Contents
Marlborough Roads ...... 1 Local Road Asset Management Report – January 2021 ...... 1 Marlborough Roads Activity ...... 3 Project Status ...... 3 Road Safety Incidents ...... 4 Marlborough Roads Team ...... 5 Rivers and Drainage Section – Activity Report ...... 7 Wairau River ...... 7 Wairau Floodplain and Tributaries ...... 9 Drainage ...... 11 Floodway Reserves ...... 15 Picton, Sounds and Awatere ...... 15 Investigation and Miscellaneous ...... 15 Gravel Extraction ...... 15 Quarries ...... 15 Operations & Maintenance – Stormwater renewal ...... 16 Stormwater Main Renewal – Francis Street ...... 16 Parks and Open Spaces Activity Report ...... 19 Blenheim Parks ...... 19 Awatere and Flaxbourne Parks ...... 25 Picton Parks ...... 26 Northern Marlborough/Sounds ...... 27 District Public Conveniences ...... 27 Walking and cycling ...... 28 Trees ...... 29 Playgrounds ...... 31 Policy and planning ...... 32 Rangers’ Report ...... 32 Road Safety Coordinator update ...... 34 Property and Community Facilities Project Report ...... 35 Lansdowne Sports Hub ...... 35 Marlborough Library & Art Gallery ...... 35
Marlborough Roads
Local Road Asset Management Report – January 2021 (Information prepared by Steve Murrin) R800-007-02
General Activity The majority of the Marlborough Roads Team as well as our contractors returned to work on the 11 January.
The team have had to hit the ground running as there is a lot of work to complete before the end of the financial year.
Lee Hautler is still holding the reins as Interim Contract Manager at the NOC while recruitment for a permanent placement is underway.
There is a large programme of work to be delivered by the end of June. The NOC have a large team of local subcontractors assisting them to deliver the programme of work. Additional sealing teams are also being sourced from outside the district.
Financial Commentary Expenditure is currently running slightly behind budget generally in the renewals area. This is the Reseals and Pavement Rehabilitation programme. There has been a delay in commencing renewals, however they are now well underway. Completion of the renewal programme is programmed for the end of April. Footpath and drainage renewals will carry through until the end of June.
Figure1: Diversion constructed for Church Lane Bridge Replacement
Assets & Services – Information Package – 4 March 2021 – Page 1 Network Outcomes Contract Report (Provided by Lee Hautler - Interim Contract Manager)
The pre-seal repairs have progressed well with a completion expectance of end of February. The efficiency of working all pre-seal crews in set areas have worked well with the first coat sealing crew able to establish quickly with less sites remaining open.
Rehab sites have progressed on the SH network with the remainder of the sites programmed for completion over the next couple of months. The local road rehab sites are programmed to start the beginning of February and will continue until completion mid-April.
Vegetation Control has been a challenge this season with rain and warmth allowing for a good grass and weed growing season. The cycleway maintenance has caught up well after some overgrown paths causing some interesting feedback from the cyclists. The roadside mowing is progressing well. With the dry spell since Christmas and the hot windy days the fire risk has escalated quickly. Due to this we have stopped all mowing South of Blenheim until the risk has been reduced. We are monitoring this section by inspection and will address any Safety concerns as they arise.
The Unsealed maintenance is a focus at the moment with behind the scene scoping pricing and delivery methodology for the outer sounds work needing to be the focus. Some good feedback from the unsealed customers on the great work Alan is doing around the district.
CBD Cleaning continues with the night owls cleaning the streets and tidying up of the gardens, rubbish bins and kerb. The new footpath sweeper is helping with good results. The high number of resident birds in the CBD’s is a frustration for the cleaning team and the town folk as these birds seem to be attracted to the newly swept cobble footpaths. A scrubbing deck attachment has been ordered for the new sweeper so this should help with this problem.
All Cyclic crews busy with find and fix patrols, still busy pricing works some LC/LR works around sign delineation around various parts of the Network, also looking at refuge island installation in Renwick and around town, currently getting priced up.
The Cyclic crews have made excellent progress on completing and closing out CRMs along with recent OPMs that had been outstanding. Hopefully we can keep on top of these going forward. Over the next few weeks there will be some minor changes in the cyclic crews with another full-time member coming on board along with another staff member to be employed to go with Dave Vincent.
The French Pass slip has been a great project working in with the French Pass community. It was interesting with a number of views and opinions on what, how and when things should be done but with the early communications and involvement of the local community has proved to be beneficial to the project which is well ahead of programme with little negative response from the road user. The projected completion of mid-March will be a month ahead of programme well done Team.
