Central Otago District Council Spring 2017 FlipSide

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fLIPSIDE Spring 2017 l your CODC news

THIS ISSUE: Bin Latch Pilot | Regional Identity | Upcoming Events

From the Mayor’s Desk Spring is a time of growth, and growth is what has been happening over the last year or two in Central Otago. The numbers make interesting reading.

For the quarter April to June, the total dollar value of CODC building consents went from $22m in 2015 to $52.5m in 2017. New dwellings make up a significant proportion of those figures, rising from $14m in the 2015 quarter to $39.5m this year.

Anecdotally, a lot of people going into these new dwellings have been people moving permanently to Central Otago.

Some are people coming home, others are from other parts of New Zealand and all parts of the world. In citizenship ceremonies since becoming Mayor, I have had the privilege of conferring citizenship on people from Bhutan, Portugal, Malaysia, Luxembourg, Jordan and many more exotic places. All of these people had literally a world of choices but chose our World of Difference to be their home.

Growth brings challenges, including pressure on the housing market causing increased costs for homes and sections for building. Next year’s District Plan Review gives the community a once-in-a-decade opportunity to discuss what we want the future of our district to look like, including where residential development should occur and what areas we should maintain for productive purposes or to protect landscape values.

Similarly, the draft Long Term Plan will be released for discussion next year. This sets the financial priorities for the Council over the next 10-year period. Everyone will have a view, and everyone’s view is equally valid. I welcome and encourage you to take part in the discussions that will occur around these plan reviews.

Tim Cadogan Your Mayor

On the Agenda Upcoming Meetings Cromwell Community Board Tuesday 7 November, from 2.00pm Cromwell Service Centre, 42 The Mall Cromwell Vincent Community Board Tuesday 28 November, from 2.00pm Council Chambers, 1 Dunorling Street Alexandra Teviot Valley Community Board Thursday 30 November, from 2.00pm Roxburgh Service Centre, 120 Scotland Street Roxburgh Cromwell Community Board Tuesday 5 December Cromwell Service Centre, 42 The Mall Cromwell Maniototo Community Board Thursday 7 December, from 2.00pm Ranfurly Service Centre, 15 Pery Street Ranfurly Council & Committees meeting Wednesday 13 December, from 10.30am Council Chambers, 1 Dunorling Street Alexandra For upcoming meeting dates, agendas and minutes head to www.codc.govt.nz/your-council/meetings Connect with your Councillors Do you have something you or your organisation wish to discuss with your Mayor and Councillors? Consider booking in a 10-minute spot to talk to Councillors before their monthly Council meeting.

The purpose of ‘Councillor Connection’ is for individuals or groups in Central Otago to get to speak to the Council about any topic they wish, with a maximum of 10 minutes each. These sessions will be held prior to every Council meeting and speakers can choose to attend in person or connect remotely via teleconference or Skype. You may have a great idea, a pressing concern, a question you always wanted the answer to; the scope is wide open.

You can book your spot by completing a form available on our website or from any Council service centre or phone 03 440 0690 and talk to Jackie.

Bin Latch Pilot Have you experienced your recycling bin tipping over on a windy day and spilling its contents? If you answered yes then Council wants YOU to participate in its 2017 Bin Latch Pilot Programme.

Council has purchased 1500 kerbside bin lid latches for a pilot programme to run over the summer aiming to reduce spilt and windblown litter. The pilot aims to find out whether it would be a worthwhile exercise to supply and get the contractor to fit the latches to the entire district.

That exercise would come at a cost equivalent to about $2.50 per ratepayer on the Council kerbside collection scheme.

On windy days the light weight design of our recycling wheelie bins, combined with the fact the material in the mixed recycling bin is much lighter than the rubbish bin (10kg on average compared to 21kg), contribute to bins being blown over and material spilling into the surrounding environment.

Another contributing factor can be that some households overfill their yellow-lidded mixed recycling bin. If bin lids aren’t fully closed it increases the risk of the wind lifting the bin lid and loose lightweight recyclable material being blown out.

