Official Council Notices for 5 November 2009
A Memborable Event Season
Marlborough is in the midst of its busy events season as our anniversary celebrations come to a climax and we enjoy the festivals ahead in the run up to Christmas.
This weekend is Hunter's Garden Marlborough - a chance to showcase our region to the big crowds who pour in for this popular event. Marlborough District Council gardeners have worked overtime to ensure our public gardens look their best as have the many wonderful gardeners who throw their private properties open to the garden tours. This event has become one of Marlborough's top public relations successes.
It's A&P Show Day too - where town meets country and all the finest exhibits of our primary producers are on display. Whether you're a youngster fascinated by the baby animals or the sideshows or a farmer looking at the latest farm machinery, there's a great day out to be had.
If the adrenalin of the sideshows is not enough, maybe Saturday's Queen Charlotte Classic appeals to you. A multi-sport adventure day out, the event begins at Mistletoe Bay with competitors running and biking the Queen Charlotte Track before kayaking the last leg from Waikawa to Picton.
It's a red-letter day for Renwicks sports and community organisations too with the official opening of the new Giesen Sport and Recreation Centre on Saturday. A partnership between the Marlborough District Council and the Renwick community means the town now has a centre which will serve Renwick's needs for future decades.
Dog Owners
Guys Fawkes can be a terrifying time for some animals and sadly every year animals are injured and become lost during this time.
Tips for keeping your pet safe during the Guy Fawkes period include:
- Shut pets in a room with curtains closed, lights on and background music during fireworks displays. Don't forget your pet will need water, food and toileting.
- Ensure pets are unable to escape from the property. Remember a petrified dog may tangle its chain or slip its collar.
- Ensure your dog is wearing a correctly fitting collar with its registration tag attached for identification if lost.
If you are going to be letting off fireworks, think of animals in the area and let your neighbours know as they may wish to lock up their pets or move stock.
Please be tolerant of barking dogs. These animals may be stressed by the fireworks and do not understand they are creating a nuisance.
Lost and found dogs should be reported immediately to Animal Control on 03 520 9033 so they can be reunited with their owner.
Marlborough District Council Animal Control
Maataa Waka Ki Te Tau Ihu Trust
Reuniting owners and lost pets
and
Helping to keep animals safe during Guy Fawkes
Cable Cars in the Marlborough District
In 2004 a revamped Building Act was released in a bid to better the New Zealand building industry. There were a number of new items implemented in an attempt to safe guard people from injury and illness in everyday use.
One of these items being the need for home and bach owners to register their cable cars and implement a maintenance and inspection regime.
All cable car owners are therefore required to apply to the Council to have their cable cars registered and have their cable car added to a Compliance Schedule. The registration must be completed as soon as possible.
To accompany these applications the owners will need to provide evidence that the cable car is safe for general use, and provide details of the inspection and maintenance regime for the cable car.
The general requirements are set out in the New Zealand standard NZS5270:2005 and if the cable car is not strictly in accordance with the standard an Engineers report stating that the cable car is compliant as an alternative solution to the standard will be required.
For existing cable cars the Council is aware that they may not fully comply and that there will need to be certain leeway allowed to these. The recommendations for assessing existing cable cars are taken from NZS5270:2005 and are listed below:
It is strongly recommended that existing cable car installations:
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Be regularly maintained to meet at least the safety level of the original equipment
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Have an over-speed brake installed where not already fitted
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Have safety circuits correctly configured
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Have emergency stop controls installed in the car and at every landing (a wireless system inside the car may be suitable for retrofitting but is not considered ideal)
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Have other features of the installation modified to meet this standard as far as is practicable
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Have clearances in line with NZS5270 where practicable.
Note - Crush accidents against decks and fixed structures have been a major cause of injury and accidents related to cable cars.
Cable car definition - A vehicle that carries people or goods on or along an inclined plane; and that operates wholly or partly outside of a building; and the traction for which is supplied by a cable or any other means. It does not include a lift that carries people or goods between floors of a building (Building Act 2004)
For technical advice owners of cable cars will need to contact a qualified engineer or Independent Qualified Person(IQP).
Please contact Nick Brabant at the Marlborough District Council for more information.
Positive Aging
Helping Older People Get Out and About
Driving a car and even negotiating a mobility scooter sometimes becomes impossible for older people due to diminishing health and strength or because of a disability.
