citynews
HAMILTON
May 2017
PAGES 2-3
LIONS ROAR: Looking ahead
to the big game.
DINOSAURS’ ANCESTORS: Step back in time 290 million years when bizarre-looking animals dominated life on Earth at Waikato Museum’s
blockbuster exhibition Permian Monster: Life Before the Dinosaurs. View an amazing collection of fossils and models from a relatively unknown
time period, the Permian, and dig and identify remains in the interactive dig pits. Meet the crocodile-like Eryops, pictured here leaping at a
passing Meganeuropsis, a giant dragonfly, and find out what nearly killed them all to make way for Earth’s next rulers, the dinosaurs.
See story on page 4
Image: Early Permian Landscape, Julius Csotonyi
Work to begin on Cobham underpass
A $1.4 million project to improve access to
the award-winning Hamilton Gardens begins
this month.
Work on the Sillary St pedestrian and biking
underpass for State Highway 1-Cobham Dr
will begin on 22 May and is expected to be
completed in mid-September.
PAGE 4
SHOW BUSINESS: 30 years
in theatres.
Four-lane Cobham Dr, which carries a daily
average of 28,000 vehicles and has a posted
speed limit of 80km/h, is difficult for cyclists
and pedestrians to cross easily.
The underpass will provide a safe link between
Hamilton East at Sillary St with Hamilton
Gardens, as well as a connection for walkers
and bikers into the city.
Jason Harrison, the Council’s Transport Unit
Manager, says the project will be welcomed by
local residents.
“Hamilton is a great city for walking and
biking, and we’ve already got around 150km
of on and off road cycleways. This underpass is
another link in connecting our city and we look
forward to its opening.”
The project is being constructed by Downer
NZ on behalf of the NZ Transport Agency,
which builds and maintains state highways.
Transport Agency Waikato Highway Manager
1
hamilton.govt.nz
COMING SOON: There will be changes for motorists when underpass construction gets underway.
Karen Boyt said: “The project team will be
working very hard to get traffic through the
construction site with the least delay possible.
But it’s not going to be easy and we ask
people to be patient during this time or
consider other routes.
“This underpass is going to be a great
asset for the city, safely linking Hamilton
East to Hamilton Gardens for pedestrians
and cyclists.”
/hamiltoncitycouncil
Two lanes will be maintained throughout
the project. From about 6 June there will be
no right turn into Grey St from Cobham Dr
until the project nears completion. Hamilton
Gardens Gate 2 will remain open to the public.
The project is supported by the Council,
cycle groups and the Hamilton East
community. Once complete the four-metre
wide, well-lit and level underpass will be a safe
and user-friendly option.
@CouncilHamilton
PAGE 5
KUMARA CROP: Gardens’
produce goes to worthy cause.
citynews
British & Irish Lions vs Chiefs – 20 June 2017
The buzz of
the big game
Natalie Barrott has a key role
to play when the British & Irish
Lions come up against the Chiefs
at FMG Stadium Waikato, but
she’s unlikely to see much of the
on-field action.
Mrs Barrott is an Events
Manager for H3 – the division
of the Council responsible for
event facilities and major events
– working at FMG Stadium
Waikato and Seddon Park. She’s
been working at the stadia for
nine years, ensuring events run
smoothly.
there is a buzz with a lot of
people coming and going – it’s a
hive of activity.”
For the Lions match that will
include an expanded area for
visiting media and the usual
extensive broadcast technology
overlay.
“Sometimes you have to get
involved in the grunt work, and
that’s fine, it gets you out of your
seat,” she says.
She’ll be part of the H3 team
working on match day, one of
more than 100 people connected
Although planning for the Lions
match has been ongoing for a year, on a radio-telephone network – the
earpieces and microphones – as
in the days immediately before
the game the activity will increase well as a further 300 staff
KEY PLAYER: Natalie Barrott, Events Manager for H3 at FMG Stadium Waikato where the Chiefs will play the British and Irish Lions in June.
and contractors involved in
dramatically.
match delivery.
delivery across the venue.
“These jobs don’t come up very
what the score of the game when I
“Three days leading up to match
That extends to ensuring all
often, and you take a lot of pride in get home, and I say to my husband
“When the gates open, that’s
day, and everyone is starting to
patrons leave safely post-match,
what you do – you want to be the
‘did we win?’.”
when the radio-telephone chatter
‘pack in’ – broadcasters, caterers,
followed by two debriefs to wrap
best venue,” she says.
people bringing in generators and really starts, and if there are any
up the event.
Watching match replays also gives
issues, we can deal with them. It’s
cell phone towers, teams coming
Although she’ll put in a long day
her a chance to look at how the
pretty full-on for those first couple Although she’s worked on
in for captain’s runs, the guys
at the stadium for the game, Mrs
event is delivered.
coming in to paint the logos on the of hours.”
numerous international events at
Barrott won’t get a chance to keep
field,” she says.
both venues – including several
an eye on the score.