Councillor Nigel McKinlay, Chair of the Waste and Property Committee, said not many incidents of windblown material were officially reported to Council but on about four kerbside collection days per annum staff received calls about the issue, with Ranfurly and Cromwell the locations that seemed to be most affected.

“While our contractor is required to pick up material spills that occur on emptying of bins, they aren’t employed to collect windblown material from the wider surrounding area. So when the wind is up through parts of our district

it is either picked up by thoughtful local residents or left to litter our environment,” said Councillor McKinlay.

But now there is a nifty little New Zealand designed invention that could be the answer to reducing litter issues.

The new product was launched at the annual waste industry conference last November. The rubber latch is designed to keep the lid closed until the bin is collected by the contractor. It has a ‘tip action’ mechanism that releases the lid of the bin when the bin is turned upside-down to empty.

If you want to take part in Council’s pilot programme here’s what to do: Head in to your local service centre or library in Ranfurly, Cromwell, Alexandra or Roxburgh.

Register your contact details with one of our staff as we’ll want you to complete a short survey at the start and finish of the three-month trial period.

Pick up your free bin lid latch to take home and attach to your mixed (yellow lid) recycling bin.

You’ll find wheelie bins in reception “modelling” the latches and we’ve even made a “How To” video to show you how to attach the latch and how it works. You’ll find that on our website and Facebook pages.

Project Updates Did you know Council has a project updates section on the website where we share further information on some of our key capital projects and facility upgrades? www.codc.govt.nz/projects Currently we have pages giving more information on the Alexandra Airport, the Big Fruit Reserve Playground, Cromwell Memorial Hall, Cromwell Wastewater and the Lake Dunstan Water Supply. Coming soon is a project page about the Omakau/Ophir Water Supply upgrade, and we will be introducing more of these as they are timely and topical.

Contact communications@codc.govt.nz if you have a suggestion for this section.

Maniototo Funding The Community Trust of Maniototo and Maniototo Trust Fund invite funding applications from individuals, or community groups within the Maniototo for projects with clear benefits for the Maniototo community. You’ll find the application form on Council’s website at www.codc.govt.nz/funding or you can pick up a copy from the Ranfurly Service Centre on Pery Street.

Applications close Tuesday 31 October 2017. For queries about the funding scheme contact Janice on (03) 262 8502 or janice.remnant@codc.govt.nz.

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Rates Rebates

Do you quality for a rates rebate? The rebate scheme provides a subsidy to low-income homeowners on the cost of their rates. You must re-apply for a rebate every rating year. If you haven’t received an application form this year they are now available at any of our Central Otago District Council offices, or you can contact Michele on 03 440 0672 for further information or assistance with filling out your application.

Cromwell CB on FB Cromwell – your Community Board now has a Facebook page. You’ll find it at www.facebook.com/ cromwellcommunityboard. The members themselves will be providing the content for the page and responding to your feedback.

Annual Report - Out Soon The Central Otago District Council Annual Report 2016-17 and summary will be out soon. It will be available to download and read on our website, or if you prefer a hard copy format you’ll find copies at all our service centres and libraries.

Keep an eye out in the CODC Noticeboard in The News or on Council’s website or social media channels to find out when it is available.

We encourage you to read these documents for an overview of our year’s achievements and how we have performed against what we set out to do.

Q+A A Few Words with…

Warwick Hawker

Q

Economic Development Manager

How do you describe your role with Council?

In the context of our Council’s responsibilities economic development is all about doing what we can to ensure Central Otago continues to be a great place to live and the people of our community enjoy fulfilled lives. My role is about working with the community to mould and shape the local economic environment for the benefit of our people.

Q

Describe what a typical day ‘at the office’ might be like for you.

Typically, I arrive at the office, open up my computer, check my emails and end up doing something totally different from whatever I might have planned for the day. In between actioning the “wild-cards” that pop up I spend a good deal of time working on various projects.

