Nelson Weekly Your Community Newspaper
Tuesday 24 July 2012
NZ’s oldest Olympian Page 8
Buy-up of the arts in NCC plan Nelson ratepayers will soon own the city’s most valuable art buildings, or the “jewels of Nelson” as they have been described, but not everyone is happy. Ownership of the Theatre Royal and Nelson School of Music, along with an upgrade to the Trafalgar Centre and a new cycling velodrome at Saxton Field are key highlights in the long term plan adopted by Nelson City Council last week. Another talking point is the rate increase of 5.6 per cent next year and the continued rise in debt, estimated to be $130 million in 2022, but that is down from the original projection of $170 million. More than 800 submissions were received and the 12 councillors listened to around 200 residents speak in the council chamber to support their view.
Submissions ranged from those supportive of certain projects to others worried about debt levels and rate increases, says NCC. The average rate rise next year will be 5.6 per cent, while the projected increases over the next ten years range from an average of 2.1 to 5.1 per cent. The council confirmed in the plan that it is to take over the building ownership of both the Nelson School of Music and the Theatre Royal, if the trust board of the former agrees to a deal that will see the council pay $2 million for the earthquake strengthening it needs. “This will be like a landlord role, we will own the buildings but their day-to-day operation will remain in the hands of the community, as it always has been,” says
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Stoke into rugby final
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Surviving another scooter challenge The challenge is to drive from Nelson city to the Marlborough Sounds in four days. It sounds simple enough, but there are plenty of buts. First, it must be done on a 50cc scooter, over some of the toughest off-road tracks in the top of the South Island. Then you must compete in challenges each day against the other riders with the winner raising cash for charity. Finally, you must do it with a smile on your face. Although founder and organiser of the Survivor Scooter Challenge, Jason Monopoli, admits he’s never seen anyone struggle through the last one. The Survivor Scooter Challenge is now in its third year and will be bigger than ever. It’s a fun challenge, driving a 50cc scooter off-road and with great camaraderie. Jason started the event in New Zealand after competing in the Australian Postie Bike Challenge, where hundreds of people drive through the desert on a 50cc scooter. Since then it has grown from a few mates the first year to a maximum of 15 riders last year and 20 this year. Jason says he has already had confirmations from some riders for this year’s event but would like to see more people get involved and urges anyone who
Survivor Scooter organiser Jason Monopoli is inviting others to be a part of this year’s event. Photo: Andrew Board. Insert: Action from last year’s challenge.
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