Your monthly update from Hamilton City Council

HAMILTON

citynews May 2018

Record Response Wonderful Unprecedented public feedback into the development of Hamilton’s 10-Year wetlands Plan has seen record numbers, both The theme for this year’s Arbor Day is wetlands, such as for written submissions and for people Hamilton’s own Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park. who want to speak to the Council Full story page 7. during Hearings this month.

Additional Hearing dates have been allocated to cater for the demand, with sessions now planned for Early history unearthed at Ring Rd site 11,14,15,16 and 17 May. Evidence of a pre-European Maaori garden site The Council’s Chief Executive Richard and a small 19th century cottage have been Briggs says the quantity and quality unearthed during archaeological investigations of the submissions so far shows for the Wairere Dr/Cobham Dr extension project. Hamiltonians understand the key issues and opportunities for the city in Around 400m of trenches were dug by project the years ahead. archaeologist Warren Gumbley and his team to learn more about and document both sites, “Nothing is set in stone. Our Council has some big decisions to make ahead of site preparation work which started in around the future of the city and February 2018. Under the Heritage NZ Pouhere the feedback we have received will Taonga Act archaeological assessments are ensure the community’s views are well required on all sites in New Zealand with represented when the next stage of the pre-1900 human activity. process starts,” Mr Briggs says. Two borrow pits, or quarries, were found, Through the consultation period there where Maaori gardening alongside the were more than 30 community sessions River would have quarried sand around the city to encourage people and gravel to make planting structures for A DIFFERENT TIME: Artefacts found at the cottage site include this body of a typical mantelpiece clock. to make submissions. A summary of crops like kumara and taro. Radiocarbon the draft Plan and supporting data was dating will determine the age of the site. jars and other domestic items found indicate Site preparation work is progressing well on available online and from Hamilton City Thousands of similar borrow pits line the the small cottage was likely lived in from the the final stage of the Ring Road project which Libraries. All ratepayers were sent a , evidence of an extensive pre- 1880s to the 1930s. will improve transport connections and safety, personalised letter detailing the effect European horticultural system which saw soils as well as future-proofing the city’s transport of the draft Plan's proposals on their adapted to be more suitable for growing. The body of a clock which would have sat on network to the south of the city. property’s rates. a mantelpiece was also found in one of the By early June the Council will make An iwi working group representing local hapu cottage post holes. Sitting outside of the project When complete in 2020 Cobham Dr will be its final deliberations on the draft are closely involved with the Ring Road, site at the top of the hill overlooking theWaikato raised to allow the four-laned Wairere Dr to pass Plan, before it is finalised, audited and assisting with historic and cultural matters River is the small fortified Kirikiriroa Redoubt beneath it, accompanied by extended shared adopted. The Plan will take effect from through the life of the project. Artefacts and site. Little is seen of the remains of it, which on and off-road walking and cycling paths. 1 July 2018. post holes from a small cottage built in the late was built in 1864 to protect the river supply 19th century were also revealed. Bottles and route between Hamilton and Cambridge. ■ hamilton.govt.nz/ringroad

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DIRTY DOG: Megan and her dog Judy preparing for TALKING TUATARA: Keeper talks will be offered in sign SEVENS: Pre-sales for the next HSBC NZ Sevens are Dirty Dog with a play in a muddy field. language at Hamilton Zoo, as part of a new trial initiative. open this month.

1 hamilton.govt.nz /hamiltoncitycouncil @CouncilHamilton citynews Meet the Mayor Are there any city issues you would like to discuss with Mayor Andrew King?

Please phone 838 6976 to book a 10-minute appointment between 7.45am and 9.00am on:

