CIRCULAR - Palmerston North City Council

squarecircularwww.pncc.govt.nzI S S U E 1 2 3 • J U N E 2 0 0 8IN MEMORY OFCITY ARCHIVISTA new reserve in Kelvin Grove, dedicated to the memory of former City Archivist, IanMatheson, is nearly completed.The reserve will have flax planted in the wetland area as a symbol of the contributionIan made to the life of Palmerston North and his research and fascination for the flaxindustry which flourished around Foxton in the early part of last century.The Council, earlier last year, consulted nearby residents, and has also incorporatedmany of their ideas in the designs for the Reserve.Extending from Brooklyn Heights Drive to Nevada Way, it emphasises the local habitatbut also provides features that will benefit all age groups in the area.Work began last month and the first stage is intended to be completed shortly. Thatstage includes planting, landscaping, the paths and the children’s fort with further playequipment and improvements introduced during the 2008/2009 financial year.The features, created by City Council Landscape Architect, Kevin Gillespie, include;• A wetland area to encourage a micro eco system• Two paths which meander from one side to the other• A medieval timber fort• Planting which includes native trees, shrubs and wild flowers• A boardwalk which separates the wetland from the native planting• A picnic area set aside for the community• Art work which will incorporate design and sculpture from local children• A low retainer wall for seating dedicated to Ian Matheson• Flax and other natives planted in the wetland area.Kevin Gillespie, who is also Project Manager, says the whole of the reserve will be a playarea, robust and appealing to all age groups and which will offer a habitat for nativeplants and wildlife.Ian MathesonOPERATOROF THE YEARIn 1978 Colin Owen was attracted to theprovincial city of Nelson but decided totake a temporary job at the City Council’swastewater treatment plant.Thirty years on he’s still there as a senior plantoperator and has no serious thoughts aboutmoving to the South Island.Part of the reason is that he’s too valuablein Palmerston North and, last month, at theWater Industries Operators Group nationalconference, he was recognised by his peersas the Operator Of the Year.Colin OwenColin Owen is a graduate of the universityof number eight wire and has an impressive range of skills. It’s those talents and the diversity ofmechanical, operational and technical work that maintains his commitment to the task.“Many people don’t realise what’s involved in doing our job and how interesting and importantit is,” Colin says.Supervisor at the Water Treatment Plant, Mike Monaghan, says Colin received the award for “hiscommitment, enthusiasm and innovation.”Mike says Colin is “deeply commited to the industry, is happy to do what’s required to get the job doneand has provided valuable advice and assistance, especially with the ongoing upgrade of the plant.”At the recent conference Mike Monaghan was appointed to the national committee of theWater Industry Operators Group, the industry wide professional body for water, stormwater andwastewater operators.Mike has 20 years in the industry including 15 in United Utilities in the north-west of England.THE BUS STOPS HEREThe City Council faces the challenge of providingmore definitive markings for some of the 500bus stops in Palmerston North.While bus services are administered by HorizonsRegional Council, the physical infrastructure (theterminals and 507 bus stops) is the Council’sresponsibility.The Council recognises that a bus stop needsto be more than a regulatory sign and pole andacknowledges that improvements to visibilityand access should be made.As a result the Council, together with Horizons,has developed guidelines to ensure bus stops areeasily accessible by bus drivers and patrons.These guidelines are now out for consultation andare available from the Customer ServiceCentre and the City Library or canbe accessed on the Council’s websitewww.pncc.govt.nz.Interested parties have until June 30 tomake their submission.Transport Planner, John Lieswyn, says theCouncil would like to hear from peopleabout the priority they place on publictransport in the city, the visibility of busstops and what level of amenities theywant around them.As an example the Council has beenrequested to give clearer visibility tostops such as the ones on Broadway Avenuefrom Princess Street through to Terrace End.“We value the public views on the way forwardfor providing public transport facilities. If thestops are more visible and accessible, especiallyto those with disabilities, then there’ll be betteruse of buses,” John says.John explains that feedback will be evaluatedand the document peer reviewed beforeappearing in final form later this year.While the Council is carrying out a two yearprogramme to upgrade some stops, John saysif the guidelines uncover other stops that needimprovement he can access funding from thePassenger Transport Improvements budget.In addition to the upgrade the Council willinstall a further 16 bus shelters in the next fewmonths. The shelters will be paid for by Horizonsand AdShel, a global provider of bus shelters, inreturn for complimentary advertising.Clean, modern and welllit, the new “Metro”shelters will lift theusability and imageof bus transportationwithin the city.W i t h s o m a n ymodern sheltersdue to be installed,it’s timely that theguidelines alsorefer to them.