The first three sites for the footpath renewals have been presented and we are looking to carry out these sites over the next 3 months. LCLR both SH and LR are progressing well with the scoping and pricing with a number of sites underway with more to be presented over the coming weeks. The Weld St Alabama Road roundabout is the focus at the moment with some timing restraints around the Grape Harvest giving us a small window to complete this project. The safety engineer has provided some great advice design and innovations to get some great safety wins and getting the best bang for buck.
Subcontractors continue to produce good work with continued efforts across most maintenance activities and have adopted a good network ownership tying into MRJV values. The delivery team has remained stable with some progress in the vacant roles and filling these. Hani has, due to unforeseen circumstances, had an extended time off but we are all looking forward to his arrival back early March. The culture is forever improving with some great first day back activities and team building. Consistent growth in this area is a focus for the Management Team.
Assets & Services – Information Package – 4 March 2021 – Page 2 Marlborough Roads Activity Recruitment is underway for a new Customer Services Officer following Hannah Reeve being promoted to Network Technician. Once our customer services officer is in place the Marlborough Roads office will be fully staffed.
Attached to this report is a brief staff profile of the Marlborough Roads Team.
Project Status
SH 6/SH 62 Roundabout HEB Construction commenced work on the construction of a Roundabout at the intersection of State Highways 6 and 62 in November.
This project is currently ahead of programme with substantial completion expected by Easter. Landscaping and planting will be completed May/June.
Figure 2: SH6-SH62 Roundabout Construction
Local Roads Undergrounding of power at the Battys Road / New Renwick Road intersection is completed. This is in preparation for the proposed roundabout. Construction of the new roundabout is currently out to tender. Construction is proposed to commence following grape harvest with completion mid-July.
Work is progressing really well on the drop out at McLaren Bay French Pass Road. All works should be completed by the end of February.
Work is programmed to commence on the Kenepuru Road wall on 25 February. This will take about 6 to 8 weeks to complete.
A large programme of pavement rehabilitation and reseals commenced mid-November. This work is programmed to carry through until the end of April.
The contract for Bishells Bridge on Hawksbury Road and Church Lane bridge has been let to Egypt Construction. Work has commenced on both sites. Completion is programmed for the end of June.
Kerb and Channel renewals and footpath resurfacing is also underway across the district.
A large programme of footpath maintenance is also underway and will carry through until the end of June.
Assets & Services – Information Package – 4 March 2021 – Page 3 Road Safety Incidents
State Highway Crash summary: Death or Serious Injury Crashes The Contract has had 2 DSI crashes on the State Highway network recorded in CAS for the month of December – 2 serious and 0 fatal.
On 1 December, a serious crash occurred on SH62 Rapaura Road as a result of a motorcyclist turning into Jacksons Rd, hitting potholes in the road and losing control.
On 15 December, a serious crash occurred when a van travelling towards Blenheim crossed the centreline on a slight left bend and crashed into a vehicle travelling towards Nelson. The van driver was not injured but the driver of the other vehicle was seriously injured.
There are no DSI crashes noted for January although the data from CAS will not be completed due to data loading delays.
Local Road Crash summary: Death or Serious Injury Crashes The Contract has had 3 DSI crashes on the Local Road network recorded in CAS for the month of December – 3 serious and 0 fatal.
A fatal crash occurred at Port Ligar Road on 11 December but no confirmed information has entered the CAS database at the interrogation date.
On 1 December, a serious crash occurred in Faulkland Drive as a result of a loaned motorcycle ridden at high speed (>80km/h) by an intoxicated rider losing control and hitting a power pole and tree.
On 19 December, a pedestrian received serious injuries when hit by a vehicle on the pedestrian crossing on Weld St just prior to Cleghorn St.
On 25 December at 11.45pm, a pedestrian received serious injuries when hit by an unknown vehicle on Scott St.
Minor or Non injury crashes SH1, Ward • 03.01.2021 CAS ID 2021174905 – Single vehicle loss control to right – crossed centreline and into fence stopping against bank. Left Blenheim to travel to Kaikoura 11.30am returning at 3.45pm. Factors: Driver blacked out after surfing at Kaikoura – hot sunny day, hasn’t eaten so possibly dehydrated - clear breath screen, minor injury.
SH6, Nelson St Grove Rd roundabout • 30.12.2020 CAS ID 202010227 – Motorcycle travelling straight through roundabout, missed exit onto SH1, accelerated out onto Dillons Point Rd, slipped on stones and hit centre island. Factors: Loose gravel on the road, clear breath screen, bloods taken – minor injury. Road factors: good weather, not speeding, loose gravel.
