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Ahuriri Community Board Meeting
will be held on:
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Date: |
Monday, 12 May 2025 |
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Time: |
2:00 pm |
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Location: |
Omarama Community Centre, 35 Chain Hills Highway, Omarama |
Agenda
Ahuriri Community Board Meeting
12 May 2025
Alex Parmley
Chief Executive
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Ahuriri Community Board Meeting Agenda |
12 May 2025 |
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Meeting Agenda |
12 May 2025 |
Agenda Items
4 Confirmation of Previous Meeting Minutes
4.1 Public minutes of the Ahuriri Community Board Meeting held on 10 March 2025
5.1 Building Consents issued in the Ahuriri Ward during February and March 2025
5.2 Community Board Members and Ward Councillor's Report
5.4 Council Information Report - Links to Council Meeting Agenda Papers
5.5 Financial Report to Ahuriri Community Board (March 2025)
5.6 Waitaki Gateway and Township Signage
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Meeting Agenda |
12 May 2025 |
4 Confirmation of Previous Meeting Minutes
4.1 Public minutes of the Ahuriri Community Board Meeting held on 10 March 2025
Author: Shannon Barlow, Executive Assistant
Authoriser: Alex Parmley, Chief Executive
Attachments: 1. Public minutes of the Ahuriri Community Board Meeting held on 10 March 2025
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That the the Ahuriri Community Board confirms the Public minutes of the Ahuriri Community Board Meeting held on 10 March 2025, as circulated, as a true and correct record of that meeting.
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Meeting UNCONFIRMED Minutes |
10 March 2025 |
DRAFT UNCONFIRMED MINUTES
OF THE Ahuriri Community Board Meeting
HELD IN THE Lakes Centre, Otematata,
North Otago
ON Monday, 10 March 2025 AT 2:00 pm
PRESENT: Member Alan Pont, Member Mike King, Member Calum Reid, Member Steve Dalley, Member Brent Cowles, Member Karen Turner
IN ATTENDANCE: Mayor Gary Kircher
Paul Hope (Director, Support Services)
Shannon Barlow (Executive Assistant; minute-taker)
In Attendance for Specific Agenda Items:
meeting open
The Chair declared the meeting open at 2:00pm and welcomed everyone present.
There were no apologies.
There were no declarations of interest.
Mr Jerram from the Kurow Medical Trust recently discussed the development of a facility designed to future-proof the medical industry in the area. He provided an update, noting that the land for the medical centre has been secured, with plans to lease it. Concept plans for the hub are in progress, emphasising flexibility in healthcare delivery. The envisioned hub includes allied health and various services. The concept is with stakeholders, and additional funding is needed to move forward. The facility aims to be energy-efficient and capable of serving as an emergency response centre. Progress will pick up once more funding is secured. Major fundraising efforts are set to begin, with a comprehensive funding plan to involve the entire community. The project also includes a helipad, for which funding has been obtained, highlighting its significant benefits to the facility’s profile.
Mike King, speaking on behalf of the Residents Association of Omarama Incorporated, addressed the issue of rubbish supply to the town centre and the Caravan dump station. The community feels that the current bins are not fit for purpose, especially as the town’s population increases during holiday periods due to tourism. While the Waitaki District Council has provided additional bins over the holiday period, there is still insufficient capacity during busy weekends. It appears that Air BnB occupants on the A2O trail dispose of their rubbish in public bins, particularly from February to April.
A report will be prepared for the next meeting. The Chair will discuss the issue with the Recreation Specialist, Mr Hyde, emphasising the need for an additional bin collection. It may be worth considering the feasibility of having someone collect the rubbish and take it to the transfer station or have additional bins. Various solution styles need to be explored, as this is a domestic issue.
