South Waikato District Council om your local Council - Issue 55 - January (Ko i-monthly newsletter fr hitatea) / February (Hu A b itanguru) 2021 Big decisions for Council and community… coming soon… Council and the community Some activities are only funded Council has spent the past At the time of writing, these both have a part to play in by targeted rates, like water year talking with you through had yet to be finalised through developing a ten year plan that supply which is only paid by the town concept plans, LTP workshops, but will include ratepayers can afford and that urban ratepayers. reserve management plans, at some big questions about delivers on the needs of the workshops, at events and other several facilities and services community. We are currently working engagement opportunities. across the district. through proposed budgets for There is a lot of pressure on the next ten years, that include: Your feedback is helping us We would love your continued councils to deliver cost effective develop the draft ten year feedback and engagement. services for the community now • what we are required to plan that will be available do by Central Government and into the future. for submissions in March. A Running the district legislation (such as improved Consultation Document will Council funds 20 services or wastewater requirements), highlight key topics. Keep an comes at a cost activities. Some of these are eye out. costly, like wastewater and solid • what we have already Providing ‘business as usual’ waste. Some are less costly like committed to doing through Council will be seeking general comes at a cost. previous consultation with cemeteries and emergency feedback on several issues like It’s not cheap to run a management. the community (like wheelie funding from Fees and Charges, bins), and ‘household’ with 540 kms the level of the Uniform Annual of roads, 2,644 streetlights, Some of our activities are General Charge (UAGC), funded solely by rates, such as • what we currently do over 513 kms of water, (business as usual) and Development Contributions and stormwater and sewer pipes, economic development. Other policies; among others. activities are funded partly by enhanced services that we six water treatment plants, rates and partly by user pays. want to do to make this a We will also be seeking your three swimming pools, two Examples of these are our pools, great place to live, work and specific feedback on several libraries, 285 hectares of parks libraries and transfer stations. play (everything else). significant consultation issues. and reserves, 14 playgrounds, four cemeteries, two transfer stations, 34 public toilet blocks… and so much more… plus all the people and tools needed to manage them. Not to mention all the business support services underpinning the efficient running of our ‘household’ – information technology, human resources, finance, strategic and community development, economic development, marketing, communications, regulation and compliance, governance, SECURE TODAY. SHAPE TOMORROW. STRONG FUTURE. health and safety… and so on.

Project updates • Full compliance with the Drinking Water Standards was What's Hot What's Not Produced in-house achieved for December 2020. Changing waste ways for the South Waikato community by the SWDC • Tread board replacement on several playground modules were Tokoroa digester Communications Team. completed prior to Christmas. Work in early 2021 includes Creative retail hubs 4-5 Road safety seating installations, replenishment of metal on reserve Editorial: Kerry Fabrie carparks and bollard installations. Christmas Celebrations Mayor's Breakfast Renee Renata • The new pedestrian crossing in Tīrau is operational. 6-7 Upcoming events Anthony Momoemausu • Two trees in Logan Street are recommended to be removed 07 885 0340 due to ill health. This will occur in February. Councillor columns Print: GASP Designs 8 Councillor contacts 1 Leith Place CBD project is in the home stretch After what’s been an eventful still to be installed around Leith project, the Leith Place plaza Place in the upcoming months. area, including five new The remaining garden areas will toilets and shelter, opened to be planted out in autumn. the public in December. Meanwhile we are working This occurred just in time through minor refinements, for the hugely successful such as improving ventilation Christmas Block Party, where and upgrading the door locks of it took centre stage for the the toilets. evening event. While this project has seen its The project is entering its final share of negative feedback, stages of completion with we're sure people will agree new seating and planter boxes that the Christmas Block Party showcased just how versatile and energising this Leith Place space can be. The development has certainly brought rejuvenated life to the area. It has been awesome seeing locals and bus visitors using the toilets and grassed plaza area for a break and to stretch their legs after having visited our Leith Place retailers for snacks, lunch and larger purchases. Photo compliments: Nick Lambert / DCA Architects

Updates on the Waterpark project in Putāruru The concept design of the Putāruru Waterpark was enthusiastically During this time we hope to secure external funding for Stage 2 received by members of the public during the engagement process of the project – the water and anchor features. We will continue to that ran through September 2020. You told us you loved it, with a provide updates as they occur in the upcoming months. 100% positive response rate on the overall Matariki concept. As mentioned during our public engagement Council had budgeted $400,000 to refurbish the Waterpark by removing the water feature, repairing damage and giving the park a tidy-up. We are trying to deliver something of more value to our community and visitors than a simple refurbishment. Our design partner, Gray Matter, is in the final stages of detailed design for Stage 1, which will enable Council to tender the construction phase to interested suppliers. At this stage, we anticipate construction for Stage 1 to start in the second quarter of 2021.

