dannevike--news-headlines

For Council to continue delivering recycling services at costs affordable to the district, the red recycling bin services will end on 1 February 2012.

Lower cost and more frequently cleared recycling units were successfully trialled in Herbertville, Akitio and Weber last year.

Along with the closure of historical landfills, due to consents expiring, Council has opened new recycling centres in areas where these red bins existed. These recycling centres supplement the kerbside recycling services available in certain towns. Click here to services available in your town.

TDC

The Manawatu Gorge will remain closed until at least the middle of the year, the New Zealand Transport Agency announced today.

A series of landslides on August 18 last year has closed the State Highway 3 road through the gorge for all but three days.

NZTA initially thought the road could be reopened this month but, during a site visit this morning, State highways manager David McGonigal said it would not be opened until later this year.

"The sheer size and complexity of the job requires more time, and our best estimate to reopen is midway through this year."

Mr McGonigal earlier told the Manawatu Standard that crews working on the slip site had encountered increasing amounts of rock.

"It's much more difficult and time-consuming to shift rock than dirt . . .'' he said. "The silver lining is that it's shedding more light on the geological makeup of the slope, and the more solid rock that we find, the more secure it's likely to be.

"However, the rock we've uncovered so far is quite fractured, so benching the hillside remains the linchpin of keeping the slope stable in the long run.''

"The third bench is nearly done and we expect to start cutting the fourth bench next week, '' he said.

The Saddle Rd and Pahiatua Track have been used as alternate routes while the Gorge Rd is closed.

Restrictions on oversized vehicles have been introduced to Saddle Rd as the New Zealand Transport Agency warned drivers were getting complacent on the route.

The move came after at least two accidents on the route, the major detour while the Manawatu Gorge remained closed due to slips. A bus slid off of the road last week and on Monday two cars collided head-on with five people taken to hospital.

NZTA acting state highways manager John Jones said he welcomed an increased police presence on the road.

"We're really concerned at the recent spate of crashes, and we're thrilled that police have responded so quickly by dedicating resources to enforce the speed restrictions to ensure people are driving safely and to the conditions," he said.

"We're a little worried that as motorists get used to driving the Saddle Road, some complacency is creeping in around the 70kmh speed restrictions.

"Saddle Road is not built for high speeds, and it's crucial people stick to the posted speed limits, not just for their own safety but for the safety of others."

Oversize vehicles are barred from the Saddle Rd on weekdays from 7am until 9am, and from 4pm until 7pm.

These vehicles would still be able to use the Pahiatua Track during these hours, which was wider than the Saddle Rd.

"Saddle Road was designed for much less traffic than it currently has to cope with, and we appreciate it's not an ideal situation," Mr Jones said. "Our crews are working around the clock to carry out repairs and improvements."

Mr Jones said road work on Woodlands Rd in Woodville, part of the Saddle Rd detour, was complete, and the upgrade of Oxford Rd would begin next week.

The North Island district of Tararua has claimed the title of luckiest district in New Zealand for 2011, taking the crown from 2010's reigning champion Buller, says NZ Lotteries' Acting Chief Executive Warren Salisbury.

"The Tararua district had a few good wins with Lotto last year, and with a population of just 17,631, the average winnings per person works out at a massive $1,044 each - well over the average for most of the country," says Mr Salisbury.

"A $17 million Powerball win from Dannevirke New World obviously upped the stakes for the region, but there were 27 Lotto and Strike second division winners, and remarkably there were two Winning Wheel winners from Dannevirke too!"

The West Coast still retains a prominent position on the table with the Grey district, previous double champion Buller's neighbour, holding the second spot with a very respectable average of $711 per capita.

The small Waikato district of Otorohanga boxes well above its weight too, taking third position with $643 per head.

The top ten districts for 2011 were Tararua, Grey, Otorohanga, Whakatane, Kapiti Coast, South Wairarapa, Tasman, Rotorua, Mackenzie, and Hamilton City - in tenth place for a second year running.

As with previous years, the top spot was awarded largely due to a large prize being won in the region, in this case the $17 million Powerball in Dannevirke, an $8 million Big Wednesday win in Greymouth, and a $5 million Big Wednesday win in Te Kuiti.

"Over $400 million was won in prizes on Lotto (which includes Strike and Powerball) and Big Wednesday in 2011, with 224 First Division prizes won around the country.

"More importantly, we transferred a record $183 million to the NZ Lottery Grants Board last year, taking total transfers to over $3 billion since Lotto began in 1987 - which provides funding for sport and recreation, arts and culture, and community services throughout New Zealand."

In terms of which Lotto stores sold the most prizes, the top three have retained their places from last year, with Manukau Pak N Save topping the list again, with more than 80,000 Lotto and Big Wednesday divisional prizes sold at the store in 2011. Christchurch's Hornby Mall Lotto took second spot again, and Manukau City Lotto rounded out the top three for the second year running.

Motorists should next week get a better idea about when the slip blocking the Manawatu Gorge will be cleared.

Since August 18, State Highway 3 has been completely closed for all but three days while traffic has been diverted over the Saddle Rd and Pahiatua Track.

Late last year, the New Zealand Transport Agency estimated the gorge road could reopen by the end of this month, but that now seemed impossible. Instead, spokesman Anthony Frith said an amended re-opening date would be announced next week.

So far almost $4 million had been spent on the cleanup and associated work, he said.

Of that, $1.75m went toward the gorge cleanup, with the rest spent on upgrade and maintenance work on the alternative routes.

At the slip, Higgins contractors were making a series of steps into the scarred hillside and pushing lose debris down the hill.

Heavy rain today meant calling off the final day of the annual three day Central and Southern Hawke’s Bay Showjumping show at the Dannevirke Showgrounds – the first time in more than the 25 years the event has been held.

The show attracted large entries, including South Islanders, for the three rings operating but organisers decided at 9am to cancel today’s classes, due to heavy rain that churned up the recently harrowed warm-up area.

Also the weather forecast was less than promising. By 11am all jumps and other related equipment were stored away, rubbish binned and just a few floats and trucks still to load and head homeward.

Many will return in just over three and a half weeks for the Dannevirke A&P Association’s annual show, which has a strong equestrian section.

Meanwhile, points for the World Cup round will carry through to the next round in Tauranga in early February, with Katie McVean, Matangi, still in the lead.

Katie McVean and Maurice Beatson have the horsepower and should be hard to beat in the World Cup fifth round at Dannevirke on Sunday.