4 Confirmation of Previous Meeting Minutes
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4.1 Public minutes of the Ahuriri Community Board Meeting held on 2 December 2024 |
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Resolved ACB 2025/001 Moved: Member Steve Dalley Seconded: Member Karen Turner That the Ahuriri Community Board confirms the Public minutes of the Ahuriri Community Board Meeting held on 2 December 2024, as circulated, as a true and correct record of that meeting. |
5 Memorandum Reports
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5.1 Building Consents issued in the Ahuriri Ward during November, December 2024 and January 2025 |
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Mr Hope inquired about the value the members get from the current report and suggested including more useful information. He noted that major builds with a value threshold and resource consents would provide better insights into community developments, such as the number of homes being built. While members advised that the report remains useful, Mr Hope recommended graphing the growth or decline over the past 12 months and proposed a revised format. Mr Hope will seek preferences for future reporting, which will be discussed at the next meeting. |
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Resolved ACB 2025/002 Moved: Member Mike King Seconded: Member Alan Pont That the Ahuriri Community Board receives and notes the information. |
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5.2 Chairperson's Report |
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The Chair gave a verbal report. The Chair attended the Waitaki Valley Society meeting, where several matters were discussed. Will be in touch with Council regarding the Long Term Plan to address the future financial considerations of the Waitaki Valley Society. |
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Resolved ACB 2025/003 Moved: Member Mike King Seconded: Member Karen Turner That the Ahuriri Community board receives and notes the information. |
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5.3 Community Board Members and Ward Councillor's Report |
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Mr Cowles discussed the notification of the District Plan Review Plan, noting that consultation is open and any concerns should be forwarded to the planning team. He attended the engagement plan days and the highlight was the amount of engagement we had in Duntroon. Mr Cowles mentioned that water in Ohau is now being treated by the new treatment plant and that the system is live and running well. Mr Cowles had a discussion on tourism infrastructure funding for the Alps to Ocean trail and the Geopark with Mr Doosey.
Mr Dalley took his report as read, he attended the Otematata Residence Association meetings, he addressed concerns regarding the maintenance contractor, Green by Nature. He noted that while the work gets done, it often requires follow-up and is not up to standard, taking too long to complete. He highlighted that certain assets are maintained on an as-needed basis, which raises questions about the variations in the contract with the contractor. Mr Dalley questioned whether the issues stem from the contract itself or the contractor’s performance. Mr Dalley attended a meeting with the local MP with conjunction with Duntroon regarding the speed reduction in Duntroon.
There was a discussion regarding the maintenance in Otematata and Kurow, questioning if the new contract meets the required standards. It was advised that certain mowing tasks are performed on an as-needed basis. Mr Hope advised we need to see what the contract states and what is covered. We will look at the level of feedback from the community through the Snap, Send, Solve app. Mr Hope advised once the locality officer is fully briefed, they will be able to provide quicker and more accurate responses to any maintenance requirements. It was raised that the Snap Send Solve system’s activity should be checked to determine if there are any glitches as there seems to be requests that remain open.
Mr King took his report as read, he attended the Lake Ohau Community Board meeting, he noted that the water system is operational and very tidy. He also participated in the bus tour for the Waitaki Long Term Plan.
Mr Pont gave a verbal report, attended the Whalen Lodge opening and the opening of the Kurow Island Disc Golf Course. Meet with Cadogan Engineering on-site regarding new seating in the children’s park and meet with the Kurow Island Group to discuss recent vandalism and locking gates.
