September / October Council meetings
15 September 2021
| Meeting | Date | Time |
| Cycling & Walking Subcommittee | Thursday 23 September | 3.00pm |
| Council | Thursday, 30 September | 1.00pm |
| Council | Thursday, 28 October | 1.00pm |
Council News – September 2021
15 September 2021
Three Waters Reform – Feedback opportunity closing soon
15 September 2021
Council has extended the timeframe for submitting feedback until 5pm, Thursday 16 September, so that anyone who was unable to submit an online form has time to do so.
Public response to the Council’s request for feedback on the proposed Three Waters Reform has been outstanding. Over 300 responses have been received, with the majority asking for Council tell the Government that the district chooses to opt-out.
Westland residents do not want the assets that have been paid for and maintained by the local community to be given to an external entity. Responses received show that residents believe that water assets are unique to each district, and should be owned and operated by people who understand the area. There is also a strong desire for residents to continue to have a democratic say in the running of three waters services through their connections with the local council who own the assets. Concern about the proposal has come from residents who recall when other asset types have been centralised, and promised benefits not realised.
Rising up to work on the Swimming Pool project
15 September 2021
Work crews from contractors Evan Jones are getting up into the rafters of the Swimming Pool to replace close to 3000 corroded structural brackets during the first stage of pool structure strengthening and refurbishment. This work requires the use of Elevated Work Platforms that arrived from Canterbury with the drop to Covid Alert Level 3.
New Language eResource
15 September 2021
Ready for Te Wiki O Te Reo Māori – Māori Language Week, the library is delighted to bring you access to a new language App, Lingogo. The Lingogo app is packed with Māori & Pacific short stories. It uses a unique, interactive dual-language format to help readers of all ages and levels to access and enjoy the growing collection. To access the stories, download the app from the Apple App store or Google Play, select ‘Westland District Library’ and enter the code: Westland21.
Lingogo are running a competition for app users during Te Wiki O Te Reo, challenging Lingogo users to read the story ‘Kia Tūpato’ on the app. Every day Lingogo will post a question about the story on their Instagram page (@lingogoapp). All correct answers to the daily question go in the draw to win a $200 Prezzy Card at the end of the week!
Latest Library news
15 September 2021
Library at Level-2
The library is open with some adaptations to comply with the Level 2 regulations.
- Sign-in or scan-in, mask-wearing, 2m social distancing are required. We encourage library users to make use of hand-sanitiser and to limit their time in the library to 30 mins or less.
- Wi-Fi is available and there are 3 APNK computers available on a first-come first-serve basis.
- For the time being, we are not running any programmes or events.
Click & Collect Service
‘Click and Collect’ is up and running for those who would like books but prefer to maintain greater social distancing.
Option 1. If you want to select your books online.
Download our Westland District Library app or go to our online catalogue and Log In using your library card number and PIN/password (call us if you have forgotten your password). Browse or search for books and click ‘place hold’ for books you want. Your books will be available from the issues desk the following day or if you prefer you can call us to arrange a collection time for contactless pickup.
Option 2. If you prefer to talk to us.
Call us, tell us how many books you want, the authors you like, the type of story or genre that you prefer, and library staff will make a selection for you to collect at a pre-arranged time.
Book-A-Librarian
If you would like some help with your mobile phone or tablet, perhaps help to download the NZ Covid-tracer App or to use the library e-resources, we are here to help. Book a free 30-minute help session with a librarian. We are here to help you get online and get connected.
If you’d like help accessing library e-book collections or other e-resources, setting up Click & Collect, to Book-A-Librarian session, or any questions, please contact the library@westlib.co.nz or on 03 755 6208.
New Toyota e-bikes for Council
15 September 2021
Council staff on bicycles should soon become a familiar sight around Hokitika. Earlier this year Toyota NZ offered to donate e-bikes to government agencies in an effort to promote greater use of e-vehicles. Westland District Council is now the proud owner of two of these e-bikes.
Staff will be encouraged to use these bikes when possible for shorter journeys of up to 35km and reduce the use of vehicles. This will promote many benefits for staff and environmental health and well-being.
Council is very grateful to Toyota NZ for sponsoring these bikes.
Carnegie Building – progress update
15 September 2021
Work on the perimeter foundations of the Carnegie Building is complete, including structurally tying the reinforcing bars through the floor into the foundation concreting. The next stage of work involves the construction of shear walls. This is a key component of the project and is created to resist seismic loads. The shear wall will be built with reinforced steel bars installed into the existing bricks by drilling several thousand holes throughout the building.
Staff and contractors have found that many of the bricks are in very good condition considering they are over 100 years old. However, some of the bricks are no longer structurally sound due to moisture inside the building degrading them.
Contractors will then tie the shear walls to the new perimeter foundations and spray with concrete to connect the earthquake strengthening works together.
Progress on Revell Street one-way trial
15 September 2021
On Thursday 9 September, the Planning Committee agreed to extend the Revell Street one-way trial through the summer to allow residents to experience the improved street design. New features will include:
- Modular decking that can be removed to other locations.
- A loading bay for businesses on the street.
- A pedestrian crossing between the corner of Weld Street and Weld Lane.
- Kerb extensions.
Concept plans will be on display on the street and can be viewed here.
What happened at the library over lockdown?
15 September 2021
Even though the library was closed over lockdown, staff continued serve library users by phone and email. Digital Discovery Librarian, Dr Mike Dickison even ran events over lockdown! On Saturday 28 August, in association with the Left Bank Art Gallery, he ran an online workshop for local artists and creatives on New Zealand copyright law. This is part of a larger project improving the coverage of West Coast artists in Wikipedia.
Mike has also been working with volunteers around New Zealand to digitise and proofread out-of-copyright books; the team has just finished George Preshaw’s 1888 memoir of the gold rush in Australia and the West Coast “Banking Under Difficulties”. This is now available for anyone to download for free or borrow from the library as an ebook. Volunteers are now working on Iveagh Lord’s 1939 work of local history “Old Westland”. Mike has been running online tutorials on Wikipedia editing and proofreading texts in Wikisource, and would welcome more volunteers who would like to contribute to these projects.