Both riders have two horses as they chase the prizemoney of $1500 for first and $900 for second, although only a nominated horse can take World Cup points.

Beatson will be on his home ground but league leader McVean (Matangi) wrapped the Dannevirke round up last year when she was first and second, taking half of the $3000 prizemoney.

Then she was riding the winner, Dunstan Delphi, and was second on her then No2 mare, Dunstan Daffodil.

McVean later sold Delphi in May to the Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation, after she and Delphi finished sixth at the World Cup final in Germany.

The sale might have dashed McVean's London Olympics dream, but the mare did sell for for an undisclosed multi-million-dollar sum.

This time McVean will be riding Daffodil, who won the Christmas Classic in the wet at Taupo last month, and Dunstan Zasjany.

McVean was second in the Hawke's Bay round, behind Beatson, but has won the other three at Kihikihi, Manfeild and Taupo.

Beatson's My Gollywog was ruled out lame in the trot-up at Dannevirke last year but should be a contender this time after finishing fourth at Taupo.

Kumeu's Lisa Coupe is another with two mounts, Bates Amaretto – the runner-up in the Taupo round – and My Ocean Wave.

Expected to push the top riders is Ross Smith from Burnham, on his imported stallion Quite Cassini.

Opiki's Lucy Akers had her best World Cup finish at Dannevirke last year, third behind the two McVean horses on her thoroughbred gelding Tinapai.

He was at Taupo for the previous round but was scratched because of the wet weather.

Also competing will be Simon Wilson (Waipukurau) on Swinger, Gisborne's Bernard Denton on Suzuki and Auckland chiropractic student Carissa McGregor and Central under-21 hockey player (Christchurch) on Chatterton.

This year the field of 11 horses are pursuing prizemoney totalling $3750, probably kicking off at about 2pm.

The next round is at Woodhill Sands, near Kumeu, in a week's time, but Akers will miss that because she will be a bridesmaid at her sister, Sophie's wedding at Opiki.

Other notable classes at the three-star show are the one-star horse grand prix (26 riders seeking $1125 in prizemoney) with most of the top horses jumping, the young riders' class ($930, 15 riders) and the three-star pony grand prix ($830, 21 riders).

World Cup league points: Katie McVean 48, Maurice Beatson 39, Phillip Steiner 25, Tessa Williams 23, Simon Wilson 22, Bernard Denton 21, Lisa Coupe 10, Sally Steiner 7.

Dannevirke Sports' appointment of Jerome Pitt as their senior coach means all 10 Manawatu clubs have secured their senior first coaches for next season.

Pitt, a Dannevirke real estate agent, was the forwards coach with Dave Watson in 2009.

He also has a background in junior coaching, especially at Ross Shield level in Hawke's Bay where he coached the 2011 Dannevirke team.

His appointment means Dannevirke Sports will have had three groups of coaches in three seasons.

He was replaced by Morgan Te Ture and Tony McDonald who took the team to five wins and 13 losses last year to finish in eighth place.

McDonald is going back to Dannevirke High school to coach under-15 rugby. Te Ture could end up on the senior team coaching panel but he has an appointment with the courts before then.

Pitt also previously helped coach the Manawatu under-16 reps with Potene Paewai and Kelvin Chase for one year.

Pitt is looking forward to the As and Bs playing concurrently through the season so they will be able to have back-up players.

Meanwhile, Alan McDonald remains as Dannevirke's chairman and is totally loyal to Manawatu.

He remembers when the club sent its team to join the Manawatu senior second competition.

The only exception is the Aotea club which plays lower-grade rugby in Hawke's Bay and despite numerous meetings with Dannevirke Sports, they show no signs of switching to Manawatu.

Dannevirke have been playing senior first rugby in Manawatu since the 2008 season.

McDonald believes the Bush club should have stuck with Manawatu instead of rejoining Wairarapa-Bush as they plan to do this year.

Dannevirke would accommodate any Bush players interested in staying in the Manawatu competition.

McDonald doesn't miss the 9.30am departures to play in Hawke's Bay and felt Dannevirke were often treated as the country cousins.

"The supporters enjoy it, too, and the wives go along and often go shopping in Palmerston North.

McDonald said Dannevirke would field three teams this season – in senior first, second and colts.

Wednesday 21st December 2011

Council reopens road after public outcry

Tararua District Council is bowing to public pressure and the threat of legal action and temporarily opening a gate that closed off a Woodville road, infuriating residents.

The council caused outrage among Tararua residents when it closed off Oxford Rd by installing a gate near the intersection of Woodlands Rd on Friday.

The gate has forced motorists using Saddle Rd, an alternative route to the gorge, to drive through Woodville. It was secured with a combination lock, which only five farmers and contractors had the code to.

The council made the decision in response to tough trading conditions for Woodville businesses and because of increased traffic cutting through Oxford Rd after slips closed the Manawatu Gorge road in August.

But today, council gave the instruction to contractors to open the gates for public thoroughfare.

Council chief executive Blair King said a special meeting would be held tomorrow for council to reconsider the resolution. He said the mayor asked for the meeting.

He said the backdown came in response to ''various requests the council has been receiving''.

''They came to the conclusion last night that it would be prudent to hold a special meeting,'' he said.

''They've just asked me to implement the status quo for the interim, which is to have the gates open.''

Mr King said the decision to reopen the gate was made in part because of the risk that legal action would cost the community more money.

He said if an injunction was lodged, council would have to hire lawyers and that cost would fall to the ratepayers.

''The whole purpose was not to spend more money, but to try and help,'' Mr King said.

Oxford Rd resident Tony Jarman, who has to make a 6-kilometre detour to reach the other side of the gate, said he had consulted with his barrister, Gordon Paine.

''It's just the way they've [council] done things, very sneakily, very underhand, and for a very self-serving purpose,'' Mr Jarman said.

''It's costing a lot of people a lot of money to gain a few people a very little bit it makes no sense.''

Residents would love to take to the gate with bolt cutters, but it was unlikely to happen, because most of the people protesting were ''genuine law-abiding people'', he said.

''Although we say it, we'll never actually do it. You have to have that in your nature, don't you? And I certainly don't.''

Mr Paine questioned whether the council's actions were legal and was preparing to send a letter on behalf of Mr Jarman.

''[It] suggests to them that they've made a terrible mistake and they really should revisit their idea.''

If the council did not back down, the matter would likely end up in court, he said.