I get a lot of requests for information on aspects of the Central Otago economic and business environment. I’m more desk-bound than I would like because I think it’s very important in this role to be out keeping in touch with the community.

Q

What are some of the projects you are involved with that have exciting potential for our district?

Central Otago is a pretty exciting place to be from the economic development perspective. Right at the moment I’m working with a team of local folk to develop the vision for an innovation hub for the district. I was part of the working group the developed the bid for the

Centre for Space Science Technology. The Manuherikia Catchment Water Strategy Group project to achieve better irrigation, environment and recreation outcomes from using the water in the Manuherikia catchment has been particularly rewarding. And I’m very pleased that the Council’s strong advocacy for better access for our community to ultra-fast broadband and mobile phone coverage is starting to bear fruit.

Q

Tell us about a memorable moment from your career as a diplomat.

Helping establish the Asia New Zealand Foundation was certainly a high point. The Foundation is all about helping New Zealanders better understand and connect with neighbours in Asia. I doubt we will ever be able to say the work of the Foundation has been done but some good progress has been made. My assignment as our High Commissioner in Tonga was certainly also very memorable. As fellow members of the Pacific community the relationship is important to both countries and covers the full gambit of political, military, economic, development, and people-to-people interests. There was never a dull moment.

Residents’ Survey If you were one of the 781 people to take this year’s CODC Residents’ Survey then consider this a personal “Thank You” for taking the time to let us know your views about the Council services and amenities you use.

Survey respondents identified the following 10 areas as high priorities for Council for the next year to three years: 1. Water Supply 2. Community Planning 3. Public Toilets 4. Community Halls 5. Footpaths

6. Litter Bins 7. Economic Development 8. Walking Tracks 9. Tourism 10. Sewerage

The summary report of the results from our 2017 survey is available on Council’s website.

Our Regional Identity

There are few places in the world that leave you with a lasting sense of difference Central Otago is certainly one of them from its landscapes, its seasons, its people, its products and experiences. Wide open spaces and small communities are very much part of our charm. So close, yet so different from our neighbouring regions, Central Otago offers a strong counterpoint.

Having a regional identity is about identifying the unique points of difference about our place. One that captures the imagination of our community, and its visitors – the pride we have in the place we call home. It is also about protecting and preserving those things we hold dear about our region.

Having a unique story and logo helps to remind us what we value about our place. We know it is a place of difference. From a landscape sense it is without comparison; our distinctive schist clad block-mountains, our seasons, our light, the space, the colour palette is uniquely ours. In a community sense, we are fiercely different, independent and proud of it. To a visitor we offer a completely different experience like no other. As places become more urbanised and more generic, we need to hold on to that special difference that is Central Otago.

Any Central Otago business or community group who is passionate about Central Otago and wants to use the regional identity logo in association with their business can do so. All that we ask is for you to embrace regional values in your everyday life. There is no cost rather there’s an integrity agreement. To find out more contact the Council’s Regional Identity Manager to arrange a time to meet.

Take time to read more about our story on www.aworldofdifference.co.nz

Thyme Festival The Thyme Festival from 28 October to 5 November 2017 celebrates sustainable living and creative arts. The theme – Cherishing our Environment – is reflected in the workshops, demonstrations, walks, talks, working artists, performances and exhibitions.

Central Otago residents are invited to get involved in activities at Alexandra Community House and various locations throughout Alexandra and Clyde; sign up for a workshop or demonstration; support local performances; and enjoy the best of sustainable activity in our district.

On this year’s programme you can join the world’s largest treasure hunt or take your teddy on a picnic and train ride; check out a person to read from The Human Library; help paint a community mural; learn to felt, weave, chalk paint, make pallet furniture or brew craft beer; delve into citizen science, discuss doughnut economics and plenty more.