2 Rubbish and littering that block Having a brand new basketball our stormwater drains are a hoop deliberately broken by major cause of stormwater one person in our community... blockages. to the detriment of many people who use the basketball courts with care and pride. If anyone knows more about this incident please contact Council. By the time you read this, a new hoop should have been installed and play for our enthusiastic basketballers can resume!

Seeing our reserves and Leith Place being used and appreciated by Pointless vandalism of signs passers by, along with great respectful camping behaviour by most that need replacing at a further visiting our reserves. cost to ratepayers.

Over 90 children completed the Summer Reading Programme (run by the SWDC libraries in Putāruru and Tokoroa and supported by the Lions. This programme has been running for 24 years.

Changing Waste Ways project Council’s new Changing Waste • Our communities are actively large wheelie bins for kerbside solutions and ideas on a small- Ways project hopes to change engaging in diverting waste recycling, and the new Transfer scale first. waste behaviour and raise materials that still have value, Station in Tokoroa. environmental awareness and putting them back into Council wants to make it within the South Waikato. circulation through reuse, Through this project, easy for people to change repair, upcycle, refurbish and Rangimarie plans to engage behaviours, through providing As the lead for the Changing resale. our communities using direct solutions, education and Waste Ways project, methods, creating good knowledge. We expect to Rangimarie Smith’s focus will Beyond the term of the practice and behaviour change improve the quality and be to educate the community project, Rangimarie hopes targeted to minimise waste quantity of recovered in every aspect of waste the community will have the and maximise resource use; materials, resulting in social management whilst making knowledge and confidence to starting with group and testing and economic benefits. positive environmental, make better consumer choices economic, social and cultural that minimise or exclude changes across our district. problematic or unnecessary packaging. Rangimarie hopes to achieve the following outcomes during She believes that educating the project: the community to change their waste behaviour and raising • Our communities are actively environmental awareness will engaging in recycling all succeed if supported by the products that meet the right infrastructure to enable contractor criteria, ensuring the community to do the right that the quality and quantity thing. Council is addressing of recyclable product is the infrastructure aspect maximised. through the introduction of

3 Tokoroa Digester works on track

Works have started back on site after the festive break with Spartan looking to start the year the way they finished last year, with good progress and works being completed safely. Following the little shake on Christmas Day, the team undertook a review of works completed to date and gave the site the all clear. With three of the four tank’s bases and walls constructed on site, the next phase includes quite an exciting and intricate crane lift operation to install the tank rooves. The roof of the largest tank - the actual digester, had a support beam of just over 12 meters arrive on site in January. Getting the With both these aspects of the build occurring concurrently and roof on this main tank is a significant milestone for the project. The process equipment turning up, the site will be busy over the coming concrete roof will be poured on site and is a challenging bit of work months. Council is pleased with the progress and how well the site to complete. The initial location and levels for the building works is taking shape. The project is on track to be completed in August. have also started for the construction of the main building.

Creative hubs promoting local artists

Impact Hub Waikato officially opened up Our Space in late 2020. It's an inspiring place for entrepreneurs in Leith Place, Tokoroa. Our Space is a collaborative project which brings together a number of different organisations to inspire and enable entrepreneurs in our region. Pop in and check out the amazing range of local art, clothing, jewellery and homewares for sale.

Mākete Mahi Toi was another creative space supporting Putāruru artisans. Mākete Mahi Toi opened its doors in November 2020. Operating from the old Edmeades Jewellers site in Princes Street in Putāruru, Mākete Mahi Toi showcased knitted products, dreamcatchers, soaps, herbs and veggies, Indian snacks and sweets, health food, jewellery and pottery.