Maxwell Road • 13.01.2021 CAS ID 2021175867 – Cyclist riding on footpath collided with vehicle exiting property frontwards about 10km/h. Crash happened where driveway meets footpath – not driver error. Factors: Cyclist usually wears prescription glasses but was not wearing them when she hit vehicle – minor injury. Road factors: cyclist using footpath instead of cycle lane, fence and scrubs obscured cyclist from drivers view.
Blind River Loop Road • 18.12.2020 CAS ID 2020173613 – On unsealed narrow road, vehicle strayed too far left into heavy shingle, overcorrected then left road into paddock through fence – minor injury. Factors: inexperienced driver. Road factors: narrow, shingle
Ward St • 3.12.2020 CAS ID 2020171882 – Mobility scooter modified for 2 passengers has failed to notice car slowly backing out of driveway. The mobility scooter tipped over – minor injury. Factors: mobility scooter modified maybe contributing to the vehicle being unstable, dials on scooter set to highest settings, large
Assets & Services – Information Package – 4 March 2021 – Page 4 hedge obscuring vision for both parties. Road factors: footpath has slight camber towards the road for drainage possibly contributing to the scooter toppling over.
Old Renwick Road • 05.12.2020 CAS ID 2020172804 – Travelling along Lansdowne at speed, vehicle lost control leaving the road across a bridged driveway before crashing into waterway – minor injury. Factors: intoxicated driver, speed too fast for corner. Road factors: 50 km/h curve prior to long straight.
Marlborough Roads Team Steve Murrin
Marlborough Roads Andrew James Manager
Top of the South Looks after the System Manager Marlborough Roads Team. Ensures Waka Kotahi Manager Marlborough Roads across Top of the meets the South requirements of the agreement with Marlborough District Council.
Laura Skilton Braeden Lobb Principle Transport Planner Maintenance Contract Manager Responsible for Transport Planning Manages the across the district. Maintenance Contract Manages any and delivery of the Transport Issues of Contract. Resource Consents.
Mike Russell Deanna Gleeson Senior Network Network Manager – Manager South Responsible for State Responsible for the Highways, Council day to day operations Roads Asset across the roading Management and the network south of the Council Roads Wairau River. renewals
Assets & Services – Information Package – 4 March 2021 – Page 5 Lucan Orchard Hannah Reeve Network Manager – North Network Technician Responsible for the Provides support to the day to day operations Network Management across the roading team. network north of the Wairau River.
David Craig Tania Bentley
Senior Administrator Parking Administrator Office Manager, responsible for the Responsible for administration team. parking enforcement
Vacant
Customer Services Officer
Provides reception
services to office visitors, and administrative services and support to the Marlborough Roads team.
Assets & Services – Information Package – 4 March 2021 – Page 6
Rivers and Drainage Section – Activity Report
(Information prepared by Geoff Dick, Steve Bezar, David Aires, Jan Dimmendaal, Hai Trieu, Duc Nuygen, Sam Philips) R700-014-01
Wairau River An aerial inspection of the Wairau has been undertaken from upstream of the Wash Bridge to the river mouth. This flight is typically done annually and is used to both monitor river changes, problem areas and for determining annual works priorities.
In general there were no surprises this year given general lack of flood events over the past year. However one site which will require an earlier response is a section of eroding berm bank adjacent to Northbank Road, upstream of the Ohinemahuta (Onamalutu) River. There is only approx. 15m of berm remaining in front of a very old training bank which provides flood protection to about five lifestyle properties. This site was previously identified as part of the larger Upper Conders capital work project but no work has been scheduled at this stage.
Options for the site will require further investigation, and reporting to what is required to meet level of service requirements to these properties given the active erosion. Initial response works will comprise strategic and targeted fairway clearing and placing of some rock in an attempt to slow down the rate of erosion.
Active erosion
Northbank Road
Training bank
Wairau River, Looking upstream, adjacent to 401 – 443 Northbank Road.
Otherwise only general maintenance items only carried out only over the last period including weed control maintenance watering of native planting sites.
Assets & Services – Information Package – 4 March 2021 – Page 7 Upper Conders Capital Work – Climate Resilience Project
Detailed design is being finalised for Year 1 construction work which comprises strengthening/reconstruction of three large existing groyne heads. Construction will get underway later this month (February) and planned year 1 works should be completed over the next four to five months.
Wairau River, looking upstream. Oblique aerial photos showing the three training bank groyne heads which are to be strengthened.
