I S S U E 2 1 4 , M AY 2 0 1 6
Message
from the Mayor
Kia Ora
Three Palmerston North schools are now getting
their pupils riding bikes thanks to a $150,000
boost from Palmerston North City Council. As
part of the ‘Bikes in Schools’ programme the
Council asked for expressions of interest from
primary and intermediate schools and from those
who responded St Mary’s, Terrace End School
and Longburn School were picked to receive the
Council’s contribution.
The Council have supplied each of the three schools with
fifty new bikes complete with new helmets for every child, a
shipping container to store the bikes in and a series of three
bike tracks including a skills track with a series of obstacles, a
pump track that requires the rider to ‘pump’ their bike as they
ride around the track, and a perimeter track within the school
grounds. Every day time will be allocated so that each class can
use the bikes.
Sandi Morris, transportation planner for the Council said the
schools had to show a commitment to the programme. “Each
school needed to be committed to the maintenance of the
bikes, replacing helmets when needed and keeping the bike
tracks safe and well maintained. Most importantly, the tracks
must be kept available to the general public outside school
hours.” Each of the schools received $50,000 and was required
to fund any difference. For example all three schools opted to
use hot mix as the surface of their perimeter tracks instead of
the cheaper limestone so will need to cover the cost variance.
The schools have each been busy raising additional funds to
assist in the completion and delivery of the overall programme.
Thanks to a grant from BikeON Trust, Longburn School has all
three tracks completed. Terrace End and St Mary’s Schools are
awaiting final funding contributions to complete the perimeter
tracks, however, they do have the Skills and Pump Tracks open
for public use.
Sandi said that many children have never ridden a bike and
when it came time for road safety classes with the New Zealand
Police and Sport Manawatu, a large chunk of time was spent
teaching the children to ride the bikes before they could teach
the road safety aspect. “The availability of bikes and tracks in
the school and supporting education programme, will ensure
each child is taught to ride a bike in a safe environment from
the time they start school. The supporting NZ Police and Sport
Manawatu programme can then be more focused on the NZ
Road Code for Cyclists and keeping these new cyclists riding
safe in our road network”.
The children all want to ride bikes and this has many benefits
such as raising confidence and independence, increased health
benefits, children can cycle with older family members more
often and children can learn to manage any risks in a safe
environment before riding on the roads. “The child is also more
focused in class. Other schools throughout NZ have noticed
many positive changes in children’s classroom behaviour with
the introduction of the Bikes in Schools programme,” Sandi
said.
Over the last twenty years there has been a decrease in the
number of primary school aged children riding bikes. The
‘Bikes in Schools’ programme which was developed by Paul
McArdle from BikeOn Trust, was developed to help reduce the
decline.
“I also want to say a huge thanks to Chris Cobham from Avanti
Plus,” Sandi said. “He gave the schools a great deal on the 150
bikes and helmets. Chris also offered to service the bikes free
of charge for two years. He also went to great lengths to ensure
every pupil had the right sized helmet.” Sandi said it had been
a big project, but it was exciting to see children who had never
been on a bike out having fun and joining in. “As the tracks
are open to public outside school
hours, it is important that
caregivers ensure the children
are properly fitted with a
helmet, their bikes are safe
for use, and the child is
adequately supervised
when using these
tracks outside school
hours.”
A Palmerston North City Council Initiative
vibrant | caring | innovative | sustainable | prosperous
FIND OUT MORE | W pncc.govt.nz | E [email protected] | P 356 8199
I’d like to thank all those who helped to organise
this year’s ANZAC Day events. Palmerston North
City and surrounds hosted seven ANZAC Day
ceremonies and what wonderful, moving and
memorable services we had in The Square. I’m
sure that being able to provide a large screen TV
and supply extra seating added to the experience
for those attending. I was very proud that my
father helped place a wreath on the Cenotaph in
The Square.
It was great news to hear the Council has agreed
to extend its two parking trials in the central
city until the 4th of July. The first trial offers free
parking until eleven every Saturday morning and
the second trial allows a driver to park in the same
space for up to three hours provided they feed
the meter. I believe the parking trials have offered
people more incentive to spend time in the City
centre whether they’re doing business, shopping,
dining or using the library.