4 Helping keep cemetery TALKING maintenance efficient PhotoROAD compliments of ArthurSAFETY H Hiscock As the holidays come to an end, it is time to consider how your child will travel to school. As a parent, have you done enough to ensure your child travels safely by foot, scooter or car? If your child walks to school, parking, plus it will give you ensure they know the safest and your child time to talk route and crossing points. and discuss their day. Maybe Regardless if your child is even talk about road safety as returning to the same school, you walk. Never wait for your it is always good to walk the children on the other side of route with them to ensure the road. Always cross to your that nothing has changed. A children. good tip is at any areas where the child has to cross the road, Important reminder to all kneel down so your eyes are at parents - the yellow no parking their level to get their view of lines around schools are there for a very important reason! the world. You may be surprised To our community who visit are light and easy to carry that These lines ensure there's at how limited their view can their departed loved ones in can be removed each time. enough visibility for those be! any of our four cemeteries, using the crossings and to ease just a reminder that we have a “We know that folding chairs If your child is riding their congestion around the school few necessary rules in place to are not suitable for some of scooter, again travel the route gates. They are no parking ensure that the grounds can our older cemetery visitors with them and ensure they zones so you cannot stop even be maintained efficiently and so more permanent private know how to safely scooter. if you stay in your car. effectively for the enjoyment seating is allowed, but these A helmet is essential and must be light enough to be When travelling past of all. encourage them to walk, moved by one person during school areas be on rather than ride, their “Council and contractor maintenance," Mr Bunting the lookout for scooter across the road. staff have noticed that continued. children at Remind your child to glass receptacles are on the all times. be aware of other increase,” said Nathan Bunting, Heavy plot toppings like Remember footpath users, Council’s Parks Officer. “We concrete pavers and timber a child’s especially the need to remember that glass edging are also not permitted. perception elderly and those receptacles create a safety of traffic is not Adornments are only to be with limited mobility. issue as they break easily. as developed as placed within one metre from Flowers are welcome, but If you are going to be that of an adult, the berm so that our grounds please use receptacles from driving your child to school, and they don’t crew can keep the cemetery safer materials like plastic.” try leaving earlier and always make environment neat and tidy. park away from the the correct Another issue that seems to The cemeteries bylaw can be school gate for drop choices. be on the rise is private chairs. found on Council's website. off and pickups. You’ll Council encourages visitors to find there is plenty of rather bring folding chairs that

Cargill School engages in pools redevelopment It was exciting to have the students at Cargill School provide their feedback for the recent engagement sessions for redevelopment of the South Waikato Indoor Heated Pools. Students came up with a range of ideas to enhance the pools, including play features and water slides. Council staff were impressed with the thoughtfulness and time taken by students to provide their ideas, which have been incorporated into the Master Plan. This will be out for consultation as part of the Long Term Plan and we look forward to involving the students further through this process. The students were given free pool passes to thank them for their efforts.

5 Christmas celebrations Every year the South Waikato communities come together to celebrate the festive season. To kick start the 2020 festive celebrations, Pride in Putāruru held its annual Christmas parade on Friday 11 December. No surprise, it's always a popular parade with over 20 floats and a great turn out from the community. The parade travels from Glenshea Park down Princes Street and returns back to the park. At the conclusion of the parade, everyone went to Glenshea Park turning it into an amazing family picnic atmosphere that saw the largest crowd ever relax and enjoy the rest of the evening. The following day, Saturday 12 December, Tokoroa celebrated its Christmas Twilight Block party. This event was a collaborative effort from numerous community organisations and Council. The event consisted of the Christmas parade, entertaining block party and late night madness market. The Twilight Block Party saw over 3,000 people pack out the Tokoroa CBD to see the parade, block party performances in Leith Place and enjoy the local market. The grand finale of the event was a seven minute firework display from Colson’s Hill, which could be seen from homes and streets all over Tokoroa.

Special thank you to: South Waikato YMCA, Wera Aotearoa Charitable Trust, Creative Arts Tokoroa, Ironic NZ, Raukawa FM, Cruise FM, Raukawa Charitable Trust, Tokoroa City Lions, NZ Police, GO Bus, Downer, Allied Security, South Waikato Vet Services, South Waikato District Council and most importantly the South Waikato community.