We are also seeking a proposal from Beca to complete the detailed design and tender documents for next summers planned construction programme – 3 new major groynes plus up to 1400m of stopbank realignment subject to the approved budget.
Monthly and quarterly reporting requirements for the Government cost share are being carried out and the Rivers group nationally is sponsoring a workshop to ensure the flood protection project reports are aligned to Government reporting requirements. Lower Wairau
Fairway spraying of a large inside bend has been carried out to assist with hydraulic capacity and assistance with sediment transport.
Diversion
Stop bank mowing has been carried out to remove infestation of Californian thistles.
Upper Wairau (Waihopai to Wye River reach)
Work to maintain a clear fairway as per the asset management plan is continuing. This year four areas have had trees removed from the fairway and either used by adjacent landowners and tied into the berm (at own cost) or cost sharing work to clear vegetated islands to minimise adverse effects on local infrastructural assets. Work has been carried out at Sacred Hill on North bank side, at Timms on south side upstream
Assets & Services – Information Package – 4 March 2021 – Page 8 Wairau Valley Township and at Mill Road in partnership with Electronet. Work has also been completed to repair an eroding training bank at Coatbridge in partnership with Marlborough Roads and the Adams’.
Wairau River, looking downstream. (upstream Mill Road), showing fairway clearing work to alleviate pressure on eroding bank and river works protecting Electronet infrastructure.
Wairau Floodplain and Tributaries Ruakanakana Creek (just downstream of Waihopai intake)
Mechanical weed removal has been carried out over a 650m reach of Tylers stream under a cost-sharing arrangement with both Forrest Estate and Nautilus vineyards.
Ongoing work to maintain optimum flows at both intakes is undertaken post fresh events or when low flows pose issues.
Wither Hills
Physical works have effectively ceased until the fire danger reduces.
Wairau Bar
The monitoring flight showed that a large gravel bar has now reformed seaward of the control groyne extension completed about 15 years ago. The inspection also indicated that the gravel beach north of the river mouth appears to again be aggrading as per expected natural processes.
At this stage the mouth is still considered to be acceptably open and allowing normal tidal inflows/outflows from the estuary and with no flood risk concerns at present.
Assets & Services – Information Package – 4 March 2021 – Page 9
Ōpaoa River and tributaries
Taylor River: Town Area
Initial stage of the stopbank reconstruction adjacent to 35 Nelson Street is essentially complete. There are a couple of re-instatement jobs within adjacent properties to be completed including fencing and paving.
Davison Group are finalising the detailed design for the next stopbank section through 39 Nelson Street and connection into Beaver Road.
Assets & Services – Information Package – 4 March 2021 – Page 10
Lower Ōpaoa River weed cut.
The scheduled weed cut for January was not completed due to repairs being required to one of the paddle wheel hydraulic motors. Sourcing a replacement has taken some time as we have not been able to locate an exact replacement for the original. However a suitable replacement has now been located and fitted, hydraulic lines flushed and oil replaced.
The weed boat is also due for a routine safety survey before it can go back to work which will now be the major May pre-winter cut.
Drainage Tuamarina pump station:
Pump 29 has been lifted out for over haul. Bottom section got sand blasted and a new coat of anti-corrosion paint. Bearing checked, new anode fitted, pump greased, re-installed to the station then had a test run.
Drainage Maintenance
Floodgate annual inspection is being carried out at Lower Ōpaoa, Ōpaoa Loop, Upper Ōpaoa, Taylor River and Riverlands Coop.
Assets & Services – Information Package – 4 March 2021 – Page 11
Assets & Services – Information Package – 4 March 2021 – Page 12
Assets & Services – Information Package – 4 March 2021 – Page 13
Strong winds mid February caused several large trees to fall into the Ōpaoa Loop adjacent to Shirtliff Street. These will be removed. Similar wind falls were also reported adjacent to the Cravens Creek Wairau River outfall.
Assets & Services – Information Package – 4 March 2021 – Page 14 Floodway Reserves Another large unauthorised camp site was located on the north bank of the Wairau River near the Waikakaho River mouth. This will be dismantled and removed, and where possible tools located returned to the owners.
Our rangers continue to come across rubbish dumping and abandoned cars as part of routine patrols. On a more positive note our Ranger assisted an angler to land a large salmon caught in a deep pool of one of our river bank protection groynes.
Picton, Sounds and Awatere Waikawa and Waitohi Rivers
Routine pre and post storm event inspections carried out.
