the
fLIPSIDE Autumn 2017
your CODC news
THIS ISSUE: Making the Switch | CO Awards | Upcoming Events
From the Mayor’s Desk I recently attended a meeting that was addressed by the Minister of Finance, Steven Joyce. He spoke about how the resilience of the New Zealand economy since the drop in dairy prices of 2012 has been sustained through other revenue earners stepping up. In particular he mentioned tourism, wine and horticulture. In relation to the latter, he emphasised that the gain in fruit exports was largely due to a $1 billion per year growth in the pip and stone fruit industry. Tourism, wine and fruit. Significant factors in our district economy having a major impact in keeping New Zealand’s economy on track. We can all be so proud of this. The three industries have a significant factor in common and that is water. You can’t grow grapes or fruit without water and our tourism industry will die without our clean, green image. The tension between those two things – industry and environment – is at the centre of the debate regarding the future minimum flow that the Otago Regional Council will be setting for the Manuherikia River. A balance needs to be found between the legitimate needs of the farmers and growers who must have sufficient water to irrigate at a cost they can afford and the needs of the environment. The outcome of this debate alongside the move from deemed permits for water takes will be, in your district council’s view, the most significant event in our district over the next five years. We all owe it to this and future generations to be an informed part of that debate.
TIM CADOGAN Your Mayor
On the Agenda UPCOMING MEETINGS
Vincent Community Board Tuesday 2 May, from 2.00pm Council Chambers, 1 Dunorling Street Alexandra
Council & Committees meeting Wednesday 3 May, from 10.30am Council Chambers, 1 Dunorling Street, Alexandra
ANNUAL PLAN SUBMISSIONS HEARINGS Maniototo Community Board Tuesday 23 May, from 2.00pm (start time TBC) Ranfurly Service Centre, 15 Pery Street Ranfurly
Vincent Community Board Wednesday 24 May, from 2.00pm (start time TBC) Council Chambers, 1 Dunorling Street Alexandra
Teviot Valley Community Board Thursday 25 May, from 2.00pm (start time TBC) Roxburgh Service Centre, 120 Scotland Street Roxburgh Cromwell Community Board Friday 26 May, from 2.00pm (start time TBC) Cromwell Service Centre, 42 The Mall Cromwell
Council Submissions Hearing Wednesday 31 May, from 10.30am (start time TBC) Council Chambers, 1 Dunorling Street Alexandra
For more upcoming meetings, dates, agendas and minutes at: www.codc.govt.nz/your-council/meetings
CONSULTATIONS
Annual Plan 2017/18 Council is consulting on the significant changes from Year 3 of the Long Term Plan and any new projects or funding proposed. Consultation closes: Monday 24 April 2017
HAVE YOUR SAY CENTRAL OTAGO
For more information on this consultation pick up a copy of the consultation material at any Council service centre or head to:
www.codc.govt.nz/consultation
Around the Traps Vincent PARKS PLANNING PROCESS TO BEGIN The process to develop a Clyde Reserve Management Plan will get underway next month with user group meetings. The purpose of reserve management plans, which are required under the Reserves Act 1977, is to provide for and ensure the use, enjoyment, maintenance, protection and preservation of the recreational spaces, as well as appropriate development of the reserve areas. Council is currently working through the process of developing and implementing these plans for all our district’s parks and reserves, with plans already in place for Maniototo, Teviot Valley, Cromwell sports parks and Alexandra’s Molyneux and Pioneer Parks. The development of these plans involves two key stages – an information gathering stage, followed by an opportunity to comment on the draft plan. We look forward to working with Clyde residents to ensure these public spaces evolve with the changing times and needs of our community.
Cromwell
SHARE YOUR IDEAS FOR NEW PLAYGROUND Council plans to install a new senior playground in the Big Fruit Reserve by June 2018. We would love the input of local families into the playground’s design and what elements we include. We have a budget of about $130,000 and the playground is to be aimed at schoolaged children. Would you or your family use the playground? If yes, please head to www.surveymonkey.com/r/BigFruitplay to take our short online survey.