Friday 16th December 2011

Traffic gate a barrier to infuriated local residents

When it made the decision, the council said motorists with a legitimate reason to go through the gate would be given access at the discretion of the council.

But yesterday it was revealed residents of the road would not necessarily qualify.

When Tararua Mayor Roly Ellis was asked whether being a resident of Oxford Rd was a good enough reason to have the combination code to the gate, he responded "sadly, it's not".

Mr Ellis was against the road closure when it was decided at a council meeting at the end of last month.

He had fielded calls from disgruntled residents, but said some people were happy about the installation of the gate.

Before the gate was put in, a barrier was put up to deter motorists from using the road. Mr Ellis believed this was sufficient.

"I thought in fact the actual way it was being handled at the time was fair enough under the circumstances," he said.

Mr Ellis said people who felt they had a genuine reason to go through the gate could apply at the council. Emergency services would also be given the combination.

Resident Tony Jarman, who lives on Oxford Rd just down from the gate, has to detour 7 kilometres through Woodville to go to Palmerston North, where he frequently travels for work.

He was horrified residents would not be allowed access. "That's just disgusting," he said.

Mr Jarman said the postal service had also been in touch to ask him where he wanted his mail delivered as drivers would no longer deliver to his house because of the detour.

Farmer Gayle Cresswell, who uses the road as the route between her farm and cowshed twice a day, was livid when she found out she was unlikely to gain access.

She said it would mean an extra 300km a week would have to be travelled between the farm and cowshed.

Gate takes drivers by surprise

Motorists and some Woodville residents are fuming as contractors block off a well-used road to force traffic through the town instead.

The installation of a gate on Oxford Rd, near the intersection of Woodlands Rd, has come without warning.

It was Tararua District Council's response to tough trading conditions for Woodville businesses and the increased traffic cutting through Oxford Rd after a series of slips caused the closure of the Manawatu Gorge road in August.

The gate would force motorists travelling along Saddle Rd – an alternative route to the gorge – to drive through Woodville.

Up to 1500 vehicles a day had been using Woodlands Rd and then Pinfold Rd to divert around the town.

Motorists with a "legitimate reason" to use Woodlands Rd would be given access at the discretion of the council.

Yesterday, Infracon Tararua did most of the installation work, but the gate would not be locked until tomorrow.

Foreman Peter Kreegher said only one gate would go in so emergency services could still access properties through the eastern entrance to Oxford Rd.

He said that despite many signs stating the road was blocked off, motorists continued to drive up to the gate. Contractors had been abused by unhappy residents, he said.

Dairy farmer Gayle Cresswell was livid when she discovered the situation. Mrs Cresswell's farm is on Whariti Rd but her cowshed is on Foley Rd. The gate means a diversion of about 20 kilometres a day on a tractor to milk the cows twice a day.

Mrs Cresswell said she had not been told anything by the council, but had been trying to contact it to find out what was happening.

Oxford Rd resident Tony Jarman, who is self-employed and gets most of his business from Palmerston North, said the lack of information on the gate had been disappointing.

"We didn't really know it was happening until just now when we drove up the road," he said.

Barriers had previously been put up to stop traffic going along the Oxford Rd route around Woodville but had been ignored by some motorists.

But Mr Jarman said the barriers had stopped the trucks, which was what had caused him the most grief.

"Even if they fixed the barrier so the trucks that tried to get through couldn't, that would solve it," he said.

Repairs to Woodlands Rd were also holding up traffic as motorists were diverted along it.

The possibility of oil production in southern and central Hawke's Bay is inspiring hope of new jobs and with it the return of the "working generation" to Porangahau.

Oil companies Apache and TAG Oil are preparing to conduct a three-year seismic survey of a large area between Porangahau and Dannevirke beginning in early 2012.

The companies need to discover whether the oil they believe is below the ground would be enough to warrant full production and as yet can't say whether it would generate any extra employment for the local communities.

But for the Ngati Kere hapu, which hails from Rongomaraeroa marae in Porangahau, weighing up the pros and cons of the project is a must if they are to understand the possible impacts of the oil production.

Marae chairman Ahuriri Houkamau, who spoke at a hui with the oil companies at Porangahau last week, said there had been plenty of talk between hapu families about what stance to take on the issue.

"There have been a few emails going around since that meeting and not everyone is against it [oil production], we can see the benefits of it all."

"We understand that they take all the precautions possible but, as we have all seen, from time to time things do go wrong and that's what we are concerned about," he said.

"That land out there is more than just a patch of land, that is our home."

Mr Houkamau, who lived in Taradale, said it was likely there would be more formal hui with families from Ngati Kere, who were spread around the country.

The hapu would also accept advice from other groups and iwi that had been in similar positions with oil companies.

Mr Houkamau, who worked as a teacher at EIT Hawke's Bay, said he could see the potential for future employment.

"Ever since the shearing industry went into a slump, there haven't been many working-aged people that live in Porangahau. Many of us would like to go back there to live, but there's just the employment.

"I'm sitting on the fence on the matter, if you go and talk to someone else from the hapu, you'll get a different view. But for some families who want to come home, I know the possibility of work would be like a gift from the heavens."

Hawkes Bay Today

Tuesday 13th December 2011

PLENTY OF GAS IN THE TANK

Katie McVean showed she’s got plenty of rising talent in her stable winning two of the big classes at the National Young Horse Jumping Championship Show in Dannevirke last weekend.

The 25-year-old Olympian from Mystery Creek took three of the top four placings in the seven year old championship while also winning the five year old championship and placing in the six year old championship.

Her trifecta in the seven year old championship was only stopped by fellow former Olympian Daniel Meech (Taupo) aboard Branson MVNZ. McVean won on Dunstan Springfield, was second on Dunstan Delilah and fourth on Dunstan Kiwi Iron Mark.

McVean says she had no favoured mount heading into the jump-off, and all three had starred at various times throughout the season for her. Delilah is the half sister to Delphi, and both Springfield and Delilah are by Indoctro.

And she figures she has a super speedy little star in the making in her five year old champ Dunstan Carlo who only arrived from the Netherlands in September. It was the first time the horse has ever jumped against the clock and he fairly flew home clean and clear in a time none could match.

Logan Massie (Dannevirke) and Double J Cloud Nine won the six year old championship.

“She’s just a super little horse who I have always rated,” said the 17-year-old who bred the horse in partnership with the Jacobs.

