Christchurch City Scene September 98


September 1998	CHRISTCHURCH CITY COUNCIL - YOUR PEOPLE - YOUR CITY

ALL SPICED UP AND READY TO GO

On the water front

On the water front Building a pipeline to dispose of treated water 2km out to sea will help protect the environment and improve local beaches. This is the view of a community working party set up to find ways to deal with the City’s wastewater. After two years assessing Christchurch’s wastewater system, the working party, drawn from a wide variety of different groups, recommended building the outfall off South Brighton, taking effluent out to sea in a pipeline buried 12 to 15 metres deep. Currently wastewater is treated and discharged into the Avon-Heathcote Estuary. The pipe, which could be completed within ten years, would be the third of a three-stage process to improve the City’s system of wastewater disposal.

The first stage, which is under way, will expand the existing treatment plant to handle Christchurch’s growing population, while the second stage will introduce additional treatment to improve the purity of wastewater before it is discharged. The City Council has agreed to consider the proposal favourably, but will only proceed after further study on the potential effects of the ocean outfall. The proposal would see Christchurch’s wastewater biologically treated to reduce nutrients, disinfected using UV light and passed through upgraded oxidation ponds before being discharged through the new pipe. Aside from the $42 million cost of the pipe, the additional treatment improvements are estimated at $6 million. Budget for the current treatment plant expansion is $30 million. “Ensuring we have clean water in the future is the key concern,” says council wastewater engineer Walter Lewthwaite. For more information, including progress reports and a booklet explaining the options, contact Walter Lewthwaite on 941 8367 or Andrew Nichols on 941 8274.

Have your say on issues in this edition of Christchurch City Scene. Phone in on (03) 941 8596

“The view from the Sign of the Takahe — it’s magic. Driving to Taylor’s Mistake on a Sunday, with a songbook and a hot chocolate from Coffee Culture. (Looking at the amazing houses on the hill and wishing I owned one.) Friends. The cafe scene. The buildings. The history. The tram. The vanilla ice man at Victoria Square (extra chocolate chips please!!!). Seeing Hagley Park packed with sportspeople on Saturday mornings. And how well we support our sportsmen and women.”

Katrina Withers is a Canterbury and New Zealand representative cricketer. She is pictured on the Port Hills, overlooking the estuary and City.

Rubbish Collection days may change

Thanks to your HUGE response to recycling, the city’s current refuse/recyclables collection rounds are proving inefficient. So, they’re going to be simplifed into just 5 blocks — improving our service to you. Refuse and recyclables (BAGS AND CRATES) will still be collected from 7.30am on the day by Onyx trucks, but your COLLECTION DAY MAY CHANGE AS OF September 14. Listen for details on RADIO, look in the PAPERS and check for a NOTICE in your letter box, or ring the ONYX HOTLINE, 374 3336, 7am-7pm, from Monday-Friday.

Gloom busting !

The Christchurch economy is on the way up. That’s the message from Mayor Vicki Buck (pictured), and she’s backed by a who’s who of business and community leaders. “At the moment we are fed a daily diet of doom and gloom — Asian crises, sharemarket wobbles and interest fluctuations,” Vicki told a gathering of 40 leaders last month. “But there is always a choice...We are declaring that the recession in Christchurch is officially over.” The latest indicators are positive for Christchurch. Manufacturers’ exports are up by 10% and interest rates are falling.

There are improvements too in the retail sector, and tourist numbers are up despite a decline elsewhere. Dean John Bluck, Christchurch Cathedral, says “this is a good time and a good place to be alive in. There is more curiosity about Christchurch than I can ever remember”. Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce chief executive officer Peter Townsend says exporters are starting to reap the benefits of a re-rated dollar. “So much of what we do from an economic perspective is attitudinally driven, so a positive change in attitude will have positive economic benefits.” Some key positive indications for Christchurch are:

• Year to June 1998 — growth in regional exports of 9.9%.

• Interest rates are falling and predicted to fall further; 90 day bill rates started June at 9% and fell to 7.5% by the end of the month.

• Canterbury has had an international tourism increase of 1.7% while the rest of the country suffered a 5.4% fall. • Year to May 98 — retail sales are up from 0.7% to 1%. Other positive signs include:

• Exports from Canterbury rose 7% in May.