In fact, you can rightly say there is something for every man, woman, child and dog on the programme as there is a Four Paws for SPCA fundraising dog walk followed by a Soggy Doggy Splash in Molyneux Aquatic Centre’s outdoor pool!

From the Monday to Wednesday of festival week there will be an Enviroschools hub based out of Alexandra Community House from 9.30am-2.30pm each day. Local Enviroschools students will share learnings from their year, through activities and presentations.

If you are a 9-5 weekday worker there are lunchtime concerts and lunchtime conversation sessions to pop in your diary. There’s loads on in the evenings and the two weekends too including the Waste Free Living Market in the Park on Saturday 4 November at Pioneer Park. So check out the programme and get involved! www.thymefestival.co.nz

Keep in Touch Ways to keep in touch with Council news in between your twice-yearly copy of The FlipSide: • Check out our weekly CODC Noticeboard published on page 5 of The News • Hop on to our website www.codc.govt.nz where we regularly post news and highlight what’s topical • ‘Like’ and follow Central Otago District Council on Facebook • Keep in touch with business news and vacancies via Council’s presence on LinkedIn To receive alerts to your phone and be able to link through to Council information at the quick push of a button be sure to download The Central App (see details below). The Central App is not a Council initiative but we are proud supporters and users of the app.

What’s Coming Up Arts Gold Awards 2017 Exhibition Until 19 November 2017 l 10am - 4pm daily l Central Stories Museum & Art Gallery, Centennial Avenue, Alexandra Central Otago’s biggest visual arts event.

Cromwell Summer Series 22 October 2017 – 6 January 2018 Cromwell’s series of summer sporting events includes the Cromwell Half Marathon, Nevis Valley Gutbuster, XS Storage Bannockburn MTB Classic, The Gate Lake Dunstan Triathlon & Duathlon and Lake Dunstan Cycle Challenge. See www.cromwell.org.nz/summer-series for more info.

Cromwell Festival Fete 26 November 2017 l 10am - 4pm l Cromwell Racecourse Central Otago’s premiere Christmas shopping experience! More than 130 stalls with a wide variety of products for sale. Entry fee $12 per adult. Under 15s are free.

Fireworks & Street Party Friday 10 November 2017 l from 5.30pm Cromwell Heritage Precinct l Free Entry

Live entertainment, street performers and a night market.

Food Lovers Masterclass 13-15 November 2017 l Cromwell, Alexandra, Tarras, Poolburn An entertaining and thought provoking seminar addressing the issue of food waste. Tickets $25 and attendees get to take home $100 worth of goodies.

See www.eventfinda.co.nz to book.

Cromwell Wine & Food Festival Saturday 6 January 2018 l 3pm - 8pm Cromwell Heritage Precinct The festival showcases wines from the Cromwell Basin, as well as great local food and entertainment.

St Bathans Village Fete 14 January 2018 l St Bathans

Held each year by the Cambrian St Bathans branch of Rural Women New Zealand. Fun for the whole family.

Bike Week At Bannockburn 27 January - 2 February 2018 l Bannockburn

Catering to motorcyclists with a sense of adventure and a thirst for fresh horizons. Find out more at www.bikeweeknz.com Central Otago Craft Beer Festival Saturday 3 February 2018 l Pioneer Park, Alexandra A celebration of craft brewing, fine beers, ales and ciders, great food, and Central Otago wines. www.craftbeerfest.co.nz Lauder Ukulele Festival 2-5 February 2018 l Lauder

A weekend of ukulele music workshops, jams and concerts. www.lauderukulelefestival.com Run The Vines Saturday 3 February 2018 l McArthur Ridge Vineyard 5km, 10km and 21km events. For more information www.onthepulseevents.com

CONTACT US

Central Otago District Council www.codc.govt.nz PO Box 122 Alexandra 9340 03 440 0056 | info@codc.govt.nz www.facebook.com/centralotagodistrictcouncil

Front cover Cromwell Half Marathon 2016 Photo by Clare Toia-Bailey, Image Central www.image-central.co.nz