SUMMER 2012/13 // CITYNEWS

Every drop counts WITH FORECASTS of a hot summer ahead, Hamiltonians are being reminded Christmas in the city about the importance of water conservation. The River creates a false perception that the city and region has an endless supply of water. In reality Council has consent for a certain amount to supply residents and businesses. During the summer of 2007/08 a regional drought triggered a total sprinkler ban in Hamilton – a first for the city – which highlighted how precious the river’s resources are. This summer Hamilton City Council, Waikato District Council and Waipa District Council are again joining together to promote water conservation. The Smart Water Use initiative uses a water alert level system designed to proactively manage the region’s water demand over summer and encourages people to conserve water in their day-to-day lives. The water alert level system includes varying alert levels and restrictions which can be triggered by factors including rainfall, weather predictions, water consumption levels and annual trend data. Updates on the city’s water alert level and restrictions will be available throughout summer through public notices, radio advertising, signage, Facebook updates, the Council website and by phoning 07 838 6699. • www.hamilton.co.nz/smartwateruse • www.facebook.com/ hamiltoncitycouncil Changes over FUN FESTIVITIES: Magical events are planned across the city in the lead up to Christmas this year to delight and enthrall youngsters – and the young at heart! The newly launched Hamilton Christmas City brand has become a reality, with the Hamilton Christmas City Working Group (pictured) busy working Christmas with community groups to ensure Hamilton becomes the home of festive cheer. The group has produced a handy Christmas City Map listing Christmas events which is available from Council facilities, key tourism operators, i-SITE and central retailers. New Zealand’s largest Christmas tree will be unveiled Council facility opening hours in Garden Place from 1 December and there will be a host of other family-friendly events including markets, parades, carol singing and the A NUMBER of Council facilities will close Christmas Lighting. See the What's On Hamilton section on the back page for more information. or operate on reduced hours during the • www.facebook.com/HamiltonChristmasCity and www.whatsonhamilton.co.nz Christmas/New Year period. Council’s Garden Place building will close from 3pm on 24 December 2012 and reopen at 8am on 3 January 2013. Council’s call centre (07 838 6699) will remain open A smarter, more liveable city 24 hours for general enquiries. Hamilton Zoo, , THE CITY’S NEW DEVELOPMENT BLUEPRINT, THE PROPOSED DISTRICT PLAN, OPENS FOR FORMAL Waterworld, Gallagher Aquatic Centre and SUBMISSIONS THIS MONTH. i-SITE will close on Christmas Day and reopen for visitors for the remaining festive

Covers finals.pdf 1 2 /11/12 12:48 PM period. Other facilities including Council

libraries will operate on reduced hours.

THE CITY’S District Plan is one of the Commissioners will hear, deliberatePLAN DISTRICT and PROPOSED most important documents for the city, make decisions on all submissions to the Visit Council’s website for more details: PROPOSED • www.hamilton.co.nz/christmashours affecting the day to day lives of all who live Proposed Plan, with hearings expected to DISTRICT PLAN take place from June 2013. and work in Hamilton. It governs how and Changes to kerbside collections where the city grows, what development can District Plan Steering Group Chair take place, and how natural and physical Councillor Pippa Mahood says: “This Plan1 Volume Volume 1 THERE WILL be no kerbside refuse resources are used. is designed to help shape Hamilton into a and recycling collections on Tuesday,

prosperous and innovative city whereC people 25 December 2012 and Tuesday, 1 January The current District Plan was written in M Y

love to live. I invite all with an interestCM in our 2013 – meaning collection days will occur www.hamilton.co.nz/districtplan the late 1990s. Hamilton has changed a lot MY CY city to let us know if our approachCMY reflects one day later than usual for the rest of the since then and continues to grow. The new K what you would like to see for the Hamilton week, with Friday collections occurring on Proposed District Plan shows how the city of the future.” Saturday. Normal collections will resume will manage this and the needs of the extra Flood hazard information letters were last from 7 January 2013. 50,000 people who will be living here. month sent to 28,000 property owners in the The Hamilton Refuse Transfer Station Extensive consultation has taken place city updating them on potential hazards for will close on 25 December 2012 and 1 since 2009, and now it’s time for people to their property. Visit our website for further January 2013, and will operate on reduced formally share their views. Letters will be sent information and to view an online video hours (10am-3pm), on Sundays and other to all ratepayers with information about the about the refined flood hazard work. public holidays between 26 December 2012 Plan and how to have their say between 10 • www.hamilton.co.nz/districtplan and 2 January 2013. December and 1 March 2013. • www.hamilton.co.nz/districtplan/flood • www.hamilton.co.nz/sortitout

www.hamilton.co.nz // www.facebook.com/hamiltoncitycouncil // www.twitter.com/CouncilHamilton SUMMER 2012/13 // CITYNEWS