Maniototo EMERGENCY PLAN COMING SOON The Ranfurly, Naseby and Maniototo Plain Community Response Plan is being finalised. The plan is tailored to the local hazards and risks. It provides information, advice and direction on what individuals, organisations, vulnerable communities and community leaders should do before, during and after a major disaster. Local emergency service personnel, community group representatives and community leaders have been involved in the preparation of this plan and make up the community response group. This group would activate the plan and work with CODC emergency management and Maniototo communities in the event of a disaster. A printed copy of the plan will be distributed to all Maniototo households and an electronic version will be available online on the Otago Emergency Management group website: www.otagocdem.govt.nz
Teviot Valley
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SCHEME UPDATE Nine months in, and the Teviot Valley Community Development scheme is ramping up. Two key areas of focus for the first year of this Department of Internal Affairs-funded initiative are enhancing the cycle trail experience—for trail users and for local businesses— and exploring ways to support greater integration of seasonal workers into the community. Training opportunities have been developed to assist businesses make the most of the opportunities the Clutha Gold and Roxburgh Gorge trails are bringing to the area. The scheme recently hosted NZ Cycle Trails’ marketing guru Craig Wilson for a marketing and product development workshop, and Wanaka-based social media whiz Jamie Roy has facilitated several workshops on how social media can add value to businesses. Accommodation providers also spent a day visiting other local operators and learning from their experiences. Surveys are well underway with horticultural employers and employees, gathering information about the needs, interests and experiences of the many seasonal workers that come into the valley each year. One of the scheme’s community development goals is for the Teviot Valley to be held in high regard by seasonal workers, with a reputation as being a great place to come live and work.
Making the Switch Central Otago is making the switch to smarter street lighting, which means sizeable cost savings in the future and a bright future for dark sky tourism in our district. Contractors are well underway on a programme to replace all existing street lights with LED luminaires in our district within the next five years. Until now street lights in Central Otago have been high pressure sodium, mercury vapour and fluorescent lights. These aging lights are less efficient and reliable than the new LED technology. Making the switch to LED lighting is expected to result in significant long-term savings, with whole of life savings of $3.4 million over 30 years and payback on investment within seven years. The initial investment is $300,000 per annum over five years. As well as long-term savings, the bonus of the new lighting technology is it is “dark sky friendly”, meeting the standards of the International Dark Sky Association (IDA). Residents and visitors to our district will be able to make the most of our big sky country and enhanced views of the stars. Installation is currently happening in the Maniototo and will be followed by the Teviot Valley, targeting townships with some of the oldest mercury-vapour-based lights first. Great news – especially for communities like Naseby which is looking to establish itself as a dark sky tourist destination. Photo: Aurora above Aronui Dam, Alexandra. Photo by Allan Thomas.
Q+A Q
A Few Words with‌
Paula Penno
Community Development Manager
How do you describe your role with Council? I work in a range of areas that involve community groups and organisations. We have 14 communities in this district with community plans. These are developed by people coming together to find common views on projects and opportunities that would benefit their community. I work alongside these community plan groups to help them achieve their project goals. I also work with a variety of other community-related groups and projects in a facilitator or ‘enabler’ role.
Q
What moments give you the most job satisfaction? It is fascinating how a bit of aspirational thinking at a community level can create the most amazing outcomes for a region. Central Otago has numerous examples of fabulous facilities and events that resulted from a small group of people coming together with a lofty idea. It is very satisfying to be involved in these projects. Another aspect of my job I enjoy is the people I work with. I am constantly meeting the most capable and unassuming people who willingly give of their time for the good of their community or interest group, without any thought of public gratification or reward.
Q
What things coming up in the community development space have you excited? The proposed Central Otago Touring Route offers some exciting development possibilities for our communities. A nationally recognised vehicle touring route will enable visitors to experience the vast array of offerings this region has, but it also enables our communities to celebrate their unique stories and authentic experiences.
Last month’s community development workshops, headed by internationally acclaimed expert Peter Kenyon, were hugely inspirational. Peter’s message to the community was clear: Don’t wait for the cavalry – you are it! I am very excited to see what inspirational projects develop from Peter’s shared examples, which demonstrated that anything is possible, it just takes someone with a good idea and the ability to bring people with them.
Q
On Peter Kenyon’s recent visit to Central Otago to run community workshops he posed this question… what is one thing about you that very few people know? (your secret will be out now!) My little known ‘story’ was that I once worked as a courier on an African overland truck, guiding unwitting passengers through eastern and southern Africa. While in London my partner Steve and I stumbled on to an overland company that accepted couples for overland crew and so, with no experience of organised touring and having never been in Africa before, off we went. We spent three months in Arusha (Tanzania) rebuilding our truck, before setting off for Nairobi for our first pickup. After getting lost three times on our first day, things improved markedly and we had a ball! We met some excellent people – with the shortest trip being 42 days, everyone got to know each other pretty well! Africa is the most amazing continent and our time there is extremely precious.
Community Funding Some dates for your calendar if you need funding for a community project. • Applications for the 2017 funding round for the Community Trust of Maniototo and Maniototo Trust Fund close Friday 5 May. • Maniototo and Teviot community board promotion grant applications close 15 May. • The next round of applications for arts and cultural project grants under the Creative Communities scheme closes on Friday 4 August. See www.codc.govt.nz/funding for my detail on the funds above.