“I get a proud feeling when I
From her position in the venue’s
world cups – Mrs Barrott is
watch it on TV, and think ‘yeah, I
control room – up high in the
“For those three days, the
genuinely excited by the British & “I always go home and watch
did that’.”
Brian Perry Stand – she’ll be
adrenalin is really pumping.
Irish Lions match.
the replay on TV,” she laughs.
monitoring activity and event
You’re working long days, but
“Sometimes I don’t even know
fmgstadiumwaikato.co.nz
Business event Campervans come to
at the stadium town following Lions
Hamilton’s businesspeople can
tour FMG Stadium Waikato at a
special networking function ahead
of the city’s involvement in two
major events this year.
Hamilton is a host city for the
DHL New Zealand Lions Series
next month, with the Gallagher
Chiefs set to play the visiting
British & Irish Lions on 20 June
at FMG Stadium Waikato. In
November, Hamilton is a host city
for two matches as part of Rugby
League World Cup.
“Our major events this year
are expected to draw several
thousand visiting fans, which
presents some good opportunities
for our business community,” Mr
Hooker says.
“They’re exciting events for
Hamilton and its communities
and we want to make sure we
deliver the best experience we can
as a city.”
Mr Hooker says the event will
include guest speakers from
both sporting events, as well as
To give insight into what business Council staff involved. There’ll
people can expect, the Council
be an opportunity for guests to
has partnered with Hamilton
take a “behind the scenes” tour of
Central Business Association, the FMG Stadium Waikato, and gain
Waikato Chamber of Commerce
information on the Major Events
and Hamilton Waikato Tourism
Management Act (or MEMA),
to host the 2017 Major Events
which guides what businesses can
Information Evening on 11 May at do around major events. Attendees
FMG Stadium Waikato.
will be able to ask questions.
Chad Hooker, Hamilton
City Council’s Major Events
Director, says the city’s
business community is a crucial
stakeholder for the two events,
and the Council wanted to engage
with business people in advance
of the matches.
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The 2017 Major Events
Information is free, but
registrations are essential,
via waikatochamber.co.nz.
Drinks and nibbles will be
served, and the event is
expected to run for about
two hours.
hamilton.govt.nz
A temporary campervan park at
Claudelands and a brand new
host city website are among the
initiatives being rolled out ahead
of the city’s involvement in the
historic DHL New Zealand
Lions Series.
Comprising players from
England, Ireland, Scotland and
Wales, the British & Irish Lions
are coached by Waikato rugby
icon and Hamilton Ambassador
Warren Gatland.
The Lions play the Chiefs on
20 June at FMG Stadium Waikato
as part of the DHL New Zealand
Lions Series, with a large influx of
visiting British and Irish rugby fans
expected to descend on the city.
Chad Hooker, Hamilton City
Council’s Director of Major
Events, says the city has a range
of initiatives to enhance the city’s
status as a host city for the Lions
visit – the combined team’s first
trip to New Zealand since 2005.
The grassed oval area at
Claudelands will be used as an
additional “spill over” temporary
campervan park for the city’s
/hamiltoncitycouncil
involvement in the series.
“We’re anticipating a convoy of
British, Irish and kiwi campervan
tourists following the matches
around the country,” Mr Hooker
says. “With Hamilton’s existing
camping grounds already fully
booked for the night of the
Chiefs game, we’ll be operating a
temporary campervan park on the
field adjacent to Claudelands to
cater for the influx.”
The Claudelands campervan
park will only be available to
fully self-contained campervans
and bookings will be taken
through the Hamilton i-SITE,
which will also have a pop-up
stand at Claudelands. Although
commercial accommodation in
the city remains available for the
night of the match, it is expected
to fill up quickly.
Visiting fans will also be able
to find their way into the central
city via a marked walking route
from Claudelands. The route has
been designed to take pedestrians
below River Road and avoid
having to cross one of the city’s
busiest streets.
@CouncilHamilton
Other initiatives rolling out as part
of DHL NZ Lions Series include
the creation of hamiltonhostcity.
co.nz, a new event and visitorfocussed website which will
feature a range of information
on Hamilton’s involvement
in the event. The site, which
is live today, includes traffic
information, details on the Major
Events Management Act and
what it means for local business,
as well as links to other relevant
online channels for the city and
region. The site acts as a template
and will be rebranded for other
major events the city hosts in
future.
Mr Hooker says the Council’s
Major Events Team is also
engaging with Hamilton’s schools
to create themed artworks to mark
a walking route from Claudelands
to the central city, and on to FMG
Stadium Waikato.