SPOTLIGHT ON YOUR COUNCIL Summer fun ahead for Youth Development team TRANSFORMING THE HEART OF THE CITY IS IN CAPABLE AND ENTHUSIASTIC HANDS AS THE COUNCIL’S GARDEN PLACE STAFF PUT THE FINAL TOUCHES ON THE POPULAR SUMMER IN GARDEN PLACE PROGRAMME.

TASKED WITH boosting foot-traffic CITYDESK within the inner city space, the three-person Garden Place team is promising an exciting I’M SURE everyone is looking forward summer line-up of concerts, kids’ carnivals to celebrating Christmas and enjoying the and Christmas festivities. summer holidays. It’s that time of year Working under the guidance of when families get together and hopefully the Council’s Youth Development Team stresses and commitments of our everyday Leader Michelle Howie, the team work lives are put to one side. alongside four Youth Advisors helping As the year comes to a close it is a time to reflect on how the year has gone. It has been realise the aspirations of young people in another busy year at Council and we have the community, providing policy advice and done well. The changes in the way Council connecting young people with organisations works have continued and I am pleased with designed to support them. the progress. Many of these changes are the Garden Place Advisor Rangi Pou, 22, back room foundation stuff and are about says the challenge of “activating the space working within the budget, operating more at Garden Place” had been rewarding over efficiently and making sure your contact with his one-year tenure. TOP TEAM: Youth Development members: (clockwise from left) Youth Advisor Louise Cole, Garden us is better and more focused on you. “Ultimately I love being out in the space Place Space Assistant Bobby Nurse, Youth Advisor Mike Rarere, Garden Place Advisor Rangi Pou The Proposed District Plan, which has communicating with people,” he says. “I and Youth Advisor Ani Nock are among an eight–strong team tasked with both supporting local taken over two years to complete, has been want everyone to leave with a good image youth and activating Garden Place through the Summer in Garden Place programme. finished and the public will be able to have of Garden Place.” their say over the coming months. We’ve Place Space Assistant, Bobby says his new opened the Wairere Drive Extension from role ties in with his philosophy of helping FAST FACTS Crosby Road to Fifth Ave and our first shared “I WANT TO BRING youth grow and develop, while promoting a zone, and have implemented the Smoke Free ››Garden Place is home to the VIBRANCY AND key city space. Policy. The River Plan is under way and we’ll “The potential for Garden Place to largest set of pick-up sticks be busy with that in the early part of next CHARACTER INTO draw large crowds is huge. I want the area in Hamilton year. This past year we have had cranes over GARDEN PLACE to be a safe and fun space for everyone.” the skyline all over the city, and particularly ››The ice rink in Garden Place The team’s third member is in the CBD. Investment in Hamilton is at AND INSPIRE attracted more than 12,000 Stacey Ward who works part-time as a an all-time high and that is a reflection of COMMUNITY PRIDE.” people during September marketing assistant. confidence in our city and what we do here. and October Despite the challenges still facing the RANGI POU Building on the success of last year’s ›Budding musicians can book economy and many residents, there is a sense Summer in Garden Place programme, › Rangi said bookings in Garden Place had performance spots every Friday of renewed optimism about the future of In his own time, Rangi regularly travels grown and ranged from sausage sizzles to (see website for information) our city. We’ve achieved sporting success this the country delivering inspirational talks year, our own Kimbra is on top of the world community concerts. Now in its fourth year and concerts to church groups and is a keen Summer in Garden Place will host a Kids’ ››The outdoor speakers play and the city continues to win awards for our contender on the Garden Place over-sized mainly Kiwi music with a strong transport initiatives and gardens. Xmas Carnival on 15 December where draughts board. focus on Hamilton artists A big thank you to everyone for their Santa will captivate kids alongside carnival Fellow member Bobby Nurse, 21, joined work throughout 2012, doing great work for rides, photo booths, biscuit decorating and ››www.summeringardenplace.co.nz the Youth Development Team in October a Xmas Got Talent show for starry-eyed Hamilton. I hope all Hamiltonians have a ››www.facebook.com/ safe holiday, and the Councillors and I wish after his interest in helping Hamilton performers. In January the Kids’ Toy Trade SummerinGardenPlace you a very Merry Christmas. youth was piqued while completing sports Fair will give budding entrepreneurs the diploma papers. Employed as the Garden opportunity to swap and buy toys.