Investigation and Miscellaneous A walkover survey of Camerons Creek was completed with consultants WSP as we commence investigations in how to best manage any additional stormwater flow from residential growth following the zone change in the MEP. The walkover enabled a good initial understanding of this remaining Springlands catchment, and constraints for future management.
The next step in the study will be the inflow hydrology assessment assuming full development as allowed under the plan, and hydraulic modelling to assess how to best manage any increased flows.
It was also an opportunity to meet a number of residents who generously provided access to their properties..
Gravel Extraction Gravel extraction on the Wairau River immediately upstream and downstream of the SH6 bridge has been completed, Fulton Hogan are starting gravel extraction at Loddon Reach in late February. The extraction of 20,000m³ will take approximately 5 weeks.
We are discussing with local contractors about taking an additional (up to) 20,000m3 this autumn from the SH1/flow split reach of the Wairau River to maintained bed flows/hydraulic capacity.
The 4 yearly bed survey of the Wairau River is progressing well. This data once analysed will guide extraction policies from July this year.
Quarries Pukaka
The extraction of rock within the current main floor has reached the limit of the current quarry layout.
Simcox are currently levelling off the West Knob section of the quarry recovering clay material for stopbank construction. Weathered rock material recovered is being stockpiled and will be used for the construction of the Rail Trail through the Para Swamp.
Redevelopment of the quarry eastern face to the existing eastern boundary is planned for the start of March with the intention being to source more river grade rock until the planned quarry extension is developed and underway.
Assets & Services – Information Package – 4 March 2021 – Page 15 Operations & Maintenance – Stormwater renewal
(Information prepared by Stephen Rooney) W410-001-01
Stormwater Main Renewal – Francis Street After unusual flooding on the Boys College front field in June 2020 a CCTV survey was carried out to determine the cause of the problem. It was unusual in that there had been no rain preceding the flooding event. There had been flooding here before caused by heavy rainfall and tree root infestation of the pipeline; the last time in early 2016.
The CCTV survey found the pipe was again blocked by tree roots but once these had been substantially cleared the pipeline was found to be in very poor condition over the about 60 metres. Upstream of this the structural damage wasn’t as prominent with the greater impact being from tree roots entering the pipe at all of the joints.
This pipeline needed to be either renewed or relined. As this work was unplanned and had no budget provision it was decided to put it forward as a project for the 3 Waters Stimulus Funding. $250,000 was granted for this project.
The project has been split into two components:
1. The southern section consisting of 450 mm diameter concrete. Due to its better structural condition it has been relined with CIPP liner. This will prevent the roots from growing back without having to dig up this section. Pipeworks completed relining this section as a variation to the phase 2 sewer relining project. This was completed in early December at a cost of $74,500 (GST excl).
2. The northern section is too badly damaged to enable relining. A tender has been awarded to Crafar Crouch Construction Ltd to excavate and relay this pipeline, 60 metres, at a cost of $136,500 (GST excl). The pipe is to be relayed as 750 mm diameter to increase its capacity. This work is to be completed during the school holiday period from April 13 to 30.
David James Tree Services has been engaged to ensure the tree root structure is remediated as trenching proceeds to limit the impact to the health of the trees as much as possible.
Assets & Services – Information Package – 4 March 2021 – Page 16 The following two photos are tree roots in the section that could be re-lined after the roots had been cut back.
Assets & Services – Information Package – 4 March 2021 – Page 17 The next photo is from the section that could not be re-lined. Note the cracking in the top of the pipe and it beginning to collapse.
A section of the re-lined pipe.
Assets & Services – Information Package – 4 March 2021 – Page 18 Parks and Open Spaces Activity Report
(Information prepared by Jane Tito, Robert Hutchinson, Robin Dunn, Grahame Smail, Linda Craighead, Brad Molony, Regan Russell, Rebecca Moorhouse, Rachel Hutchinson, Murray Morgan, Ross Laybourn,) R510-009-000-01, R510-006-02, R510-005-04, R800-005-03
Blenheim Parks
Pollard Park The annual beds have been weeded and plants dead headed to encourage new flowers and reduce disease. The annual beds have been looking fantastic over the last few weeks.
The hot weather has had a significant impact on the plants. On the day where temperatures reached 37 degrees some of the plants in Pollard Park went black almost as if they were frosted. Most of the plants have however recovered.
During this hottest period, there was an irrigation problem, which meant that the Park was without water for around 8-9 days, although some hand watering did occur. Investigations found that one of the main irrigation lines had broken. This could be from ground movement over the years or possibly from earthquake damage. A repair of the broken line has been undertaken and further investigations on upgrading the irrigation system will be required.