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Celebrating our Own The Central Otago Awards are presented every two years to businesses and individuals that are achieving great things and that exemplify the spirit of the region. Award categories include Business Excellence, Young Professional, Community Service, Apprentice and Youth. Young Professional is a new category to recognise and celebrate young people who are achieving outstanding results in their chosen career. This year businesses of all sizes and from any industry are encouraged to enter the Business Excellence Award category. For businesses, the awards application process offers a great opportunity to review what is outstanding about your business and the way you operate. The winner of the Business Excellence Award will be profiled in the NZ Business magazine, getting national exposure. The awards honour excellence, innovation, big hearts and the amazing contribution many make to our region. We encourage you to get involved by either nominating someone (for the young professional, community service and youth awards) or “shoulder-tapping” someone you think should enter the business excellence or apprentice award categories. Consider getting a few people together and working on a nomination as a group so that you can capture a person’s amazing contribution from different angles. Entries for this year’s awards close on Wednesday 18 May. This year’s awards ceremony will be held in Roxburgh on Friday 8 September. The guest speaker is Sam Johnson, co-founder of WeVisit and Adjunct Fellow in the School of Education and Leadership at the University of Canterbury, who is well-known for founding the Student Volunteer Army after the Christchurch earthquakes.
www.centralotagoawards.co.nz
Spotlight on Libraries RECOMMENDED READING
With cooler autumn days upon us and winter around the corner, it’s time to think about stocking up on some rainy day reading and some hot reads for cold days! Do you need help finding a book you’ll enjoy? Our Central Otago Libraries have recently introduced librarian and borrower recommendation bookmarks. These are the books library users have been raving about and that our librarians just couldn’t put down till the last page. Look out for these bookmarks popping out of books on the shelves.
DAZZLING DISPLAYS
Have you popped into your local library lately to be wowed and won-over by the inventive book displays? Our library queens of theme have been on a roll starting the year with book bingo, then blind date with a book for Valentine’s Day, St Paddy’s tributes to Irish authors and a dangerously cool crime scene display. Do check out the displays, then check out the books.
WHAT ELSE IS NEW?
Changes are happening in the fees and changes space, with new fiction rental fees proposed to be a thing of the past from the 17/18 year and free WIFI being introduced.
ARE YOU NEW?
Are you new to our district or not yet a library member? You now have the option to complete your membership form online before you visit the library. See the membership page at www.codc.govt.nz/libraries, where you’ll also find more information about library services, programmes and a link to the online catalogue.
http://codc-qldc.govt.nz
20,000km
ven the speed of sound (340 m/s in air) slows in our hrink-wrapped Solar System. It would take nearly a ear for your bike bell to be heard just 100 m away! n this scaled time warp a single second equates to ver three years of real time, so our average life span ould be just 26 seconds — in fact Homo sapiens ould have existed for less than 18 hours, and inosaurs would have died out just eight months ago. e can also scale back time by the same amount. If we low the speed of light (300,000,000 m/s) by a factor of ne hundred million it becomes a leisurely 10.8 km/hr… o you may find yourself time-travelling into the future s you cycle along!
15,000km
HE RAIL TRAIL IME WARP 10,000km
Keep in Touch
2.4
Pluto (dwarf planet) 59.06 km
49.5
45.01 km
Neptune
51.1
28.74 km
120.5 cm
14.25 km
142.9 cm
7.78 km
cm
6.8
2.28 km
Uranus Saturn Jupiter Mars Moon
cm
cm cm
cm
3.84 m (from Earth) 3.5
cm
12.8
1.50 km
12.1
1.08 km
Venus
4.9
0.58 km
Mercury
13,914 cm
0.0
Sun (Ranfurly)
Earth
cm
5,000km 4,000km 3,000km
Ways to keep in touch with Council news in between your twice-yearly copy of The FlipSide. · Check out our weekly CODC Noticeboard published on page 5 of The News · Hop on to our website www.codc.govt.nz where we regularly post news and highlight what’s topical · ‘Like’ Central Otago District Council on Facebook · Share your views via our informal EQUINOXsurveys and formal consultation processes SPECIAL · Engage directly with your elected representatives via a – Councillor Connection – VCB Connection – Maniototo Public Forum – TVCB Drop-in sessions – the Mayor’s coffee & chat sessions around the district – and soon to be launched – the CCB Blog. · Download The Central App for local news, blogs, weather and road conditions, events, community information, job adverts and more. cm
Orbital Distance from Sun Diameter
2,000km 1,000km 0km
Around the March and September equinoxes, between 0800 and 0900 hours, the shadows of the Earth and Moon will merge on our eclipse shadow board. This is the Interplanetary Cycle Trail's very own lunar eclipse!