COUNCIL AND COMMITTEE MEETING DATES

JULIE HARDAKER Meeting dates for December are: ›› 11 December – Ordinary Council (9.30am in Links to meeting agendas for Council and MAYOR ›› 4 December – Audit and Risk Committee Council Chamber) Committee meetings are available online: (11.15am in Committee Room 1) ›› 13 December – Extraordinary Strategy and • www.hamilton.co.nz/agendas ›› 6 December – Strategy and Policy Committee Policy Committee (Hearings on Speed Limit • www.facebook.com/ Bylaw, 9.30am in Committee Room 1) hamiltoncitycouncil E. [email protected] (9.30am in Committee Room 1) ›› 14 December – Extraordinary Council (Civic P. 07 838 6976 ›› 7 December – Council of Elders (9.15am in Committee Room 1) Awards, 10am in Council Chamber)

YOUR WEST WARD COUNCILLORS

MARTIN GALLAGHER ANGELA O’LEARY Councillor: West Ward Councillor: West Ward E. [email protected] E. [email protected] M. 021 241 8434 M. 021 343 774

DAVE MACPHERSON JOHN GOWER CITY NEWS ONLINE Councillor: West Ward www.hamilton.co.nz/citynews Councillor: West Ward E. [email protected] E. [email protected] EDITORIAL M. 021 318 789 Communication and Marketing, M. 021 477 388 Hamilton City Council. 07 838 6679, [email protected] MARIA WESTPHAL EWAN WILSON Councillor: West Ward WHAT’S ON HAMILTON Councillor: West Ward List your event free of charge at E. [email protected] E. [email protected] www.whatsonhamilton.co.nz M. 021 341 782 M. 021 276 6644