PIT PARK MAKES PLEASING PROGRESSAn artist’s impression of the future appearance of the FeatherstonStreet Pit is an impressive sight.Landscape Architect, Alan Titchener, has provided a design of what thepit will look like in the years to come. The development is an ongoingCity Council project in partnership with the Pit Park People.In the next financial year the Council has set aside nearly $200,000to complete contouring of the northern slopes of the park adjoiningSkogland Park and work on the wetland area in the centre of the pit.Leisure Assets Planner, Aaron Phillips, says when the contouring iscompleted the Council intends developing a football training areaat the bottom of the pit along with recreational space and pathways.Further development also includes a proposed adventure play area,a boardwalk across the pond and planting within the wetlands.Over the last few years the Pit Park People have planted trees andshrubs on the Tweed Street side and are holding a working partythere from 1.30pm today to infill the bank, covering the area wherenon natives have been removed and also to replace trees lost duringthe long hot summer.Aaron Phillips explains that the pit park project is part ofthe Council’s 10 Year Plan with the intention of completingit within the next five years.“Anyone who remembers the pit in its original statewill be impressed with what the Pit Park People andCouncil have achieved by the end of the project,”he says. “When completed it will be an outstandingrecreational asset for the community, especiallythose living in the north-east of the city.”T O P W O R K P L A C EAWARD FOR COUNCILThe Palmerston North public can beencouraged by the recent recognition theCity Council has received from the AccidentCompensation Commission (ACC).The Council last month was awarded TertiaryStatus for ACC’s Workplace Safety ManagementPractices programme in health and safety. Thatmeans it achieved the highest level awardedby ACC in health and safety practices for anybusiness or organisation in New Zealand.There are only a few Councils in New Zealandwho’ve attained this level.The City Council has participated in theWorkplace Safety Management Practicesprogramme since 2004 and isrequired every two years toundergo an external auditin health and safety. Theaudit covered all aspectsof health and safetypractices both withinCouncil and includingexternal contractors.City Enterprises GeneralManager and Chairperson for theHealth and Safety Committee, RayMcIndoe, says the recognitionmeans that staff have committedthemselves to safe businesspractices and are applying it intheir own jobs.“The community therefore can expectthat all work carried out by Councilstaff is responsible, safe and meets thehighest ACC work place standards,” hesays. “It’s recognition of hard work andcommitment to our health and safetyprogramme.”The Council was also recognised bySafeguard magazine in 2007 for having“the best system to encourageemployee participation” indelivering health and safety withinthe workplace and community.MADE ITMANAWATUCELEBRATESFIVE YEARSThere’s no doubt that the Made it Manawatuinteractive trades expo fires up interest fromyoung people, male and female, in trades.This year Made it Manawatu will be held nextSunday (June 22) at Arena 2, and there aremore than 30 stands registered. There’ll belots of opportunities to try out activities. Forexample, this year there’s the chance to fitbrake pads at the expo.But think outside the usual trades as well.There are 130 occupations governed byIndustry Training Organisations that overseethe qualifications for trades and these includemanufacturing jewellers, florists, retailers,chefs and many others. This year’s exhibitorshave something to offer both young womenand men who come along.Made it Manawatu, funded by the City Council,the Mayoral Taskforce, Vision Manawatuand the Ministry of Social Development, isinteractive, fun, and free. It’s on from 10am to4pm and you can talk to the experts in a rangeof occupations.It is an ideal opportunity for those whoknow they have natural practical abilityand who are thinking about a career ina trade, but who are unsure about what isright for them. You get the chance to talkto people experienced in a trade and whocan offer advice.Year five looks like it will be just as successfulas in previous years. In the evening thegraduation ceremony runs for those in theregion who have successfully completedtrade qualifications. They will be presentedwith certificates by the region’s mayors at theConvention Centre.For more information contact Jacqui Phillipson 350 1816 or 027 695 7799.Pit Park stalwarts - (from left) Jude Marshall, BethTolley with Lucky, Wilma Culling, Marise