Thursday, 10 May Thursday, 17 May Thursday, 7 June Thursday, 14 June

Appointments must be booked in advance. Keep your mind on the driving Please report to Reception on the ground floor of the task – make it a habit Hamilton City Council Road Safety Week 2018 (7 to 13 May) will have a key 35% slower reaction times and poor lane control says Caroline Municipal Building. focus on driver distraction and the Council is supporting the Perry, from road safety advocacy group Brake. initiative and encouraging Hamiltonians to remember the importance behind the message. “Another large-scale study by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration in America found those same people were 23 UPCOMING COUNCIL MEETINGS Mihi Bennett-Smith the Council’s Road Safety Coordinator times more likely to crash than an attentive driver,” she says. says many of us take driving for granted, but we forget it is one Meetings are open to the public and are livestreamed on our of the most complicated and risky activities we can do daily. A few tips drivers can do to avoid driver distraction and keep website, hamilton.govt.nz/livestream their mind on the driving task are: Elected Member Briefings are for the purposes of providing “Our crash data shows there were 5776 crashes in Hamilton in the last five years, and 550 (9.5%) listed some form of updates on various topics to Elected Members. The public • Switch off mobile phones or turn them on to 'do not are welcome to observe the briefings. attention diversion as a cause. In 2017, 131 crashes were caused by distraction, or diverted attention.” disturb’ mode. Extraordinary Council Finance Committee • Adjust all controls (including radio and fans) before Meeting Meeting “Driving requires full concentration to drive safely. you start driving. 9.30am, Thursday, 10 May, 9.30am, Tuesday, 22 May, Passengers, animals, the radio, phones, advertising signs, • Check the map before starting your journey if you are Committee Room 1 Committee Room 1 other traffic, etc are all huge distractions and a small lapse unfamiliar with where you are going. Council 10-Year Plan Council Meeting in concentration because of one of these can greatly increase Hearings 9.30am, Thursday, 24 May, your chances of being involved in a crash,” Bennett-Smith • Ask passengers to be quiet if you’re struggling to 11.00am, Monday, 14 May, Committee Room 1 says. “The message is clear, keep your mind on the driving concentrate. Committee Room 1 task and make it a habit.” Growth and Infrastructure • Take regular breaks rather than eating and drinking Council 10-Year Plan Meeting A study by UK based Transport Research Laboratory states while driving. Hearings 9.30am, Tuesday, 29 May, drivers who are also messaging on their smartphones have 11.00am, Tuesday, 15 May, Committee Room 1 Committee Room 1 Council 10 Year Plan Council 10-Year Plan Deliberation Hearings Reserve Day 9.30am, Thursday, 31 May, 11.00am, Wednesday, Committee Room 1 16 May, Committee Room 1 Mayor’s matinees return Council 10-Year Plan The popular Mayor’s Music Matinees have returned for 2018, These free 50-minute performances are happening at 1pm Hearings Reserve Day giving Hamiltonians a great opportunity to experience local on the second Friday of the month. Conceived by local arts 11.00am, Thursday, and visiting classical music talent. identity Russell Armitage in 2015, they are organised by the 18 May, Committee Room 1 Conservatorium and the Council. Agendas and minutes of all Council and Committee meetings The next one is an Opera Showcase, at 1pm on Friday 11 are available on the Council’s website, hamilton.govt.nz May at Creative Waikato at 131 Alexandra Street. It will There was a full house last month for the first recital of the feature vocal students from The University of Waikato year, featuring cellist Matthias Balzat and pianist Vivian Check the website to confirm meeting times and dates this month as some meetings are scheduled reserve days for Conservatorium of Music, accompanied by Francis Cowan Balzat, so don’t miss out. Details of each event will be 10-Year Plan discussions and cannot be confirmed. and directed by Stephanie Acraman. The program includes posted monthly at the link below. excerpts from Puccini's ‘Madame Butterfly’, Verdi's * Not livestreamed ‘Rigoletto’ and Donizetti's ‘L'Elisir D'Amore’. ■ hamilton.govt.nz/musicmatinee

YOUR MAYOR AND COUNCILLORS Andrew King Mark Bunting Paula Southgate Angela O’Leary Mayor Councillor: East Ward Councillor: East Ward Councillor: West Ward 07 838 6976 027 808 5164 021 589 957 021 343 774 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] James R Casson Ryan Hamilton Geoff Taylor Councillor: East Ward Councillor: East Ward Councillor: West Ward 027 808 5173 07 974 0517 027 808 5170 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Martin Gallagher Garry Mallett Siggi Henry Leo Tooman Deputy Mayor Councillor: East Ward Councillor: West Ward Councillor: West Ward 07 838 6766 021 741 021 027 808 5155 021 512 098 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Rob Pascoe Dave Macpherson Councillor: East Ward Councillor: West Ward 021 988 742 021 477 388 [email protected] [email protected]

2 hamilton.govt.nz /hamiltoncitycouncil @CouncilHamilton citynews

Save money by registering your dog early It’s dog registration time again. Owners of Hamilton’s 11,500 dogs will need to re-register their dog by 30 June which also gets you the cheapest price. Dog registration forms will be in letter boxes soon and if registrations are paid online, and before 30 June, dog owners could also win one of two prize packs.

The prize packs include a refund of the dog registration, $100 Hamilton Vets voucher and assorted dog food and toys. Animal Education and Control Manager Susan Stanford says registration fees cover the enforcement of dog control laws, dog owner education, school and community dog safety presentations, events for dogs and their owners and daily patrols. Dog registration fees are separated into three different timeframes: Let’s get dirty • before 30 June there is a prompt payment discount of $15 • between 1 and 31 July the standard fee applies DIRTY DOG: Megan and her dog Judy preparing for Dirty Dog with a play in a muddy field. • after 31 July there is a 50 per cent late penalty fee. If your dog loves mud, and you don’t provide unique experiences for dog day along with a photo booth and mind getting a bit grubby, come along owners. “We’re excited to have a cleaning station for once you’ve Owners who register their dogs online will receive their dog to our Dirty Dog event in June. joined forces with Waikato to pull finished.” tags about 10 working days after the application is submitted. together this really unique event for Dirty Dog will be an all-day event Dogs are required to wear a collar with current registration tag Hamilton City Council and Waikato dog owners,” says Ms Stanford. at the Christian Youth Camp in at all times. It is important dogs wear their tag so they can be District Council have teamed up for Waikato’s Animal Control Team Ngaruawahia with all profits going to clearly identified. a unique event on Saturday 16 June where dogs and their owners can Leader Megan May says their teams animal-based local charities. Tickets are $30.00 per dog (one person per Payments can also be made in person at the Animal Education navigate their way through a mud-filled aren’t just about enforcement. "Our dog). This event is open to dogs of all and Control office, 217 Ellis St, or at the Council’s Municipal obstacle course. animal teams want to be able to give back to the good dog owners of our shapes and sizes and tickets will be Building in Garden Place. Hamilton’s Animal Education and areas and give them an opportunity for sale from mid-May through the ■ hamilton.govt.nz/dogsonline Control Manager Susan Stanford says to participate in a fun event. “There council's websites. it’s important to try new things and will be heaps of spot prizes on the ■ hamilton.govt.nz/dirtydog