www.hamilton.co.nz // www.facebook.com/hamiltoncitycouncil // www.twitter.com/CouncilHamilton SUMMER 2012/13 // CITYNEWS section Back2Back February JUST BRIEFLY of Waikato Expressway brings array of events STAY A LITTLE LONGER: THAT’S THE MESSAGE VISITORS TO OUR to open VIBRANT CITY WILL BE GIVEN AHEAD OF A STAR-STUDDED LINE-UP A PUBLIC open day to celebrate the OF FESTIVALS AND INTERNATIONAL ACTS THROUGHOUT FEBRUARY. completion of the newest section of the Waikato Expressway will be held on Saturday, 1 December. The 8km Te Rapa section will be formally opened by Prime Minister Rt Honourable John Key at the Koura Drive interchange between 11am and midday. A GATHERING OF CULTURES Hosted by the NZ Transport Agency, Hamilton’s multicultural community will be the open day will start at 8am with a timed celebrated during the Indigo Festival from fun run and walk in partnership with Sport 29 November to 1 December. Held in Waikato and Athletics Waikato Bay of Garden Place, the festival offers a unique Plenty. Options for runs of 12km, 6km and opportunity for communities to exhibit their a kids’ 3km course are included (visit www. talents, values and customs, and for the sportwaikato.org.nz to enter). public to sample other cultures and celebrate The road will be open for a free public the differences that make us unique and give walkover between 10am- 3pm, with families our city character. Included in the festival encouraged to bring their children with will be ethnic food and craft stalls, music, prams, bikes or scooters to explore the new youth performances, a movie, street parade road before it is opened to traffic on Monday, and more. 3 December. Public parking will be accessed • www.indigofestival.org.nz at the Horotiu roundabouts. Pedestrian access will be at the new interchange on Avalon Drive near Wintec. AA- CREDIT RATING The $194-million Te Rapa section Hamilton City Council has kept its same included widening Avalon Drive and creating favourable AA- credit rating, given by ratings a new greenfield route to the west of the agency Fitch. Fitch said that with the election current State Highway 1. Once complete, of a new Mayor and appointment of a new the Waikato Expressway will provide a Chief Executive Council has improved key transport corridor between Auckland BACK2BACK FEBRUARY: The Vodafone Warriors will take on the Penrith Panthers in a pre-season its management and control processes and Waikato, reduce travel times between game at on 16 February – one of many events on offer in the city that month. significantly, while improved corporate Auckland and Tirau by 35 minutes and governance has had a strong impact on the significantly decrease the number of serious new 10-Year Plan. It also commented that WITH SUMMER at its peak, February is the Sports fans will be treated to a fiery show financial sustainability has improved as the crashes in the region. ideal month to tempt visitors into extending when the Vodafone Warriors take on the The project is jointly funded by the new management team has increased its focus their stay in Hamilton and the Waikato, with Penrith Panthers in a pre-season game at on tight cost control and debt management. NZTA (90 per cent), Hamilton City Council a feast of events on offer as part of the city's Waikato Stadium on 16 February. The match (8 per cent) and Waikato District Council Back2Back promotion. But February is not just will be the first for new head coach Matthew (2 per cent). for visitors – tickets to these events would also Elliot on Kiwi turf. CARPOOLING GAINS TRACTION make perfect stocking fillings for the region’s Shakespearian thespians will invade the residents ahead of Christmas. nooks-and-crannies of Hamilton Gardens With more than 14,000 cars descending on Hamilton from outlying townships every With more hit singles than The Beatles again during the popular annual Hamilton day, an internet-based carpooling initiative is Go wild at in the 1960s, English pop group The Hollies Garden’s Arts Festival on 15-28 February. proving popular in the region. Let’s Carpool will belt out their iconic songs – including This jam-packed festival delivers comedy, was launched in July and the scheme has so ‘He aint heavy, he’s my brother’ – at dance, outdoor films and thoughtful far connected 149 Waikato travellers from Hamilton Zoo on 4 February. writers’ talks. townships including Thames, Morrinsville, Nitro Circus will