building while the paving and landscaping is in progress.

The work will be done in two stages; footpaths are being levelled now but the paving along the Alfred Street frontage and across the new pedestrian crossing to the clubs’ building won’t be completed until early next year. Delivery of the pavers will be later than expected after production delays at the tile factory.

The brick and grey shades of the tiles are in keeping with the paving plans for other areas of the town outlined in the “Growing Marlborough” plan for the Blenheim town centre.

Planter boxes will protect the trees lining Alfred Street and the new trees on the lane on the east side of the parking building.

Media Release - Library Will Close For Two Days For Technology Upgrade

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 03:56:09 GMT

Marlborough District Libraries are to become part of a new consortium of 15 libraries throughout New Zealand to allow for future sharing of resources and expanded access to information available from the library.

Marlborough will be the first within the group to get the new library management system.

The technology upgrade means the library will take the unusual step of closing to the public for two week days this month to allow for the new system to be installed.

District Libraries Manager Glenn Webster says the new system is designed to manage the existing physical resources, like books and reference material, as well as establish a digital system which will allow library users to search not only for conventional books, magazines, DVDs and other library material but also information from subscription databases.

The updated technology will improve efficiency for staff and will give the public better search facilities, providing them with greater access to the libraries resources, he said.

The District Library in Blenheim will not be open to the public on Tuesday 27 September or Wednesday 28 September.

In Picton, the library doors will remain open to the public during the conversion period although the library will not be able to issue books or accept returns over those two days.

Media Release - Omaka Cemetery Officially Open Again For Burials

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 03:55:37 GMT

Interments at Marlborough’s historic Omaka Cemetery may begin again later this year, 35 years since the last person was buried there.

The Marlborough District Council decided earlier this year to investigate the possibility of making more use of the old cemetery and last Friday the decision to re-open it was formally gazetted.

There is still some work to be completed before interments can begin but local funeral directors have been advised that the cemetery has re-opened, says Council Reserves and Amenities officer Nic Crous.

“Unfortunately records relating to part of the cemetery were lost or destroyed many years ago so, while there is thought to be immediate space for about 100 plots, more investigative work will be needed before it’s clear exactly how many new plots can be accommodated,” says Mr Crous.

In some cases, families will be able to use existing family plots.

The schedule of burial fees has yet to be finalised.

Unused open space will also be assessed for its suitability for plots and paths.

“We also want to look at the possibility of creating walkway access through to the Taylor River banks to the west,” he said

The Marlborough District Council is also drafting a development plan for the cemetery, recognising its historical dimension.

It will be important to preserve the character and nature of the cemetery, says Mr Crous.

The family mausoleums and wrought ironwork within Omaka date back to the settlement of Blenheim and some of the notable figures from Marlborough’s past are buried there.

The cemetery is divided into various sections including a paupers’ section, a separate Catholic burial area, an RSA section and a children’s burial area.

Media Release - Unregistered Dogs In Marlborough Liable To Be Seized And Impounded

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 03:55:04 GMT

Hundreds of dogs living in Marlborough have not been registered and their owners all face the prospect of stiff fines.

Animal Control officers have begun visiting properties to look for those dogs that were not re-registered by the end of July deadline.

This year 679 dogs are listed as unregistered. The law requires dog owners to advise Animal Control in cases where the dog has died or if the animal has left the district. These cases usually account for a very small percentage of the unregistered animals.

Last year at this time there were only 450 unregistered animals on the books.

“Maybe it’s the sign of the economic times. Maybe there are more people who aren’t aware of their responsibilities. Whatever it is, it makes a lot of time-consuming work for our officers,” said Animal Control Team Leader Candice O’Brien.

The last day for registration was July 31. Penalty fees now apply on top of the dog registration fee. Owners are also liable for an infringement fee of $300 for failing to register a dog, impounding fees of $102, plus seizure and sustenance costs.

“If we come to the property and find the dog, then we will impound it. Impounding fees and infringement fees will apply. However, owners with unregistered dogs can avoid these hefty fees by visiting Animal Control now and registering their dogs immediately.”

Candice says animal control officers have no powers of waiver: if unregistered dogs are seized, fines will be imposed.

Generally speaking, responsible dog owners don’t put their animals at risk of being seized and placed in the public pound, said Candice.

“It’s the unregistered animals that take up most of our time; they’re the ones we’re picking up for roaming, causing a nuisance or attacking other people and animals.”

Marlborough’s dog registration fees remain some of the lowest in the country.

Yet, currently, $70,907 of unpaid fees and fines are owed by a total of 481 owners in Marlborough.

The law requires that:

All puppies once they reach the age of three months must be registered
If the animal’s owner is under 16 years old, the dog must be registered in the name of a parent or guardian who then becomes legally responsible for the animal
This requirement applies to anyone who owns a dog, or has a dog in their possession, for more than 72 hours.

In Marlborough, dog registration fees, and not rates, meet the cost of the running of Animal Control in Marlborough.

Animal Control is responsible for:

checking properties where dogs are kept and ensuring dogs are receiving proper care and attention and not being left to suffer
ensuring dogs don’t become a nuisance to the community
patrolling public areas to ensure dogs are not creating a risk by attacking other animals or people
returning lost dogs to their owners.

Animal Control also runs an education programme through the primary schools and ‘bite prevention’ seminars in workplaces.

Contact: Animal Control Phone 520 9033

Media Release - Freshwater Audit

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 11:00:00 GMT

The Marlborough District Council is confident it can comply with all the recommendations made in a report from the Auditor General’s Office into freshwater quality.

The report examined water quality in four regional council areas, not including Marlborough, finding that while water quality is good by international standards, it is also deteriorating. The report calls for more standardised methods of reporting water quality.

“Freshwater is a highly valued commodity within Marlborough and we have an advanced monitoring regime in place. Our monitoring does not suggest that our water quality is deteriorating. In fact, our last results indicate that water quality in most locations remains generally unchanged while in some cases like the Rai and Pelorus we have actually seen some improvement,” said Council Environment Committee Chairman Peter Jerram.

The report recommends that regional councils and unitary authorities review their methods of reporting monitoring results and develop better processes for responding to those results.

“We already have an extensive monitoring programme which more than meets the requirements and we report the results regularly, including making them available on our Council website. Nevertheless we will conduct a review of our current practices as directed by the Auditor General’s Office to confirm we comply with best practices,” said Councillor Jerram.

The District Council does a five-yearly ‘State of the Environment” report and that material forms part of the consideration of our own district plan review processes so there is a defined process for ensuring that water quality is properly addressed in our planning, he said.

“We’re very confident we can demonstrate good practices here in Marlborough.”

The Auditor General’s report is critical of the strength of the local body regulatory regime particularly relating to the handling of prosecutions and has called for those procedures to be reviewed.