Queensland edged out New Zealand to take the honours in the trans Tasman young rider test after a strong final day performance.

The three day championships are one of the highlights on the equestrian calendar for young horses.

Cushionride Seven Year Old: Katie McVean (Cambridge) Dunstan Springfield (owned by Sarah Milne and Chele Clarkin) 1, Katie McVean (Cambridge) Dunstan Delilah 2, Daniel Meech (Taupo) Branson MVNZ 3, Katie McVean (Cambridge) Dunstan Kiwi Iron Mark (owned by June Berrington) 4, Catherine Cameron (Cambridge) Lights Out, Kim Best (Otane) Giggles, Robert Steele (Taranaki) Rollette =5.
Mitavite Six Year Old: Logan Massie (Dannevirke) Double J Cloud 9 1, Jake Lambert (Cambridge) Kiwi Express 2, Maurice Beatson (Dannevirke) Parker 3, Josh Collins (Ocean Beach Spotnik NZPH 4, Brooke Zander (Waipukurau) Double J Rumours 5, Katie McVean (Cambridge) Dunstan Breeze, Oliver Edgecombe (Waipukurau) Brainy G, Caroline Parkes (Taupo) Classic Arrow =6.
Goldengrove Stud Five Year Old: Katie McVean (Mystery Creek) Dunstan Carlo 1, Kim Best (Otane) Mr Wiggle2, Josh Collins (Hastings) Turn it Blue NZPH 3, Karen Riddle (Cambridge) Wickliffe Vinnington 4, Sally Clark (Dannevirke) Victoria’s Secret 5, Josh Collins (Ocean Beach) Triumphant, Jesse Linton (Hastings) AP Ninja 6=
Ngahiwi Station Sport Horses Four Year Old: Jesse Linton (Hawke’s Bay) Mustang Mack (owned by Noni Morgan) 1, Lydia Quay (Stratford) Our Finn, Kristina O’Donnell (Palmerston North) My Tom Tom, Kayleigh Kent (Hawke’s Bay) Ghana, Hayley-Ann Oakely (Waikanae) Master of Cossack =2, Jesse Linton (Hawke’s Bay) Kiwi Jet 6.
Trans Tasman Young Rider test: Queensland – Nelson Smythe, Brock Everingham, Hugh Buchanan and Gemma Creighton 10 points 1, New Zealand – Mathew Dickey (Taranaki), Danielle Maurer (Auckland), Tegan Fitzsimon (Canterbury), Luke Dee (Gisborne) 7 points 2.
KiwiSpan Junior Rider: Jamie Thurlow (Waverly) Clifton Ali 1, Tayla Mason (Waikanae) Cufflink 2, Melody Matheson (Hastings) Scottish Lad 3, Lisa Hogg (Ohope) The Mighty Quinn 4, Emily Fraser (Dannevirke) Kiwi Relic 5, Kate Allen (Cambridge) Delta Pierre
Iverquantel Amateur Rider: Simon Harrison (Wanganui) Watkins 1, Brooke Zander (Waipukurau) Double J Rumours 2, Lisa Davidson (Masterton) Striking Gladiator 3, Jackie Jermyn (Hamilton) Landenfeld 4, Sarah Dalziell (Masterton) Benrose Super Star 5, Kirsty Fabish (Stratford) Midnight Raz My Jazz 6.
Giltrap Audi Young Rider: Tim Myers (Taranaki) Pick Me NZPH 1, Natasha Brooks (Cambridge) Hairy McLairy 2, Logan Massie (Dannevirke) Kiwi Ludo 3, Mathew Dickey (New Plymouth) Kiwi Guard 4, Lisa Hogg (Ohope) IQ 5, Mathew Dickey (New Plymouth) Witzcellar 6.
STH Pro Amateur: Zoe Shore (Cambridge) Olympia NZPH 1, Lydia Quay (New Plymouth) Kaipara Double Dee 2, Desiree Foxley (Hastings) Knights Templar 3, Kim Best (Otane) IQ 4, Chloe Akers (Opiki) HR Khemosabi 5, Tim Finch (Waipukurau) Mr Munga 3 6.

Thursday 1st December 2011

Gate will deter detour diversions

A gate will be placed across a road near Woodville in the latest effort to keep traffic on the signposted detour over Saddle Rd.

Tararua District Council voted yesterday to close Woodlands Rd at its intersection with Oxford St. The move would force all traffic using Saddle Rd to drive through Woodville.

Up to 1500 vehicles a day had been using Woodlands Rd and then Pinfold Rd to divert around the town.

Chief executive Blair King said the council had the power to close the road through the Local Government Act. Chicanes had already been installed on Woodlands Rd to deter traffic.

Motorists with a legitimate reason to use Woodlands Rd would be given access at the discretion of the council.

A date for the closure has not been set as the council would first approach the New Zealand Transport Agency about a temporary closure of Woodlands Rd.

Repairs to Woodlands Rd have reduced a section of the road to one lane.

The council also voted not to delay a planned upgrade of Woodville's main street. A petition signed by owners of 10 Woodville businesses had asked that the February start date be delayed.

The changes in Woodville followed a decision last month by the agency to change the layout of two intersections in Ashhurst to give right of way to traffic using Saddle Rd.

The changes were introduced to deter motorists from cutting through other streets

Manawatu Standard

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Monday 28th November 2011

Lockout plan for traffic

A locked gate could be placed over a Woodville road in an effort to keep motorists on the right track.

The Tararua District Council will consider on Wednesday whether to close a section of Oxford St to through traffic.

The change would force motorists to drive through Woodville when taking the Manawatu Gorge detour over the Saddle Rd. The gorge has been shut to motorists since August after a series of slips.

A report to the meeting prepared by chief executive Blair King said motorists were using the stretch of Oxford St, between Woodland and Pinfold roads, as a shortcut.

The increase in traffic was damaging the road. The New Zealand Transport Agency has picked up the responsibility of maintaining the detour route but this did not extend to looking after the piece of Oxford St in question.

Chicanes and additional signs were put in place in October to discourage motorists from going off the official detour route.

If a gate was placed over the road residents and those with a legitimate reason to use the route would be given access.

The council would also consider on Wednesday whether to defer the February start of a planned upgrade of Woodville's main street because of the gorge closure.

Manawatu Standard

Stretch of river a no-go

A section of the Manawatu River will be closed to the public because of safety concerns relating to the massive slip that has closed the Manawatu Gorge for more than three months.