More announcements on
additional activities and initiatives
connected to the DHL NZ Lions
Series are expected over coming
weeks, Mr Hooker added.
hamiltonhostcity.co.nz
citynews
British & Irish Lions vs Chiefs – 20 June 2017
Excitement grows in Chiefs camp
Andrew Strawbridge is finally set to
get a crack at the British & Irish Lions.
Strawbridge – the Chiefs Defence and
Skills Coach, and a Waikato rugby
stalwart who played more than 130
games for the province through the
1980s and 1990s – missed out on
his chance to play the Lions in 1993
through injury.
“I’d had a knee reconstruction,” says
the former fullback. “I think I was in
the radio commentary box that day.
But Waikato did very well.”
MENTOR:
Andrew Strawbridge
is part of the Chiefs
coaching group.
stoked,” he says of the Chiefs’
stunning 40-7 win over a Wales side
coached by his former Waikato team
mate Warren Gatland, and who is now
in charge of the Lions.
Strawbridge says fans may see some
less familiar faces in the Chiefs team
to take the field against the Lions next
month: it’s possible the club’s All
Blacks and Maori All Blacks won’t be
available for selection.
“But that doesn’t taint the excitement,”
Strawbridge says. “For some of the
The Waikato side’s 38-10 win over the guys, it will be a real highlight, and a
tourists was “a very exciting day”, with chance to measure themselves against
some men who have done some pretty
the Lions “getting a good seeing to”
special things over in their (rugby)
from the home team.
environments.”
“We were very proud of how well
However, Strawbridge says the
Waikato did against international
teams,” Strawbridge says of his era as coaching group’s attention hasn’t
turned to the Lions yet. The squad’s
a player in the provincial side.
mentors usually work two or three
weeks ahead, initially undertaking
Although there is plenty of regularvideo and technical analysis of
season Super Rugby before the Lions
upcoming opponents.
match, Strawbridge says there’s
genuine excitement in the club
“We didn’t look at much Welsh
about the chance to play an
footage last year – they were a new
overseas team.
team, and well, a lot of stuff…we
guessed about,” he says. “It meant we
“We relished the
focussed on ourselves, and that’s a
opportunity last
good thing.”
year against
the Welsh –
Strawbridge played dozens of Waikato
we were
games alongside Gatland, but isn’t
sure if there will be a chance to catch
up after the game.
“He might come and have a
beer if they beat us!”
chiefs.co.nz
Lions’ history in Hamilton
HOW THE BRITISH & IRISH LIONS HAVE FARED IN PAST MATCHES IN HAMILTON
1930
1959
1977
2005
British Isles* 40
British & Irish Lions 14
British & Irish Lions 18
British & Irish Lions 13
Waikato-King CountryThames Valley 13
Waikato 0
Waikato 13
New Zealand Maori 19
1966
1983
2017
British & Irish Lions 20
British & Irish Lions 40
British & Irish Lions ?
Waikato 9
Waikato 13
Chiefs ?
1971
1993
British & Irish Lions 35
British & Irish Lions 10
Waikato 14
Waikato 38
1950
British & Irish Lions 30
Waikato-King CountryThames Valley 0
* The British & Irish Lions
were known as the
British Isles until 1950.
Match tickets
available
A limited number of General Admission tickets
are available for the DHL New Zealand Lions
Series match between the Chiefs and the British
& Irish Lions on 20 June. To purchase tickets,
visit nzlionsseries17.com/tickets
A temporary stand at the eastern end of the
ground will be used for this match, taking the
venue capacity to 30,000.
hamilton.govt.nz
/hamiltoncitycouncil
@CouncilHamilton
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citynews
No business like show business
THE WEIRD AND
WONDERFUL
Mr Sutherland’s career has included
some unique and special events:
• working alongside Michael Barrymore,
Billy Connolly, Dame Malvina Major,
Sir Howard Morrison, Dame Kate
Harcourt and her daughter Miranda
• numerous large-scale musicals such as
Les Miserables and Evita
• New Zealand Squash Open, with the
glass playing court on the Founders
Theatre stage
• the launch of a new model of Toyota,
with the car lowered onto the stage
using the theatre’s flying system
• a cattle sale for a stud farm with the
beasts paraded on the stage
• dancing horses from Hungary
• televised Miss New Zealand pageants
THEATRE VETERAN:
Richard Sutherland has
spent 30 years working
for the Council’s theatres
and event venues.
Even after three decades on the job,
Richard Sutherland still finds excitement in
show business.
really quite neat.”
He started working before the advent
of computers, which meant writing out
Mr Sutherland recently notched up 30 years’ purchase and requisition orders and invoices
service to the Council, having started as an
by hand. Paperwork had to be physically
Event Technician at Founders Theatre in
taken to the main Council building. He’s
1987. He’s now the Business Development
worked through the tenures of five different
Manager for H3, booking local, national and Chief Executives and eight Mayors.
international shows for Claudelands, and is
one of the Council’s longest-serving staff
Mr Sutherland’s career has seen major
members.
changes in the performance industry, health
and safety, changes in touring product types
In the late ‘80s, Founders had what was then and particularly event technology, including
state of the art technology, so he had to learn ticketing for events.
fast when it came to things like the venue
wiring and lighting plans and audio systems. “We (Founders) were the first venue outside
His experience in local amateur theatre and of Auckland go on to an electronic ticketing
performance groups was invaluable.
system – that would’ve been in 1988 or ’89.