Clark (atback) and Edna Downey.PAY EARLY,AVOID PENALTYChanges will be introduced to dogregistration this year.In the past penalties imposed on dog ownerswho have failed to make payment by the endof July have required considerable processingand follow up costs for the Council.Head of Environmental Protection Services,Wayne Jameson, says for the 2008/2009financial year the penalty charge willautomatically be included in the registrationfee but will be discounted if the fee is paid bythe end of July.Wayne explains that a preferred owner willbe sent a dog registration fee of $93 but willpay only $62 if the payment is made by theend of July.This is in line with what several large businessessuch as Genesis and Telecom charge with theirmonthly accounts.“The Council spends hundreds of hours ofstaff time following up late payments andthis change will reduce thetime spent and the cost toratepayers,” Wayne says.Dog registration isrequired because it’s alegal requirement ofthe Dog Control Act,keeps the city safefor residents anddog owners alikea n d h e l p s t omeet staff costs inadministering dogregistration andfollowing upunregisteredanimals.CORNERSTONEOF RECREATIONSTRATEGYA recreational plan that offers a comprehensiverange of outdoor pursuits for Palmerston Northpeople at their backdoor is now available forconsultation.The City Council’s Kahuterawa OutdoorRecreational Plan is a detailed document thatoffers a wide variety of recreational activitiesfrom picnicking to mountain biking, fromswimming to ecological education.The areas in question, including the 170 hectareWoodpecker Forest block, are strong in historic,cultural and ecological importance.Leisure Assets Planner, Aaron Phillips, regardsthe recreational plan, which is included in theCouncil’s 10 Year Plan, as “the cornerstone of the2002 Outdoor Recreation Strategy.”“The plan is the blueprint for recreationaldevelopment in the Kahuterawa and, if approvedby Council, the area will become prized andpopular for people in the region and visitors tothe city,” he says.The area, in question, stretches from theKahuterawa Reserve to Gordon Kear Forest andHardings Park and includes such attractions asnative and exotic forest, the challenging SledgeTrack, trout spawning streams, the historicplatinum mines and offers impressive vistas forpeople who want to enjoy the natural scenery.Recommendations in the plan include theprovision for new walking tracks, additionalpest control measures, more mountain bikingfacilities and systems to improve biodiversity.The plan is available on the Council’s websitewww.pncc.govt.nz and copies are available fromthe Customer Service Centre and the City Library.People have until August 13 to make submission.“We are asking people to consider the plan, offertheir constructive opinions about it and suggestwhat they want to see developed further,” Aaronsays. “However all this comes at a cost andpeople will be asked to evaluate the budget forcarrying out the developments.”The submissions will be evaluated and includedin a report to Council in October.

Dance to Aqua BeatzThe Lidohas a new weekly programme,Aqua Beatz, which is designed to provideentertainment for people aged 11-15.Aqua Beatz, featuring teen DJ Josh Edwards, takes place every Friday night from 7-10pm andcosts $7.50, but people are welcome to arrive early at no additional charge.The programme offers a variety of activities, including an aqua run, and is loosely structuredso that people can choose which activities they participate in. There are 2-3 competitions eachnight that fall into categories as diverse as dancing and breath-holding.Several prizes are up for grabs to both winners and participants, such as Lido passes, merchandiseand vouchers from the sponsor, Pizza Hut. There are also theme nights and soon there will bespecial guests. All indoor facilities are available.“Aqua Beatz has generated a positive response from attendees, parents and schools for providingaffordable entertainment on a regular basis that lasts a whole night and allows young people tohave fun with their friends and meet new people, away from the pressures of alcohol and drugs,”says Programme Coordinator, Andrew Hansen.COUNCIL SEEKS FEEDBACKON KEY TOURISMSTRATEGYLeadership to agencies thatdeliver tourism and visitoractivities in Palmerston North isone of the key focuses of a draftTourism and Visitor Strategy thatis available for public comment.Economic Policy Adviser, PeterCrawford, who has prepared thestrategy, says input from the community is important and theexpressions of opinion about the strategy will be included in thefinal document approved by Council.Tourism plays an important role in the city’s economy and alsoinfluences the type and quantity of services which need to beprovided by the Council, such as water and wastewater, recycling,roading, parking and amenities such as public toilets, parks andrecreational areas.