6 IN date Upcoming events: Sat 13 Feb, 7pm - Arts on Tour Production, South of France, Fiona Pears and Connor Hartley-Hall - Gypsy Jazz Duo. Tickets $15 each from The Plaza and Eventfinda. Sun 28 Feb, 2pm - Movie - Hope Gap (2019) - story of Annual Cheese Rolling love, betrayal, support and Saturday 13 March. Fun regaining your footing after times from 1pm to 4.30pm, Mayor’s Business Breakfast heartache. Tickets: students next to the Tokoroa Transfer attracts 150 business leaders $5 and adults $8. Station. Gold coin donation Sat 13 March, 8pm - per each activity. Everyone welcome. The Mayor’s Business Breakfast the past decade. The district is Showtime Australia is held just prior to Christmas last a standout for several reasons bringing a Neil Diamond Summer Pools year was a great opportunity – the people, the heart of Tribute to our stage. Tickets The Tīrau and Putāruru for South Waikato business the South Waikato and the available soon. summer pools officially people to hear some inspiring community is unlike anywhere Sun 14 March, 2pm - South close for the 2020-2021 stories and presentations, in NZ. -Honourable Louise Waikato Music Society season on 20 March. network together and relax over Upston presents Dave Flynn, award- breakfast after what can only be Annual Pooches party winning composer/guitarist described as a massive year. • The primary sector is critically Pack a picnic and bring your important. South Waikato is a Dave Flynn is touring New fur babies along for a swim “Nothing has had more of an good place to build businesses Zealand again with a new at the pools for the Pooches impact on the world in the and create employment. genre-jumping show of Pool Party. last decade than COVID-19,” -Heyden Farms virtuoso guitar music. Tickets: said Mayor Jenny Shattock. adults $25, members $20, Tīrau - 21 March. “We survived with a renewed • Developing a voice for forestry students free. Door sales only. Putāruru - 28 March. recognition of the importance through the Central North REGULAR USERS: of the primary sector and Island Wood Council will businesses. Attracting, provide support to the forestry Mahjong - Mondays, 12.30pm facilitating and enhancing sector. -Hancock Forest business in the South Waikato Management 50+ Putāruru - Tuesdays, 12pm remains a focus for Council • Partnerships are key to an going forward.” amazing future together Sign Language Class - Noteworthy insights from the through innovation and Tuesdays, 5pm event include: thinking. We can do it, we are SWPICS - Keep moving class - Supersports doing it today and we can do it Wednesdays, 1.30pm • Enabling young people to better tomorrow. -Raukawa 21, 22 and 23 February. get full driver licences is a key Dancefit886 (ZUMBA) - Supersports weekend event project of the South Waikato Mayor Shattock wrapped the Wednesdays, 5.30pm is held annually to raise Investment Fund Trust. Full event up by thanking everyone funds for South Waikato licences are a key to employee for attending and sharing their Grey Power - fourth Thursday sports people competing in success. -SWIFT inspiring stories. of every second month, 1pm international events. South Waikato Sport and Events • South Waikato District Council “Together we can do this. We St Patricks Indoor Bowling Centre, Tokoroa. is pro-development, not just can recover. We can succeed,” - Thursdays, 6.30pm (March- now moving forward, but for she concluded. September) Dynamo Cycle Series Putāruru Redcross - second 28 February. A six round Friday of every second month, team based series with 1.30pm different grades to suit all levels, the series offers a South Waikato Country challenge to all competitive Music - fourth Friday of every cyclists. South Waikato month, 7pm Sport and Events Centre, SW Music Society - Sundays Tokoroa. as required - visit: www. southwaikatomusic.org/. Check out Council's website for more events: www.southwaikato.govt.nz Anyone can submit an event using the blue SUBMIT EVENT button on the right of the Events Calendar page to display their event here.