But kayakers training for the Coast to Coast multisport event are frustrated after being told to find another place to practise.

Horizons Regional Council has announced that a 200-metre stretch of the river, either side of the slip, will be closed indefinitely, from Monday.

Monday will also mark 100 days since State Highway 3 through the gorge was closed by a series of slips.

Motorists have been forced to use the Saddle Rd and Pahiatua Track.

Manawatu Canoe Club member and Q-Kayaks officer manager Melanie Grant said the closure would be a "huge bummer" for a lot of kayakers.

"It's been affecting us because there's people who have been training for the Coast to Coast every week. It's a particular piece of river that's a little bit more demanding, and good training with the rapids."

She said the business had already been turning people away from hiring boats for that portion of the river, and kayakers would most likely have to resort to training in the Palmerston North Lagoon, or paddle from Ashhurst down river.

Manawatu Gorge Jet owner Mark Wickham said the slip and closure of the gorge had only had a small effect on his business because he did not normally travel through that particular part, but he would have to rethink his route for a big booking of 60 people he was taking next weekend.

Horizons harbourmaster Evan Lloyd said discussions had been held with the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) and the decision to close the gorge was made to allow the agency to carry out work to stabilise the land above.

"NZTA will take precautions to warn users and stop work if anyone does enter the danger zone, but it is important that people remain vigilant and stay away from the area until further notice."

He said other parts of the catchment were suitable for recreational and commercial use.

NZTA state highways manager David McGonigal said work at the top of the landslide would start on Monday, and that could send a lot of loose debris down into the river.

"There's a lot of big rocks and we have had a lot of rain over the last couple of weeks.

"We're going to be starting with machines on Monday, and they'll be working at the top of the slip moving metal down the hillside."

A large machine – known as "The Bandit" – had been brought in to carry out the terracing process.

"This is a huge machine with extremely good torque and can winch up to 48 tonnes," Mr McGonigal said.

"It's been used to recover everything from swamp kauri logs to tipped-over trains. It will be half buried in the ground, and it will anchor our heavy machinery when it's working at the top."

He did not know how long the river would be closed.

Manawatu Standard

Friday 11th November 2011

Tararua Rating Valuations

The 2011 Rating Valuations were prepared by Quotable Value on behalf of Tararua District Council, with the Valuer General auditing the results. Revaluations are required by law for rating purposes and must be done at least every three years.

Tararua District Council uses land values to allocate the cost of some services between ratepayers. Fixed charges such as for sewerage and stormwater provide the other main type of rate income.

The Rating Valuations have an effective valuation date of 1st September 2011. The last valuation was assessed in 2008 when the market was at, or close to its peak.

Residents who wish to query their 2011 valuations are reminded any objections along with reasons need to be sent to (QV) on 0800 787284 by 24 November 2011.

Both Land and Capital Values are based on actual sales data between willing buyers and willing sellers leading up to 1 September 2011. This means that only bona-fide or genuine property sales that reflect the market trends at the time of the revaluation are used. This consistent trend is applied to similar properties and is independently audited by the Office of the Valuer General, before a revaluation is advised to owners.

The valuation does not include chattels, dairy shares, stock, crops, machinery or tree worth. The valuation is inclusive of GST (if any) for residential property, and exclusive of GST for other property types.

The Land Value is also considered on the same basis being the probable price that would be paid for the bare land, at the date of valuation.

The whole District has dropped in value around 15% from the 2008 Revaluation date. A decreasing trend has been observed nationally and in other District valuations and is arguable a sign of the times.

Within the different sectors, Rural properties have been hit the hardest with decreases ranging from 15-25%.

Residential property values have come back off their 2008 Values. The largest drops have occurred in Woodville and Eketahuna which reverses the huge increases they had, in the previous Revaluation.

Lifestyle and the Commercial and Industrial sectors have had moderate decreases of between 0 and 5%.

Individual properties may have had changes outside the average to reflect condition and saleability of the property.

Police have seized more than 800 cannabis plants - potentially worth millions - found growing in a Dannevirke garage.

Police discovered a sophisticated growing room of 699 seedlings and 164 mature plants during a search of an Otope Road property on Friday.

The plants, if grown to full maturity and harvested, would have an estimated street value of between $500,000 and $2.5 million, police say.
Officers arrested a 28-year-old man, who is due to appear at PalmerstonNorth District Court on Saturday.

Yahoo News

Manawatu Gorge slip too risky to clear

Earth-moving machines in the blocked Manawatu Gorge have been idle for the past 10 days and it is not known when they will re-start.

The New Zealand Transport Agency says concerns over the stability of the hillside have prevented heavy machinery from clearing debris since torrential rain brought a further 20,000 cubic metres down on top of State Highway 3 on October 17.

It was the latest in a series of slips that have kept the gorge closed for all but three days since August 18.

The agency does not know when the gorge will re-open but estimates it could be shut well into December, which would surpass its longest-ever closure of 70 days in 2004.

State Highways Manager David McGonigal said allowing work crews to operate below an unstable slip face was just too risky.

This decision to pull the workers out was made after close consultation with engineers, geologists and geotechnical engineers, Mr McGonigal said.

In the interim, NZTA would concentrate on maintaining alternate routes, Saddle Rd and the Pahiatua Track, he said.

''We know how important this route is to the local economy. We are itching to get the slip cleared as soon as possible so people's lives can return to normal, but we cannot put people's lives at risk.''

''We know this isn't what people want to hear and we're frustrated too, but given the latest massive slip on 17 October, the goalposts have shifted again and we've had to adjust our plans.''

Mr McGonigal said it was likely further slips would occur, especially during heavy rainfall or strong earthquake shaking.

''Some of these risks may still be significant, and the safety of workers is our top priority right now.''

To re-open the road, the agency will need to stabilise the hillside, clear the slip material from the road, check the bridge structures and carry out remedial work, he said. The project team are looking at way to achieve this.

''Every option we're looking at has its own risks in regards to safety, effectiveness and time, and these all need to be carefully assessed before we go in all guns blazing.''

The agency expects to announce its final ''plan of attack'' in the next two to three weeks.

Dominion Post

Monday 24th October 2011

Beatson Takes Opening Round of the NZ World Cup Series

Maurice Beatson is on a roll. The Dannevirke farmer was last (Friday) a convincing winner in the opening round of the New Zealand World Cup series on the final day of the Hawke's Bay A and P Show.

