Waimea Weekly
Affordable Funerals and Cremations We can provide every service and option, and leave you with memories of a lifetime of love. 03 544 4400 • www.wrfs.co.nz
Locally Owned and Operated
Wednesday 4 April 2018
Home-lee sets up shop
Page 3
Flag fines unresolved Emily Beaumont Richmond Unlimited’s Marina Buonocore says they’ll continue to bat for retailers who’ve been issued fines for flying flags outside their business premises and hopes the council will rescind the fines. A rule has been in place for a number of years stipulating that any flags flown must not hamper pedestrian access, and while there have been no reports of any incidents relating to the flags, just recently, after years of neglecting the bylaw, Tasman District Council opted to enforce the rule. The move outraged local business owners already suffering a downturn in customers due to the Queen St upgrade. “We need people to see we’re here and open,” says Lea Lock, owner of Captivation. TDC community relations manager Chris Choat says businesses were only fined after “many discussions”, the fines still stand, and
if not paid within 28 days offenders run the risk of incurring late penalties. “These businesses, unlike the majority of other Queen St businesses, chose to ignore our pleas to manage their advertising within current bylaws, maintaining access for all users which is paramount at this time,” says Chris. Waimea Weekly reader David Spence implied TDC regulated the flags on behalf of disabled members of the local community including the visually impaired. Taking to the streets, the Waimea Weekly asked every pedestrian wearing glasses, on a mobility scooter or using a walking aid, if they found the flags hampered their access. Not one of the more than 30 people approached had any issue. “We’re going to keep on at the council to try and persuade them to rescind the fines. They’ve said they’re happy to discuss it further, so we’ll try and reach a resolution with them,” says Marina.
Additional copies $1
Celebrating 60 Years
Pages 20-21
Page 22
Flying onto world stage
Students Jacob Gibson, Seth Munro-Law, Will Daniel and Will Horncastle scrumming it up with Richie. The four boys are behind the Brightwater school ‘Richie Milk Run’ video which won SEE PAGE 4 the most votes and the school a visit from Richie McCaw. Photo: Amy Russ
100% locally owned and operated
www.waimeaweekly.co.nz