Now you can turn up with your phone and
“The first show I had to deal with was the
have something scanned, and more than 70
Royal New Zealand Ballet, with Giselle,”
per cent of ticket sales are via the internet.”
he remembers. “As a newbie, I was very
nervous – but they were a great bunch
In 1997 he became the Theatre Services
to work with, and some of them are still
Manager, a role which covered Clarence
colleagues in the business now, which is
St Theatre and The Meteor as well as
• political party rallies with tight police
security and bomb squads
• Russian ballet company tours –
complete with KGB minders.
Founders. This required attending a wide
range of events to liaise with promoters and
ensuring everything ran smoothly.
Staff were able to relocate more than 70 per
cent of the shows booked for Founders to
other facilities in Hamilton.
Despite working alongside famous show
business personalities, Mr Sutherland says
there’s no time for idle talk with the stars.
“I still get a real thrill out of signing up
something really big, and what we’re
bringing to the city,” he says.
“If the venue or event staff are hanging
around talking to the artists, they’re not
doing their jobs – the job comes first,” he
says. “It’s an accepted part of the industry:
you leave the artist to themselves, but if they
want to have a chat to you, that’s great.”
Mr Sutherland was part of the project
control group for the development and
build of the Waikato University Academy
of Performing Arts, and he has been
part of a team of H3 staff to receive two
industry awards from Entertainment
Venues Association (EVANZ). A hugely
experienced theatre and performance
industry professional, Mr Sutherland spent
nine years on the EVANZ Executive and
now is supporting planning for the proposed
new regional theatre, which has energised
him.
The closure of Founders last year was a
difficult day for Mr Sutherland and his
colleagues, and staff were charged with
informing clients of the news. Reactions
from clients ranged from “what do you
mean?” and “what about my show?” to
“how are the staff?”. Contingency plans to
relocate shows were crucial, and remain a
vital part of his role for key clients such as
the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra – a
client he’s had a long relationship with.
“I want to open this new theatre – that’s my
next goal.”
h3group.co.nz
Permian Monsters rumble into Waikato Museum
Hamilton will be the first city in New
Zealand to host the blockbuster exhibition
Permian Monsters: Life Before the
Dinosaurs when it opens at Waikato
Museum on 13 May.
The cause of the end – Permian
devastation – had baffled scientists before
a recent discovery shed new light on a
contributor to the catastrophe: possible
global warming.
Permian Monsters reveals what life on
Earth was like 290 million years ago, when
bizarre-looking creatures dominated the
land and sea.
Visitors will find out how this familiar
phenomenon, started by a huge volcanic
eruption, set off a chain of events that
contributed to this mass extinction.
The exhibition blends art and science
with fossilised skeletons and full-size
models of the animals that ruled the world
before the age of dinosaurs, in a time
known as the Permian.
The Permian period ended with the
largest extinction Earth ever experienced,
which wiped out 90 per cent of all species
on the planet.
4
hamilton.govt.nz
Tyrannosaurus Rex or Pterodactyl, but very
little is known about the ancestors of the
dinosaurs,” she says.
“Permian Monsters lifts the veil on an
important period in Earth’s history, and
uncovers what wiped out more than 90 per
cent of all plant and animal life.”
The exhibition opens on 13 May and runs
until 13 August. Admission costs: $12 adult,
Developed by Gondwana Studios in
$8 child, $10 concession, $20 small family
Tasmania, Permian Monsters has been
(one adult and two children), $40 large
touring Australian cities since 2013.
family (two adults and up to four children),
children 0-3 free. Waikato Museum is open
Waikato Museum Director Cherie Meecham daily from 10am to 5pm.
is excited to be bringing this innovative
Meanwhile, the museum is the first Council
exhibition to Hamilton, before it heads to
other New Zealand venues.
visitor destination to be awarded the new
Qualmark Gold award, under four revised
“Many of us could instantly recognise a
Sustainable Tourism Business criteria:
/hamiltoncitycouncil
@CouncilHamilton
Economic, Environmental, People, and
Health and Safety.
The award is evidence that Waikato
Museum is committed to protecting New
Zealand’s natural environment, enhancing
connections with local communities, while
also delivering a quality, safe experience for
all visitors.
“[Waikato Museum] has some fantastic
systems in place,” says Qualmark Tourism
Business Advisor Rob Finlayson.