Mrs Turner took her report as read, also advised she has observed the same issues with contractors, particularly with mowing, and broken picnic tables which is taking too long to be maintained |
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Resolved ACB 2025/004 Moved: Member Mike King Seconded: Member Steve Dalley That the Ahuriri Community Board receives and notes the information. |
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5.4 Flooding - Four Square |
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Mr Hope spoke to the report, Waitaki District Council (WDC) investigated the stormwater system and found that the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) system lacks an outfall, causing backups during rain events. An interim solution could involve connecting the current NZTA system to the WDC pipe on the eastern side of Wynyard Street, though this may not handle heavy rain volumes. The WDC have a price from contractors to connect to their stormwater system which is $8800 which would be an amenity fund project. There was a discussion regarding the cost of the short-term fix, which amounts to $8,800. It was agreed that this work should proceed immediately, utilizing the amenity funds. |
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Resolved ACB 2025/005 Moved: Member Steve Dalley Seconded: Member Karen Turner That the Ahuriri Community Board receives and notes the information, and endorses the completion of the work using the amenity rate funds to proceed with the repairs. |
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5.5 Financial Report to Ahuriri Community Board (March 2025) |
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Mr Hope spoke to the report, discussing what information in the report is useful for the community board. He spoke in more details about the projects that have been undertaken in the Ahuriri ward. Advised that the Duntroon wastewater project treatment plant upgrade are waiting for the revised wastewater standards to be released, which will greatly benefit that project. The Chair noted that he has approached the Hall Committee regarding its management being under the Waitaki Valley Society. |
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Resolved ACB 2025/006 Moved: Cr Brent Cowles Seconded: Member Alan Pont That the Ahuriri Community Board receives and notes the information. |
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5.6 Council Information Report - Links to Council Meeting Agenda Papers |
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The Mayor's report was presented at the Council Meeting on February 25th. Discussions regarding the St John shuttle service are progressing well. The Local Water Done Well discussions are ongoing, with Waitaki involved in two groups. An investigation into a joint council-controlled organisation (CCO) is in progress, and the Waitaki District Council (WDC) now joins councils from Clutha, Gore, Central Otago, Timaru, Waimate, and Mackenzie. Community consultation is planned for April or May. The District Plan Review has been notified, and the submission process has started. Chief Executive, Alex Parmley’s update was taken as read, a question around the Locality Officer was raised, Mr Hope advised that it would be a good opportunity to have a workshop around all the changes and introduce the Locality Officers to the Community Boards. The Chair said he will arrange a date in April to all meet including the Mayor and Mr Hope in Otematata, Mr Hope advised it would be useful to have the Contractor Reps come along as well to help us all work together. The Chair mentioned having a flowchart on what everyone does would be helpful. Mr Hope advised that there has been a positive development with the Kurow and Duntroon Irrigation Company. The board has worked diligently to stabilize the financial position of the company. Additionally, the Lower Waitaki is considering a major development project. The Council, being the largest shareholder, is particularly interested in this project as it supplies all the water to the Oamaru Water Scheme. The Council is working closely with the company to determine the level of commitment required and to ensure the project proceeds smoothly. |
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Recommendation That the Ahuriri Community Board receives and notes the information. Resolved ACB 2025/007 Moved: Member Karen Turner Seconded: Member Mike King
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6 Meeting Close
The Chair declared the meeting closed at 3:47PM.
TO BE CONFIRMED at the Ahuriri Community Board Meeting to be held on Monday, 12 May 2025.
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CHAIRPERSON
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Meeting Agenda |
12 May 2025 |
5 Memorandum Reports
5.1 Building Consents issued in the Ahuriri Ward during February and March 2025
Author: Brent Cunningham, Building Services Manager
Authoriser: Roger Cook, Director Natural and Built Environment
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That the Ahuriri Community Board receives and notes the information.
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Purpose
To provide the Board members with a list of building consents issued in the Ahuriri Ward during February and March 2025.
