Date: 21 August 2024
Time: 5.30pm
Location: Lohi Linen
Derek congratulated:
- Amie Pont for her re-election as Chair for Maniototo Community Arts Council
- Janyne Fletcher for being the recipient of 2024 NZIPP Iris Awards – Landscape Open Photographer of the Year
- 2024 NZIPP Iris Awards – 2024 Highest Scoring Entry
- 2024 Australian Photographic Prize - Creative Photographer of the Year
Amie noted also that this was the 10-year anniversary of the establishment of the Maniototo Business Group. The creation of the group was one of the outcomes of Project Maniototo (2011-2014).
1. CODC Districtisation - Dylan Rushbrook
Dylan stepped up for Tim to present, as he was unable to attend, and walked the meeting through a presentation on the CODC proposal to create one district rather than the four we have currently.
The council is actively seeking feedback on the proposal for One District: Central Otago. Feedback is due by 31 August 2024.
The consultation document can be found on the CODC website. Copies are also available at service centres and libraries.
Council is seeking feedback on three different options:
Option 1: Full districtisation of property, parks, cemeteries, pools and museums.
Option 2: Districts property, parks, cemeteries, pools and museums but include a rating adjustment for the Teviot Valley Ward to offset pool charges
Option 3: Status quo, no change. Services will continue to be funded by ward rates.
- Full districtisation would mean any land sales would apply to the whole district except for Endowment land which would continue to be used for its intended purpose.
- It was noted that halls across the district would require $5million to refurbish them. The Maniototo ward has six halls that require earthquake strengthening.
- There would be an impact on the community boards.
- “Boards will continue to advocate for what’s important for their local people. They will be active participants in Council’s Long-term and Annual Planning process and will prepare an annual submission to Council. Decisions that are specific to a Ward will be brought to the Board for input, prior to Council decision making, and Boards will be encouraged to seek feedback their community on proposed Council activities. Board Chairs have speaking rights at every Council meeting and make a report every quarter to Council on anything the Board feels needs to be brought to Councils attention.”
- There is no intent by council currently to sell assets, however future councils may think differently.
There is another opportunity to ask questions – an online meeting is being held on August 27 on MS Teams at 7pm.
2. Southern Dash planting project update
Gary Hands spoke to the planting project for 20 September.
- Eight locations, three had to be negotiated with the council
- Each site will have someone in charge, and they will have been augered the day before to make planting on the day easy and fast.
- Southern Dash have 30 volunteers and they are donating items to the local schools. There will be a presentation after the planting at St Johns school before they go to the Adventure Park.
3. Beatification project update
Tanya informed the meeting that Lighting of the Railway Station is on track and CODC has organised Graham Electrical. Looking at changing colours so they can be used for different events.
- Work is underway to get the lighting in the clock sorted out.
- Tanya is asking about the possibility of removing some of the shrubbery that is currently masking the stone cottage in front of the iSite.
- Banners is the main street are being discussed – these are managed by the council.
Derek showed an example of some Maniototo flags created by ????
4. Events Calendar
Some discussion was held around the need for an Events Calendar.
- Amie informed the meeting that when they did research on this a PDF option was the most suitable and this is effectively what Positively Maniototo are doing with the monthly publication.
- James noted the importance of it being simple and effective.
- Populating it is the important thing.
Derek reminded the meeting that Central App has events, we can upload to that.
5. Gravel Bike Trails – Bill Morris (online)
Bill informed the meeting that Tiaki Maniototo that part of their work of freshwater restoration is in developing access to some of the sites. This has developed into the idea of creating cycling trails. There is a new wave of cycling, Gravel Cycling, which is perfectly suited to the Maniototo.
Big companies now manufacture specialist gravel bikes, and a big culture has grown around it. Its adventurous but not extreme in the way that mountain biking is.
Kansas, USA is considered the gravel riding capital of the world. They hold an annual event Unbound which now attracts 1000’s of cyclists. The town that hosts it sits in the middle of a beautiful area with lots of gravel roads.
What the Maniototo has to offer – in addition to lots of gravel roads:
Big sky, open country
- Options from 2 to 3-hour rides to whole day see pg. 6
- Biodiversity
- Freshwater Appreciation
- A constellation of small towns with hospitality options.
Tiaki Maniototo want to create a network of trails. The roads already exist; they just need signage. An App is underway, as is a website. These will make the area accessible; they will develop maps riders can follow and they can learn about the work that Tiaki Maniototo is doing.
In response to a question about marketing, Bill said it was early days, but they were working with the Rail Trail group and CODC. Also working with Pedal Press, a biking magazine.
Opening day will be on 18 January 2025 when the second Taiari Wai festival will be held. We plan to invite riders to ride the trails and then finish their ride at the festival site.
Janyne asked about the expected demographic – unknown but likely to be a younger age than the rail trail.
Amie commented that this is literally a gift to the community. Derek commented on the huge opportunities this will create for the area.
6. Branding activities
John said they had been discussing how to use the Moa in our branding. There is a lot of history about the Moa here. Could set up Moa spots along the trail, making/creating points of interest. A Moa trail would stand out and add to/enhance the rail trail.
CODC are happy to be part of the development.
University of Otago have said the Moa prints they uplifted would come back
Some Moa info:
6. Signage
Janyne reported that Richard had now joined the group. They held a meeting last week; progress is being made and they have three rough ideas to sketch up.
7. Fundraiser for Maniototo Arts Group
Amie told the meeting about the event on 17 September – group performing is Across the Great Divide. Tickets are $25.
8. Central Otago Rail Trail – Colin Stevenson
Colin introduced himself as the new Trust Manager for the trust. He said they are 100% behind what the business group is doing and like the positivity. Thinks the gravel bike rides will complement the trail.
- He has been speaking with all the operators to find out their concerns, e.g., food outlets, potholes.
- Bookings for the next season are softer. We are working hard to get the budget doubled.
- Sun sculpture is underway – will be 7m high with seating under it. It will be dedicated to John Gibson founding member and Trust patron.
Colin said he is happy to be a conduit between the trust and the business group.
Mark B. mentioned TrailHub.co.nz which highlights all the bike trails and also talks about Central being a great gravel bike destination.
He said the trend is towards single night bookings with a good demand from US and Australia, the domestic market is markedly slower.
9. Other Business
John mentioned the Business meeting is on tomorrow at the Adventure Park. Can come from 3pm onwards. The Haggis Ceremony will be just after 5pm.
Nick – CODC – developing a district wide economic development strategy, will have a survey and a workshop.
Derek asked for thoughts on the business group becoming Incorporated.
Do we want a more formal structure? It would assist us in getting more funding.
There is a bank account available now if needed – Maniototo Promotions – Amie and Mark are signatories. Amie noted it takes one year after incorporation before one can apply for funding.
For further discussion.
Next Meeting
Date: 18 September 2024 Time: 5.30pm
Location: LoHi Linen
Please email any Agenda items to Derek - [email protected]
Please email or text any apologies to Derek - 027 626 4730
GRAVEL RIDING – POTENTIAL TRAILS