Free public transport is available in Blenheim during the week on the Blenheim Bus.
But for certain people taxis may be the only option if they are to maintain some independence.
Assistance is available for some members of the community with long-term impairment to enable them to have access to door-to-door transport, jointly funded by the District Council and the NZ Transport Agency.
For example, someone whose arthritis makes it too difficult to get on or off the bus easily may qualify. Likewise, someone may qualify if they have a medical condition that stops them travelling in a safe or dignified way on public transport.
A number of community organisations in Marlborough are authorised to handle eligibility assessments.
People who qualify for this assistance are issued with a photo ID card and vouchers up to the value of $20 for a one-way trip for travel within Marlborough.
In Blenheim, two local taxi companies accept the vouchers.
There's no restriction on the purpose of the trip; it can be to the doctor or the shop or for personal or social reasons.
Inquiries about the Total Mobility Scheme can be made to the Marlborough District Council Ph 520-7400 or email total.mobility@marlborough.govt.nz
For those people who have restricted personal mobility, the Marlborough District Council has allocated disabled parking spaces in public parking areas throughout town, including outside supermarkets and medical centres.
CCS Disability Action issues the parking permits which entitle drivers to use these carparks.
Application forms are available at the Council offices in Seymour Street.
Our Land, Our Water, Our Place
Chilean Needle Grass
Spring growth of weeds is a serious problem for some farms where pest plants can smother pasture, threaten stock and cost thousands of dollars in sprays and lost production.
The most invasive pest plant in Marlborough is Chilean needle grass, known as "little dart" in its native South America. Between November and January it sends up seeds that can spread easily into neighbouring properties through hay and silage, or on machinery moving from one farm to another. The point of the seed is sharp and hairy and latches easily on to clothing and vehicles. It also drills into the flesh of passing animals, especially sheep, causing painful wounds and damage to pelts.
The Marlborough District Council's State of the Environment report says there are 125 properties known to be infested with Chilean needle grass, most of them in the Blind River and Awatere area. As farms get subdivided for grapes and lifestyle blocks, the council works with new owners to make sure they understand the threat and keep up control programmes such as spraying with herbicides and hosing down machinery to stop the spread.
The report says Marlborough has 33 plant species that are pests, including broom, gorse, nassella tussock, parrots feather and eel grass. As part of Garden Marlborough the council and DOC are running a plant swap at the fete in Seymour Square on Sunday. Pull up and bring an invasive weed (as listed in the "Plant Me Instead" booklet at the council) and you will get a free native plant to replace it.
The State of the Environment 2008 report is available at the Council offices in Seymour Street and online
www.marlborough.govt.nz/enviromonitoring
Marlborough 150th Anniversary Events
November is 'Marlborough Pass' month, where different key businesses in the region have put together special offers, specifically for Marlburians, to experience our beautiful region. For example, free admission for Marlburians and Half Price for your out of town visitors to the Marlborough Museum; a two for one admission on the Montana Pioneer wine tour; two for one admission to the Aviation Heritage Centre.....to name but a few.
Check out the Marlborough Express week commencing 19 October for this voucher which will entitle you to fantastic offers. Conditions apply.
During November also; Marlborough Historical Society - Photographic display 'Marlborough and its environs 1910 - 1959' at Marlborough Museum.
6 and 7 November
137th annual A & P Show celebrating the M150th anniversary - Friday open 7:00 am until 9:00 pm and Saturday 7.00 am until 5.00 pm - A & P Park, Maxwell Road - tickets cost $10 adults, $5 students and under 2 years free - contact Pauline Childs on 5785822 for more information.
7 November
Queen Charlotte classic race - special M150th version - contact Peter Yarrell peter-yarrell@xtra.co.nz for further information.
8 November
Senior's 150th Celebration Dance - 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm at ground floor, Combined Clubs of Marlborough - tickets $5 per person, available at Age Concern, MS and Parkinsons Society, Presbyterian Support Services or Combined Clubs of Marlborough - tickets available from the beginning of October - contact Helen North for details on 579 3457 or email ageconble@xtra.co.nz
Nativity 150th concert and church service - contact Alison Brice 578 3909 for more information.
11 November
Marlborough Historical Society presentation at the Marlborough Museum - 'Distracting ourselves: Cultural Pursuits in Marlborough' by Jane Vial - 5:15 pm to 6:15 pm approximately - gold coin donation appreciated - no need to register.