“The Health and Safety staff engagements
are second to none I have seen and are
something Waikato Museum, its staff and
Hamilton City Council should be very
proud of.”
waikatomuseum.co.nz
citynews
IN BRIEF
ZOO PLAN FEEDBACK
There’s still a few days left to provide
feedback on the Hamilton Zoo Master
Plan. The plan includes a range of
initiatives and projects to enhance
Hamilton Zoo over the next 10 to 15
years. The projects are not yet funded
and would be considered as part of the
Council’s 10-Year Plan discussions. To
look over the plan, and provide your
feedback online.
hamilton.govt.nz/zooplan
COMMUNITY FACILITIES EOI
Community groups have one more
month to lodge Expressions of Interest
to lease one of the Council’s community
facilities. The facilities available include
Celebrating Age Centre, Old St Peter’s
Hall and the Frankton Railway Institute
Hall. For more information on the
Expressions of Interest process, visit
hamilton.govt.nz/communityleases
ARBOR DAY
OPPORTUNITIES
VEGETABLE DONATION: From left, Christine Canty, Salvation Army Assistant Foodbank Manager talks to Alice Gwilliam while Juli Furniss, Maraea Erihe, Shaun Allen and Simone
Downey load up the van.
Kumara crop goes to worthy cause
Hamilton Gardens has produced a bounty
of fresh produce which is assisting local
families.
Kumara harvested from Te Parapara Garden
this month has been distributed to families
through The Salvation Army Foodbanks.
The demand for food parcels has increased
nearly 90 per cent this year says Aimee Smith
The Salvation Army Foodbank Manager. She
believes the combination of increased living
costs and more people living in temporary
accommodation – including cars – has
significantly bolstered the number of people
seeking help.
“The donation has come at a very important
time,” says Smith. “Fresh produce can be
expensive, especially kumara, for families
on a strict budget. Leading into the school
holidays and the long Easter weekend is a
difficult time for some families.”
The kumara will be distributed in food
parcels throughout Hamilton. Nationally, The
Salvation Army issues more than 55,000 food
parcels each year to those in need.
Gus Flower, Operations Manager Hamilton
Gardens says the opportunity to donate
produce grown in a public park is very
rewarding. “The foodbank service is a very
worthy cause,” he says. “It means a lot for our
team to be involved with such a significantly
important garden in New Zealand, and
for their efforts to also benefit the local
community.”
The kumara donated includes rare variety
taputini which is believed to be only one of
four remaining pre-European varieties.
Te Parapara Garden is New Zealand’s only
productive pre-European Maaori garden and
was originally the name of the pre-European
Maaori settlement in what is now the centre of
Hamilton Gardens. Before Europeans arrived,
the riverbanks throughout central Waikato
were lined with many Maaori gardens, so the
Waikato /Tainui horticultural heritage in this
area is of national significance.
Smith states; “We are The Salvation Army, Te
Ope Whakaora, which translates as the ‘Army
that Brings Life” so this is a very special link
to our mission. We are most grateful for this
wonderful gift of food.”
Public can support the foodbank service by
donating high need items to local families
through an online incentive:
foodbank.org.nz
Collaboration leads to 43 new homes
Hamilton will soon have 43 new twobedroom homes thanks to Housing New
Zealand’s new infill programme.
Housing New Zealand’s General Manager
Asset Development Patrick Dougherty says
the programme will help meet demand for
smaller homes.
“A lot of our Hamilton stock was built in the
1940s, 50s and 60s. In those days, we built
thousands of three-bedroom homes across
the country for ‘nuclear families’,” says
Mr Dougherty.
“These days, social housing is allocated
to those with the greatest need, and there
have also been demographic changes to
hamilton.govt.nz
the population.
“The majority of social housing demand in
Hamilton is now from single people, couples
and small families.
“As a result, around 70 per cent of the people
on the social housing register for Hamilton
need a one- or two-bedroom home. However,
these homes make up only 50 per cent of
Housing New Zealand’s Hamilton portfolio.”
The Council’s General Manager City Growth
Kelvyn Eglinton says supporting social
housing projects is essential for the city.
“Throughout this project, we were able to
streamline processes due to high level of
/hamiltoncitycouncil
communication and coordination within
different areas of the Council and with
Housing New Zealand. We were able to
complete the full consenting and related
processes in an accelerated timeframe,” says
Mr Eglinton.
“It’s important we work together with social
housing providers like Housing New Zealand
to help provide alternative and smarter
solutions to housing issues in Hamilton.
Growth isn’t always just about building big
houses in new subdivisions, it’s also about
looking at the current footprint of Hamilton
and seeing what areas can benefit from infill
housing to cater for a different type of living.”
hnzc.co.nz
@CouncilHamilton
It’s not too late to register for the annual
Arbor Day at Waiwhakareke. The yearly
event sees thousands of native plant
species planted at the site, where a
long-term ecological restoration project
has been underway for several years.