“In Marlborough we have tended to work by encouraging farmers to work toward compliance, rather than by taking a punitive approach, and we have made steady progress. For example, the Council’s initiatives to eliminate stream crossings by dairy herds in the Rai and Pelorus have paid dividends with some water quality parameters there showing pleasing results,” said Councillor Jerram.

The last Council audit of dairy farms pointed to continuing improvement and, earlier this year, there were only 10 dairy farms where action was still urgently required.

The Auditor General has also recommended that elected councillors, particularly rural councillors, should not be members of any Council committee or panel determining prosecutions. Currently two Marlborough District Councillors sit on such a subcommittee but that practice will now have to be reviewed.

PETER JERRAM
CHAIRMAN ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE

Media Release - MDC Achieves High Rate Of Consent Processing

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 11:00:00 GMT

Marlborough was in the top half dozen busiest areas handling resource consents in the 2010-11 year, processing a similar number to Christchurch City.

The Ministry for the Environment biennial survey of local authorities measures councils’ performance working with the Resource Management Act.

With 1100 consent applications dealt with in the 12-month period to June 2011, the Marlborough District Council sat just behind the Northland Regional Council and the Christchurch City Council and ahead of Bay of Plenty Regional Council and the Tasman District Council.

Despite the high numbers, this is a marked drop since the 2007-08 year when processed applications peaked at 1934.

The survey shows the Marlborough District Council has also lifted its performance rate by processing 95% of all applications on time, a big step up from the 53% achieved in the 2007-08 year.

“I realise that was a period of boom which did put Council staff under heavy pressure and that things are now much quieter but it’s still very satisfying to see the level of service raised so significantly,” said Council’s Hearing Committee chairman David Dew.

The improvement is partly attributed to a change of approach from the Council regulatory section which now requires more information from applicants at the time an application is lodged, prompted by the 2009 measures to streamline the Resource Management Act.

With Councils now subject to financial penalties where they do not meet consent timetables, it was necessary to take a more efficient approach to dealing with applications, no longer accepting deficient applications or allowing extended periods of negotiation between applicants and Council staff, said Councillor Dew.

In the last year, more than a third of the applications lodged in Marlborough were sent back to applicants for more information before they were accepted for processing.

Councillor Dew suggested applicants could speed up the process for themselves if they sought more advice before lodging an application.

One of the biggest causes of delay was created by applicants filing incomplete applications lacking all the required information or supporting documents, he said.

“The continuing demands on our important water resources and our fragile coastal environment mean that seeking consents under the Resource Management Act is an increasingly complex matter. However one thing I hope we can achieve with the review of all Council plans is to make our processes more user-friendly.”

An extended timeframe was necessary for just 6% of the applications submitted in Marlborough during the year.

David Dew
Chairman Hearings Committee

Media Release - Awatere Wins Government Subsidy To Upgrade Water Supply Quality

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 11:00:00 GMT

Mayor Alistair Sowman today announced the government has agreed to subsidise a quarter of a million dollar Miox water treatment project for the Seddon-Awatere area.

The government will meet 85% of the cost of the Seddon township component of the project, as requested by the District Council on behalf of the region.

Once the treatment plant is operational, residents may no longer be advised to boil their drinking water although this will be subject to test results.

The Council has been lobbying the government for a subsidy since the government announced the new National Drinking Water Standard, arguing that the compliance costs were an unreasonable burden for small populations where major work was required to bring the local water supply up to the standard.

The Drinking Water Standards are due to become mandatory from mid-2014.

“It’s taken a long time to get to this point and I want to commend the Seddon community for their patience. We were determined that some of this cost had to be carried at national level rather than becoming an excessive burden on a small population,” said Mr Sowman.

The Council this week received written confirmation from Health Minister Tony Ryall of the approval for payment of $47,807.00 (excluding GST) for the project.

Details of the project are expected to be finalised with the Ministry of Health soon as Council completes the design and confirms the proposed site for the treatment plant.

MIOX treatment is similar to chlorination and provides for the treatment of bacterial contamination. It does not lift the Awatere water supply to full compliance with the National Drinking Water Standards but it will significantly reduce the current health risk. There is scope for it to be used in conjunction with a filtration system in future to further raise the standard.

Both the Council and the Awatere Settlers’ Association water sub-committee favoured Miox as the most economic option, offering maximum benefit for minimum cost. The subsidy will assist Council to limit the extent of future water charges.

It’s becoming increasingly difficult for rural communities to get any subsidy at all as the funds the government has allocated for this work are being thinly spread around the country so this is a significant achievement for us, said Mr Sowman.

Alistair Sowman
Mayor

Rateable Valuations

Sun, 25 Sep 2011 20:29:00 GMT

The latest rateable valuation information, released in September 2011, is available on this website via the Rates Search page.

For latest rateable valuations, complete a rates search for the relevant property then scroll down the search results page to the “Valuation Information (Next Period)” field.

These valuations will be used for rating purposes from 1 July 2012.

If you have concerns about your valuation, please contact Quotable Value Ltd, Ph: 0800 787 284, fax: 04 576 4486, by writing to: Quotable Value Ltd, Private Bag 39818, Lower Hutt 5045, or visit www.qv.co.nz

If, after that, you still wish to further pursue the matter you must lodge an objection in writing or online before 5.00 pm on Thursday 27 October 2011.

See the Quotable Value Ltd website for more information on how to object to your valuation.

Valuers from Quotable Value Ltd will be at the Marlborough District Council, Seymour Street, Blenheim, on Thursday 6 October 2011 between 9.00 am and 4.00 pm (no appointment necessary).

Media Release - No Decision Yet On Number 2 High Street

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 12:00:00 GMT

The Marlborough District Council has decided to look further at the future of the site at Number 2 High Street overlooking the Taylor River with councillors determined that any decision needs to meet the principles of their town planning strategy.

Mayor Alistair Sowman says while the Council has agreed to keep negotiating with Lion Nathan which has indicated an interest in setting up a Speight’s Ale House on the site, councillors are adamant they want to see good public green space preserved between the site and the river.

Given the size of the site, it may not be possible to deliver the gently graduated levels exactly as depicted in the concept sketches of the Urban Design Strategy but councillors do want to preserve the spirit of the design by having green public space along the river frontage, said Mr Sowman.

He said councillors would have to be satisfied that any decision they made would provide the ‘visual amenity’ value that the public was expecting.

Mr Sowman said the Council made a commercial decision to buy the commercially-zoned site after the town urban design plan was completed in order to ensure the best use was made of the site and, when expressions of interest were sought through public advertising, Lion Nathan was the only proposal to come forward.

But the initial sketch plans of the area surrounding the Alehouse did not satisfy all councillors he said.

Council yesterday agreed to keep talking to Lion Nathan but they were also very clear that only a proposal that delivers on the requirements of the Urban Design strategy would be approved, he said.