13 November
Civic Honours Awards afternoon tea at the Council - contact Margaret Western at the Marlborough District Council on 520 7400 for more details
15 November
Marlborough Historical Society presentation at the Marlborough Museum - 'A stitch in time...Costumes and Clothes' by Pam Saunders - 2.00 pm to 3.00 pm approximately - gold coin donation appreciated - no need to register.
During December
Marlborough Historical Society - photographic display 'Marlborough and its environs 1910 - 1959' at Marlborough Museum.
Upper Wairau Cemetery Board of Trustees
Public Notice is given that the Marlborough District Council acting under a delegation confirmed by order in Council, has appointed James Kay and Chris Kay as additional Trustees on the Upper Wairau Cemetery Board of Trustees pursuant to Section 24 of the Burial and Cremations Act 1964.
Sister City Exchange: September/October 2010
Students aged between 13 and no older than 16 years of age in September 2010 are invited to apply to take part in the annual two week Student Exchange to Tendo and Otari in Japan.
Any practising and registered Pre-school, Primary or Secondary teacher is also invited to apply to accompany the students.
Written applications stating:
- why you want to go on the Exchange;
- what you would hope to gain from it; and
- how you can best represent Marlborough.
must be received by Tuesday 1 December 2009.
Students do not have to be studying Japanese, but if selected, must be willing to learn some basic words and phrases.
Applications are to be made in writing to:
Mr Mike Porter
Democratic Services Co-ordinator
Marlborough District Council
PO Box 443
Blenheim 7240
Some assistance with cost may be offered.
Any queries should be directed to Mike Porter on Ph: 520 7400.
Destinaton Marlborough Trust Inc
Board Member Appointments
Destination Marlborough is the successful Regional Tourism Organization marketing Marlborough in domestic and global tourism markets. It also manages the Picton and Blenheim i-Sites. It is funded by Marlborough District Council, by industry, from its operations and through the targeted tourism rate.
Destination Marlborough has made significant progress in growing tourism to Marlborough, working with Council, tourism operators, the wine industry, the business community and many local organisations. It represents Marlborough internationally in conjunction with other regional tourism organisations, through TRENZ, and through Tourism New Zealand's international marketing programs. It initiates domestic marketing campaigns and has recently established a conference marketing group.
There is a strong marketing team, good operating systems in place, effective management in the i-Sites, a long term strategic plan to guide the future and an annual performance-based plan. The Board's role is one of governance, it reviews financial and operational performance, resourcing and the achievement of strategic and operational goals.
The Board consists of four appointed members and two Council nominees. Under the Destination Marlborough Trust Deed, two Board positions are appointed each year for a two-year term. The Appointments Committee seeks applications from persons with an understanding of tourism who can bring skills which will contribute to the future of the organisation. Experience in a corporate governance role would be an advantage. The role includes attendance at monthly board meetings, involvement in working committees and undertaking specific tasks from time to time.
Written applications, which nominate referees, should be addressed to:
Board Appointments Committee
Destination Marlborough
PO Box 29, Blenheim 7240
Applications may be submitted by email addressed to info@destinationmarlborough.com
Further information may be obtained from Dain Simpson on Ph: 573 5586.
Applications close Friday 13 November 2009
Opawa Loop Herbicide Spray Applicadtion
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 16 November 2009.
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: 520 7400.
Temporary Road Closure - Sunday 8 November 2009
Hunters Garden Marlborough Garden Fete
Notice is given under Section 342 of the Local Government Act 1974 that on
Sunday 8 November 2009 between the hours of 6.30 am and 5.00 pm the following streets will be closed to all vehicles with the exception of Alfred Street which will be closed between 12 noon and 5.00 pm
- Seymour Street from the intersection of High Street to Alfred Street,
- Henry Street from the intersection of High Street to Alfred Street
- High Street from the intersection of Henry Street to Seymour Street
- Alfred Street from the intersection of Henry Street to Seymour Street
for the purpose of the Hunters Garden Marlborough Garden Fête.
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: 520 8335.
ALISTAIR SOWMAN
MAYOR
Temporary Road Closure - Sunday 8 November 2009
Redwood Pass Road
Pursuant to the Transport (Vehicular Traffic Road Closure) Regulations 1965, notice is given that, Redwood Pass from the end of the seal on the northern side to a point approximately 1 kilometre past the summit will be closed to ordinary vehicle traffic on Sunday 8 November 2009 from 7.30 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.