Groups or individuals can register to
participate in Arbor Day by emailing
[email protected]. The
event is on Friday, 2 June, from 10am.
‘BINS OR BAGS’ GETS
NATIONAL RECOGNITION
Last year’s consultation with Hamilton
residents about proposals for wheeled
bins and more recycling options has
been named as a finalist in a national
public relations award. The Public
Relations Institute of New Zealand
Awards attracted 98 entries across 12
categories, with 29 finalists named.
Category winners and a Supreme
Winner will be announced on 25 May.
The consultation broke the record for
the number of submissions to Council.
COUNCILLORS DISCUSS
SHARED WATER COMPANY
At a public workshop last month,
Councillors indicated they may consider
forming a non-asset owning shared
waters management companywith
Waipa and Waikato District Councils.
The proposal has yet to be formally
agreed by the Council or discussed
with the other two councils. The
proposal would allow each council
to keep control of its own assets and
keep each council fully involved in
decision-making. Should the Council
formally decide to support a shared
waters company in early May, Hamilton
would look to re-open discussions with
Waikato and Waipa District Councils
soon after.
PEST CONTROL
A public notice on pest control in last
month’s City News contained incorrect
dates. The correct information is
published in this edition, on page 7.
5
citynews
SOLEMN OCCASION: Mayor Andrew King, in his formal red robes, speaks during the 10am Civic Service on ANZAC Day last week. Several thousand people attended the
commemorations which were held at the Cenotaph in Memorial Park and also featured guests including representatives of the Australian Defence Force, British High Commission,
Turkish Embassy and Hamilton RSA. The number of people attending Hamilton’s ANZAC Day has continued to grow in recent years as a new generation of residents appreciate the
significance of the day.
On the street as the river rises
Pipes, parks and pathways are important
aspects for council to consider during a Civil
Defence response but the first priority is
always the people.
We welcomed
121 new citizens
to Hamilton in
April 2017 from
21 different
nationalities:
The Council’s Community Development
team put its Civil Defence training into
action during last month’s cyclonic weather
events, keeping affected residents informed
and offering assistance where needed.
In serious weather events the Council
responds with a cross-organisational team of
staff carrying out various roles.
When ex-cyclone Debbie hit in early April,
the Waikato River rose rapidly, and concerns
for the wellbeing of neighbourhoods rose
with it. Then, just a week later, Cyclone Cook
compounded these concerns.
The Community Development team
donned its finest wet weather gear and got
to work, going door-to-door in affected
neighbourhoods and updating them the
latest situations. Two issues were of concern:
a potential drop in water pressure for
Hillcrest residents, and welfare of residents
in homes close to the river on Ann St and
Awatere Ave.
Although the Council did not expect to
evacuate residents, ensuring both the
6
hamilton.govt.nz
Welcome
to Hamilton
Filipino, British,
Indian, Colombian,
DOWN BY THE RIVER: From left, Nick Chester, Fungai Mhlanga, Jovi Abellanosa and Ben Scott from the Council’s
Community Development team visited residents in low-lying riverside streets following two major weather events.
organisation and the residents are prepared
for any situation is always critical.
Nick Chester, Social Development Policy
Advisor was aware of the need to inform but
not panic.
“Residents in these areas have seen high river
levels before, so it was not telling them what
they already knew and could see, but offering
a friendly face and checking to see if they had
any specific needs we could help with.”
/hamiltoncitycouncil
Hamilton came through the weather
relatively unscathed, but Andy Mannering,
the Council’s Social Development
Manager says it was a useful training
exercise.
“The cyclones taught us a lot and showed
our ability as a team to respond as required
and help the community. We know we can
respond again in the future, and the value
of being ready before an event has been
reinforced.”
@CouncilHamilton
Ecuadorian, South
African, Chinese, Thai,
Korean, Australian,
Taiwanese, Zambian,
Tongan, Angolan,
American, Argentinian,
Brazilian, Myanmari,
Singaporean,
Sri Lankan, Samoan
citynews
Registering
your dog
early could
pay off
PUBLIC NOTICES
PEST CONTROL OPERATIONS
Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park
Hamilton City Council’s Parks and Open Spaces Unit is responsible for
the management of Hamilton’s 200 parks and open spaces.
A crucial part of the unit’s role is the control of pest animal species such
as pigeons, rats, possums, mice, hares and rabbits.
The work is undertaken in collaboration with Waikato Regional Council
and focuses on protecting Hamilton’s green spaces, particularly those
with ecological significance.
Dog registration forms will
be in letterboxes soon and if
registrations are paid online, and
before 30 June, dog owners could
win one of two prize packs.
A contractor working on behalf of Hamilton City Council will be
undertaking pest control of rabbits and hares at Waiwhakareke Natural
Heritage Park. Two operations will take place between 15 – 26 May
and 19 – 30 June 2017 between 6pm – 1am. Weather conditions will
dictate the exact night each operation takes place. Signs will be up at the
entrances when operations are underway.