February 2025
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Project Address |
Project Description |
Cost ($) |
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Highland Way, Ōmārama |
Construction of a 3-bedroom, 2 bathrooms dwelling with woodburner, attached garage and Austin Bluewater Wastewater Treatment System. |
619,000 |
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Otematata-Kurow Road, Otematata |
Internal alterations to existing dwelling to include removal of woodburner, installation of beam and installation of Masport Waimakariri woodburner |
3,000 |
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Waitaki Drive, Otematata |
Installation of a free-standing Metro woodburner and ECO Flue Kit with Dektite Premium Soaker Tray Flashing |
5,000 |
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Doctors Creek Road, Otekaieke |
Installation of a Metro woodburner and Insert Flue Kit into existing masonry chimney |
5,000 |
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Sunset Place, Otematata |
Installation of a free-standing woodburner and ECO Flue Kit with Dektite Premium Soaker Tray Flashing |
5,000 |
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Kurow-Duntroon Road, Kurow |
Installation of a free-standing woodburner and Flue Kit with Dektite Acrylead Tile Flashing for cottage beside main dwelling |
5,000 |
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Area Sub-totals |
Cost ($) |
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Kurow |
5,000 |
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Ōmārama |
619,000 |
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Otekaieke |
5,000 |
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Otematata |
13,000 |
March 205
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Project Address |
Project Description |
Cost ($) |
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Huxley Terrace, Ōhau |
Addition of ground based solar array partially connected to the building |
3,700 |
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Black Point Road, Black Point |
Construction of a 4 Bay Pole Shed |
110,000 |
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Lake Ōhau Road, Lake Ōhau |
Internal layout alteration for non-structural walls |
20,000 |
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Ohau Drive, Ōhau |
Construction of a 2 level, 5-bedroom, 3 bathrooms dwelling woodburner and attached garage |
1,100,000 |
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Special School Road, Otekaieke |
Re-roof, install free-standing woodburner, septic tank system for relocated 3-bedroom, 1 bathroom dwelling and erect Versatile stand-alone garage |
65,000 |
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The Dutch Way, Otematata |
Construction of a 3-bedroom, 2 bathrooms dwelling with woodburner and attached garage. |
760,000 |
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Area Sub-totals |
Cost ($) |
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Black Point |
110,000 |
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Lake Ōhau |
20,000 |
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Ōhau |
1,103,700 |
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Otematata |
760,000 |
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Otekaieke |
65,000 |
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Meeting Agenda |
12 May 2025 |
5.2 Community Board Members and Ward Councillor's Report
Author: Shannon Barlow, Executive Assistant
Authoriser: Alex Parmley, Chief Executive
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That the Ahuriri Community Board receives and notes the information.
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Purpose
The purpose of this report is to convey reports from the Ahuriri Community Board Members and the Ahuriri Ward Councillor for the information of communities throughout the Waihemo Ward.
AHURIRI COMMUNITY BOARD MEMBER REPORTS
Board Deputy Chair Steve Dalley
April 2025 CLDP Meeting
April 2025 Otematata Residence Association Meeting (ORAI)
May 2025 ORAI meeting
Board Member Mike King
February 2025 LTP Submissions
March 2025 Attended ACB meeting
March 2025 Attended Omarama Community Meeting
April 2025 Attended Otematata A20 meeting
April 2025 Attended Earthquake Public meeting
Board Member Alan Pont
February 2025 Attend ACB meeting at Otematata to discuss LTP
March 2025 Attend ACB Meeting at Otematata
March 2025 Attend WVCS meeting
March 2025 Talk to LTP at Council on behalf of ACB
March 2025 Assist with build and install of seats on Island and wetlands
April 2025 Attend WVCS Meeting
April 2025 Attend ACB meeting Kurow-meet and greet WDC contacts
Board Member Karen Turner
March 2025 Attended ACB meeting in Kurow
Ahuriri Ward Councillor Brent Cowles
1. No report was supplied by the time of agenda production.
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Meeting Agenda |
12 May 2025 |
5.3 Chairperson's Report
Author: Shannon Barlow, Executive Assistant
Authoriser: Alex Parmley, Chief Executive
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That the Ahuriri Community board receives and notes the information.
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Purpose
The purpose of this report is to share the Chairperson’s report with Board members and the public.
Summary
10th March - Attended the ACB Meeting.