Alistair Sowman
Mayor

Media Release - Spring Promotion

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 12:00:00 GMT

Spring Promotion– Free Whiteware and Scrap Steel Dumping

The Marlborough District Council and its contractor for the Resource Recovery Centre (RRC) and Refuse Transfer Stations (RTS) – Metallic Sweeping (1998) Limited are pleased to announce their SPRING PROMOTION.

In an effort to assist residents clear out their old whiteware and/or abandoned whiteware and scrap steel that may be stored on the property, the Council and Metallic Sweeping is encouraging residents to bring these items to the Refuse Transfer Stations for dumping at NO COST.

Dumping Absolutely Free from Friday 16 September to Sunday 16 October 2011

For only one month WHITEWARE AND SCRAP STEEL will be accepted at all the Council’s Refuse Transfer Stations throughout the District at no cost whatsoever to residents. This is a limited time Spring Promotion so it best that residents take full advantage of this offer during this period.

This is just another joint initiative by the Marlborough District Council and Metallic Sweeping in redirecting material away from the Landfill and promoting environmentally friendly recycling. Residents are encouraged to bring in their old and unused whiteware and scrap steel that may have been lying around to benefit from this SPRING PROMOTION.

Whiteware includes microwaves, fridges, stoves, washing machines and tumble driers.

Trevor Sheldon, Metallic’s Marlborough Manager said that he was excited about this promotion as it assists residents undertaking Spring Cleaning on their properties and also those who may have been considering replacing an item of whiteware, as well as being environmentally responsible.

For further details and information call the Marlborough District Council on 5207400 or the Resource Recovery Centre on 577 9420.

The Battle Of Britian Why We Commemorate It Annually

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 12:00:00 GMT

People ask from time to time why in New Zealand and 12,000 miles distant from Britain we continue to commemorate the Battle of Britain? What relevance could it possibly have in today’s society? The question is a fair one and the answer is based upon the word ‘society’ in the paragraph preceding.

In 1939, when Nazi Germany invaded Poland, Britain and France declared war on Germany. Britain of course had a strong Commonwealth to support it. New Zealand had declared war 12 hours prior to Britain due to the time difference.

It is now history that Germany quickly overcame Poland and turning west, in short succession overcame Belgium, the low countries and despite a large British Expeditionary force in France, in short order France fell also.

Thus very quickly, Herr Hitler had achieved almost total dominance of Europe. The exceptions being Britain and Russia the latter to the east was in his thoughts also. Firstly, and to avoid a two front war, he must annex Britain who following Dunkirk was, from an army perspective, nearly defenceless.

Britain had basically three lines of defence, the English channel, Royal Navy and the RAF. The “phoney war” – (September 1939-May 1940), allowed the RAF some time to try to equip for the imminent air battle to be fought. Flying with the RAF Fighter Command were NZ Airmen and some 129 were involved in the Battle of Britain. 14 New Zealand airmen were killed in the Battle of Britain.

The survival of the British Empire of which NZ was part, depended on the success of the RAF in this pivotal battle. Despite being outnumbered almost two to one, the pilots of the RAF fought the Luftwaffe to a standstill and by September had destroyed 2,698 aircraft whilst losing 915 aircraft in return. (403 RAF pilots were KIA and German airmen totalled 2,500 KIA or captured). By late September, the Germans turned their attention to Russia but continued their ‘Blitz’ on major British cities.

In summary, the Battle was a close fought affair. It was the first military set back for Germany. The outcome, had Germany invaded Britain is too horrible to imagine, the rights we take for granted and experience today would not exist and we would be subservient to an evil regime. Brave young men fought for the right for us to have freedom and within New Zealand we are proud to recognize the 14 Kiwi Airmen who perished in this Battle. That is why we commemorate these fallen on the Sunday nearest to the 15^th of September annually.

That day being recognised as “Battle of Britain Day”.

“We will remember them”.

Media Release - Battle Of Britain Service In Seymour Square

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 12:00:00 GMT

A memorial service will be held at the Blenheim War Memorial clock tower at 11.00 am on Sunday, 18 September to mark Battle of Britain Day.

The Battle of Britain is commemorated as the turning point of World War 2 when the pilots of the RAF staved off the Luftwaffe attack on southern England despite being heavily outnumbered.

Chief of Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Peter Stockwell and Marlborough RNZAF Association President Mary Barnes will attend the service.

Marlborough Mayor Alistair Sowman will give a short address and RNZAF Base Woodbourne will be represented by Wing Commander Peter King who will give the keynote address.

Alistair Sowman
Mayor

Media Release - Welcome To Marlborough Airport

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 21:01:53 GMT

New signs are being installed this week, re-branding our airport at Woodbourne as ‘Marlborough Airport’.

The new signs carry the name Marlborough across the top with the name Blenheim in a smaller font across the bottom, in a bid to underline the message that the airport is a regional airport and one of the main gateways to the region of Marlborough.

The move has been welcomed by the tourism industry which believes Marlborough is the destination that is most widely recognised.

The signs at the airport gateway, the roundabout and on the terminal’s exterior will all be upgraded. The work is due to be done on Wednesday and Thursday this week.

Telephone numbers and emails to Marlborough Airport Limited remain the same but the postal address is now PO Box 1101, Blenheim 7240

Alistair Sowman
Mayor

Media Release - Marlborough Property Revaluations

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 12:00:00 GMT

The three yearly revaluation of all properties within the Marlborough District is currently underway.

The valuation review is conducted for the Council by Quotable Value Limited – the country’s largest independent valuation and property information company.

It is expected the District Valuation Rolls with the new information will be available for public inspection at the Council, in both Blenheim and Picton, from Friday 23 September.

The Rolls will show both the old valuation and the new Land and Capital Values, and the valuation movements for every property.

Quotable Value will post out notices to ratepayers on Thursday 22 September. Information sheets will be included.

Ratepayers may lodge an objection to the new valuations. Forms are available from the Council or from Quotable Value Limited. Objections must be made, in writing or on line at www.qv.co.nz , by Thursday 27 October.

The new valuations are effective from July 1, 2011. They will be used to help determine rates for the 2012-13 rating year and the two years after that.

Individual rates are made up of a combination of rates and charges so only a portion of total rates are affected by changes in land or capital value. Refuse and recycling charges, for example, are not affected by the revaluation.

The new valuations do not change the total amount of rates collected by Council. However, they may redistribute the rates collected from individual ratepayers. This depends on whether or not their land value moved by more or less than the average movement in land values.

The final impact on rates for individual properties is expected to be available by November.

New property valuations will be on the Council website www.marlborough.govt.nz on Wednesday 28 September.
More information at www.qv.co.nz “Understanding your Rating Value”.

Alistair Sowman
Mayor

Russian Rugby Team Public Training Sessions

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 01:39:00 GMT

The Russian Rugby Team

Invites the Marlborough Public to attend their

Public Training Sessions

Wednesday 7 September 10.30 am–11.30am

Saturday 17 September, 10.30 am–12pm

Lansdowne Park

Come along, meet the team and

collect their autographs

Media Release Alfred Street Parking Building Update

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 12:00:00 GMT

Free parking in the new Alfred Street car parking building will continue into September after a delay in the arrival of some of the new ticketing machinery.