Temporary Road Closure - Wednesday 11 November 2009
Armistice Day Commemoration Service
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN under Section 342 of the Local Government Act 1974 that Seymour Street from the intersection of High Street to John Street will be closed to all vehicles between the hours of 10.30am and 12.15pm on Wednesday, 11 November 2009 for the purpose of the Armistice Day Commemoration Service.
NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN that parking will be prohibited in Seymour Street from the intersection of High Street to Alfred Street from 8.00 am to 12.15 pm on Wednesday, 11 November 2009.
Any enquiries should be directed to Keith Turner, Marlborough Roads, Ph: 577 1850.
ALISTAIR SOWMAN
MAYOR
Temporary Road Closure - Sunday 13 December 2009
Christmas Parade Floats
Pursuant to the Transport (Vehicular Traffic Road Closure) Regulations 1965, notice is given that the following streets are proposed to be closed to all vehicles between the hours of 12.30 pm and 3.30 pm on Sunday 13 December 2009 for the purpose of the assembly of Christmas Parade Floats.
Streets to be closed:
- John Street between Hutcheson Street and Henry Street.
- Seymour Street from Alfred Street to John Street
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.
Prohibited Parking - Christmas Parade
Notice is given that parking of vehicles is prohibited in:
Alfred Street from Market Street North to Seymour Street
Seymour Street from Alfred Street to High Street,
High Street from Seymour Street to Market Street ,
Queen Street from High Street to Maxwell Road
Maxwell Road from Queen Street to Market Street and
Market Street from Maxwell Road to Alfred Street
on Sunday 13 December 2009 from 12.30 pm to 3.30 pm to ensure public safety during the Christmas Parade.
Any enquiries should be addressed to Keith Turner, Marlborough Roads, Ph: 520 8335
ALISTAIR SOMAN
MAYOR
Notification of Meetings
November 2009
The Marlborough District Council hereby gives notice pursuant to the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 of the following meetings:
- Environmental Policy Committee
Monday, 16 November 2009 at 1.30pm
- Assets & Services Committee
Thursday, 19 November 2009 at 8.30am
- Community & Financial Planning Committee
Monday, 23 November 2009 at 1.30pm
- Environment Committee
Thursday, 26 November 2009 at 1.30pm
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, Committee Secretary, Ph: 520 7400.
Community News - Did you Know?
Marlborough Multiple Sclerosis & Parkinsonism Society
The Marlborough Multiple Sclerosis & Parkinsonism Society has a Field Officer who is available for information, education, support and advocacy for persons with Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinsons and other allied neurological conditions. Support is also available for their carers and families.
For more information Ph: 578 4058.
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 which 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: 520 7400.
Final Proposal for Representation Arrangements for the 2010 Local Elections
On 29 October 2009 the Marlborough District Council considered the submissions received on its initial proposal regarding the representation arrangements to apply to Council for the local elections to be held on 9 October 2010.
Council received two submissions on its proposal as follows:
- one submitter considered that Council's proposal does not comply with the appropriate provisions of section 19V(3)(a) of the Local Electoral Act 2001(isolated or island communities) and that the only scenario that complies with the ±10% population criteria was the 15 elected members scenario; and
- one submitter considered that the proposal for three members to represent the Wairau/Awatere Ward does not represent "fair and effective representation" for the Wairau Valley, Wairau Valley Township and Renwick and does not represent the diversity of the Wairau Valley community.
Having considered the submissions, Council resolved to adopt its initial proposal (with no amendment) as Council's final proposal.
Council rejected the matters raised in the submissions for the following reasons:
- Council reconsidered the argument for isolated communities within the Pelorus/Northern Sounds and Picton wards as per the provisions of section 19V(3)(a) of the Local Electoral Act 2001 (the Act) and confirmed that its interpretation of that section of the Act complied and therefore for the effective representation of communities within those wards, membership may be distributed in a way that does not comply with section 19V(2); and
- Council reconsidered the representation of the Wairau/Awatere ward and agreed that the present three members more than adequately provided representation for all communities within that ward.
Any person who made a submission on Council's initial proposal may lodge a written appeal against the Council's decision. An appeal must relate to the matters raised in that person's submission. Refer section 19O of the Local Electoral Act 2001 for details.
Should anyone have a query concerning the proposals would they please contact Mike Porter Ph: 520 7400.