With the grass growth slowing down for the last couple of weeks this has freed up mowing staff to undertake other maintenance jobs around the Park, including water blasting, sanding and painting. Additionally work has taken place on moving all the non-slip bars on the bridges to improve safety. They were becoming loose and would not retighten to their current screw holes. The bars have been uplifted and refastened to new locations to improve safety.
Assets & Services – Information Package – 4 March 2021 – Page 19 Seymour Square In Seymour Square all the annual beds have been maintained, borders weeded and trimmed and hedges cut. The annuals in Seymour Square have done extremely well this season with lots of nice comments from the public.
Lansdowne Park Lansdowne Park continues to be a hive of activity, with some sport being played in and around the construction works.
Below are a series of photos in sequence showing the progress of installation of the new playing surface on the main field at the park. Prior to the recent move to Covid Level 2 restrictions progress on installing the new surface was on time.
Irrigation installation
Assets & Services – Information Package – 4 March 2021 – Page 20
Drainage installation 1
Drainage installation 2
Grass surface removed
Assets & Services – Information Package – 4 March 2021 – Page 21
First layer of sand
Second layer of sand and biochar (organic material)
At the same time as the Hub and main playing surface are undergoing construction, replacement poles and training lights are currently being installed on the 2 western fields. The foundations for these are in the process of being poured and the lights will be in place by 1 April.
Lansdowne light foundation - under construction and completed
Assets & Services – Information Package – 4 March 2021 – Page 22 Taylor River Work continues on the widening of the pathways along the Taylor River thanks to Marlborough Roads and Waka Kotahi funding. On the southern (town) side the widening will extend from the Beaver Road footbridge through to Stuart Street while on the northern side of the river, the widening extends from the Beaver Road footbridge to the Henry Street footbridge.
Taylor River Path widening next stages
One of the biggest issues in any river system is the build-up of stone and silt on river berms and banks following a flood event. The Taylor River is not exempt from this. Over the years silt has been deposited on the Taylor River berms building a raised lip along the path edges. In some areas the height difference between path and grass berm has become significant and the only way to deal with this issue is to remove the build-up.
Work has recently been undertaken by the Rivers section to remove the build-up in the area south of Beaver Road. Further work will be undertaken from Henry Street footbridge upstream toward Beaver Road in late March (area outlined in red below). This will help with path users when they are transiting between the path and grass berm.
Assets & Services – Information Package – 4 March 2021 – Page 23
River berm lowered on north side of Taylor River near Beaver Road
Kahikatea Reserve Kahikatea Reserve is located just north of Spring Creek adjacent to State Highway 1. Four Kahikatea trees, remnants of the original native forest cover once found on the Wairau Plain, are now surrounded by regenerating native planting. The Council-owned land is part of the river flood control system, low-lying and ideal for native forest regeneration. Thousands of seedlings have been planted in the reserve over the past 10 years supported by the combined efforts of the Council, the Marlborough Landscape Group, local schools, iwi and the community.
Pathways enable the public to access the reserve from Spring Creek and an access strip adjacent to the state highway connecting the reserve to the Wairau River is currently being pursued. A recent flyover of the area, as seen in the photo below, shows the extent of growth that has occurred since planting commenced. The second photo shows the area prior to planting in 2008.
Assets & Services – Information Package – 4 March 2021 – Page 24
Awatere and Flaxbourne Parks Work on renovating the Flaxbourne (Ward) Hall is now complete with keys having recently been handed over to the Flaxbourne Settlers Association who are very pleased with the final result.
Assets & Services – Information Package – 4 March 2021 – Page 25 Picton Parks
Port Marlborough Pavilion
Summer holiday programme The Port Marlborough Pavilion offers a holiday programme filled with fun for kids aged 5-12 years over the summer school holidays. Each day is based around a key activity with additional sports, activities and games to keep kids busy and active. Over the past few years this has become popular with children in the Picton area, with a large amount of returnees every year.
We have a number of sporting codes and organisations coming to our morning sessions adding their expertise to the program. The Police PCT (Police Competent Training) course, indoor bowls and touch rugby were the biggest hits this year with the kids.
Picton pumpkin fest
As part of the Port Marlborough Pavilions event schedule, a pumpkin festival is to held on Friday 26 March from 4:30-7:30pm. Pumpkin seeds were sold late last year to those keen to compete in the growing competitions. For those not participating in the growing competition there will be lots of other ways to get involved including gumboot throwing, pumpkin rolling, pumpkin art, pumpkin pie competitions, stalls and more.