Local artist designing Hamilton sculpture for China Hamilton’s Sister City link to Shirley. While he creates in a range Speaking from ‘The Home of the hundred kilometres of connected Chengdu in China will take solid of media, Hamiltonians will be most Giant Panda’, Jeremy was impressed parks and ecological areas. “I hope form with the installation of a familiar with Jeremy’s many murals with what he was seeing. “Chengdu to create a meaningful sculpture for sculpture being designed by a local around the city, including behind the is like no place I've been before. We the people of Chengdu, that connects artist. The Chengdu Municipal Riff Raff Statue, below the Victoria have been hosted very well and have directly to Hamilton,” said Jeremy. Government recently invited its sister Bridge, in Lovegrove Lane and on visited several significant cultural cities to each ask an artist to design numerous bus shelters and public sites within this vast city. On return, Jeremy has set to work on a sculpture for their new Tianfu conveniences. designing his sculpture, which will Green Lanes eco-park. “A rich history of art and culture, be produced in Chengdu. The entire In late April, he was one of forty of poetry and painting, underpins project, including Jeremy’s visit to Hamilton City Council looked to artists from Chengdu’s sister cities the design principles of the Tianfu China, is being funded by the ART LINK: A sculpture by Jeremy Creative Waikato to find a willing who visited the metropolis of 14 Green Lanes. Our sculptures will Chengdu Municipal Government. Shirley at the Waitakaruru Sculpture and capable artist and, after calling million for a week to gain inspiration be centrally positioned within this Park – he is now designing a work to represent Hamilton in its sister city for nominations, they chose Jeremy and to see the sites for their work. enormous project spanning five ■ hamilton.govt.nz of Chengdu. Libraries roll on to radio dial Your local library service is now on your local “Graphic Designer and thespian Ray Powell radio station. introduces the show and talks about many library news and services the public may A team of staff from Hamilton City Libraries not know about. He also interviews someone is producing and hosting Beyond the Margin, from the libraries about an aspect of their job. a weekly broadcast on Free FM, the city’s community access radio station. “Library staff members Rebekah Shoobert and Tania Jeffries review their favourite books Heritage Librarian Deborah Fitz Herbert – who in the collection and give out a riddle each BROADCASTING ON BOOKS: Hamilton City Libraries staff Deborah Fitz Herbert and Tania Jeffries are among a has a background in journalism and editing – week of a famous book for the listeners to team of staff working on the libraries service’s new Free FM radio show and podcast. took the idea of a radio show and ran with it. solve,” she says. access station, the broadcaster’s core purpose and it’s no surprise to see a fast-evolving is “giving voice to our community”. industry like libraries grab hold of what we “As the oral history librarian I thought a Ms Fitz Herbert is joined by Renee Morrison offer. “The debut episode of Beyond the radio show would be the ideal medium to to present a history-based segment, which “Organisations working in and for the Margin made great listening, and as an ex- promote the oral history collection,” she says. has explored specific parts of the city. community are really what makes Free FM libraries manager it actually re-engaged me With backing from Libraries Director Rebecca Once all the recording is completed, the show thrive. While we’re mainly seen as a radio with the new world of libraries as community Whitehead, she sent out a request for libraries is edited and then broadcast twice a week on station, I’m steering us towards a podcast- hubs.” staff to become involved in a working group Free FM – Mondays at 10.30am and first model with access via global podcast to form ideas and lead delivery of the show. Wednesday at 11.30am – and is podcast via providers and more recently smart speakers. ■ hamiltonlibraries.co.nz The five-strong team now broadcasts weekly accessradio.org and shared on the library ■ freefm.org.nz on Free FM, with the 28-minute show broken service’s Facebook page. Free FM General There’s big growth in organisations using down into four seven-minute segments. Manager Phil Grey says as a community podcasts to better engage with their users,

hamilton.govt.nz /hamiltoncitycouncil @CouncilHamilton 3 citynews Developments for and Northeast Hamilton

Resolution Dr extension from Borman Rd to Northern area roading works Waikato Expressway HORSHAM DOWNS • Currently under construction as SCHOOL part of the Waikato Expressway HORSHAM DOWNS EXISTING ROADS LINK Hamilton section. PROPOSED NEW ROADS HOR SHA M D • Due to be opened in 2020 at the OW WAIKATO EXPRESSWAY N S same time as the expressway is R