Congratulations to Council’s Mike Sahayam who
won a top science award at the Industrial Waters
NZ Conference recently in Christchurch, for his
work on improving the quality of the City’s trade
waste. It’s reassuring to know that we are at the
cutting edge of processes that improve our waste
water discharges. It should be noted that this
important conference will be hosted in the City
next year. With the signing of a Memorandum of
Understanding between Sport Manawatū and
Palmerston North City, the City is another step
closer to establishing the Central Energy Trust
Arena as the Sports Hub of Palmerston North. It
was also exciting to attend the unveiling of the
new lights on the back fields. This has been a
huge project undertaken by B&M Electrical and
supported fully by Central Energy Trust. The new
Phillips LED lighting emits a cool white light on
the fields, allowing for better visibility and clarity
for games, trainings and events, bringing further
prosperity to the facility and city. Mauri ora
Grant
Green Spot
Keeping a bee
friendly garden
Without bees, much of what
we put on our plates would not
exist. It is easy to take the wide
selection of fruit and vegetables
available for granted. However,
large scale growers like market
gardeners and orchards would
not be the only ones to suffer
from the demise of bees. Fruit
and vegetables in home gardens
would also suffer from lack of
pollination.
your garden, not only will the local bird
population enjoy it, but the bees use water
to cool their hives, especially during the
warm months.
Go spray free in your garden. Even some
of the organic sprays are toxic to bees.
If you are in doubt about what you are
spraying with, spray in the evening when
bees have gone back to their hives. If you
are serious about growing your own fruit
and vegetables you might want to consider
making a site for a beehive. Contact the
Manawatū Beekeepers Club for more
information.
You should
start making
assumptions
If you don’t have an emergency survival kit for you home, there is no
time like the present to put one together. If you don’t know where to
start here is a list of assumptions to work from:
that shops may be closed and
•Assume
eftpos may not be working
roads may be closed or
•Assume
impassable
that phones, power and
•Assume
internet may be down
your survival items may have to
•Assume
last your family and pets for up to three
a major event will happen at
•Assume
night in the rain
you may not have running
•Assume
water
children may be upset and
•Assume
afraid
your elderly neighbour may
•Assume
need help
days
Honey bees make an attractive addition to
the garden and there are lots of things we
as home gardeners can do to attract and
protect them. Plant lots of pollen rich plants
such as old-fashioned ornamentals, many
of the modern ornamentals do not produce
large amounts of pollen.
you may not be able to get back
•Assume
to your home after a major event
that you may not get help
•Assume
immediately after an event
your battery operated radio
•Assume
will be your best source for updated
Although home gardens are often nectar
rich, you can always help out by lightly
spraying fruit trees with a sugar and water
solution when blossoms are opening,
attracting bees to the trees and to the
blossoms.
that if your home is connected
•Assume
to gas that pipelines could be broken
information
If you can cover these assumptions, you
should be able to plan and cope with a
major event and help keep your family
calm and safe.
If you would like more information go
to www.getthru.govt.nz or contact
an Emergency Management Officer at
Palmerston North City Council on
356 8199.
Bees tend to love the clover, buttercups
and dandelion flowers that sprout from
your lawn. Mow your lawns a little less
frequently. Provide a water source in
New lease of life for
Broadway
pukeko
The two pukeko sculptures that stand at the Princess Street end of
Broadway Avenue are getting restored to their former glory. Positioned
on top of two six metre columns, the birds were commissioned in 1994
and made by sculptors Steve Anderson and Paul Beaurepaire as part of
the Broadway Avenue redevelopment.
The two bronze birds stand 750mm in height and
are surrounded by two metre long forged steel
raupo and flax leaves.
With the passing of time, the once vibrant sculptures have
faded and are now dull in appearance. The restoration will
involve the removal of both sculptures from the columns
to be repainted. It is also planned to install lighting to
showcase the sculptures.
Sports
Hub one
step
closer
Mayor Grant Smith, together
with the Chairman of the Sport
Manawatū Board, Nolan King,
has signed a Memorandum of
Understanding towards building a
Sports House as part of the Sports
Hub at Central Energy Trust Arena.