descend upon Waikato Visit the What’s On Hamilton website Raglan and Ngaruawahia. The most popular Stadium on 6 February, after breaking box for information and booking details for these destinations are the University of Waikato, office records during their down-under tour in events and more: and Wintec. Aside from the 2011, to deliver more stomach-churning stunts. • www.whatsonhamilton.co.nz cost savings – up to $30 per week for a daily commute from Cambridge – it’s a great way to meet people while saving the environment. River path users urged • www.letscarpool.govt.nz NEW PLAYGROUND OPENS One of Hamilton’s most popular summer to ‘share with care’ destinations has added another feature to delight the city’s children. An outdoor AS A GENTLE RESPITE TO THEIR BUSY CITY LIVES, HAMILTONIANS playground has opened at Waterworld with ARE EXPLORING THE RIVER PATHS IN INCREASING NUMBERS. slides, basket swings and a 4m-high climbing spiral. Swimming Facilities Manager Matt Horne said the new sand-based playground ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS: There is now more WALKERS, runners and cyclists are now allow cyclists an opportunity to explore scenic would suit a range of ages. “It also provides opportunity for visitors to get behind the sharing the river pathways, with some sections not normally accessible to the public. a fun alternative option for children and scenes at Hamilton Zoo, just in time for the sections averaging nearly 2,500 pedestrians The cycleway is expected to become a major parents in our outside area.” The playground holiday season. Due to popular demand, every week. tourist drawcard for the region and highlight replaces an underused beach volleyball court the Zoo’s Face2Face animal opportunities With such an increase in popularity, some of the region’s defining natural assets. and a decommissioned smaller play area. are being held seven days a week from users are being urged to ‘share with care’ the Meanwhile a section of the riverbank • www.hamiltonpools.co.nz 1 December. Costing just $15 per person pathways and show consideration for each pathway near Bryce St remains closed due to in addition to the standard zoo entry fee, other. Walkers and cyclists should keep to one a landslip. In December Council will receive visitors can have the unique opportunity side of the routes, especially where there is a report on remedial options available. NEW LOOK CITY NEWS IN 2013 to help feed the lemurs, get up close and personal with the majestic rhinos, meet poor visibility, and cyclists are reminded the More information and downloadable City News is undergoing an exciting revamp the chimpanzees or take the ultimate walk pathways are only intended for recreational detailed walkway and cycling maps are and it’s all thanks to you. After listening to on the wild side with our Sumatran tigers. use and not high speed. Signs promoting available on the Council website: feedback from readers, we are increasing Face2Face opportunities can be booked key safety messages will soon be installed. • www.hamilton.co.nz/cyclewalkways delivery to fortnightly so look out for the on arrival at the zoo on the day subject Some routes share or cross roadways so users brand new format in letterboxes from early to availability, while the facility’s Eye2Eye should be aware of motor vehicles and be February. As well as keeping Hamiltonians encounters are pre-booked in advance. prepared to give way at any time. KEY MESSAGES better informed with city and Council news, Eye2Eyes also cost $15 per person Progress on the Te Awa Great New City News will retain the popular What’s (minimum charge $75 for groups of five Zealand River Ride (www.te-awa.org.nz) is ››Low visibility. Reduce speed now. On listing page and we’ll be adding regular people or less), and are the ultimate group underway after three Waikato Mayors last columnists to provide topical views on experience. There are four Eye2Eye options ››Get noticed. Make some noise. month signed an agreement committing city issues. Copies of City News are also currently available. Visit the Hamilton Zoo ››Please keep dogs on a leash. website for more details. their councils to the 70km river ride. The available from locations throughout the • www.hamiltonzoo.co.nz cycleway will travel alongside the Waikato ››Make room for others to pass. city and online. River from Ngaruawahia to Horahora and • www.hamilton.co.nz/citynews