The parking building has proved very popular since it opened with drivers making use of the free parking so close to the centre of town.

Drivers who wish to leave their vehicles for more than an hour or two are being urged to park on the first or second floors, leaving the ground floor for short-stay parking.

The EFTPOS terminals for the ticket validation machines have yet to be installed but once that is done the 80-cents-an-hour parking charge will apply.

Closed-circuit security cameras are also to be installed in the building in the next month or two.

Media Release - Strengthening Earthquake-prone Buildings May Trigger Other Costs For Building Owners

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 21:00:57 GMT

Moves by Marlborough earthquake-prone building owners to strengthen their commercial buildings will usually also mean that other improvements must be made at the same time to meet the requirements of the 2004 Building Act.

Applications for consent to do upgrade work, or other changes to an existing building, will usually trigger a section of the Building Act relating to standards of access and facilities for people with disabilities and means of escape in case of fire.

“This requirement isn’t peculiar to earthquake-prone buildings; it’s just a part of the Building Act which is aimed at improving buildings in terms of things like fire escapes and ensuring that lifts exist for buildings with two or more storeys with a floor area of 400 square metres or more,” says Council Environment Committee chairman Peter Jerram.

The Act says a building consent should not be granted for alteration unless the alterations mean the building will comply ‘as near as reasonably practicable’ with Building Code provisions relating to fire escape and disability access.

Councillor Jerram says these requirements are set down in government legislation and are not matters over which Council has jurisdiction.

“We appreciate that this is going to mean extra costs for some local building owners so it would be useful if the Department of Building & Housing (which administers the Building Act) was to make a ruling, or determination, on what that reference in the Act to ‘reasonably practicable’ means in reality.”

“We would encourage building owners who find themselves in the position of having to comply with this requirement to first seek a determination from DBH,” he said.

Councillor Jerram said it would be helpful to everyone if there was more clarity on this point given that the primary motivation is simply to improve the strength of buildings.

Installing a lift in some buildings, for instance, would be both physically difficult as well as expensive to achieve, he said.

PETER JERRAM
CHAIRMAN ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE

The Sheard Allegations Report

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 01:13:49 GMT

The Sheard Allegations Report (1.03 Mb)

Media Release Civic Honours Awards 2011

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 12:00:00 GMT

Marlborough Mayor Alistair Sowman will present Civic Honours Awards to six people in a ceremony at the Council Chambers on Friday, 5 August 2011.

These honours are presented to recognise extraordinary service within the Marlborough district.

Mr Sowman says each of the six 2011 recipients has shown outstanding commitment to the community and Marlborough is fortunate to have people of such calibre.

Civic Honours Awards are awarded once within the term of each Council.

Media Release Glass Recycling Taken To The Next Level

Sun, 31 Jul 2011 12:00:00 GMT

The Marlborough District Council and its contractor at the Resource Recovery Centre and Refuse Transfer Stations, Metallic Sweeping (1998) Limited, have found a new purpose for Marlborough’s waste glass.

All glass accepted at the Resource Recovery Centre and the various transfer station sites around the district is being sorted into the different colours; Clear, Green and Brown. The glass is then shipped to a remanufacturing glass facility in Auckland where it is put through a furnace so it can be re-used for the manufacture of bottles.

Metallic Sweeping Ltd Marlborough manager Trevor Sheldon says it’s taking as little as ten days from the time a glass container leaves Blenheim to the time that newly manufactured bottles are ready for dispatch from Auckland.

Since 1 July, when Metallic Sweeping took up its contract with the Council, up to four container loads of sorted glass have been shipped to the re-manufacture facility.

Environmentally-conscious residents and businesses of Marlborough who have embraced this recycling opportunity are helping to reduce the volumes of glass that go to the landfill and back into the ground.

Mr Sheldon has expressed the company’s thanks to all residents for supporting this initiative. Commercial Operators and businesses are also welcome to contact Metallic Sweeping to make appropriate arrangements for their glass.

Steel and Metal Drop Off – Absolutely Free

The Marlborough District Council and Metallic Sweeping are also pleased to announce that there will be no charge for Steel, Metal and Scrap Metal (whiteware excluded) dropped off at the Resource Recovery Centre and the Refuse Transfer Stations.

Residents and businesses are now able to take their metal to these sites and dispose of their unwanted steel, metal and scrap metal in the containers provided for this purpose at no charge. This is now a free service to the public of Marlborough.

This is another joint initiative by the Council and Metallic Sweeping to make recycling more accessible and convenient to the public and to encourage and promote recycling. Commercial operators and businesses are also welcome to contact Metallic Sweeping to make appropriate arrangements for their steel, metal and scrap metal.

For further details and information call the Marlborough District Council on 5207400 or the Resource Recovery Centre on 5779420.

Media Release - Alfred Street Car Park Opening

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 23:43:00 GMT

The Alfred Street car parking building will be open for public parking from 8.00 am on Monday 1 August.

Free parking will be allowed until the new barrier arm and ticket machine is operational in early September.

"We wanted to allow a period of free parking to allow people time to get used to using the building but timeframes were always going to depend on the building completion date and equipment delivery times," said Council's Assets and Services chairman Graeme Taylor.

It's hoped people who take advantage of the free parking offer will park on the first and second floors and leave the spaces on the ground floor for the quick turnaround parking, he said.

After Monday, the building will be open from 6.00 am so early starting workers can use it.

Once the barrier arm and ticketing machines are installed, drivers will pay as they leave the building. Parking will be 80 cents an hour from 9.00 am until 5.30 pm, in line with the charges for pay-and-display parking in other parts of town.

After the barrier arms are operational, parking in the parking building will continue to be free from 5.30 pm until midnight. Vehicles will be unable to enter the building after midnight although they will be able to exit at any time.

Security patrols and sensor lighting will operate after hours.

The top floor, for leased spaces and Council vehicles, will be opened once security and access is in place.

The Council has not yet made decisions about early-bird rates and the number of spaces to be offered for lease.

Anyone wishing to lease a parking space may contact the Council, Ph: 520 7400.

Media Release Marlborough And Nelson Councils Push Solar Message

Sun, 10 Jul 2011 12:00:00 GMT

Marlborough District Council Media Statement

11 July 2011

Marlborough and Nelson Councils push solar message in 'The Solar promise' nationwide campaign launched today

Marlborough Mayor Alistair Sowman is joining forces with his Nelson counterpart Aldo Miccio in Wellington today for a nationwide launch of ‘The Solar Promise’, a campaign to encourage all New Zealand councils to embrace solar, to help their ratepayers turn sunshine into savings.

The Solar Promise calls for councils, as well as central government, individuals and businesses, to do what they can to help drive down the cost of solar power installation.