Mayor Smith believes the official signing
recognises the need to ensure Central
Energy Trust Arena as the City’s premier
sports hub for all to enjoy. “We are pleased
to formalise this continuing relationship
between Sport Manawatū and the City.”
The development of a fit for purpose Sports
House has been a long-term vision for the
Board of Sport Manawatū and CEO Trevor
Shailer says the new House “will create the
opportunity to develop some depth in a
shared services approach for sport in our
region.”
The next step in the process is the
completion of a feasibility study, which will
provide best practice examples of running
a successful sports house. It will also help
to identify the needs of our regional sports,
an understanding of the governance and
management structure required and the
capital costs and financial options to ensure
a sustainable model for the future.
Central Energy Trust Arena Manager John
Lynch agrees that “the vision of having
Central Energy Trust Arena as the Sports
Hub of Palmerston North is an important
part of the City’s direction and Master Plan
for the venue.” The feasibility study will be
completed by August.
Council staff member
NZ
Industrial Waters Science
Council trade waste officer Mike Sahayam has scooped a top science
award in recognition of his work at Palmerston North's Totara Road
Wastewater Treatment Plant. The award was recognition for his work
on improving the quality of wastewater discharged into the Manawatū
River.
Mike, who presented two papers on his work at the Industrial Waters NZ Conference in
Christchurch, says if the plant receives cleaner effluent, then it costs less to treat and clean
the effluent before it’s discharged. “Ivvvndustries improve their discharge, everyone is
responsible.”
The annual conference is for members of the New Zealand Trade and Industrial Waste
Forum - a networking organisation designed to get regulatory authorities, utility operators
and regional councils all in the same room to discuss issues like trade waste, stormwater,
hazardous waste, water reuse and minimisation systems.
Industries play a big part in the quality of effluent discharged and Mike says the Council now
has the technology to ‘fingerprint’ trade waste. By identifying the discharge the Council can
talk to the industry concerned and get them to improve their waste water discharge.
It’s really the responsibility of every household to ensure what they put down their toilets
is kept to the three ‘P’s’ only, poo, pee and paper. Wet wipes and disposable wipes should
not be flushed at all." he said. “They cause a lot of network blockages. Households can
also help by making sure that fat is not put down sinks as it’s one of the most expensive
contaminants to remove from the waste water.” Mike said another ongoing problem was
the use of phosphates in laundry powders and dishwashing detergent. “We should all make
the effort to go phosphate free when it comes to detergents and laundry products. It would
save considerable time and money in removing phosphates when the discharge reaches the
waste water treatment plant.”
The 2017 conference will be held in Palmerston North.
Pictured left to right: PNCC treatment plants manager Mike Monaghan, Forum
president Geoff Young, Mike Sahayam with his award, Palmerston North Mayor
Grant Smith and PNCC special projects manager Phil Walker.
15th
fEB
in METEREd SPACES
We’ve extended
the time limit
from two to
three hours.
It’s always great to
get something for
from
from
EXTENDED HOURS
free
you won’t need to feed
20th the meter until 11am on
fEB
saturday
mornings
d
e
d
n
e
t
x
E
w
o
N
s
l
ria
T
g
n
i
k
16
0
Par
2
h
t
4
‘til July
That’s up to
two hours
free parking
in metered
spaces!
That gives you an
hour longer to
spend at the hairdressers,
have coffee with friends or
return a library book. 
It’s part of a Council trial parking initiative
W pncc.govt.nz
E [email protected]
P 356 8199
It’s part of a Council trial parking initiative
W pncc.govt.nz
E [email protected]
P 356 8199
MAYOR & COUNCILLORS
Hello everybody - over the next month or so we will be
seeking your feedback on the Draft Heritage Strategy.
GRANT SMITH | MAYOR
P 06 351 4417
E [email protected]
Council wants citizens to understand and appreciate the
past. The draft Strategy suggests how we can protect
our heritage and tell stories about our whakapapa. It is
also about how Council can support owners of heritage
property, particularly earthquake prone buildings.