• $20m is being spent on upgrading Canterbury schools.

• Latest pedestrian counts in the inner city show an increase for the first time in seven years.

• Big events are tipped to net the city $100m over the next three years.

Green green grass
The look of well maintained roadside grass berms makes a major contribution to Christchurch’s image as a garden city. And the high standard is almost entirely due to residents’ efforts. But after last summer’s drought, and a mild winter, some berms have been deteriorating. The Council can help residents rectify such damage by providing advice, topdressing soil, grass seed to fill gaps, and fertiliser. Contact your local service centre if you would like help improving your grass berm.
Is it junk ? Or is it art ?
Have you ever wondered what happens to the wine bottles you put in your recycling crate? Most are either returned to local wineries whole for re-use or ground up and used as an abrasive for sandblasting and industrial fillers. However, the Recovered Materials Foundation and innovative Canterbury glass artist Richard Lloyd are developing the potential of this valuable resource. “The glass that bottles are made of has qualities quite unlike window glass and I think it has huge potential for artistic and industrial uses,” he says. Richard is just the person to find new uses for old glass. With a mix of artistic flair and Kiwi ingenuity he’s pioneering techniques such as “glass weaving” to create designer homeware. “I decided to give glass weaving a go because everyone said it couldn’t be done.” Objects made from woven glass and other new techniques are finding a ready market in New Zealand and overseas. RIGHT: Richard Lloyd's recycled glass art.

Exercise your right !

To vote in the local government elections in October you must be a Christchurch resident enrolled on the Parliamentary Electoral Roll or a non-resident ratepayer on the Ratepayer Electoral Roll. Voting papers will be delivered in the mail between Friday, September 25 and Wednesday, September 30. Completed papers should be returned to Civic Offices or posted back in time to reach the returning officer by 12 noon on election day, Saturday, October 10. Preliminary results will be available from 7pm on election day. Official results will be announced about Friday, October 23. For more information, phone Max Robertson on 374 3292.

Paralympic first

The most significant disabled athletes’ event ever held in New Zealand will be held at Christchurch’s Queen Elizabeth II Park next month. Seven hundred and 40 competitors, coaches and caregivers from 55 countries are coming to the International Paralympic World Swimming Championships from October 11 to 17. The swimmers have to achieve targets at these championships to qualify for the Paralympics in Sydney in 2000. The biggest groups are coming from Australia, Great Britain, Germany and the US. The official opening is on October 11 (Sunday) in Victoria Square, following a parade from Cathedral Square. Swimming starts the next day — heats in the mornings and finals in the evenings. The championships are heavily supported by Christchurch City Council, the Hillary Commission and the Community Trust. Neil Blanchfield, chairman of the organising committee, says a lot of work is being done to accommodate the large number of people in wheelchairs coming to the city for up to three weeks. This includes seats being taken out of Christchurch Transport Ltd buses and ramps and platforms being installed at QEII.

Going to the dogs

What do dog owners get for their $60 a year?

“Full-time dog rangers who pick up stray and dangerous dogs and provide education programmes for schools and community groups; the dog shelter; registration and administration services; patrolling of parks and areas where dogs are not allowed. “Under the Dog Control Act 1996 the Council is obliged to provide dog control.”

What is the purpose of Dog Control?

“To protect Christchurch people from dogs injuring, endangering, intimidating or distressing them. Also to offer protection to stock, domestic animals and protected wildlife. “To ensure dogs don’t create a nuisance by barking or howling loudly and persistently. “To ensure dogs receive care and attention, including sufficient food, water, shelter and exercise.”

Who benefits from Dog Control? “Everyone — dog owners and non-dog owners alike. By rangers promptly removing and containing wandering and aggressive dogs. By investigating complaints and providing education programmes encouraging responsible dog ownership and awareness.”

IT'S GREAT OUTDOORS

Walk on the wild side

Children can explore sand dunes, volcanic hills, sheltered lagoons or towering pine forests under the expert and friendly guidance of Christchurch’s park rangers. City Council rangers run holiday programmes every school holidays. The next programme is from September 28 to October 9 and will include a rocky foreshore ramble, orienteering, bush walks and Halswell Quarry visits. The events are a great way to learn about our environment and have fun. They cost $5 per family or $2 an adult and $1 a child. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Spaces are limited, so book by phoning 941 8639. Brochures will be available two weeks before the holidays from libraries, council service centres, the Port Hills Visitor Centre and the Parks Unit in Civic Offices.