Aboard My Gollywog – his homebred horse who spent most of last season out with injury – he was the only one to go double clear over a challenging Kevin Hansen (Hastings) designed course.

The former Olympian, World Champs representative and World Cup final competitor had the luxury of being the last of a trio of riders to go in the jump-off.
Twelve started the class, but just Beatson, former World Cup series winner Simon Wilson (Waipukurau) on Swinger and young gun Tess Williams (Gisborne) on her flea-bitten grey Alltech Craighaven Nitro progressed through to the second round.

Both Williams and Wilson had a rail each in the jump-off, with Beatson slightly slower but still clean and clear.

Both Gollywog and Swinger are veterans of the showjumping world, at 16 and 17 years respectively.

Defending NZ series champ Katie McVean (Mystery Creek) was rapt with her fourth placing aboard Dunstan Zasjany D in their first World Cup start. She was also fifth on Dunstan Daffodil.

Beatson's World Cup win rounded off a brilliant show for him – he also won the horse grand prix aboard Schimmel Warrior.

Bomac World Cup (opening round of the NZ series): Maurice Beatson (Dannevirke) My Gollywog 1, Simon Wilson (Waipukurau) Swinger 2, Tess Williams (Gisborne) Alltech Craighaven Nitro 3, Katie McVean (Mystery Creek) Dunstan Zasjany D 4, Katie McVean (Mystery Creek) Dunstan Daffodil 5, Sally Steiner (Tauranga) Wickliffe Brannigan 6.

Points: Maurice Beatson (Dannevirke) 12 points, Simon Wilson (Waipukurau) 10, Tess Williams (Gisborne) 8.

Giltrap Audi young rider: Megan Lindermann Cohen (Clevedon) Lespos D'Quilly 1, Mathew Dickey (Taranaki) Kiwi Guard 2, Luke Dee (Gisborne) Ombudsman 3, Shaun Fannin (Hastings) Strathcarron Zurick 4, Alexa Randall (Auckland) Chairman 15 5, Jamie Thurlow (Feilding) Mister Pirate 6.

JLT Bloodstock pony grand prix: Rebekah Van Tiel (Pukekohe) Guthrie 1, Rebecca Porter (Hastings) Chobidong 2, Laura Lush (Auckland) Miss Munroe 3, Lily Tootill (Auckland) Millbrook 4, Morgan Percy (Palmerston North) Surprise Illusion 5, Lily Tootill (Auckland)Tallyho Bandit 6.

Cathay Pacific horse grand prix: Maurice Beatson (Dannevirke) Schimmel Warrior 1, Mathew Gilmour (Matangi) Belize Di Cantero 2, Julie Davey (Hastings) Air Hill Myka 3, Luke Dee (Gisborne) Ombudsman 4, Oliver Edgecombe (Waipukurau) Billistic 5, Lisa Coupe (Kumeu) Bates Amaretto MVNZ 6.

STH pro amateur rider: Zoe Shore (Ashburton) Olympia NZPH 1, Tim Finch (Waipukurau) Mr Munga 3 2, Caroline Tatere (Dannevirke) Grader 3, Geordie Bull (Taupo) Hunter Road 4, Chloe Akers (Palmerston North) Kiwi Motto 5, Chloe Akers (Palermston North) HR Kemosabi 6.

Iverquantel amateur rider: Dean Morgan (Cambridge) FIS Outrageous 1, Amy Playle (Gisborne) Oscar Star 2, Rosie Richards (Auckland) Firth View Dakota 3, Cindy Dames (Hastings) Chimney Creek 4, Jackie Jermyn (Cambridge) Landon Field 5, Olivia Gloyn (Palmerston North) Midway Ace 6.

KiwiSpan junior rider: Logan Massey (Dannevirke) Kiwi Ludo 1, Jamie Thurlow (Feilding) Clifton Ali 2, Lisa Hogg (Ohope) The Mighty Quinn 3, Tayla Mason (Wellington) Cufflink 4, Rebekah van Tiel (Pukekohe) Leeston Eagle 5, Nakeysha Lammers (Hikurangi) Cloud Nine 6.

Wednesday 19th October 2011

Heavy rain brings down further slip in Manawatu Gorge

The NZ Transport Agency has confirmed that a further large slip has occurred on SH3 in the Manawatu Gorge at the same site which contractors have been working to clear for several weeks.

NZTA regional state highways manager David McGonigal says while the road had been cleared of all previous slip material by last Friday (14 October), torrential rainfall over the weekend further destabilised the site and approximately 20,000m3 of new material came down overnight on the evening of 17 October, increasing the height and width of the slip face.

Mr McGonigal said NZTA contractors would begin clearing the new debris as soon as it was safe to do so, and further material was expected to come down, particularly following rainfall. Until conditions were safe enough to allow for a detailed site inspection it was too early to say what impact the latest slip would have on the timeline for re-opening the road.

“We appreciate that people are frustrated about the length of this closure, and so are we. We know how important this road is for local communities and for the region’s economy, and we are working hard to get it re-opened as soon as possible. But before we can allow traffic to use this route we must ensure that the site is stable and the road is safe to travel. The scale of this latest slip shows that isn’t yet the case.

“This is one of the longest and most frustrating closures on record - we know how disruptive it has been for motorists and local communities, and we thank them again for their patience.”

The NZTA took over control of the Saddle Road and Pahiatua Track earlier this month after receiving geological assessments which indicated the closure was likely to continue for up to two months. NZTA road crews have assumed responsibility for the maintenance of the detour routes. Mr McGonigal says by temporarily taking over the alternative routes, the NZTA’s road crews would help to ensure the alternative routes remain safe and viable.

“Closures of this extent only happen around once in a decade, but when they do happen they cause real disruption. Our priority is twofold: getting the highway reopened as soon as it’s safe to do so, and keeping the alternative routes well maintained and safe in the meantime.”

The NZTA advises motorists that the detour routes take on average 15-20 minutes longer than SH3 through the gorge.

For more information please contact:
Andy Knackstedt
Media Manager
T 64 04 894 6285
M 64 021 276 3222
andrew.knackstedt@nzta.govt.nz

NZTA

The Manawatu Gorge may be closed for months yet as an unstable hillside continues to threaten the road.

As a result, the New Zealand Transport Agency has taken control of its two detour routes, Saddle Rd and the Pahiatua Track, to ensure they are properly maintained in the wake of increased traffic flow.