“The Council plays a role in marketing the city to visitors and alsoto encourage more businesses and people to consider PalmerstonNorth as a desirable location to work and invest,” Peter says.“Day visits by New Zealand residents contribute a high proportionof overall visits to the city. Palmerston North is a major regionalshopping and business services centre and attracts 2.6 percent ofnational retail sales while our population share is 1.9 percent.”STOMACH IS STARTING TO RUMBLEAfter four years of planning, funding for the CreativeSounds redevelopment has been secured and workis beginning about now.A non-profit voluntary organisation, Creative Soundsis dedicated to the encouragement of musical, artisticand performance activities, and is proudly supportedby the Palmerston North City Council.City Council architect, Kooi Tan, has drawn up plans fora dual-use facility on the current site of the Stomach,with two sound-proofed practice rooms separatefrom the main studio space. The remodelled buildingwill be 434 square metres, an increase of 179 square metres. Theupgraded studio will be able to record all styles of music from astring quartet or jazz ensemble through to a metal band.“At the moment, we have one room that can be hired out,”explains Stuart Hubbard, secretary, Creative Sounds. “Thismeans that if an individual or group is here practising, no oneelse can utilise the resource. If there’s a gig on, then that meansthe facility is out of action for anyone else for the entire day dueto the time taken to set up, hold the gig and then pack up.”The cost for the redevelopment project is approximately$650,000, with major funding contributed by the City Council.The remaining funding has been sourced from the Departmentof Internal Affairs Lottery Grants Fund, CentralPower ElectricityTrust, Eastern and Central Community Trust, and the LotteryGrants Board.A wide range of community groups utilise the facilities atCreative Sounds, including the IHC, bands wanting to recordtheir music, young people who come to the Stomach on aFriday night, as well as weekend practices by high schoolstudents right through to older adults.The relationship between Creative Sounds and the PalmerstonNorth City Council is now 30 years old. The studio andperformance venue has fostered and nurtured a significantamount of creative talent in the city during these 20 years.Emerging musicians are encouraged to explore their creativitythrough a number of different forums including: music, tuition,networking, workshops, equipment use and live performance.This can have a knock-on effect for youth, in particular liftingtheir self-esteem and creating confidence.Creative Sounds are currently looking to secure temporarypremises for approximately three months while theredevelopment work is being carried out.Goals identified in the strategy are;• the city has effective infrastructure and enhanced sustainablebest practices• attracts a higher share of New Zealand retail sales• a strong and growing conventions market• events that grow a positive city profile and economy• increasing the economic contribution from leisure tourismin the city and region• positive local, national and international perceptions aboutPalmerston North as a visitor destination.Copies of the draft strategy are available on the Council’s websitewww.pncc.govt.nz and can be uplifted from the Customer ServiceCentre or City Library. Comments should be sent by July 14 to PeterCrawford at City Future, Private Bag 11-034, Palmerston North.STARS INSPIRE FESTIVALThe Matariki Festival at Square Edge is infull swing.Matariki, the word Maori and Pacific Islandpeople use to describe the star clusterlocated in the solar system and visible duringJune, has inspired the festival. It includesan exhibition of art works by local artists, ashort film evening by New Zealand moviemakers and a Matariki Masquerade Ball onJune 27.Pictured from left: Sebastian Hesp (sound engineer), Stuart Hubbard (secretary),John Thornley (chairperson), Paul Goodwin, Craig Black (manager).A special event is being held at Square Edgethis afternoon. A permanent display ofpottery collected by the Manawatu PotterySociety will have its public opening withguest speaker, Trevor Wright, at 4.30pm.The Square Circular is brought to you by the Palmerston North City Council www.pncc.govt.nzEditor: Malcolm Hopwood Design: Print Synergy Photography Contributions: Esther Edmonds, Shane Wilson, Susan Siu, Brooke Tietjens & Rachel Richards