Today, Mr Miccio and Mr Sowman, supported by other mayors, held a briefing in Wellington calling for all other local bodies leaders to consider solar options for their communities.

Aldo Miccio says that a 2008 feasibility study carried out in partnership with the Energy Efficiency Conservation Authority (EECA) and SolarCity showed the government’s solar grant alone was not enough to help communities go solar.

“The study was clear: families want the immediate cash benefits from solar’s savings, but they need to spread the cost of solar for it to be affordable,” Mr Miccio says.

The Solar Saver Scheme is a financing mechanism to help home owners spread the cost of going solar by paying off solar installation costs through their rates.

The Marlborough District has committed to the Solar Saver Scheme through its Annual Plan. A one-year pilot programme from 2010-11 has been completed and arrangements for implementing the project are being worked on.

One free resource we have here in abundance is sunshine so it makes sense to be working on this across the top of the south, said Mr Sowman.

“In Marlborough we’ve decided to support this in principle. It’s just a case of finalising the details of the programme,” he said.

Mr Miccio says the Solar Saver Scheme has been a huge success for Nelson.

“In the scheme’s first year Nelson families put more solar systems on their roofs than the whole of Auckland City, immediately getting up to one week’s free power every month,” he says.

Alistair Sowman
Mayor

Media Release Interest In High Street Site Overlooking Taylor River

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 12:00:00 GMT

Marlborough District Council Media Statement

7 July 2011

Interest in High Street site overlooking Taylor River

The Marlborough District Council has received one response to its call for ideas for a Council-owned site at 2 High Street in keeping with the Council’s urban design strategy for the town centre.

The proposal is for a restaurant and bar complex at the site overlooking the Taylor River amphitheatre, along from Raupo Café.

Earlier this year the Council advertised for expressions of interest in the site which is at the eastern end of High Street and bounded to the west by Council car parking.

Details of the proposal are still being drawn up and have not yet been presented to Council.

UrbanismPlus, the consultants who helped produce the Council’s urban design strategy for Blenheim, will be having input to ensure any proposal that goes forward to the Council will be compatible with the overall look of the town planning strategy.

That strategy for the Blenheim town centre recognises that riverfront locations are increasingly desired as settings for businesses and residential uses but it also advocates the retention of sufficient public greenspace to allow people to enjoy the riverside setting.

Chairman of Council’s Community and Financial Planning Committee Francis Maher says the Council is looking for a use for this prime riverside site that will help to enliven and strengthen this part of town.

FRANCIS MAHER
CHAIRMAN COMMUNITY AND FINANCIAL PLANNING COMMITTEE

Media Release - Council Secures Insurance Cover for 2011-2012 Year

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 22:52:00 GMT

Marlborough District Council Media Statement

1 July 2011

Council secures insurance cover for 2011-2012 year

The Marlborough District Council has been able to secure full insurance cover at the last minute for its millions of dollars worth of assets by going into a partnership with neighbouring local bodies in Nelson and Tasman.

But District Councillors have been advised that a full review of insurance arrangements is going to be needed in the wake of the Christchurch earthquakes.

The Marlborough District Council has $250M worth of assets above ground (excluding roads) such as buildings, and another $450M below ground, including sewerage and water reticulation networks and river control. While central government meets 60% of the cost of damage to such assets in a natural disaster, local governments are liable for the remaining 40%.

Until yesterday, the Council's insurance coverage for its below ground assets was provided by the New Zealand Local Authority Protection Programme (LAPP) Disaster Fund.

But LAPP partners were recently advised that Christchurch claims were so heavy that LAPP need time to re-build its reserves before it could offer future cover.

Negotiations by the Marlborough District Council secured insurance for its above ground assets such as buildings, and other insurances such as motor vehicles, for the year ahead through a ‘Top of the South’ collective with Nelson City and Tasman District councils, said Councillor Maher.

“Given that Marlborough is considered a high risk area with its proximity to earthquake fault lines, we were fortunate to be able to go to the insurance market as part of a bigger pool and secure this insurance,” he said.

“Unfortunately we must face up to the fact that insurance costs are going to be a very significant cost for the Council in the years ahead but at least we have bought the Council time to conduct a full review of our insurance situation,” he said.

Alistair Sowman
Mayor

Media Release - Changes To Waste Collection Come Into Effect

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 22:40:00 GMT

Marlborough District Council Media Statement

30 June 2011

Changes to waste collection come into effect

Changes to kerbside collection days for the Council waste collection service come into effect tomorrow (Friday).

New contractors have won tenders for several waste services including the rubbish and recycling collections.

The changes to kerbside collection will affect some residential areas where the current collection day is Monday, Tuesday or Thursday. All affected residents should have received a flyer in their letterbox and maps have been published in the newspaper showing where collection days will change. The information is also on the Marlborough District Council website.

The changes are aimed at improved efficiency, particularly in weeks where Monday is a public holiday and the collection is carried over to the Tuesday.

The Council recently announced the new contracts for waste services would mean significant savings to the ratepayer.

A single contractor, Earthcare, will now be handling both rubbish collection and recycling bins. Roading & Asphalt will take over the management of the Council landfill at Taylor Pass Road while Metallic Sweeping will have responsibility for the transfer stations and resource recovery centre.

Operations and maintenance engineer Stephen Rooney says the only direct impact on the public should be the changes to collection days.

There will be a new scale of fees at the landfill with waste to be measured by weight rather than volume in future. Commercial waste collection companies using the Picton transfer station will also be charged by weight,.

That should have little impact except for the heavier type of cleanfill waste like soils, gravel or concrete rubble, which will become more expensive to dump at the landfill.

Mr Rooney says it’s hoped this will encourage the commercial operators to take this sort of material to a cleanfill site, rather than leaving it at the landfill.

“We’d rather the landfill was being used for its intended purpose and discouraging this sort of dumping should help to extend the life of the landfill,” he said.

STEPHEN ROONEY
OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE ENGINEER

Media Release - Updating The Name Of Our Airport

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 22:20:00 GMT

Marlborough District Council Media Statement

30 June 2011

Updating the name of our airport media statement

New signage is being planned for Blenheim Airport to emphasise the regional title of Marlborough.

The new signs will declare the airport “Marlborough Airport, Blenheim”, underlining the high recognition factor that goes with the name Marlborough.

‘We’re updating the brand and there’s no doubt that brand Marlborough carries a cachet that no other region can match. But there’s also a certain logic; we’re a regional airport and Marlborough is the name of our region,” said Mayor Alistair Sowman.

“There’s always been a bit of confusion given the airport location and the use of the name Woodbourne. But Destination Marlborough has been promoting the Marlborough region as one destination and there’s high recognition of the name,” he said.

He says Destination Marlborough had reported continuing feedback from the industry and from tourists that they recognise Marlborough as a destination but are uncertain about the location of Blenheim.