D ROAD TO BE CLOSED being opened. RD OSBORNE UNDERPASS PEDESTRIAN/BIKING PROPOSED • Includes an underpass between Borman Rd and Kay HAMILTON CITY BOUNDARY Rd connecting residential development area with the REYNOLDS RD planned Rototuna Town Centre. HORSHAM DOWNS RD RIVER RD • This project includes closing the

existing Kay Rd on the western KAY RD KAY RD

side of Resolution Dr, as shown in CLOSURE ROTOTUNA KAY RD H HIGH SCHOOLS'

the map. Timing of closing Kay Rd A NO

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C is likely to be mid 2019 following P IT

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Kay Rd and the completion of the S TOWN CENTRE new Horsham Downs Rd bridge T

across the Expressway. NEW TE AO MAARAMA BORMAN RD PRIMARY SCHOOL R (JAN 2019) E S O RIVER RD L U T I O RD GORDONTON RD River Rd and Kay Rd N

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R • Kay Rd is currently 80km/h between Osborne Rd and Resolution Dr. Waikato District Council is about Borman Rd extension Borman Rd extension Waikato Expressway (Hamilton Section) to undertake bylaw consultation to Kay Rd (west) (east) construction to amend the 100km/h speed limit • Expressway completion planned for 2020. on Kay Rd between River Rd and • Planned for completion by • The final link from Kimbrae Dr to Osborne Rd to 80km/h. the end of 2018. Horsham Downs is planned in the • Kay Rd currently closed for Bridge construction, due to be draft 2018-2028 10-Year Plan for reopened in August/September 2018. • Investigating temporary footpaths • Will reduce traffic on Kay Rd completion in 2022. on River Rd north of Te Huia Dr, rural roads and other local • Proposed Horsham Downs Rd closure (by chocolate and on Kay Rd to make areas safer routes once opened. • Also includes upgrade of the factory) for approximately nine months once Kay Rd is for pedestrians. • Will help with catering for current rural standard Borman reopened. • Kay Rd traffic volumes will be traffic movements to the new Rd between Horsham Downs Rd • Includes an underpass adjacent to the Rototuna High reduced by connecting Borman Rd primary school on Borman and Barrington Dr, and Horsham School providing safe pedestrian and biking connectivity to Kay Rd and closing Kay Rd to Rd, due to open in February Downs Rd from North Ridge Dr to under the expressway, particularly for new residential land the west of Resolution Dr. 2019. Borman Rd. development areas on the north side of the expressway.

THOMAS RD THOMAS RD/ Speed limit reduction on Gordonton Rd GORDONTON RD Gordonton Rd INTERSECTION GORDONTON RD • To improve safety and support the traffic lights being installed late this year at the Thomas Rd/ corridor Gordonton Rd intersection, a permanent reduction in the speed limit from 80km/h to 60km/h is being ● Planned safety upgrade considered along Gordonton Rd between Wairere Dr and north of Thomas Rd. N PROPOSED of Thomas/Gordonton • Since late 2017 there’s been a variable 60km/h speed limit triggered when vehicles turn into or out of WALKING AND intersection to a signalised Thomas Rd. This has worked well, has had good community support, and has reduced the severity of BIKING ROUTE intersection by the end of injury to people in crashes. We’d also install some road treatments to help it ‘feel’ more like a 60km/h PROPOSED SPEED LIMIT REDUCTION 2018. road. FROM 80KM/H TO 60KM/H ● Proposed speed limit • From early June we’ll be consulting around this proposed safer speed limit. reduction from 80km/h to 60km/h from north of PUKETAHA RD MES D R PUKETAHA RD/ Thomas Rd to Wairere Dr. JA T GORDONTON RD/ S May be implemented later ST JAMES DR INTERSECTION this year (2018) subject to a bylaw process.

GORDONTON RD ● Planned upgrade of CORRIDOR Puketaha/Gordonton intersection by 2021. This project is in the draft 2018- GORDONTON RD 2028 10-Year Plan and D A RJ includes the connection of ON DR St James Dr.

● Proposed walking/biking

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WAIRERE DR S make the whole corridor safer for motorists and pedestrians.

4 hamilton.govt.nz /hamiltoncitycouncil @CouncilHamilton citynews Developments for Rototuna and Northeast Hamilton Northeast

TO HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS PARK parks and

AQUATICS CENTRE BUS playgrounds INTERCHANGE RETAIL PLAYGROUND AND SCHOOL: Major development is happening in the north with construction NORTH CITY RD RETAIL WITH on the Hare Puke Destination LIBRARY OFFICES AT Playground due to be completed FIRST FLOOR in July 2018, and the new Te Ao Maarama Primary School due to RETAIL WITH be completed January 2019. OFFICES AT COMMUNITY FIRST FLOOR BUILDING RETAIL OR OFFICES