Both roads have previously been maintained by council contractors based on a funding agreement with the agency.

NZTA regional state highways manager David McGonigal said the decision to temporarily take over the alternative routes was made following a meeting on Friday between NZTA and the Mayors and Chief Executives of Tararua District Council, Manawatu District Council, Palmerston North City Council and the Chairman and Chief Executive of Horizons Regional Council to discuss the issues that the closure is causing.

''We appreciate that the alternative routes have taken a lot of punishment, and given the length of the closure it's appropriate that we fully assume the costs and organisation of the upkeep of these roads,'' he said.

''By taking over these routes we'll be in a good position to ensure they can handle the large volumes of traffic they're facing, and where possible, to carry out repairs and upgrades during the night.''

The gorge has been closed almost every day since a large slip about 1km from the Ashhurst end came down on August 18. Several more slips since then have added to the frustration of those who regularly use the gorge and those who have been trying to clear it.

A recent economic report estimated its closure was costing the Manawatu region about $62,000 a day.

Mr McGonigal said the ongoing slips have occurred at the location of a much bigger ancient landslide.

That area of the gorge was made up of silty, sandy gravel with large boulders, mixed with areas of greywacke rock, resulting in an unstable hillside that needs to shed more material before it stabilises.

Mr McGonigal said that while the scale of the slip looks set to surpass the slips of 2004, which kept the gorge closed for 70 days, that portion of State Highway 3 was expected to remain viable long-term.

The agency has agreed the detour routes needed more ''TLC'' to help them handle the increase of traffic from around 700 vehicles per day to around 6000, he said.

''We appreciate that people are frustrated about the length of this closure. We need to bring much more unstable material down from high up on the slope and we'll be hoping for some more rain to help bring it down.''

NZTA had employed five different companies, including geological specialists, to help the agency find solutions to stop the hillside moving. Until it does, there is no quick fix to the problem, Mr McGonigal said.

There may be some light at the end of the tunnel for the Dannevirke Fantasy Cave.

Tararua District Mayor Roly Ellis confirmed he was lending a "helping hand" to ensure the future of the tourist attraction, which has been forced to move from the High St building it has been in for more than 20 years.

However, he was quick to quash rumours that the council intended to financially support the cave.

"The council is not going to step in and say `here's X amount of dollars'. It's a helping hand rather than saying we're going to chuck a load of money at it."

Instead, Mr Ellis said he was among a small team of people who were negotiating with the building's landlord.

"We'd like to think that the landlord will be able to re-lease the building. And that, as part of the re-lease, it may be that the cave may have to pay some sort of lease, but it's still completely up in the air right now.

"We certainly have hopes of keeping it [the cave] and it's just a matter of all parties sitting down and negotiating."

Last month, the Cave Dwellers committee was advised that ANZ had decided not to renew its lease with the company that owns the building.

It was given seven days' notice to leave the premises. There had been no written agreements between ANZ and the Fantasy Cave. For more than 20 years the Fantasy Cave operated out of the building free of charge, courtesy of ANZ.

President of the Cave Dwellers, Ces Edwards, said there had been no change to the cave's situation and the Cave Dwellers were biding their time until a final decision was made.

"We've had plenty of support, people are saying `what can we do?' but we don't know when or how or what. We can't do anything until we find out what's going on."

"There's no two ways about that. I think the whole town would be quite sad to see such an iconic institution gone.

"It is something that the local people want to keep and the council would like to keep it because it keeps businesses in town, visitors and shopping and everything else."

An ANZ spokeswoman said the bank had offered up to six staff to help the cave relocate if need be, and pay the removal costs up to $5000.

Liquidation prolongs highway upgrade

The collapse of the construction company carrying out the State Highway 2 upgrade between Woodville and Dannevirke has set the project back six months.

Work on the $10.9 million project began in late October last year, with Taranaki-based Hurlstone Earthmoving winning the New Zealand Transport Agency tender for the work.

But in July, Hurlstone was put into receivership and on September 9 the company was put into the hands of liquidators to wind it up.

Two months ago, Transport Agency state highways regional manager David McGonigal said Hurlstone's collapse was not expected to cause "any significant problems" with the project's completion.

But work has stalled and Mr McGonigal has told the Manawatu Standard the project might not be finished until late 2012.

"This means the completion of the project is expected to now be around six months later than initially envisaged, and work is expected to resume in December 2011.

"When work was interrupted, the project was about one-third complete and was running ahead of schedule, so we're hoping to pick up again on that momentum and make some good progress when work resumes this summer," Mr McGonigal said.

Site testing and surveys were under way to provide data to companies that might be interested in tendering to complete the project.

The agency had advertised for expressions of interest and hoped to award a contract "in the near future" and resume work before Christmas, he said.

Tararua Mayor Roly Ellis said the delays did not worry him too much. He just wanted the project finished.

"As far as I'm concerned, I want the thing done properly. There's no point in rushing and getting a bad job."

Road Transport Forum area manager Tom Cloke said heavy-freight drivers would have to continue to cope with the narrow roadway.

"I don't like it, but there's not really a lot you can do about it in the present situation.

The upgrade included straightening a section of the road, a new bridge over Mangaatua Stream and a new rail underpass at Papatawa.

Heavy vehicles comprise 13 per cent of the traffic, which is above the national average.

Dannevirke teacher Katherine Easton has won Second prize in the Man Unleashed Section of the Brancott Estate World of WearableArt™ (WOW®) Awards Show in Wellington. She was amongst 35 winners of this year’s Brancott Estate WOW® awards, sharing the$150,000 prize pool. For the first time, there were also eight Honorable Mentions at WOW®.
Easton won her award with the piece Preened to Perfection, which she says she worked on
with Jo Blyth.

“Jo and I discussed the fact that in a traditional wedding the bride is the central figure and her dress is a highlight of the day,” she says. “In ‘our’ WOW wedding we wanted our groom to be the centre piece of the day, the man on show.

We looked to nature and decided that the male peacock makes a real statement and overshadows his female counterpart.

“Combining our individual skills and resources Jo and I conceptualised a suit made from silk and a magnificent aluminium tail rising as it struts down the aisle,” she says. “We have created a garment that morphs traditional to fanciful.”
WOW® founder and co-judge Suzie Moncrieff says that all seven awards sections are remarkable this year, ensuring that Wellington’s 2011 Brancott Estate WOW® Awards Show is another outstanding success.