The board of Marlborough Airport Limited, a wholly Council-owned subsidiary, has just completed a review of the airport management.

As well as deciding to upgrade the signs at the airport gateway and on the terminal’s exterior, the airport company is moving its office into the terminal.

From Friday, two fulltime airport company staff, airside operations manager Chris Gee and airport administration manager Angela Adye, will be working from a new office inside the airport building.

“This will give the airport company a higher profile, both to tenants and to people using the terminal,” said Mr Sowman.

RNZAF Base Woodbourne will continue to provide Airport Fire Services at the airport.

Telephone numbers and emails to Marlborough Airport Limited will remain the same but the postal address is now PO Box 1101, Blenheim 7240.

Alistair Sowman
Mayor

Media Release Average Rate Increase Held Down to 3.19%

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 12:00:00 GMT

Marlborough District Council Media Statement

30 June 2011

Average rate increase held down to 3.19%

The average rates increase across Marlborough in the coming year will be 3.19%.

The Marlborough District Council confirmed the rate when it formally adopted its Annual Plan for 2011-12 at a meeting today.

The figure indicates the increase in total revenue the Council will receive through rates compared with the previous year.

Mayor Alistair Sowman says the Council has worked hard to keep the rates take as close as possible to the rate of inflation.

Different geographic areas will be affected differently.

Council’s list of benchmark properties shows a typical increase in urban Blenheim will be just over 5% while for a remote Marlborough Sounds property the increase will range from 0.5% to just under 3%.

Councillors have managed to keep rates as low as possible in the face of significant budget pressures including such things as rising insurance premiums and fuel costs, said Mr Sowman.

“We set out to deliver an annual plan that is balanced - one that plans for the future, strengthens our infrastructure and delivers affordable rates - and I believe we’ve achieved that.”

“Councillors appreciate we are still in difficult economic times and we must hold the line on costs but we have also acknowledged our responsibility to invest a little bit into the Marlborough of tomorrow,” said Mr Sowman.

Alistair Sowman
Mayor

Media Release Unofficial Used Car Lot To Be Cleared

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 12:00:00 GMT

Marlborough District Council Media Statement

15 June 2011

Unofficial used car lot to be cleared

Vehicle owners who’ve been using a strip of land on Grove Road to offer their vehicles for sale are being warned that they must move their vehicles off the site.

The land adjacent to the railway line at the state highway one intersection of Nelson Street, Dillons Point Road and Grove Road is often filled with cheaply priced vehicles.

The New Zealand Transport Agency land is now leased by the Council and work is scheduled to begin soon to transform the informal used car lot into a proper parking area to support the i-Site and Railway Station.

Council Executive Projects Manager Jamie Lyall says this will help to tidy up the appearance of a major entry point to Blenheim.

The Council’s Community and Financial Planning Committee will be asked to approve the funding for sealing and landscaping the new area on Thursday.

Mr Lyall says a sign will be erected this week advising all vehicle owners to remove their cars and notices will be placed on vehicle windscreens.

ALISTAIR SOWMAN
MAYOR

Media Release Council Budget Decisions

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 20:38:00 GMT

Marlborough District Council Media Statement

14 June 2011

Council budget decision

The average increase in rates across Marlborough has been held to 3.2% after a day-long consideration of more than seven hundred submissions from ratepayers.

The figure edged up by 0.4% on the original estimate after councillors reviewed the submissions.

The individual percentage change to rates for the year ahead depends on the location of a property; it is not a uniform increase across the region.

Marlborough Mayor Alistair Sowman says councillors were well aware that ratepayers expect prudence.

“We aim to get the rate increase as low as possible while taking on board the views of those who made submissions. But it is always tough to decide what is in and what is to be cut. It’s a balancing act,” said Mr Sowman.

Key decisions include:

Councillors agreed to reinstate annual funding of $50,000 for Arts and Culture Strategy after initially withdrawing it, attracting a raft of submissions calling for it to be restored.
The Aviation Heritage Museum Trust will get a $1.4M loan, rather than the proposed grant of that amount. In return, the Council wants to appoint a council employee as a trustee to increase oversight of the Trust’s activities. The Council also agreed that if the Aviation Heritage Centre raises all the finance to complete the second stage of the Centre itself within five years, the loan will be written off.
Councillors approved the $6M purchase of the existing Civic Theatre block in Queen Street, as well as confirming an earlier agreement to grant $5M for a new theatre.

Mayor Alistair Sowman says the Aviation Heritage Centre has been a success story but the demands of servicing its set-up loan had limited its marketing and growth.

“We know it’s a valuable tourist attraction for the region bringing in good crowds but we would like to work with the Centre to set expanded visitor targets. We also hope the loan conditions will be an incentive for the Trust to move ahead with its second stage of development themed on World War II,” said Mr Sowman.

The Mayor said the decision to buy the Queen Street block including the existing civic theatre was an important town planning measure for Blenheim.

“During the recent public consultations with our town planning consultants, that block was singled out as a strategic site for a mixed community and retail development which would inject life back into Queen Street. The possibility of building a new library there would fulfil that aspiration so it is important to secure the site so the Council is in a position to fulfil that plan at some future date,” said Mr Sowman.

“We don’t know when that will be but we need to start the planning now in the long term interests of the town,” he said.

With the budgets now approved, a full Council meeting at the end of the month will formally adopt the Annual Plan 2011-12 and strike the rates for the year ahead.

Alistair Sowman
Mayor

Media Release - Puppy Pandemonium At The Pound

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 01:42:41 GMT

Marlborough District Council Media Statement

1 June 2011

Ask for: Garth Congdon

Puppy pandemonium at the pound

The Council dog pound urgently needs good homes for young pups.

The Council’s animal control officers have 14 dogs in their care; seven of them pups needing a home immediately.

Normally the animals would go to the SPCA out at Foxes Island but they too currently have a full house.

Council animal control officer Candice O’Brien says the seven pups are three months to a year old and they’re making big demands on staff time as they need concentrated care and lots of handling at this age.

The pups are Collie, Labrador and Huntaway crossbreeds with good temperaments and all very suitable as pets, she says.

Maata Waaka, which runs animal control for the Council, will sell the pups for $130 each which covers registration and micro-chipping for each animal.

A seven-day trial is offered to ensure the pup suits the new owner.

“We must ensure the pups go to good homes and that people understand the commitment of owning a dog,” she said.

Enquiries to Maataa Waka Ph: 520 9033.

GARTH CONGDON
COMPLIANCE MANAGER

Media Release - Keep Dogs Away From Wither Hills Farm Park Stock

Tue, 31 May 2011 12:00:00 GMT

Marlborough District Council Media Statement

31 May 2011

Keep dogs away from Wither Hills Farm Park stock

Ask For: Peter Jerram

Council Environment Committee chairman Peter Jerram is asking dog owners to be guided by common sense and keep their dogs away from the stock on the Wither Hills Farm Park regardless of current Council bylaws.