RETAIL RETAIL RETAIL WITH RETAIL OR OFFICES AT OFFICES SUPERMARKET FIRST FLOOR

RETAIL HAMILTON CHRISTIAN SCHOOL RETAIL WITH OFFICES AT FIRST FLOOR

BORMAN RD TO RESOLUTION DR

Rototuna Town Centre ● Development works currently underway for stage one, including potential supermarket. ● Sports park development underway, planned for completion in 2020 in the draft 2018-2028 10-Year Plan. • Hare Puke Destination Playground – under construction, completed by July 2018. ● Community facility development including, library and town • Hare Puke Park – development proposed in draft 2018-28 10-Year Plan. square are proposed in the draft 2018-2028 10-Year Plan for major development from 2020 to 2022. • Mangaiti Park – proposed in draft 2018-28 10-Year Plan, basic development. ● A private partnership is proposed for the aquatic facility • Te Huia Neighbourhood Playground – under construction, completed by July 2018. development. • Te Manatu Park – proposed in draft 2018-28 10-Year Plan, basic development. Bus routes extended north The Rototuna area is becoming a key hub for bus use within the city. Bus routes have recently been extended further north in both Rototuna and Flagstaff, and services are now running more often. Many buses run every half hour on weekdays, and hourly on weekends. Fares are very reasonable – with a BUSIT card, adult fares are $2.40 and child fares are $1.70. Use the bus for work, school, University of Waikato, Wintec, to visit friends, get to appointments, shopping, or take the kids on an adventure. It’s a great way to get around.

Recent bus route improvements in the Rototuna area include:

• The Orbiter bus runs every 15 minutes in both directions from 6am-6pm weekdays, and around every 30 minutes after 6pm and on weekends. Two new double decker buses now operate on the Orbiter at busy times, with capacity for 100 people. • The #4 Flagstaff bus now runs through to the Rototuna Shopping Centre every trip. • The #5 Chartwell bus travels into Huntington Dr seven days a week, providing residents with a direct link to Chartwell, and town. • The #16 Rototuna service now includes the area north of Thomas Road and . • The new Rototuna Circular service was launched at the end of January, and links Chartwell with Flagstaff and Rototuna. Some trips on this service also carry through to town. A number of new bus stops have recently been installed in the Rototuna and Flagstaff North areas. For more information on the bus service in your area, visit busit.co.nz or call 0800 205 305.

hamilton.govt.nz /hamiltoncitycouncil @CouncilHamilton 5 citynews Museum, ArtsPost get accessibility tick Making community facilities more accessible Museum and ArtsPost to get up to a gold independence and gets people out into the for people with a disability makes life easier rating. “Someone with a wheelchair or a community.” for everyone. pushchair can get around the museum and ArtsPost really easily. Toileting is always and ArtsPost Visitor Services That’s the philosophy of accessibility coach a big issue so having an accessible unisex Manager Steve Chappell says work has already Steven Taylor, who recently assessed Waikato toilet – as well as gender-specific accessible started to action or schedule suggestions made Museum and ArtsPost Galleries & Shop toilets – is really good.” in the Be. Accessible report. “Hamilton City for Be. Accessible. Established in 2011, Council is proactive on making its facilities Be. Accessible scores businesses on a ‘just Mr Taylor says improving accessibility is more inclusive,” he says. starting’ through to bronze, silver, gold and “just the right thing to do”. “This is a “Disability Advisor Judy Small has a wealth platinum scale for their user-friendliness. community facility, a lot of people in of knowledge, expertise and connections in the wheelchairs or with other mobility issues, disabled community and is a driving force for Waikato Museum and ArtsPost received a as well as parents with pushchairs, use these improving our buildings’ accessibility.” silver rating for their accessibility initiatives, places. They can visit without any dramas. based on four areas: information about To read Waikato Museum and ArtsPost’s accessibility, arriving and getting in, getting “People with mobility issues constantly have accessibility report, go to beaccessible.org.nz. around within, and getting out safely. “A silver to plan how they are going to get around a IMPROVING INCLUSIVITY: Waikato Museum and rating is a really good starting point,” says ArtsPost Visitor Services Manager Steve Chappell, left, facility. Being able to just turn up somewhere ■ waikatomuseum.co.nz Mr Taylor. “It won’t take much for Waikato like the museum (which is accessible) creates with accessibility coach Steven Taylor, right, and his son Hamish Taylor. Parking courtesy as sports seasons gather pace As school and club sports seasons move up “We’re urging people attending matches a gear, supporters, officials and families are and tournaments at the city’s sports parks being urged to “Park Smarter” around to ‘Park Smarter’ – and that means being Hamilton’s sports grounds. courteous and sensible with where you’re leaving your vehicle. May heralds the start of several junior sporting codes, meaning increased pressure on parking “Our aim is to work with you to make your spaces in streets adjacent to Hamilton’s parks winter sports fun and safe,” Mrs Denton and reserves. Robyn Denton, the Council’s says. Inappropriate or illegal parking City Transportation Operations Team Leader, compromises the safety of other road users says the influx of parked vehicles can create and pedestrians, and causes congestion. issues for residents who have trouble Parking on footpaths also impedes access accessing their properties or going about their for people with disabilities, particularly daily business at weekends, particularly on those using mobility scooters. Saturday mornings. The Council’s parking wardens will be TALKING TUATARA: Keeper talks will be offered in sign language at Hamilton Zoo, as part of a trial initiative “The streets around these grounds can get very patrolling particular pressure points around involving Deaf Aotearoa crowded and our Customer Services staff do the city. receive complaints from residents about how Sign of inclusive times vehicles have been parked,” Mrs Denton says. ■ hamilton.govt.nz/parking at Hamilton Zoo Avoid If you head to Hamilton Zoo on Sunday 13 Hamilton Zoo Education Team Leader Ken May, expect to see a different kind of sign. Millwood said the zoo staff were looking a fine forward to the hosting the deaf community New Zealand Sign Language Week runs from and working with the Deaf Aotearoa team Park 7-13 May and to celebrate the Waikato deaf had highlighted a service the zoo was community, Hamilton Zoo are providing a offering. special zoo keeper talk and a Q and A session with New Zealand Sign Language interpreters. “It’s great to be able to have the sign Smarter language interpreters here at the zoo for a Deaf Aotearoa Facilitator Nisha Appanna met day and have the opportunity for them to with the zoo team earlier this year to discuss learn more about our animals and ask the possibility of offering the deaf community questions, but we wanted to do more for our This sports season please: an experience they wouldn’t usually get. visitors,” Mr Millwood says. Park safely