07 883 8596/0276 559 715 www.plaza.org.nz Email: [email protected] Facebook: theplazaputaruru 7 Councillor Bill Councillor Sandra Machen Wallace • The new carpark for the May 2021 be a less stressful Welcome to 2021. Tokoroa basketball court is year than the last one for expected to be complete everyone. I look forward to a busy year by early February. ahead. Many of the projects that • Pool usage numbers are Council has been working on One of the highlights for up over December 2019 by are coming to fruition. Leith me for the end of 2020 over 1,000 visits. Mayor Jenny Shattock Place, with the installation of and running into 2021 was the Mākete Mahi Toi – the • New water restriction signs seating and summer shade 0274 416 230 pop up store in the old were installed in Arapuni. equipment to be finished. Jenny.Shattock Youth Park Basketball court Edmeades Jewellers shop in @southwaikato.govt.nz • Powerco is working complete and being well Putāruru. This was a Council towards providing a used. When the off street funded project which I was heavily involved in. It detailed plan for the parking area is finished this Bill Machen started as an idea and ended proposed SW National will complete a fine facility for Deputy Mayor with a pop up shop in an Grid Connection by the youth of Tokoroa. Don’t 0274 715 899 empty space that gave local mid-2021. For more on worry Putāruru and Tīrau, Bill.Machen artisans a place to sell their this project visit: www. your improved facilities are on @southwaikato.govt.nz powercodelivering.co.nz/ wares and bring some more the Council programme. Arama projects/south-waikato- activity into Princes Street. Ngāpō national-grid-connection. The Tokoroa Transfer Station This store proved to be has been completed and very popular leading up to 0275 339 988 • The Warm Homes Clean is being well used. A much Christmas and the greatest Arama.Ngapo Air programme is making cleaner and more efficient outcome is that the local @southwaikato.govt.nz good progress with close to way of disposing of recycling artisans have now taken on Thomas Lee 70% of budget committed. and rubbish will be complete the lease of this shop. 0273 321 292 • The Tirau i-SITE building with the arrival of wheelie Thomas.Lee bins later this year. Shop local has been a big improvements are emphasis for our whole @southwaikato.govt.nz scheduled to start soon. Council's largest, most district and this is important Marin Glucina • Following a recent incident expensive and often unseen moving forward as well. 0210 284 3214 Council has updated its improvements are in the There has been significant Marin.Glucina procedures regarding three waters area - drinking interest in new subdivisions @southwaikato.govt.nz placement of crosses at the water, wastewater and stormwater. Many millions and many sections have airfield during community already sold. Houses are in events. NOTAMs are the of dollars are being spent to Hamish Daine ensure safer drinking water short supply and sell very 021 125 9225 primary closure regulation quickly. process. Cross placement and cleaner discharge of Hamish.Daine is an additional safety wastewater to our waterways Another focus for me is @southwaikato.govt.nz measure but is not required. and environment. A new the tidiness of Putāruru wastewater digester will and I continue to organise Alex Jansen soon be commissioned working bees to tidy up 0279 581 906 at the Tokoroa Treatment areas where needed and Alex.Jansen Plant and upgrades to Tīrau, continue painting to @southwaikato.govt.nz Arapuni and Putāruru are enhance our town as well. all to take place. Total costs You can keep up to date with Feel free to join in or ask Putāruru Ward of these works is in the council information via: about these. tens of millions and this is Sandra Wallace being financed through low Putāruru Councillors are 0210 291 3702 www.southwaikato.govt.nz interest loans from the local passionate about our town Sandra.Wallace bodies loans authority and and district and really want @southwaikato.govt.nz www.facebook/ the loaned money repaid to do what we can to build SouthWaikatoDistrictCouncil over an extended period and support Putāruru and Hans Nelis (an intergenerational loan). the surrounding district. 0210 552 306 Download Antenno FREE Council has a strong balance We are particularly keen on Hans.Nelis sheet and is well able to supporting our youth and @southwaikato.govt.nz or email sustain the repayments. first on our list is to see the [email protected] Putāruru Youth hub up and Gary Petley Our Long Term Plan (ten year running. We are also pushing 0274 836 809 plan) will be available soon for the development of the Gary.Petley for public consultation and new skatepark for Putāruru @southwaikato.govt.nz comment. Please take the which is in the budget for time to read this important the 2021-22 financial year. Tīrau Ward If you would like to receive document and make your We are Councillors for the this newsletter via email thoughts known in writing whole South Waikato, but Peter Schulte contact: kerry.fabrie or by speaking with a district Putāruru is our heart. 021 434 933 @southwaikato.govt.nz. Councillor. Peter.Schulte @southwaikato.govt.nz

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