11th April - Spoke to an Officer about the Paddies Flat Flooding and passed on a report from ECAN provided a few years ago on mediation required to stop the flooding. This has been an issue since 1993, when houses were flooded.
11th April - Had a good discussion with Lisa Bailey and the Locality Team. The Board members were given a process to follow when contact with Council officers is required.
23rd April – Had a good discussion with Lindsey Purvis about the sealing of the Omarama Community Hall for the Car Park. Also looking at the future Irrigation of the Sports field. Both are very good projects.
25th April - Spoke at the Kurow and Omarama ANZAC Day services on behalf of the Board. Also attended the Duntroon service, and two smaller services in the Waitaki Valley. All services were well attended.
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Meeting Agenda |
12 May 2025 |
5.4 Council Information Report - Links to Council Meeting Agenda Papers
Author: Shannon Barlow, Executive Assistant
Authoriser: Alex Parmley, Chief Executive
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That the Ahuriri Community Board receives and notes the information.
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Purpose
The purpose of this report is to provide links to final agenda papers and any related attachments for recent Council Meetings and events, along with the Chief Executive’s summary of discussions at Council Meetings (where available), for the information of Community Board members and their Ward communities.
SUMMARY
Links are provided below to the final agenda papers to recent Council Meetings, as published on Council’s website, since the previous Community Board Meeting. The Chief Executive’s summaries of Council Meetings, where available and as posted on Facebook, have also been provided within the list of links, for ease of reference for Board Members and residents of their Ward communities.
Please note that recordings of all the public sessions of the meetings and events listed below can also be found on Council’s YouTube page (direct links provided below):
Waitaki District Council - YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5QsY7I0r-NK-TEIR8C9yNw
Click on the LIVE tab to bring up the various meetings and events that have been livestreamed.
Direct links to Council Meeting agenda papers since the last Community Board Meeting, as published on Council’s website in the “Council Meetings / Agendas and Minutes” section are provided below.
Public Agenda for the Council Meeting held on 25 March 2025
Agenda of Council - Tuesday, 25 March 2025
Public Agenda for the Extraordinary Council Meeting held on 4 April 2025
Agenda of Extraordinary Council - Friday, 4 April 2025
Public Agenda for the Council Meeting held on 29 April 2025
Agenda of Council - Tuesday, 29 April 2025
Chief Executive’s Summary of 25 March 2025 Council Meeting (as per Facebook):
Today at Council the Chief Executive presented his quarterly CE report. It took the opportunity to highlight the fantastic progress we are making in changing our organisation to deliver to our district and customers in a different and more effective way.
At the same time we continue to deliver most of our BAU and some significant projects for the district.
However, it also highlighted that we are feeling the strain as an organisation, in transforming, delivering a significant work programme and dealing with big pieces of work such as the Long Term Plan, the District Plan and Local Water Done Well. The Chief Executive encouraged the Council to remain focused on the priorities and thanked staff for their work, and councillors for their support.
Council also reviewed reports from our Council Controlled Organizations (CCOs).
Whitestone Contracting Ltd made a profit of $474,933 before donations and taxes for the six months ending December 31, 2024. This is a bit less than last year, but the company is still doing well.
Tourism Waitaki Ltd (TWL) had a strong performance in the first six months of the financial year. TWL is responsible for promoting the Waitaki District to visitors and running the Ōamaru Blue Penguin Colony. TWL has grown its income and reduced costs, so it doesn't need funding from the Council this year.
Omarama Airfield Ltd is our smallest CCO, and we own 50% of it. OAL provides an important facility for locals and visitors. It had a successful summer, but its income was just below its costs. OAL is still working on selling plots at its subdivision at Nimbus Drive.
Finally, the Council received a report on the Waitaki Identity and Story. This project aims to create new tools and branding to promote the district to visitors, investors, and potential residents.
It includes replacing old signs at the district and town entrances and other promotional materials to support growing our economy.