The prize packs include a refund
of the dog registration, $100
Hamilton Vets voucher and
assorted dog food and toys.
Rabbits and hares are undermining the work of community groups and
stakeholders who are continuing to develop the park. The timing of the
operations is around Arbor Day, where approximately 12,000 juvenile
plants will be planted. The operations will reduce plant mortality as a
result of pest damage.
Animal Education and Control
Manager Susan Stanford says
registration fees cover the
enforcement of dog control laws,
dog owner education, school
and community dog safety
presentations, and daily patrols.
Dog registration fees are separated
into three different timeframes:
• before 30 June there is a prompt
payment discount of $15
• between 1 and 31 July the
standard fee applies
• after 31 July there is a 50 per
cent late penalty fee.
These pest control operations are permitted under The Reserves Act
1977 and are a fundamental part of the Council’s park management.
Hamilton City Parks
Owners who register their dogs
online will receive their dog tags
about 10 working days after the
application is submitted.
identified,” Ms Stanford.
Payments can also be made in
person at the Animal Education
and Control office, 217 Ellis St,
“Dogs are required to wear a collar or at the Council’s Municipal
with current registration tag at all
Building.
times. It is important dogs wear
their tag so they can be clearly
hamilton.govt.nz/dogsonline
Event sponsorship fund opens
Applications for the Council’s
Major Event Sponsorship Fund
are now open.
The fund provides sponsorship of
between $5,000 and $100,000 to
event organisers.
The Council’s General Manager
of Venues, Tourism and Major
Events, Sean Murray, says a
total of $384,000 is available to
provide support to organisations
delivering events in line with
Hamilton’s objectives.
The application of the Event
Sponsorship Fund will focus on
larger event opportunities where
exposure will reach well beyond
Hamilton, delivering high-profile
coverage and where it will attract
significant numbers of visitors.
“Ideally an application will
show us the event will result
in exposure, promotion and
economic benefit for the city as
well as promoting pride and a
sense of place for Hamiltonians.”
Mr Murray says there are a set of
criteria applicable to the granting
of funds. The principal criteria
and guidance for sponsorship
assessment include:
• aligned with the Hamilton City
Council vision, profile, and
broader strategies
• quantified/proven exposure,
benefits and distinctiveness
for Hamilton nationally (and
internationally) and across
business at large
• evidence of target audience
attendance at regional/national/
international levels
• generation of overnight
visitation to the city
• significant number of
anticipated participants and
future growth potential
• utilisation of city facilities and
assets
• strong leverage opportunities
and community support
• existing interests and
relationships that may give rise
to a potential conflict of interest.
Applications for the Major Event
Sponsorship Fund close at 4pm on
30 June 2017.
hamilton.govt.nz/our-city/
cityevents/eventfunding/
Meet the Mayor
Are there any city issues you would like to discuss with Mayor
Andrew King?
From 26 April to 14 July 2017, a new programme of pest control will
commence. The programme will see intensive pest control undertaken in
selected parks for a three-month period.
This programme will see a particular focus on the Waikato River:
• AJ Seeley Reserve
• Jubilee Park
• Chelmsford Park*
• Mangaiti Park
• Donny Park*
• Onukutara Park
• Hammond Park*
• Ranfurly Park*
• Hillary Park*
• Tauhara Park*
• Hillcrest Park *
• Te Awa O Katapaki Esplanade*
*Large parks including dog exercise areas or playgrounds. Pest control
will be undertaken in the margins of these parks; however it will be well
away from off-lead exercise areas and playgrounds.
The primary tools for pest management are bait stations and traps. The
use of these tools is site-specific and can vary depending on the pest
species identified and the community’s use of the parks.
Although the Council’s contractors place traps and bait stations in areas
of parks which are not generally high use or readily accessed by the
public, residents who use these parks are strongly advised to keep
themselves, their children and any pet animals under close supervision.
The pest control work is closely monitored and the Council’s contractor
uses methods which are sensitive to the use and popularity of the parks.
Parks where pest control is underway will feature clear signage which
identifies the type of bait or trap in use.
For more information on the Council’s pest control programme,
visit hamilton.govt.nz/pestcontrol, or contact Parks and Open
Spaces, Hamilton City Council, 838 6699.
Follow us on social media
You can keep in touch with the Council’s business from your
smartphone, computer or other digital device.
The organisation and several of its facilities have a range of
social media channels for sharing information, images and
videos.
You can also engage with Council and our facilities directly
through these channels.