“While the zoo is accessible and a great day out “So we are also in the process of putting Watch out for children, people on bikes and on foot for the deaf community, taking an active part in together a selection of our keeper talks to be the keeper talks or asking questions about the interpreted into sign language and filmed by Don’t park on grass verges, broken yellow lines, traffic islands, zoo is not really possible,” says Miss Appanna. the Deaf Aotearoa team, and be accessible “So it’s been awesome to work with the zoo to through our website.” or no stopping areas put together a really fun experience.” As well as the zoo keeper talk and Q and A Don’t block driveways, footpaths, shared paths or cycle lanes New Zealand Sign Language is one of New session, both with interpreters, Mr Millwood Zealand’s official languages, and the week says there will be the special surprise added Don’t park closer than 6 metres from an intersection raises awareness of the deaf community and in for those who have registered for the event. provides a platform for them to promote their Park in cul-de-sacs in a way that allows vehicles to turn language. ■ hamiltonzoo.co.nz

6 hamilton.govt.nz /hamiltoncitycouncil @CouncilHamilton citynews Wonder of wetlands for Arbor Day The squelch under the boots and the smell of contribute – alongside the Council’s City damp soil are synonymous with wetlands, the Parks team – through laying out plants for theme for this year’s Arbor Day. planting by volunteers.

The largest mass planting event of the year, On average, 15,000 plants are planted on Arbor Day is a key event for the Council’s Arbor Day, although in particularly busy Parks and Recreation Unit and was first years the number has reached 36,000. With held at Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage close to 1000 people already registered for Park in 2004. The park is a long-term Arbor Day, the average planter will put 15 ecological restoration project, bringing our plants into the ground over the two hours of natural and cultural heritage to within easy planting. Mr Kelly stresses “it’s not a race”. reach of the city, reconnecting current and future generations with their environment “The aim of the exercise is to plant the trees through enhanced education, outreach and to last – and that means taking a bit of extra engagement opportunities. time to get it right,” he says. “We’ve just produced a new video to show how it’s This year’s theme is “Wetlands are cool”, with done, showing the steps – you can check the event on Friday 1 June, starting at 10am. that out the Council’s Facebook page and Gerard Kelly, the Council’s Community LOVELY LOCATION: Waiwhakareke Natural YouTube channel.” Planting Co-ordinator, says an estimated Heritage Park. 280,000 individual plants have been planted while the lake margins wetlands swamp Mr Kelly says Arbor Day is a great learning SIZZLING SUNSET: The sun goes down over FMG Stadium over the 14 years of Arbor Day. The most within the park feature manuka and caprosma, experience for children, and also an Waikato during the 2018 HSBC New Zealand Sevens. prominent species are kahikatea, totara, rushes and reeds. option for businesses or organisations kanuka and cabbage – with the largest wanting to involve staff in a volunteer or specimens now up to 5m in height. “Planning for Arbor Day starts at least two community day. The event goes ahead as Bigger and years in advance – we need to source the scheduled, unless the MetService has issued Mr Kelly says Waiwhakareke encompasses ecological seed, propagate the plants, and a Severe Weather Warning for the day. a range of ecologies, reflecting the different grow them to a size suitable for planting,” Anyone attending Arbor Day should bring better in 2019 environments of the Waikato region. Dry Mr Kelly says. Although most of the plants a spade, sturdy waterproof shoes or boots, Organisers of the HSBC New Zealand Sevens say ridge areas have been planted with kauri and come from the Council’s Municipal Nursery, dress for the weather, and bring some water Hamiltonians can expect even more fun, colour tanekaha, hill slopes have been planted with others are cultivated by the support group to drink. and sizzling rugby come January next year. mixed conifer and broadleaf species, wet Friends of Waiwhakareke. Staff and students gully floors with kahikatea and puketea, from both Wintec and Waikato University ■ hamilton.govt.nz/waiwhakareke Planning for the event on 26 and 27 January 2019 is well underway and General Manager NZ Sevens Steve Dunbar says, while the feedback about IN BRIEF Hamilton’s tournament was outstanding, each year there was a drive to make it “the best Sevens ever”.