Today, the Council agreed to adopt a new logo for the Waitaki Identity, which will be part of the new branding. This will be shared with the community shortly.
Chief Executive’s Summary of 4 April 2025 Council Meeting (as per Facebook):
Council agrees preferred option for Local Water Done Well consultation
The Waitaki District Mayor and Councillors today agreed upon a preferred option for consultation with the community for the future of Water Services Delivery as part of the Government’s Local Water Done Well reform programme.
The Mayor and Councillors were provided with new modelling by Morrison Low on the viability of an In House Business Unit, External Council owned CCO and a joint CCO with three other Southern Councils – Central Otago, Clutha and Gore – in a proposed partnership under the name Southern Water Done Well.
This is different to the modelling for an Otago/Southland option which was explored in 2024, but did not progress. That modelling was the basis for Councils earlier Long Term Plan consultation questions regarding water services.
The modelling also accounts for the contents of the current Local Government (Water Services) Bill which is currently before Parliament, that provided further information on the role of the Commerce Commission.
This also made it clear that there is no ‘status-quo’ option for Council, water services cannot be delivered as they are – as the legal and regulatory framework for both water delivery, infrastructure, investment and charge – as well as the debt required to meet these, would exceed Councils ability to meet.
The bill also includes additional consultation requirements not contained in the Local Government (Water Services Preliminary Arrangements) Act 2024.
This requires Council to conduct a consultation on the options presented today, before making a decision and providing a Water Services Delivery Plan to the Department of Internal Affairs by September 3 2025.
Council also directed the Chief Executive to explore including a fourth option on the consultation, a potential partnership with Timaru, Mackenzie and Waimate. While there is some modelling of this undertaken in early March, there has not been commitment to a similar partnership or project collaboration like the Southern Water Done Well group of Councils, and it lacks the more detailed modelling resulting from that partnership.
Waitaki District Council will be providing further information on this consultation and the Government’s water reforms legislation later this month, ahead of a planned consultation opening on May 6 2025 and closing on June 9 2025.
Deputy Chief Executive’s Summary of 29 April 2025 Council Meeting (as per Facebook):
District Plan – Councillors discussed 2 papers in relation to the complex District Plan. The first went through as proposed with a few minor issues identified by staff and recommended by the District Plan Review Sub Committee, as well as a few minor issues identified by officers that involved further refinement and simplification of the consent process in a few areas. The second was in relation to a requested extension of the consultation period for a representative of a group of submitters and the recommendation of appointing an independent commissioner to decide on procedural matters. After much discussion, Councillors resolved to extend the consultation period for all submitters and not to appoint the independent commissioner support.
Local Approved Products Policy – Psychoactive Substances – 3 yearly review – Whilst we don’t currently have any of these products approved for public use, it was discussed that there is benefit in keeping a policy in place. Therefore, it was agreed to approve the policy with no changes and that the next review will take place in 2030, assuming nothing else changes during this time.
Ōamaru Heritage Buildings Landmarks Listings – this was a great discussion that would allow us to finally recognise the work of many Waitakians over many years to preserve our remarkable heritage area. Approval of this paper as written, allows Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga (HNZPT) to list Council-owned property and legal registered interests in the Ōamaru Historic Town Centre and Port National Historic Landmark Proposal. This means that our Ōamaru Historic Town Centre and Port sites would go from being listed among the thousands of items on HNZPT’s list to one of only a handful of places of exceptional national significance, requiring no additional regulatory burden on Council as a property owner. This marks very exciting progress for both the protection and promotion of our Taonga.
Triennial Elections 2025 – In relation to voting methods for the next and future elections. At the March Council meeting, the Governance Team requested further information on the cost and possibility of moving to booth voting, or a combination of booth and postal, hence this paper. Following much discussion of the possible methods, costs and resourcing requirements of changing the methods, and on the advice that it was too close to the 2025 election to make this change, Council resolved to continue with the postal voting method for this election. They also resolved to use the random order of candidate names on the voting papers, as per previous years. We did also agree that we could relook at the cost and resourcing implications for future elections, post the 2025 triennial elections.