The current bylaw allows dogs, on their leash, in part of the Wither hills Farm Park Wither Hills Farm Park, on the Gentle Annie and Rotary lookout track area and the associated access from the Taylor Pass Road car park.

However, Mr Jerram says a conflict between existing policy and the bylaw has emerged and, while that is being resolved, dog-owners are asked not to take dogs onto these tracks.

The existing bylaw also allows dogs on a leash in the town centres of Blenheim and Picton.

The Council’s animal control sub-committee is reviewing the entire bylaw.

Members of the public will get a chance to express their views on the recommendation made by the animal-control subcommittee before the Council makes a decision on the matter.

Councillor Jerram, who chairs the subcommittee, says dog-owners, retailers and members of the public will want to have their say because opinions vary widely. But in the meantime he is adamant that dogs must not be taken into areas where livestock are grazing.

“I know the bylaw says dogs can be walked on these two tracks inside the Farm Park but I think all responsible dog-owners know that pet dogs and farm stock don’t mix,” said Mr Jerram.

“I realise that some dog owners have welcomed the news that they can take their dogs up the hill but if they stop and think about it I would hope they realise the risks. I don’t know many farmers who’d welcome members of the public bringing their dogs into their paddocks of stock,” he said.

Mr Jerram says dog owners already have a large, central area to let their dogs off the leash; on the banks of the Taylor River, from town right up to the Taylor Dam, but the sub-committee will also be looking at other areas which may be suitable for exercising dogs.

The Marlborough District Council bylaw as it currently stands bans dogs from these areas only:

All public playgrounds and swimming pools, sportsgrounds, cemeteries and war memorials
Wither Hills Farm Park (dogs are allowed only on the Gentle Annie and Rotary lookout track area and the associated access from the Taylor Pass Road car park).
Churchward Park and Collins Memorial Deer Park at Koromiko (allowed in picnic area only)
The Picton foreshore area, including the newly developed commercial area
The grassed area of Shelley Beach and the grassed area and foreshore between the slipway and the jetty at Waikawa Bay.

PETER JERRAM
CHAIRMAN ANIMAL CONTROL SUB COMMITTEE

Media Release - Park Free For Opening Weeks Of Alfred Street Car Parking Building

Tue, 31 May 2011 12:00:00 GMT

Marlborough District Council Media Statement

1 June 2011

Park free for opening weeks of Alfred Street car parking building

Ask For: Graeme Taylor

Free parking for up to four hours will be allowed in the new Alfred Street car parking building until the new barrier arm and ticket machine is installed, probably late in July.

The contractors are expected to hand the completed parking building over to the Council on 20 June and it will be opened as soon as possible after that date.

The free parking period will give people a chance to get familiar with the parking building and, we hope, encourage them to realise what a convenient, central location it is to leave their vehicles, said Council’s Assets and Services chairman Graeme Taylor.

“A few weeks should be plenty of time for everyone to get used to it, even those who initially might be reluctant to venture beyond the ground floor,” said Councillor Taylor.

“We hope people who want to use the full four-hour opportunity will go to the second or third floors and leave the ground level free for quick turnaround parking.

The barrier arm and ticketing mechanism, imported from Germany, will be installed as soon as it arrives. This pay-as-you-leave option is being introduced at the request of Blenheim retailers who say it removes the threat of parking tickets from shoppers.

Once the barrier arms are installed ordinary parking will be 80cents an hour, in line with pay-and-display parking in other parts of town, from 8am until 5.30 pm.

After hours parking will be free in the parking building, from 5.30 pm until midnight. No entry will be possible for vehicles after midnight although vehicles will be able to exit at any time.

Bright security lighting and security cameras are being installed within the building and at access points in the interests of good safety standards.

Decisions have yet to be made on the daily early-bird rate and any leasing of parking spaces.

A submission to the draft annual plan suggests more ground level parking should be opened up, directly behind the council buildings, particularly for larger vehicles, by using the top, uncovered, floor of the parking building for council vehicles. That floor will be protected by the regular security patrol, security cameras and night-time swipe-card access only. ” Council needs to consider this” said Councillor Taylor.

GRAEME TAYLOR
cHAIRMAN ASSETS AND SERVICES COMMITTEE

Media Release - NMDHB Advises Shellfish Dangerous to Eat

Sun, 15 May 2011 22:20:53 GMT

Community Update from NMDHB (559 Kb)

Port Underwood shellfish ban has been lifted, but Queen Charlotte ban is still in place.

Health Warning from NMDHB (433 Kb

Updated information on marine species unsafe to eat.

Health Warning from NMDHB (426 Kb)

Toxins are still at dangerous levels in shellfish in Queen Charlotte Sound and Port Underwood.

Media Release - NMDHB Advises of Toxic Algal Bloom

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 03:23:45 GMT

Media Statement

* 25 March 2011*
Contact Information: * Nelson Marlborough Public Health Service, Ph: 520 9914 Blenheim or 520 9999 after hours*

Queen Charlotte Sound toxic algal bloom - ban on gathering of shellfish (183 Kb)

Port Underwood toxic algal bloom - ban on gathering of shellfish (114 Kb)

Earthquake Media Updates

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 03:48:00 GMT

General Information

Marlborough Emergency Management Group Media Statement

Monday 21 March

New Phone Line for Emergency Accommodation in Marlborough

Housing New Zealand now has a 24-hour phone line to handle any requests for emergency accommodation in Marlborough from Christchurch people affected by the earthquake.

The Housing New Zealand 24-hour phone line is 0800 435 700.

All requests for assistance with accommodation should now be directed there, rather than to Civil Defence.

Mayor Alistair Sowman has offered his personal thanks to the several hundred Marlborough people who offered houses and baches to people fleeing from Christchurch.

Many individuals and families had been given a very welcome respite in Marlborough and the hospitality had been greatly appreciated, he said.

Wednesday 2 March

Food Donations Needed

Donations of foodstuffs continue to be needed by the Marlborough agencies dealing with the aftermath of the Christchurch earthquake.

At the Waikawa Marae, where the largest numbers of families are being hosted, sometimes just until they can catch the ferry north, there is a need for nutritious meals and fresh fruit and vegetables as well as baking.
The Red Cross, in Redwood Street, currently needs donations of healthy foods including fresh fruit.
The Salvation Army is continuing to welcome donations of all foodstuffs at Henry Street.
Local Maori health provider Te Hauora o Ngati Rarua is asking for non-perishable food donations only at present. These can be left at its offices at 2C North Street in Redwoodtown.

People here are also urged to keep donating non-perishable items to the supermarket bins of the Marlborough Foodbank as extra food parcels are being distributed to earthquake victims arriving in Blenheim who are in need.

The local foodbanks are not sending food to Christchurch because of the level of need here.

Friday 25 February

Salvation Army Appeal For Marlborough Donations For Christchurch

The Salvation Army in Blenheim is appealing for goods for Christchurch earthquake victims.