THANKS FOR CARO PARK – COMMUNITY THE PEAK OPEN DAY “We’re taking nothing for granted, even though YOUR SUPPORT GROUP SITE The Peak, the indoor sports facility in which we had a sell-out this year. We’re going bigger and Hamilton City Council and Hamilton The Council is looking for a new community the Council is a partner, is holding an better for 2019 expanding the popular Mill Street Returned Services Assn would like to or recreation group or organisation to open day on Saturday 12 May. The event Entertainment Zone for the over 18s and creating acknowledge all the people who use a small bowling club site in Fairfield. will feature the Waikato Bay of Plenty a new and improved entertainment for under 18s contributed to this year’s Anzac Day. Previously the location of Hamilton United Magic netball team – holding a training and their families," Mr Dunbar says. Women’s Bowling Club, the site in Caro session and also doing a meet-and-greet Salvation Army Band Park is 2,969sqm, including an 85sqm opportunity with fans - a futsal coaching “We know our fans like to mix and mingle and Band - Dawn parade and service building previously used as a clubroom. session with WaiBOP Football’s Futsal take breaks from the rugby from time to time The site also includes a single bowling Officer Brayden Lissington, a basketball St John Central Region so we’re giving them even more options for fun green and several storage sheds, which shoot-out competition, plus opportunities to things to do in 2019.” Dunbar says there would Event first aid try basketball, badminton and volleyball. could be repurposed or altered for by new be amusement rides open to all fans and a games Hamilton City Brass Band tenant(s). Caro Park is within a residential arcade would also be added. Band - Civic parade and service neighbourhood in Fairfield. The event runs from 10am to 2pm, and is free. The Peak is on the Rototuna High Mighty River Harmony Amenities Schools’ campus, on Kimbrae Dr. The cashless system will be back with Choir - Dawn and Civic services - 2969sqm land, including 85sqm clubhouse improvements on 2018, including waiving the Waikato Rivertones - circa 1960s clubhouse comprising set-up fees to make the process smoother for Choir - Dawn and Civic services kitchenette, toilet/wash area, storage COUNCIL REPRESENTATION fans. “We’ll be making lots of announcements area and social/meeting space REVIEWED in the coming months as we lock in live music, No.7 Squadron Air Training delicious food options, carnival rides and - 1 bowling green, which could be repurposed Hamiltonians will be asked later this year to Corps Cadets entertainment – watch this space.” Poppy installation and event logistics - storage sheds give their views on how they’re represented by the Council. Lt Col Don Oliver - bench seats with shelters This year was the first time the HSBC New Master of Ceremony – Dawn and Civic - small informal car park The Representation Review, undertaken Zealand Sevens had been hosted in Hamilton, services every six years, is looking at the number moving to the Waikato after 18 years in An open day will be held on 24 May, of councillors, whether some or all of them Wellington. In an agreement with World Rugby, Hamilton Caledonian Pipe Band between 11am-1pm. Expression of Interest should be elected by the whole city, and Hamilton will host the New Zealand leg of the Piper - Dawn and Civic services forms are available at hamilton.govt.nz/ the number, nature and titles of Council’s HSBC Sevens World Series until 2019. The pre- Waikato Mounted Rifles fairfieldbowlingfacility Submissions must ‘wards’. This review is a chance for sale for tickets starts in early May 2018 and fans Guard of Honour and Parade Marshal - be made by 5pm on Friday 15 June 2018. Hamiltonians to have their say in one of are encouraged to sign up at www.sevens.co.nz to Dawn and Civic parades and services If you would like to meet with our team, or the most significant democratic processes view the site on the open day, email Jade. ensure they get the first access to the best tickets. War Horse March Group the Council considers. [email protected] or phone 07 838 6460. Horses and riders - Civic parade Engagement from the public is encouraged Sean Murray, the Council’s General Manager Rotary – keep an eye out on our website and Venues, Tourism and Major Events, says the debut Serving refreshments – Civic service MAJOR EVENTS Facebook page for your opportunity to Sevens demonstrated the city’s “can do” attitude to delivering major events. Volunteering Waikato SPONSORSHIP FUND get involved. The Council will consider an Poppy making and installing Applications for Hamilton City Council’s initial proposal for public consultation at a Major Event Sponsorship Fund close on meeting in August. “We were really pleased with how the Sevens went – it showed the quality of our stadium, the A big thank you to HEB Construction 14 May. The fund provides sponsorship skills and commitment of our people, and our for donating refreshments after the over $5,000 to major event organisers. The public will then have a month to make Civic Service. We also thank them for A total of $384,000 is available to provide submissions, followed by public hearings, ability to work with other partners to bring great their continued support of the poppies support to organisations delivering events ahead of the Council making a final events to the city,” Mr Murray says. project which dress Memorial Park. in line with Hamilton’s objectives. More decision in October. information and details on how to apply ■ hamilton.govt.nz/representationreview “The organisers are promising changes for 2019, A very special thanks to all our to the fund can be found at and that’s exciting for us as a host city.” wonderful volunteers. ■ hamilton.govt.nz/events ■ Sevens.co.nz

