Stories by Jonathan Leask
News
Building delays in turtle town: Ashburton council’s year in review
The one thing the Ashburton District Council wanted to deliver in 2023 didn't happen, the proposed second bridge took a big step forward, and 30kph school speed zones were introduced.
Ashburton signals 11.5 percent rates rise looming
An increased road budget, three waters compliance and interest are behind a signalled 11.5 percent rates rise in the first year of the Ashburton District Council's long-term plan.
Police blitz sees 11,222 fines issued on Canterbury's roads
Throughout the operation, police adopted a "spot and stop" policy, where drivers were pulled over if detected speeding, and seatbelt checks were carried on the car's occupants.
Multi-million dollar plans for equestrian centre near Ashbutron
Consents been made to develop a $200m equine stud and equestrian centre next to Lake Hood in Ashburton.
Canterbury has a plan to return as tourism destination - but has no funds to achieve it.
A new Canterbury regional tourism plan has been endorsed by the local councils but there's no money to implement it.
Big tour buses banned from 'most stunning' views of Aotearoa
Tour bus access to one of the best views in New Zealand is being restricted due to safety concerns.
Water clarity: The murky management of Rakaia River
Who is responsible for keeping Rakaia River pristine? It's a question that's led to protracted legal action in Canterbury, with another twist this week.
Closed workshops for councillors defended by Ashburton council
Ashburton District Council operates with transparency, despite many workshops taking place behind doors closed to the public in the last financial year, its chief executive says.
Why potholes are repeatedly patched up rather than fixed
A roading expert has explained why potholes are repeatedly patched up rather than properly fixed.
Violent schoolyard fights caught on video at Ashburton College
Two violent fights have been filmed at Ashburton College, a year after a review into bullying claims at the school.
Is Three Waters dead under National? Mayor says not quite
The Three Waters reform is not dead and buried with a change in government, "just going to be done differently".
Sensors used to catch school students vaping in the toilet
A secondary school in Mid Canterbury is trialling sensors in a bid to smoke out students vaping in the loos.
Election candidates locked for hotly contested Rangitata seat
Last election Labour's Jo Luxton swung Rangitata from blue to red for the first time ever - this year, the seat is set to be hotly contested by National again.
Ashburton mayor fuming over 'unacceptable' delay in SH1 bridge debris cleanup
A two-month delay in clearing flood debris from a SH1 bridge is "not acceptable", Ashburton's mayor says.
Schools brace for higher power bills as they replace fossil fuel burners
Schools making the transition to cleaner energy heating to reduce emissions are likely to face big cost increases.
Schools should decide cellphone bans, not government, principal says
Principal Ross Preece says a cell phone ban is working at Ashburton College - but should not be forced on every school.
30kph speed zones rolled out in Mid Canterbury
The rollout of 30kph school speed zones is complete, but one Ashburton District Councillor hopes there isn't a rise in speed infringements as a result.
Expansion plans for New Zealand's largest water rehab project
A major water improvement scheme in Canterbury is showing promising results, and is set to get bigger with plans for even more sites to be added.
National committed to funding but not location of Ashburton’s second bridge
National says it will have the money, but stopped short of confirming where it will build a second Ashburton/Hakatere River bridge.
Lowering voting age a 'gateway' to improving education
Mid-Canterbury's youngest elected member says lowering the voting age at general elections is a gateway to improving overall civics education.
Little impact on Ashburton library, civic centre expected from liquidation
Ashburton District Council chief executive Hamish Riach says the project control group continues to "work through the implications" of a subcontractor's liquidation.
More delays possible at Ashburton library and civic centre build
A sub-contractor going into liquidation is the latest blow to Ashburton's troubled new library and civic centre build.
No plans to control Ashburton’s ‘already reduced’ pigeon population
A purge of feral pigeons in Ashburton's CBD is not on the council's agenda because the population has already been reduced, it says.
Fair Go's claims about Ashburton's recycling efforts 'gives wrong impression'
A Fair Go episode pinned Ashburton as one of the worst recyclers in the country - which the council disputes.