Assets & Services – Information Package – 4 March 2021 – Page 26
Northern Marlborough/Sounds
Tunnicliff Reserve A new shade shelter and picnic table has recently been installed alongside the playground at Tunnicliffe Reserve in Okiwi Bay.
District Public Conveniences Work is progressing well on the redevelopment of the Seymour Square toilets. Blockwork has been completed and exterior framing is currently going up. The Havelock toilet redevelopment is also nearing completion.
Assets & Services – Information Package – 4 March 2021 – Page 27
Seymour Square Redevelopment
Havelock Toilet Redevelopment
Walking and cycling
Havelock Community Pathway Good progress on the Havelock Community Pathway High continues to be made with all the decking on the large boardwalk between Wilson Street and Mahakipawa Road being completed. All the balusters and railings on the large boardwalk have been installed (with the exception of the end bridge). Once the end bridge railing has been completed, the focus will be on the railing of the boardwalk between the cemetery and Brownlee Close.
Staff are in discussions with Marlborough Lines regarding the relocation of a high voltage line at the lower end of Lawrence Street that needs to be rerouted away from the pathway.
Assets & Services – Information Package – 4 March 2021 – Page 28
Trees Information on trees within our parks and reserves continues to be captured. Additionally re-inspections of all trees previously deemed in poor or very poor condition from the 2020 annual inspection is also underway. Currently 10,849 trees have been recorded within our parks and open spaces.
Wind event – Picton A significant wind event occurred in Picton on the 16th of February. Staff received a number of calls regarding trees being uprooted or losing significant branches. This included street trees and trees on parks
Assets & Services – Information Package – 4 March 2021 – Page 29 and reserves as well as on private property. Parks and Open Spaces contractors began checking for damage to trees on parks and streets as soon as it was safe to do so.
Damage to a dwelling occurred with the loss of a substantial limb from a heritage pin oak tree located on private property on Newgate Street.
Fallen tree located on unformed legal road on Dorset Street
Fallen limb from heritage tree on private property – Newgate Street, Picton
Assets & Services – Information Package – 4 March 2021 – Page 30 Burleigh Park heritage tree The second of two heritage trees to be removed from Burleigh Park because of its deteriorating condition has now been felled. This manna gum was located towards the rear of the park adjacent to the timber mill next door. Some parts of the tree will be retained onsite to form an informal play area.
Playgrounds
Clearwater Reserve A new shade structure has been installed over the play equipment in Clearwater Reserve located in the northwest of Blenheim. Shade has become an important part of the design of new playgrounds and upgrades to existing playgrounds. Renewal of soft-fall matting underneath the playground equipment has also been carried out at the same time as installing the shade sails.
Assets & Services – Information Package – 4 March 2021 – Page 31 Canvastown Hall A new shade sail has been installed over the existing play structures adjacent to the Canvastown Hall by the local community. The shade sail was installed along with new surrounds to contain the gravel surfacing. A new playground has also been installed adjacent to the existing play structures as part of the Small Townships Programme. A water play component of the playground is yet to be installed.
Policy and planning
Plan/Policy Status
Sports Facilities Strategic The draft Plan was notified on 10 December 2020 and submissions Plan 2021 closed on 29 January 2021 with 16 submissions being received. There was nothing substantial in the submissions received that was not otherwise covered in the draft Plan.
A final version of the Sports Facilities Strategic Plan 2021 will be considered by full Council on 25 February.
Victoria Domain RMP 38 submissions were received by the close of submissions on 15 January 2021. Hearings have been set down for 17 March to be held at the Endeavour Park Pavilion.
Seddon Domain RMP Drafting of this reserve management plan is well underway.
Waikawa Foreshore RMP Drafting of this reserve management plan is well underway.
Parks and Open Spaces The Council has a substantial investment in land and capital Asset Management improvements to enable the delivery of many of its community outcomes. Staff have been recording new assets and updating information on existing assets across the Parks and Open Spaces portfolio. It is timely therefore that a review of the current Reserves and Amenities Asset Management Plan, last revised for the 2015-25 Long Term Plan, is undertaken. It is anticipated that such a review will take 6 to 9 months.
Rangers’ Report
Responsible Camping Responsible camping patrols have continued to monitor the sites where camping was allowed prior to the changes introduced through the Responsible Camping Control Bylaw 2020. The numbers of vehicles at
Assets & Services – Information Package – 4 March 2021 – Page 32 these sites (highlighted in grey below) continues to decrease as more people become aware of the changes to the bylaw.