The idea of developing a scale model of our Solar System on the Otago Central Rail Trail came from Ian C Begg, the grandson of John C Begg, co-founder of Dunedin’s Beverley-Begg Observatory. We gratefully acknowledge the assistance of Associate Professor Antoni Moore, University of Otago, School of Surveying. When you have completed your cycle journey, visit the observatory and Otago Museum’s Perpetual Guardian Planetarium to continue exploring our amazing universe.
FIND US ON THE CENTRAL APP Scan here to download (left QR code = Android, right = Apple)
RESIDENTS’ SURVEY – COMING SOON!
Next month we will be calling for you to share your views in our annual online residents’ survey so please listen/look out for the invite and get involved.
What's Coming Up
At this scale of one hundred million to one: • 1 cm becomes 1000 km • Each step you take is the same as travelling 75,000 km through the Solar System. Each revolution of your bike wheel will propel you over 200,000 km. The closest star to our Sun (Proxima Centauri) would still be 400,000 km away — more than the real-life distance from the Earth to the Moon. • •
ARTS ON THE RAIL TRAIL
Until Sunday 30 April 2017 Various locations Arts on the Rail Trail 2017 offers cyclists, visitors, locals and art enthusiasts the opportunity to view works by Central Otago artists in venues along the Central Otago Rail Trail including cafes, bars, cycle shops and galleries from Clyde through to Middlemarch.
Contemplate the immensity of space as you enjoy your journey through this majestic landscape.
A SENSE OF SCALE The centre of our Solar System, the Sun, is located in Ranfurly and each planet’s location is based on its average orbital (direct) distance from the Sun. The model accurately reflects the size of the Sun, planets and our Moon, and the distances between them. We have shrunk our Solar System by a factor of one hundred million to one (100,000,000 or 1 x 108) and mapped it onto the trail. Explore the vastness of our Solar System as you journey through time and space!
WELCOME TO THE OTAGO CENTRAL INTERPLANETARY CYCLE TRAIL
Also on the Trail…
INTERPLANETARY CYCLE TRAIL OTAGO CENTRAL INTERPLANETARY CYCLE TRAIL Explore your Solar System
Journey through a 100,000,000 : 1 (one hundred million to one) accurate scale model of our Solar System
A 1:100,000,000 scale model of the solar system has recently been installed between Alexandra and Ranfurly, as part of a joint rail trail and Otago Museum project funded by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. See what planets you can spot when out on your next trek or cycle along the trail. Download the Interplanetary Cycle Trail interpretation map from www.otagocentrarailtrail.co.nz
ARTS ON TOUR: GLORIA’S HANDBAG
Thursday 4 May 7pm Roxburgh Town Hall Friday 5 May 7.30pm The Cellar Door, Alexandra Saturday 6 May, 7.30pm Coronation Hall Bannockburn Book at Central Otago i-SITEs. A delightful, modern, magical mystery with music. Gloria, aged 97, is being pushed to move into a “retireville”, but she has other ideas. On a whim, she buys an extraordinary designer handbag. This sets off a series of unusual events that completely transform her remaining days.
E s y In o w w di sl o s a
A small selection of what's on in Central . . . WOOLON CREATIVE FASHION SHOW 26-27 May 2017, Alexandra A gala fashion and entertainment showcase that celebrates wool as a fashion fabric, featuring felted accessories to glamorous gowns from international and Kiwi designers.
WORLD ENVIRONMENT WEEK
6-10 June 2017, Various locations Activities will include short film screenings, community clean-ups and native tree plantings. Keep an eye on Council’s website, Facebook page and CODC Noticeboard for more details. ALEXANDRA MUSICAL SOCIETY PRESENTS ‘GREASE’ 8-14 July 2017 Alexandra Memorial Theatre, Skird Street, Alexandra Grease is the word! Be sure to get in early for tickets for this popular musical.
CENTRAL OTAGO RURAL BUSINESS NETWORK EVENT: THE FUTURE OF FOOD
For more about what’s on and what there is to do in Central: · look out for event listings in our weekly CODC Noticeboard on page 5 of The News · check out the Central App’s Things to Do button · follow Central Otago Visitor Centres on Facebook www.facebook.com/CentralOtagoInfo or pop in and see the teams at our four Central Otago i-SITEs
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Monday 8 May From 6.45pm The Cellar Door, Alexandra $10 Speaker: KPMG Global Head of Agribusiness Ian Proudfoot For tickets visit www.ruralbusiness network.co.nz/event-tickets
CONTACT US Central Otago District Council www.codc.govt.nz PO Box 122 Alexandra 9340 03 440 0056 | info@codc.govt.nz www.facebook.com/centralotagodistrictcouncil
Front cover: Big Fruit Reserve Cromwell. Photo by Janyne Fletcher.