Please phone 838 6976 to book a 10-minute appointment during one of
the following times:
Thursday, 18 May – 7.45am to 9am
Thursday, 25 May – 7.45am to 9am
Thursday, 1 June – 745am to 9am
Appointments must be booked in advance. Please report to Reception
on the ground floor of the Hamilton City Council Building in Civic Square.
hamilton.govt.nz
/hamiltoncitycouncil
@CouncilHamilton
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Hamilton Zoo
Hamilton City Libraries
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National Contemporary Art Award
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7
citynews
Milestones coincide with NRL history in Hamilton
The Vodafone Warriors are hoping to mark
a triple dose of history when they host the
St George Illawarra Dragons in their
11th-round NRL clash at FMG Waikato
Stadium on Friday, May 19
The match already has a special claim as
the first-ever “home” game the Vodafone
Warriors have played in Hamilton since
entering the NRL competition in 1995.
In previous outings, they were the “away”
side against Parramatta in 2005 and 2006
and Canterbury-Bankstown in 2014.
Experienced forwards Ben Matulino and
Bodene Thompson are on track for their
own slice of history as they eye personal
milestones in the Hamilton battle.
The 28-year-old Matulino, who recently
made an injury-delayed start to his tenth
NRL campaign, is set for his 200th firstgrade appearance on May 19. He will
become just the fourth player after Stacey
Jones, Simon Mannering and Manu Vatuvei
to rack up 200 games for the club.
Thompson, also 28, is on target to bring
up his 50th appearance for the Vodafone
Warriors in this, his third, season with the
club. It will be his 135th NRL game overall
after earlier stints with Gold Coast and
Wests Tigers.
“We place a lot of importance on recognising MAN ON THE BURST: Vodafone Warriors forward Ben Matulino. milestones achieved by our players and by
the club as a whole,” said Vodafone Warriors times for our club having started his career first graduate from the National Youth
here. We’re really pleased for him and also Competition (NYC) to play 100 games
head coach Stephen Kearney.
and 150 games in the NRL. However,
for Bodene as he looks towards his 50th
he was side-lined by injury for the first
“We’ve already celebrated a few significant game in Hamilton.”
seven rounds this season allowing
achievements and records this season and,
Brisbane hooker Andrew McCullough to
Matulino had the distinction of being the
for Ben, it’s a huge effort to appear 200
Image: Photosport
beat him to 200 games.
Kick-off for the match is at 8pm. Tickets
can be purchased from Ticketek.
warriors.kiwi
UPCOMING COUNCIL MEETINGS
Meetings are open to the public and
are livestreamed on our website.
hamilton.govt.nz/livestream
Elected Member Briefings are for
the purposes of providing updates
on various topics to Elected
Members. The public are welcome
to observe the briefings.
* Not livestreamed
Ordinary Council Meeting
Thursday, 4 May, 9.30am
Council Chamber
Community and Services
Committee Meeting
Tuesday, 16 May, 9.30am
Council Chamber
Growth and Infrastructure
Committee Meeting
Tuesday, 9 May, 9.30am
Council Chamber
Council Meeting – Annual Plan Hearings
Thursday, 18 May, 9.30am
Council Chamber
Elected Member Briefing
Wednesday, 10 May, 9.30am
Committee Room 1
Hamilton District Licensing Committee
Friday, 19 May, 9am
Council Chamber
Finance Committee Meeting
Tuesday, 23 May, 9.30am
Council Chamber
Ordinary Council Meeting
Thursday, 1 June, 9.30am
Council Chamber
UPCOMING HEARINGS
Church of the Latter-Day Saints Trust Board
Publicly Notified Resource Consent Application
Wednesday 10 May to Friday 12 May,
9.30am each day
YOUR MAYOR AND COUNCILLORS
Mark Bunting
Mayor
07 838 6976
[email protected]
Councillor: East Ward
027 808 5164
[email protected]
Councillor: East Ward
021 589 957
[email protected]
James R Casson
Philip Yeung
Geoff Taylor
Councillor: East Ward
027 808 5173
[email protected]
Councillor: East Ward
027 808 1626
[email protected]
Councillor: West Ward
027 808 5170
[email protected]
Martin Gallagher
Garry Mallett
Siggi Henry
Councillor: East Ward
021 741 021
[email protected]
Councillor: West Ward
027 808 5155
[email protected]
Leo Tooman
Deputy Mayor
07 838 6766
[email protected]
Rob Pascoe
Dave Macpherson
Councillor: East Ward
021 988 742
[email protected]
Councillor: West Ward
021 477 388
[email protected]
citynews
HAMILTON
8
Paula Southgate
Andrew King
Angela O’Leary
Councillor: West Ward
021 343 774
[email protected]
Councillor: West Ward
021 512 098
[email protected]
City News is Hamilton City Council’s monthly newspaper. Content reflects Council’s role in the development and management of the city and its public assets, and
communicates the business of the Council to Hamiltonians. It is delivered to all letterboxes across Hamilton. Feedback is welcome. Email [email protected]
hamilton.govt.nz
/hamiltoncitycouncil
@CouncilHamilton