News
Hey there, we’ve reached the end of May on our trek through 2016. And what an adventure its turning out to be.
Firstly let’s acknowledge everyone on the dairy farms that going through that Gypsy Day transition. It would have to be one of the most stressful situations . Who would choose to up sticks and shift family, belongings and home and in many cases herds at this time of year. We are all thinking of you and hope that dairy prices are a lot more favourable in the season ahead.
Speaking of which, the Fonterra farmgate milk price of whatever it was got buried in all the Budget story’s and non story’s of last week. Let’s hope it’s a step in the right direction.
What’s going on with the City Council and the story last week that rates are to rise by an average of 2 – 3%?
It’s reported that the Council is looking at bringing the Anderson Park Art Gallery into the CBD. That’s fine but no one seems to know where it’ll go and who is going to fund it. So if the art collection comes into town, what is to become of the grand Anderson Park homestead and grounds? No one is going to go there if there is nothing to go there for.
Mike and I were discussing all this over a coffee last week. We think the whole thing raises more questions than answers.
And what about the plan to establish a CBD facilitator. What the brief is for that officer it won’t be for the faint hearted.
While we are extremely fortunate to have some great shops and clever business people in the CBD, it’s clear that for most, all roads lead to the big box retailers on the fringes with 2 hour parking, no feeding meters and parking near enough to right outside the door.
Have you been following our series of Word On The Street with all the movements of city businesses? Some very exciting things happening.
The contest for the office of mayor has taken an interesting turn with councillor Karen Arnold throwing her hat in the ring to make it a three way contest with fellow challenger Tom Conroy. If no one else challenges the only interesting question is who is going to come third?
Congratulations to our latest Southland All Black Elliot Dixon, selected for the All Blacks team that host Wales in a three test series. Mike and I think this new line up has some real sizzle factor that will herald in a new era of footie! The new AB’s side has some strong Southland connections with Lima Sopoaga and Damian McKenzie also selected.
Top marks to the organisers of the annual Rotary Book Sale. This has now become an annual “must do” on the calender and we’d be at a loss without it. A great event.
And in further sports news its been a bit of a golden week with Southland Boys High beating the traditional foe, Otago Boys High School.
The Southern Steel are on a roll in the ANZ Netball Championship and bring on the weekend. Stadium Southland hosts The National Basketball league finals weekend. Two semi finals will be played back to back on Friday night with the final tipping off at 7pm on Saturday night. It’ll be a frenzied sea of orange of supporters for the Zero Fees Southland Sharks. Have you got your tickets ? There won’t be many left.
Before we go a word or two about the budget. The big thing for many is the price of smokes will be literally priced off the legitimate market. Note, legitimate market!
Have a great week team, enjoy the holiday weekend and keep warm!!!!
TTFN
Mal