hamilton.govt.nz /hamiltoncitycouncil @CouncilHamilton 7 May / June visit 2018

Find out what’s on at visithamilton.co.nz

NINE LIVES CAT CLUB'S ANNUAL SHOW BOYZLIFE MAYOR’S MUSIC MATINEE MAY 13, 9AM CLAUDELANDS JIMMY BARNES: 11 MAY, 7:30PM 11 MAY, 7:30PM WORKING CLASS Fun show for all! Pedigree cats and family pets can be entered. The event brings together members of two of the Hamilton City Council in conjunction with the MAN biggest boy bands in history, Boyzone and Westlife, University of Waikato and its Conservatorium CLAUDELANDS HAMILTONGARDENS.CO.NZ to share stories, laughter, and of course, some of the of Music, are proud to present the “Mayor’s 12 MAY, 8PM biggest chart hits. Music Matinee Series” - a series of lunchtime An evening of stories and songs, concerts to be held on the second Friday of CLAUDELANDS.CO.NZ Jimmy Barnes: Working Class every month from 1pm. Free admission Man is the sequel to the highly HAMILTON.GOVT.NZ/MUSICMATINEE acclaimed live show 'Working Class Boy'. Similar to the previous productions, this event will see Jimmy sharing his life story along with stripped back versions of the songs that helped shape his career. CLAUDELANDS.CO.NZ

HAMILTON CRAFTS, JENNIAN HOMES MOTHER’S DAY DOLL AND BEAR FUN RUN EXTRAVAZGANZA HAMILTON GARDENS BEYOND THE BARRICADE HAMILTON GARDENS MAY 13, 9AM CLARENCE ST THEATRE 19 AND 20 MAY, 10AM AND 11AM Join in a 5km run, walk or stroll in the beautiful Hamilton MAY 13, 3PM An abundance of doll stalls will be Gardens this Mother’s Day. It will be a great start to the THE TEN TENORS The UK’s critically-acclaimed show Beyond decorated with lovely porcelain dolls day and you’ll be doing your bit to help beat heart disease. CLAUDELANDS The Barricade – a glittering concert of to retro and vintage dolls and everything else doll-related that you HAMILTONGARDENS.CO.NZ musical showstoppers. Songs from the 15 MAY, 7:30PM Celebrated for their colourful can imagine. There will even be a doll world's greatest musicals in concert including hospital and bear making stations that The Phantom of the Opera, Chicago, Evita, repertoire, breath taking arrangements and powerful are fun for the whole family. Hamilton, Miss Saigon and much more. live performances, The Ten HAMILTONGARDENS.CO.NZ PREMIER.TICKETEK.CO.NZ Tenors respectfully tip their hats not only to the great classical composers, but to contemporary music’s most popular artists. CLAUDELANDS.CO.NZ

CMNZ PRESENTS: ALEX ROSS WITH BIANCA ANDREW AND STROMA GALLAGHER ACADEMY OF WOMENS PERFORMING ARTS LIFESTLYE EXPO 21 MAY, 7:30PM CLAUDELANDS MAGIC HOME GAMES Author Alex Ross hit the golden note, and best- 26 AND 27 MAY, 10AM ENCORE – AN OPERA CLAUDELANDS seller lists, with his compelling and revelatory NZ's special event for women! SHOWCASE 20 MAY - 09 JULY history of twentieth-century music, The Rest With more than 180 companies GALLAGHER ACADEMY OF The 2018 ANZ Premiership will see the Waikato Bay of Is Noise. A tour-de-force of musicology and involved featuring everything from PREFORMING ARTS Plenty Magic Netball team take on the Central Pulse, social history, Ross dispels the elitist myths jewellery and beauty to business 9 JUNE, 7PM surrounding modernist and post-modernist Northern Mystics, Mainland Tactix and Southern Steel at products & information, travel, Experience the best of Waikato's masterpieces, allowing audiences to share in Claudelands Arena in Hamilton throughout May, June crafts, fitness, food & wine and young operatic talent with "Encore" an his passion for this repertoire. and July. much more! evening of classic and contemporary CLAUDELANDS.CO.NZ WAIKATO.AC.NZ/ACADEMY CLAUDELANDS.CO.NZ arias, choruses and opera scenes. Including appearances by current Waikato students, and featuring MYSTERY CREEK acclaimed and award-winning graduate 13 - 16 JUNE students and alumni. Highlights will Fieldays is the Southern Hemisphere’s largest agricultural event and the ultimate include music from Puccini's Madama launch platform for cutting edge technology and innovation. This year marks Butterfly, Strauss' Der Rosenkavalier 50 years and whether you are from in town or out in the country, a Fieldays and Marriage of Figaro by Mozart. An veteran or visiting for the first time, Fieldays has something for everyone. unmissable treat for opera lovers! FIELDAYS.CO.NZ WAIKATO.AC.NZ/ACADEMY

HAMILTON City News is Hamilton City Council’s monthly newspaper. Content reflects Council’s role in the development and management of the city and its public assets, and communicates the business of the Council to Hamiltonians. It is delivered to all letterboxes across Hamilton. Feedback is welcome. Email [email protected] citynews For general enquiries on the Council’s business and services call (07) 838 6699.

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