DUNCAN McCANN | DEPUTY MAYOR
M 021 357 704
E [email protected]
P 06 356 2524
SUSAN BATY
M 027 453 3274
E [email protected]
P 06 356 4007
PORTFOLIO
g and
Social Housin
rvices
Se
ity
Commun
RACHEL BOWEN
M 021 167 2267
E [email protected]
P 06 358 9862
ADRIAN BROAD
M 021 407 233 [email protected]
P 06 358 3659
VAUGHAN DENNISON
M 027 601 1428
[email protected]
P 06 358 8921
Ch
PORTFOLIO
ilies
ildren and Fam
PORTFOLIO
lopment
Economic Deve
ent
and Employm
LEONIE HAPETA
M 027 530 7207
E [email protected]
P 06 356 5065
JIM JEFFERIES
M 027 444 9876
[email protected]
P 06 358 4895
PORTFOLIO
Senior and Di
PORTFOLIO
Ar ts, Culture
and Heritage
PORTFOLIO
Rural Villages
BILLY MEEHAN
M 021 252 1004
[email protected]
P 06 354 0122
ANNETTE NIXON JP
P 06 358 1532
[email protected]
BRUNO PETRENAS
M 021 454 366
[email protected]
P 06 213 8959
ALEISHA RUTHERFORD
M 027 404 8551
E [email protected]
CHRIS TEO-SHERRELL
P 06 355 1816
[email protected]
TANGI UTIKERE JP
M 021 251 1307
[email protected]
P 06 355 1515
sability
PORTFOLIO
il
CBD and Reta
ROSS LINKLATER
M 027 495 3430
[email protected]
P 06 357 0445
We will also be consulting on two revised bylaws. They
largely confirm existing procedures. A proposed new
Waste Management and Minimisation Bylaw puts
part of the current Nuisance Bylaw into a specific Waste
Bylaw that will require waste collection firms to be
licensed. This will give us better information for waste
minimisation planning. The remainder of the Nuisance
Bylaw would then be renamed the Urban Fire Control
Bylaw. People will still be required to get a permit for
open air fires in the urban area.
Recr
PORTFOLIO
or t
eation and Sp
For more
information on
when and how
to have your say on these please check our website:
www.pncc.govt.nz/yourcouncil/consultationsinitiatives-and-projects/
And remember you can always talk with the Mayor or a
Councillor about any topics you are interested in – their
contact details are in the Square Circular.
Council & Committee
MEETINGS IN JUNE 2016
PA L M E R S T O N N O R T H C I T Y C O U N C I L
DATE
TIME
MEETING
Tuesday 7 June
9.00am
Planning and Policy
Monday 13 June
9.00am
Community Development Monday 13 June
9.00am
Committee of Council (Approve Annual Plan 2016/17)
Monday 13 June
1.00pm
Sport and Recreation
Monday 20 June
9.00am
Council (Adopt Annual Plan 2016/17)
Monday 20 June
9.00am
Finance and Performance
Wednesday 22 June
10.00am
Manawatu District and Palmerston North City Joint Strategic Planning
(Extraordinary) (Convention Centre, 354 Main St, PN)
Monday 27 June
9.00am
Council
All meetings are to be held in the Council Chamber,
1st floor, Civic Administration Building, The Square, Palmerston North (unless otherwise indicated).
Do you want Councillors to know your view point on an item in the agenda? Each Committee meeting has up to
30 minutes set aside for Public Comment – Three minutes per speaker.
Do you want to make a deputation about an issue that concerns you and ask Councillors to make a decision?
Five minutes per deputation and Councillors present get to question you and debate the issue.
To book please contact the governance and support team leader, seven days prior to the meeting, on 356 8199.
Cancellations are advertised in the Manawatū Standard.
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Education /
Mulitcultural
?
We have been talking with people about the best site
for the He Ara Kotahi Manawatū River Pedestrian and
Cycle Bridge, and we will have follow-up discussions
with residents and stakeholders on that.
PORTFOLIO
Safety and
Civil Defence
LEW FINDLAY
M 021 615 245
[email protected]
P 06 357 8700
IT’S YOUR TURN ?
TO TELL US WHAT YOU THINK
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