Numbers have also decreased at the five responsible camping sites as the school holidays have come to an end coupled with fewer overseas people travelling around the country.
Site Number of Vehicles Number of Vehicles 13/01/21 - 16/02/21 01/12/20 - 12/01/21
Alfred Stream Reserve, Rai Valley 6 17
Anakiwa 9 39
Blairich Reserve, Awatere 17 56
Brown River Reserve, Rai Valley 1 79
Collins Memorial Reserve, Koromiko 28 138
Double Bay, Mahau Sound 4 46
Ohauparuparu Bay, Kenepuru Sound 0 1
Ohingaroa Bay, Mahau Sound 3 30
Elterwater, Grassmere 68 122
Renwick Domain Carpark 149 264
Taylor Dam Reserve, Blenheim 280 347
Wairau Diversion Reserve, Blenheim 1166 1514
Wynen St Carpark, Blenheim 191 189
There are a number of instances where rangers have issued infringements to those camping in places not authorised by the bylaw. In some cases offenders have also had to be trespassed.
Wood cutting Several instances of wood cutting along the Wairau River have already been reported by Rangers on their daily patrols. This activity is likely to increase as we approach the cooler months. Currently Rivers are developing a policy to manage this illegal activity and the management framework to be implemented through the proposed Wairau River Regional Park Plan will also help to address this activity.
Assets & Services – Information Package – 4 March 2021 – Page 33 Road Safety Coordinator update (Information prepared by Robyn Blackburn)
Motorcycle Safety
A Shiny Side up Bike Fest was held in Nelson on 14 February 2021 sponsored by MSAC, Road to Zero, and Ride Forever – an ACC initiative. The Council was represented at the event working with the Ride Forever team to get as many riders signed up for motorcycle training courses as possible. The Top of the South Road Safety teams offer vouchers to riders to ensure the training is free.
The attendance count at the Nelson event was about 900 people and while we had 42 riders signed up for vouchers on the day we know that these numbers will increase when the training providers send their total numbers in. None of the riders registering for vouchers were from Marlborough but we know that members of Marlborough Ulysses did discuss working with a training provider for club training opportunities.
School Resources Updated
The Council has been working with Police to update two resources that relate to reducing illegal parking around schools and how to use the various road crossing infrastructure that Marlborough has to offer.
Assets & Services – Information Package – 4 March 2021 – Page 34 Property and Community Facilities Project Report
(Information prepared by Maighan Watson)
Lansdowne Sports Hub The new Lansdowne Sports Hub is making great progress, with the completion date programmed for mid-August 2021. All portals, purlins and internal gutters are installed, and the roof 90% complete. Plumbing, electrical and air conditioning services are working through the first fix of services to the ground floor. The landscaping component is progressing in the background, and will be delivered alongside the Sports Hub build, forming an impressive entrance to the hub and tying multiple codes together in the one space.
Figure 1 – Lansdowne Hub, blockwork detail shown Figure 2 – Lansdowne Hub Jan 27, looking
Marlborough Library & Art Gallery Robinson Construction mobilised onsite late August 2020, with a 25 month programme ahead of them. At present, the core focus remains on the foundations, reinforcing and preparations for the lift pit. It is expected that the foundation concrete pours will commence from mid-Feb through to the start of March; with the slab pour to follow closely behind.
Figure 3 – MLAG, foundation grid’s Figure 4 – North facing aerial view of MLAG foundations and steel reinforcing Other projects • Moutere Rugby Clubrooms – The changing sheds at Awarua Park Community Club are to undergo a refurbishment, to improve the current use of space and ensure the building is fit for purpose as the player dynamic changes. The design is now complete and building consent approved. An RFQ was
Assets & Services – Information Package – 4 March 2021 – Page 35 released early February to selected parties. With the increasingly tight time frame to complete this work before the 2021 rugby season, construction has now been postponed until July/August.
• Grovetown Lagoon new Toilet & Car Park – The new toilet and car park are now complete at the Grovetown Lagoon track. The trust are now working with Parks to add some final touches to the area before this project will be deemed complete.
• Boulevard Park on Taylor Stage 7 – CMT Group are progressing well, and have now completed majority of the kerb and channel works. The streetlights, gyro boxes and signature stone walls are also underway. The contractor is on programme to complete all physical works by winter 2021. This is the final stage of Boulevard Park, completing a total of 339 sections in total over the past 15 years.
Figure 6 – Reinforcing for schist stone walls taking Figure 5 – BPOT Stage 7, looking south shape towards Stage
Record No: 2139816
Assets & Services – Information Package – 4 March 2021 – Page 36