Hawke’s Bay Regional Council Chair, Rick Barker, says the deferral of science fees owed by Water Holdings Hawke’s Bay will afford the entity sufficient time to resolve its outstanding issues.
This week the Council voted 5-4 to defer $260,000 already owed, as well as nearly $158,000 yet to be invoiced for the 2022-2023 year.
Rick Barker says the consents are unusual and this is a unique issue which the Council debated thoroughly.
He says Water Holdings Hawke’s Bay have more time now to ensure it meets its obligations.
Regional Council staff are also reviewing the policy around the science fees – known as Section 36 charges.
---------------
The Central Hawke’s Bay District Council will close Birch East Road today while contractors replace a culvert.
The Council said a collapsed culvert occurred on the road, approximately 1.3km from Wimbledon Road, and the road will need to close while it is replaced.
Detours will be via Route 52 and Franklin Road.
Meanwhile a sinkhole has appeared on Wimbledon Road, just south of Wall Road.
The northbound lane is closed, with traffic lights being installed today.
--------------------
Construction of the new Waipawa Four Square is underway.
Owner Graeme Williams said Hawke’s Bay Construction started on the new build this week.
The original store burnt to the ground in an early morning fire last May, with a temporary store opened months later in the neighbouring building.
Mr Williams said construction of the new store is expected to take 12-months.
He said new Four Square stores are all purpose built and designed, with the new store having 600m2 of retail floor space- an increase of 150m2 from the old one.
Mr Williams is excited by construction getting underway and said they will celebrate with in-store specials all this weekend.
--------------------------
The 2022 Spring Fling officially kicks off tomorrow, with the first event in its line up the Central Hawkes Bay Spring Day Market.
The market will take place along Ruataniwha Street in Waipukurau which will be closed to vehicles.
Shelly Birdsall, from the organising committee, says they are expecting over 2000 people through the market.
She says there will be stall holders, community groups, live music, food trucks and specials from main street retailers.
The market runs from 9.30am to 1pm, with Ruataniwha Street closed from 7am until 2pm tomorrow.
-----------------
Year 13’s at Central Hawke’s Bay College are rostered home today.
The school has been rostering different year groups at home each day this week due to staff shortages.
School will return to normal next week.
----------------
The Central Hawke’s Bay College 1st XI Mixed Hockey team had a 14-1 win over Te Kauwhata College at the North Island Secondary Schools Tournament in Whangarei yesterday.
Team Manager Glen Millar said the final game for the team is at eleven this morning against Naenae College.
-------------------
The Dannevirke Tigers will play Feilding Falcons this weekend in the Manawatu Rugby League competition.
The game is being played at Feilding kick-off 1.30pm tomorrow.
-----------------
The Magpies are away in the Bunnings Warehouse NPC this weekend.
Their Round 5 game is against Canterbury at Orangetheory Stadium at 2.05 Sunday afternoon.
Meanwhile the Big Barrel Tui side have qualified for a home-semi at McLean Park tomorrow.
There will be free entry for the game against Northland, which kicks off at 11.30am.
Entry will be through Gate 4 at McLean Park from 11am tomorrow.
Our 2022 Magpies coverage is thanks to The Leopard Hotel in Waipukurau.