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Meeting Agenda |
12 May 2025 |
5.5 Financial Report to Ahuriri Community Board (March 2025)
Author: Amanda Nicholls, Chief Financial Officer
Authoriser: Paul Hope, Director Support Services
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That the Ahuriri Community Board receives and notes the information.
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Purpose
This report is intended to update the Ahuriri Community Board on financial matters and activities within the Ahuriri ward.
background
Summary of key financial results – Appendix A
This is a high-level view which summarises rates revenue and the operational cost of the Community Board activity – operating costs include the remuneration and other expenses related to the elected members of the Board themselves and a share of Council overheads, together with details of grants made during the period.
This report records the Board’s financial performance against budget for the nine months ended 31 March 2025.
Significant projects within the ward – Appendix B
The Board may submit proposals for works to be undertaken that it believes will benefit the community, and Council officers also schedule large projects with that same objective. This report provides a financial summary listing those projects, their budgeted cost and amounts spent to date on bringing them to fruition. Members may request further information to be provided to a future meeting.
Community funding – Appendix C
This report provides details of budgeted and actual amounts of grant funding provided for community groups and activities within the Board’s purview.
Separate rate accounts – Appendix D
Appendix A - Summarised Key Financial Results for the nine months ended 31 March 2025
The table below sets out summarised financial information related to the Community Board for the nine months of the 2024-25 financial year, including amounts budgeted but unspent in 2024 and previous periods for community grants and discretionary spending.
Further analysis of unspent grant funding is provided in Appendix C which details community grant and discretionary spending.
Appendix B - Significant projects planned in the ward in the 2024-25 financial year
This report details projects to be undertaken in the Ahuriri ward during the 2024-25 financial year, highlighting progress being made by reporting projected project cost and actual cost incurred to date. The intention of this report is to inform the Board on progress towards the completion of key capital works for the benefit of the communities in the Ahuriri ward.
Approved budget includes both the adopted 2024-25 Enhanced Annual Plan budget for the work and any unspent budget amounts approved to be carried forward from the 2023-24 financial year.
Spent to date includes expenditure processed up to approximately one week prior to the date of this meeting.
Appendix C - Community Funding
The annual budget for the Community Board includes amounts intended to enable it to provide a level of additional financial support within its local community.
· Discretionary Fund
1. The annual budget of $5,000, together with unspent funds of $9,309 from the 2023-24 financial year, provides $14,509 to fund small community projects. As this budget is funded directly from rates, balances unspent at year end are carried forward until spent.
2.
· Community Grants
3. An annual budget of $10,000 for Community Grants, including $5,000 for the Kurow Museum. Unspent balances are carried forward until spent, and $39,978 has been added from 2023-24, providing $44,978 for the 2024-25 financial year.
The report below details expenditure on grants in the current year – recipient, purpose, and amount provided against the annual budget, including amounts unspent from previous periods.
Appendix D - Separate Rate Accounts
These record unspent balances of targeted rates levied for specific purposes, such as water and sewer systems, township amenities (including stormwater systems if applicable), community halls, and Ward Services (including parks and reserves, sports fields, etc).
The preparation of financial reporting of separate rate accounts is subject to delays arising from the need to ensure accuracy in processing financial transactions, particularly relating to capitalisation and depreciation of assets, and to the funding of capital projects. For this reason, presentation of these reports cannot be made in a timely manner.
The table below lists balances of separate rate accounts relating to community halls within the Ahuriri ward as at 31 December 2024.