There is a particular need for:

Foodstuffs
Bedding and pillows
Toiletries
Baby needs including disposable nappies
New underwear for all ages.

Donations may be left at the Salvation Army base in Henry Street any time today or between 10.00 am and 3.00 pm during this weekend.

Donated goods are being taken to Christchurch each day.

The Community Foodbank is also appealing for people to leave donations of food in their supermarket bins around the region.

25 February 2011

Marlborough Mayor Alistair Sowman says he is certain the people of Marlborough will respond to the Christchurch earthquake with warmth and generosity, providing any help possible in the very difficult weeks ahead.

“We are preparing to absorb a significant number of Christchurch people – individuals and families who will be under stress, even traumatised. I know many people here have taken in family and friends from the south and our various community agencies are working together to offer advice and support,” he said.

Well over a hundred local people across Marlborough have rung the Civil Defence emergency accommodation phone number to offer a roof to those who need shelter.

“We don’t yet know how great the need will be. But we have a church hall on standby and local maraes have already taken people in,” said Mr Sowman.

“I know there are already a number of community initiatives underway to help Christchurch earthquake victims and I commend Marlborough people for that,” said Mr Sowman.

In the meantime, it is important that people here realise they do not need to panic, said Mr Sowman.

“There’s no need to rush the supermarkets and petrol stations here. We are in the fortunate position of receiving regular shipments from Nelson and from the north,” he said.

Mr Sowman has sent a message to Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker to assure him that this region is standing by ready to help.

“Some of our emergency staff went south immediately after the earthquake; in the days ahead more will follow. We will also send equipment as required. The Council has sent a building inspection team so that may have some impact on work here in Marlborough and I ask people to understand if there are delays here as a result of local staff shortage,” said Mr Sowman.

The Salvation Army, supported by Crossroads, is coordinating donated food supplies for Christchurch and deliveries are well underway.

“Please remember our local foodbanks are also likely to face increased demand here at home as our families take in friends and relatives from the south,” said the Mayor.

ALISTAIR SOWMAN
MAYOR

24 February 2011

Change to Arrangements For Donated Foodstuffs For Christchurch Earthquake Victims

Donations of foodstuffs for Christchurch earthquake victims may be taken to these organisations:

The Salvation Army, in Henry Street, in Blenheim,
Crossroads at 2 Redwood Street
In Picton, the i-SITE is the drop-off point for food donations.

The Blenheim Foodbank is also asking people to remember to leave donations at their supermarket bins. The Foodbank here is expecting local demand for emergency food packages to rise as families take in friends and relatives from Christchurch.

By late today, more than one hundred offers of accommodation from people all over Marlborough had been received on the Emergency Accommodation phone line Ph: 520 7490.

Only one or two enquiries have been received from people enquiring about billets.

23 February 2011

Contact Phone Number For Displaced Earthquake Victims Arriving In Marlborough

A central phone number has been established to handle all calls from Christchurch people arriving in Marlborough in need of accommodation because of the earthquake.

People wishing to open their homes to these people may also phone this number to leave their details.

The 24-hour phone number is 520 7490.

Police and Wairau Hospital will be directing any Christchurch arrivals to this telephone number.

All the offers made through various agencies, like the Salvation Army and John’s Kitchen, will be collated and allocated through this centralised contact point.

Plans are being made to ensure a church hall will be available for emergency overnight shelter should there be any sudden large influx of travellers into Marlborough. The maraes at Waikawa and Omaka will also be able to accommodate people from this weekend, if required.

There has been a steady level of travellers reaching Marlborough since the earthquake struck but, currently, there is still commercial accommodation available.

Police report that Hanmer Springs and Gore Bay has no more accommodation available and Kaikoura is filling fast.

The Police stress that people should not try to travel south toward Christchurch at this time.

Food and fuel supplies into Marlborough have not been disrupted, there are no shortages and the public is advised there is no need to accumulate large stockpiles.

$name

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 GMT

Marlborough District Council

Temporary Road Closures

On this page

Sunday 27 May 2012

Seaview Road, Seddon

Redwood Pass Road

Queen's Birthday Weekend Holiday Hours

Blenheim Refuse Bag and Recycling Collections and Transfer Station Hours

Marlborough District Library and Picton Library and Service Centre Hours

Please Let Us Collect Your Council Rubbish Bags From The Kerb

Water Supply Shutdown - Springlands, Blenheim - 22 May 2012

Water Supply Interruptions John Street And Andrew Place 21 to 23 May

A Wizard Afternoon At The Library

Queen's Birthday Kerbside Collections

Courtesy Crossings Rely On Good Manners

Notices for 17 May 2012

On this page

Community News - Did You Know?

Marlborough Community Hospice Shop

Mobility scooter seminar in Picton

Road Safety Course for Drivers 65+ years

Rating information database

Dog Owners

Temporary Road Closure - Sunday 20 May 2012

Public Notice of a Proposed Plan Change to the Wairau/Awatere Resource Management Plan

Awatere and Seddon Drinking Water

Where Should The Lines Be Drawn On Freedom Camping?

Accolades For Council Website And Its Administrator

Positive Ageing Library Resources And Services

Learning To Care For Our Waterways

Unsealed Road Maintenance

A Big Thank You To Winery Truck Drivers

Conferences And Conventions Bring Business To Marlborough

First Frosts Signal Winter Is Coming Fast

2012 ShakeOut

Council Garden Giveaway Happens Twice A Year

Positive Ageing - Working With Council

Ronga Road Washout

Notices for 10 May 2012

On this page

Council rubbish bags

Please let us collect yours from the kerb

Road safety course for drivers 65+ years

Boulevard Park on Taylor

Temporary Road Closure - Saturday 12 May 2012

Request for Information (RFI)

Community News - Did you Know?

C.A.R.E Marlborough

Awatere and Seddon Drinking Water

Boil Water Notice

Deadline Looming For Submissions On Draft Long Term Plan

Responsible Dumping Of Electronic Waste

Council Position On King Salmon's Bid For Expansion In The Marlborough Sounds

Great Book Character Hunt

Dog Policy Review

Positive Ageing Planning To Meet Funeral Costs

Notices for 3 May 2012

On this page

Community News - Did You Know?

Asthma Marlborough

Boulevard Park on Taylor

Declaration of Stopping of Road

Forest Park Drive, Taylor Pass

SCHEDULE

Mobility scooter seminar in Picton

Awatere and Seddon Drinking Water

Boil Water Notice

Media Release War Memorial Clock Tower In Seymour Square

Media Release Please Don't Smoke In Our Parks And Playgrounds

Giving Away Annuals From Seymour Square

Positive Ageing Is Your Bank Looking After You?

Notices for 26 April 2012

On this page

Community News - Did you Know?

Riding for the Disabled

The Big Splash

Opening Weekend Events

Saturday

Sunday

Seymour Square - Annuals removal