www.hamilton.co.nz // www.facebook.com/hamiltoncitycouncil // www.twitter.com/CouncilHamilton DECEMBER 2012 // WHAT’S ON FEATURE LISTINGS

FIND IT

PROMOTE IT

ENJOY IT

Family event Free Outside Hamilton

■■Rock N Roll Santa Xmas in the Park Join Santa and the reindeer as they cope with Christmas all set to Rock n Roll music. A fun-packed rocking and rolling Fun event with activities and evening of fun and mayhem. Will Rudolph performances for the entire family to and Santa save the day? Come dressed enjoy. Suburbs Community Sports Club as Elvis or your favourite Christmas (in association with More FM) is bringing character. Wednesday nights will be you Xmas in the Park. This event held at show only, a light supper will be served Flagstaff Park is fun for the entire family at interval. Thursday, Friday and Saturday with games, activities, performances, will be show and dinner. Hamilton Christmas Parade 2012 shows and of course Santa! Most Book at www.iticket.co.nz or phone activities are free however we are asking 07 856 5450 or 0800 800 192. for gold coin donations as all proceeds A festival fantasy, this year’s event Riverlea Theatre from the day will go to Waikato Hospital features an assortment of amazing floats 21 November to 15 December Children’s Ward. 3-8pm. representative of the unique communities Flagstaff Park of Hamilton. The festive mix also includes 16 Decemberr ■■Community Christmas Days a multitude of lively characters, marching Get down to a fun family Christmas event bands, character balloons and special in your neighbourhood! Hamilton City guest, Santa, so come join us and be part Council in conjunction with local schools, of a festive experience like no other! No churches and other organisations are rain date scheduled, the show must go on! holding community Christmas events Pre-parade starts at 2pm, parade starts throughout Hamilton. Fun for the whole at 3pm. family. Lots of live entertainment, play Starts from Anglesea Street equipment, rides, music and food. Every 9 December event is different and free to attend. St Andrews (St Andrews Middle School) Lighting of the Christmas Tree 29 November, 4pm-6pm ■■ Lights Fairfield (Fairfield Park) Residents of Harrowfield warmly Lighting up the heart of the city, 5 December, 4pm-6pm welcome visitors to share and enjoy the Trees at the Meteor New Zealand’s biggest and most Birthright/Link House/Taiohi Toa unique lighting displays adorning homes beautiful Christmas tree stands at a (Steele Park) in this enchanting street. Christmas lights The 5th annual Trees at the Meteor is a height of 27 metres tall to the tip of the 6 December, 4.30pm-6.30pm competition judging takes place on the unique experience of Christmas creativity star, with 186,100 lights making sure North East (Grosvenor Park) evening of 17 December. From 9pm with heaps of Trees of Awesomeness on Hamilton’s night sky glows from afar! 7 December, 5pm-9pm each evening. show. Trees celebrates ‘compassion not Lights are officially switched on at 9pm, Crawshaw (Crawshaw Park) Harrowfield Drive, Harrowfield consumption’ at Christmas. Bring a shirt with a special event planned for this 11 December, 6pm-8pm From 9 December for free screen printing. Complimentary magical evening. Starting at 8pm with (Enderley Park) coffee and hot chocolate. $5 door sales, tree officially switched on at 9pm. 4 December, 4pm-8pm ■■Free Go Bus service to Templeview proceeds to charity. 7pm-10pm (Saturday, Garden Place Central (Garden Place) 15 December, 11am-3pm & Harrowfield Lights 22 December, 10am-2pm). 1 December Compliments of Go Bus, jump on board Flagstaff (Flagstaff Park) Meteor Theatre this free service and sing your way to and 16 December, 2pm-8pm 18-22 December from the Templeview and Harrowfield ■■St Stephen’s Christmas Festival Christmas lights. Assemble at 8.45pm New exciting Christmas displays, carol for 9pm departure. Coin donation. singing daily, gift shop with handmade ■■Museum Memory Making Email [email protected] to book. gifts, variety of Christmas decorations and Come and create some inspired art and Seats are limited, get in quick! light refreshments available. crafts. From Christmas decorations to Pick up and drop off at the Caro Street Open daily 10am-4pm. Entry free and hang on your tree to scrapbooks and coach park. easy parking – wheelchair access. artworks you could give as a gift. This is 12, 14 & 18 December St Stephen’s Church & Hall a fun, art-inspired gift creating workshop 1-24 December suitable for 7-12 year olds. $15 per child. Bookings essential call 07 838 6606. ■■Kids Christmas Carnival For more information on this and Christmas is nearly here, so come along other great activities, visit: and celebrate the festive season at the www.waikatomuseum.co.nz Summer in Garden Place Kids Carnival. There will be rides, entertainment, 2 December inflatables to play on, photo booths, biscuit decorating and a special ■■Markets ‘Christmas got Talent’ Show. Bring the Craftmad – Craft & Design Market family along to meet Santa and enjoy a fun St Johns Methodist Church Hall day out. All the rides and attractions are Temple View Christmas Lights 1 December, 10am-1pm free for everyone to enjoy. 11am-3pm. Weave Twilight Market Garden Place Temple View Lights is a majestic Claudelands Park 15 December Christmas Cheer with the Mayor experience with the special spirit of 14 December, 5pm-9pm Christmas felt in every twinkle. Lights Country Market ■■Lunchtime Carols in Garden Place switch on for the first time on Saturday, St Stephens Church grounds (off SH1) Come spend your lunch hour with us Join Mayor Hardaker and take in the view 8 December with a community picnic, 15 December, 8.30am-1pm and enjoy the sounds of Christmas as of the huge Christmas tree, Garden Place ‘Christmas in the View’ and carol singing they echo throughout Garden Place. lighting and the cityscape while you enjoy scheduled from 5pm-9pm on this night. Hamilton East Village Market Non-perishable food donations for supply some festive snacks. Entry through main Lights switched on at 9.15pm each Grey Street to the Hamilton food bank welcomed. doors from 8.30pm. evening. Free for everyone. 2 & 16 December, 9am-2pm 12.30pm-1.30pm daily. 9th floor, Hamilton City Council building, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Hamilton Farmers Market Garden Place Garden Place day Saints – Tuhikaramea Road River Road 17-22 December 11, 12 & 13 December 8-31 December 2, 9, 16 & 23 December, 8am-12pm

For more events and further information visit www.whatsonhamilton.co.nz