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Meeting Agenda |
12 May 2025 |
5.6 Waitaki Gateway and Township Signage
Author: Melanie Jones, Community & Economic Development Manager
Authoriser: Joanne O'Neill, Director Strategy, Performance, and Design
Attachments: 1. Waitaki
Logo refresh and signage ⇩ 
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That the Ahuriri Community Board endorse the proposed approach for the design and installation of gateway and township signage across the district, featuring the new Waitaki logo and identity. |
Purpose
Provide an update on the development of new Waitaki Gateway and Township signage. Seek community board feedback on designs and next steps.
Attachments
Appendix 1: New district logo and signage concepts developed to date.
Appendix 2: Presentation on designs for Gateway and Township signs will be made on the day and shared post the meeting.
Summary
The Waitaki Identity & Story was adopted by Council in November 2024 with an iterated logo adopted in March 2025 to avoid potential trademark challenges with the Woolchemy brand. This work was identified in the Uplifting Waitaki:Hāpaitia te Waitaki Economic Development strategy as foundational work to support the economic growth and community ambitions outlined in the strategy. This work supports the branding and promotion of the district and will form the basis of material used in visitor promotion, attraction of business and investment, and attraction of the people and skills our businesses, economy, and community need.
The current district signage is outdated and overdue a refresh. New signage will strengthen Waitaki’s identity and foster a sense of pride and welcome in our communities, aligning township and Gateway entry signage with the renewed Waitaki district brand. This work is now being led by a project team within council.
Discussions with NZTA are informing redesign options and timelines for implementation. To facilitate implementation existing signage sites will be refreshed. Five Gateway signs and ten Township signs are proposed for implementation and an additional Gateway entry sign at the Waimate/Waitaki boundary SH82a is under discussion.
Budgets are still being finalised for 2025/26, however, ~$240k is available for Gateway and Township signage in the 2024/25 fiscal year. These funds will support Phase One implementation. Local signage companies will be asked to participate in a Request for Quotation (RFQ) process to confirm a supplier(s) in June 2025. Signage implementation will aim to start by end June 2025. Gateway entry signage on SH1 and SH83 will be prioritised first and signage at the entry townships of Palmerston and Ōmārama.
FURTHER CONTEXT
Community conversations in November 2024 provided valuable feedback on signage direction. Feedback included a request to explore natural, local and more durable materials to extend the life cycle of the panels as well as input on locally relevant symbols to personalise the townships. Two design routes are being developed one with corten steel designed to maximise impact and longevity (20+ years) and a second, lower budget option like the current signage – signs printed on aluminium (shelf life ~ 5-10 years). The more durable corten steel signage is recommended for both the Gateway and Townships entry signs.
Post Community board feedback recommended Gateway and Township signage options will be shared with the community via Council’s Let’s Talk Waitaki page.
Alongside District Gateway and Township signage, the new identity will also be used on other wayfinding signage. A phased implementation plan is outlined below for Community Board input. Roll out timing will be subject to budget availability and RFQ input.
Gateway & Township signage roll out recommendation
Township entry and exit signage: 1. Ōmārama; 2. Palmerston; 3. Moeraki; 4. Duntroon; 5. Otematata; 6. Kurow; 7. Hampden; 8. Herbert Waianakarua; 9. Kakanui; 10. Ōamaru
Notes: Additional entry sign requested for Palmerston – SH85. Removal of 1970’s era sign located by Power Net installed by the Lions Club.
Gateway signage: 1. Lindis Pass; 2. Palmerston; 3. Lake Ruataniwha; 4. Waitaki Bridge; 5. Shag River.
Notes: Additional Gateway sign proposed: 6. Waitaki/Waimate boundary SH82a.
Next steps
|
What |
Timing |
|
Ahuriri & Waihemo Community Board meeting |
May 12 2025 |
|
Let’s Talk Waitaki Feedback |
May 2025 |
|
Request for Quotation to suppliers/decision |
May - June |
|
Councillor briefing tbc |
Mid - June 2025 |
|
Signage phased implementation |
From June 2025 |