“There are so many incredible entries this year, making it one of the most difficult years to judge,” Moncrieff says.

“The garments are of a very high standard, so we have added Honorable Mentions to some of the sections, as we felt these entries needed the recognition they deserved.

“I am also pleased that there is a good mix of experienced WOW® designers and first time entrants who have done well in this year’s awards, showing there is a depth of both past and new talent continually coming through WOW®.

“It is amazing to think that I held my first show back in 1987,” she says. “Today, with an incredible team behind it, WOW® is regarded as the best WearableArt Show in the world, which as New Zealanders makes us all proud.”

The polar blast gripping the country reached Dannevirke overnight, bringing freezing temperatures and a heavy dumping of snow.
Dannevirke and district woke to -3C and a good dumping of snow.
Many were out having fun in the snow last night, this morning saw many schools closed and SH2 between Dannevirke and Norsewood was closed overnight it reopened just after 9.30am today.

Another major dumping is on the way, with the MetService predicting a significant snowfall for Hawke's Bay tonight, possibly to sea level, and 10-20cm of snow tomorrow night.

Many Dannevirke residents sent in their snow photos to the Dannevirke NZ facebook page click here to view >>>

Following the lead contractor on the project, Taranaki based Hurlstone Earthmoving Ltd, being placed into receivership late last week, work has halted temporarily on the SH2 Papatawa Realignment.

Today N.Z. Transport Agency project manager David McGonigal said they were committed to finishing the $12m project and he is awaiting advice on the process for calling new tenders.

At present they are 1/3rd of the way through the work and it had been running ahead of schedule. ``It shouldn’t affect the completion time too much,’’ he said. When the project started, in late October 2010, it was scheduled to be completed in April of next year.

The site is currently being managed by the team from Infracon, which is working on the Corby Road section leading into the Papatawa Realignment.

The project will improve the alignment of 4.5 km of State Highway 2. This will provide safer and easier journeys for motorists travelling this lower North Island route between Woodville and Dannevirke. About 5000 vehicles travel the stretch of road under realignment daily and 13 percent of them are heavy vehicles – slightly above average for a State Highway.

Mr McGonigal hopes a new contractor will be appointed within the next two months.

WOW factor at the push of a button

Months of hard work have paid off for four Hawke's Bay artists who have been named finalists in the critically acclaimed Brancott Estate World of WearableArt Awards Show this year.

It's a return to the WOW stage for Mercia Paaymans and Keryn Whitney whose hand-crafted creations were part of the 2010 stage spectacular dedicated to taking art off the wall and putting it on the body.

Mrs Whitney's garment "Oh My Mai" was constructed from about 1800 spent shotgun bullets. The brassy components were the base of a chainmail-like cloak and train, and the plastic was used to make 2D life-sized ducks.

The design naturally drew comparisons to her award-winning 2010 WOW creation made from hare skulls, bones and pelts, and made almost entirely from biodegradable materials.

She said the return to a hunting theme was perhaps the result of her childhood, where hunting was a "main fixture" of family life - and also her husband's predilection for the sport.

The two garments also shared an environmental bent. Last year's "Just Hare Say" garment was the overall winner of the sustainability award.

The bullet cartridges used to construct "Oh My Mai" would have otherwise ended up in a landfill.

Mercia Paaymans, an English teacher at Hastings Boys' High School drew on her love for words for her garment "Road Trip To ..."

Her entry was a painted aluminium structure created by place names of favourite Kiwi holiday spots and was inspired by a recent summer holiday to Waihi.

She said the process from start to finish was "a learning curve" and certainly not without its challenges. "The structure was made of plastic initially. Halfway through the process it cracked. It was pretty depressing," she said.

The mother of three said WOW afforded the opportunity to "express yourself creatively", but was well worth the time and moments of frustration.

First-time entrants Jo Blyth and Kat Easton from Dannevirke, rather fittingly, recruited manpower for their entry in the Man Unleashed category, which aimed to "re-dress the groom".

Mrs Easton explained: "The bride is always the most important, the centre piece, and in our WOW wedding, we thought the groom should be." The design was modelled on the notoriously showy male peacock, and had an aluminium tail that spread 3metres wide when expanded with the push of a button.

Mrs Easton's husband, Campbell, who co-owned Metalform, and his colleague Tim Henman lent their engineering expertise to the construction of the 18kg costume.

This year fashion designer Trelise Cooper and artist Nigel Brown are joining WOW founder Suzie Moncrieff on the judging panel.

Tickets are on sale for this year's World of WearableArt Awards Shows. The extended season runs from August 25 - September 10. Information about ticketing available at www.worldofwearableart.com

Relevant offersIt took less than a minute to quash the trial of a heavy truck bypass in Dannevirke yesterday.

The council met yesterday to discuss the 226 submissions it received on its annual plan and decide on changes.

The truck bypass alone attracted more than 120 submissions. About 80 per cent of these, including a petition carrying 587 signatures, were opposed to it.

"I believe the people have spoken," councillor Chris Southgate said before council voted unanimously to can the trial.

The idea for a heavy truck bypass to take trucks off of Dannevirke's main road had been talked about in the town for at least 30 years. A six-month trial of the route was given the go ahead by the previous council last year. Earlier this year the present council halted that trial ahead of further consultation.

Still going ahead in Tararua, though, is a new $300 flat charge on rural properties. The change was included in the annual plan as a fairer way to divvy up the cost of the district's extensive roading network.

Smaller flat fees would be placed on the rates bills of residential, commercial and industrial properties.

The $300 charge garnered opposition from lifestyle block owners, some of whom would see their rates bill climb by more than 30 per cent.

The council were told yesterday Tararua District had about 1500 rural properties under one hectare in size. The average rates bill for these properties was $614 and their average increase in rates this year would be $168, or about 27 per cent.

Councillors have asked for a report on whether a reduction on the $300 fee could be introduced on low value rural properties without a dwelling.

That report, and what it would mean for the district's ratepayers, would be presented to the next council meeting where the annual plan would be adopted.

The final version of the plan would have close to the estimated 4.26 per cent average rates increase announced in April.

Councillors were reluctant yesterday to introduce any new spending. Rather they tried to find funding for projects from within its existing budgets rather than further increase rates. This meant several decisions, including a $25,000 grant for upgrades at Pukaha Mount Bruce and an extra $25,000 for promoting the district, were delayed until the next meeting to see if the money needed could be found.

Manawatu Standard