IT'S GREAT OUTDOORS

Park Ranger John Ward teaches Christopher Waide, 11, of New Brighton, the basics of fishing during a holiday programme at the Groynes in April.

Improving public access to rivers is one of the main objectives of Council work on the Lower Heathcote. This includes establishing walking — and wheelchair — tracks. Other aims of the work are to link some of Christchurch’s earliest European historical sites, provide space for native revegetation and to improve the chances of seeing a range of bird life. In 1988 Christchurch City Council and the old Christchurch Drainage Board adopted a concept plan for improvements to the Woolston Loop river area from Radley Park to Long St. This was in response to residents’ concerns about the increasingly rundown nature of the area. Since then, appropriate native vegetation has been planted, land has been acquired for riverside reserve and the Towpath Walkway from Christchurch Quay to Ferrymead Bridge has been established. The work has involved the Parks Unit, Water Services Unit and community groups, particularly the Combined Estuary Association.

Walk on the wild side

Council City Design’s Dennis Preston (left) and Roger Lusby, of the Combined Estuary Association, look over an information panel for the Towpath Walkway along the lower Heathcote River.

Library looks to the future

October 1 marks the 50th anniversary of partnership between the Canterbury Public Library and Christchurch City Council. To celebrate, the council-owned library has planned an exciting programme of events designed to give customers a glimpse of the past and a taste of the future. The library 50 years ago was all books, sheaf catalogues and reminders to lower your voice. Walk through the doors today and find yourself in a vibrant environment filled with music CDs, CD-ROMs, magazines, videos and computers facilities. And how will it look 50 years from now? During October, school children aged five to 12 will be invited to draw their vision of the future for display in the libraries. Prizes will be given for the best entries. Look out for flyers and posters at all libraries during September and October for details about a parade through the city promoting “information literacy”.

Catherine Parr and Jenny Drummond outside the old library on Cambridge Tce.

Water Expo

The Water Services Unit’s Water Expo competition and display will be held at the Christchurch Convention Centre on October 21 and 22. The expo aims to increase students’ environmental awareness of water as a resource. The competition and display is an opportunity for students to present multi-media studies and win prizes from Science Alive!, the International Antarctic Centre and Aquarium of Discovery. For further information, phone 941 6417 or email craig.mcgregor@ccc.govt.nz.

Protecting Southshore

To reduce risk of erosion and flood damage, the proposed City Plan specifies that certain activities on the South Brighton coast require a Resource Consent. These include excavation, filling or building. It may be construction of a house or even a driveway. For more information contact Environmental Services Unit planners at Linwood Service Centre, ph 389 1477.

St Albans wins an Oscar!
	A Christchurch after-school programme won top prize in the inaugural Out of School Care and Recreation (OSCAR) awards at Parliament last month. OSCAR in St Albans has been providing after-school and holiday programmes for 12 years and its name is now used nationwide. “This OSCAR symbolises a community working together and succeeding in providing an excellent service,” says chairperson Bill Sissons. Christchurch City Council recently agreed to promote and support Out of School programmes around the city.
From left: Billie-Mae Boardman, Holly Corkin and Jacinda Scarlett did a superb Spice Girls act for a talent quest at WOOSH — Waltham Out of School Hours, one of the city’s after-school programmes.

	Socc it to 'em
	A group of young Canterbury soccer players have the chance to play overseas thanks to Christchurch’s sister city links. This month the Christchurch U17 Youth Team will travel to Kurashiki, Japan, and Songpa-Gu, Seoul, South Korea, to play soccer and stay with local families. The trip was initiated by a member of the Christchurch-Kurashiki Sister City Committee, David Bolam-Smith, and is part of the 25th anniversary of the Sister City link between Christchurch and Kurashiki. Team coach Johan Verweij says: “It’s a wonderful opportunity for our under 17 players to play international soccer in foreign countries — and it may be a stepping stone to playing at a higher level in the future.”
Canterbury under 17 soccer team captain Ben Sigmund, of Christchurch Boys’ High School.