Latest news with #TimaruDistrictCouncil
Otago Daily Times
7 days ago
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Start date for upgrades to stadium set
Showing off the potential look of the Aorangi Stadium courts after redevelopment are (from left) project director Paul Haggath, Thompson Construction and Engineering contracts manager Emily Hill-Pitt and deputy mayor Scott Shannon. PHOTO: SUPPLIED The ball is rolling as preparatory work has begun on the $24.2million Aorangi Stadium redevelopment project. The redevelopment of the facility in Morgans Rd is aiming to deliver a strengthened existing stadium, a new stadium and a link building with a gym and function room. Civil works and utility diversions were now under way, with the upgrade to the existing stadium expected to begin in October. Work on the new part of the stadium would begin January, 2026 while the entire project was predicted to be completed by mid-2027. In a statement, deputy mayor Scott Shannon welcomed the start of works. Having worked through the development phases, it was exciting that the project was moving on site, he said. "This is a major investment in our community and will bring modern and high-quality facilities for our local sports codes, as well as proving the capacity to hold regional and national scale tournaments. "We're also pleased that the design chosen enables us to continue to have a venue for large scale events and conventions, while still enabling sport to take place. "Once complete, Aorangi Stadium will be a cornerstone of sport and recreation in our district for generations to come." The development was being designed and built by Timaru-based company Thompson Construction and Engineering. Thompson's contracts manager Emily Hill-Pitt said that the company was looking forward to starting the construction phase of such a major community project. "We are honoured to be working with the Timaru District Council and ultimately for our community on this project. "As members of the community ourselves, our team and local subcontractors take great pride in contributing to a facility they'll also enjoy and benefit from." — APL
Scoop
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Earthmovers Start Setting The Stage For Theatre Upgrade
Press Release – Timaru District Council Local company Paul Smith Earthmoving will start work this week to demolish the structures that are being upgraded and replaced in preparation for the earthworks required to build the laneway and museum. Contractors move onto site this week to set the stage for the project to restore Timaru's Theatre Royal. Local company Paul Smith Earthmoving will start work this week to demolish the structures that are being upgraded and replaced in preparation for the earthworks required to build the laneway and museum. Mayor Nigel Bowen said that it was good to see the physical works kick off on the project to bring new life back to more than 100 year old theatre. 'We've been too long without a theatre and have missed out on so many events and shows coming to town, so it's fantastic to see this transformational project kick off. 'It wasn't great to see all the things we've missed out on the past few years for the lack of a good venue to host them. 'The recent Six60 Grassroots tour was in theatres of our size in provincial towns throughout the country, we've not had a visit from the 7 Days crew in years, and everyone misses the major shows from the Drama League after the amazing Beauty and the Beast in 2018. 'Carols by Candlelight always filled the auditorium with light and song, proud parents shared their kids' achievements at the ARA graduation, and I think nearly every kid in the district has been on stage with Jump Jam over the years. 'The comedian Bill Bailey is playing in Oamaru in November, which could have easily been in Timaru, and Jimmy Carr is playing an 11-stop tour of NZ in places of similar size to us. The lack of a large Theatre has meant we've not even been in the running for this kind of show. 'The project isn't just to breathe life back into the theatre and bring it back to what it was. 'It's to modernise the venue and put an operating model in place to aggressively market the venue and bring shows to Timaru, so we can all benefit from the cultural and economic boost that brings.' Project Director Paul Haggath of TEAM Projects Advisory said that the commencement of the demolition works is a major milestone for the Theatre and Museum redevelopment. 'It has taken a lot of hard work from the whole project team to reshape the project to a point where we can now start the physical works, and it is great to see the project now moving forwards with pace,' he said. Murray Beeby, Projects Manager for Paul Smith Earthmoving, said: 'Paul Smith Earthmoving is delighted to be involved in this exciting project. 'We have watched its progress over the past few years and relish the opportunity to play our part in the redevelopment of what will be a central focus point for the Timaru community.' The demolition work takes place from July through to early September, the next stage of the project is the civil and earthworks, which will be kicking off immediately thereafter. A project hub for the theatre, which will offer the latest designs and behind the scenes information from the project, will be launched soon on the Timaru District Council website.
Scoop
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
ACT Announces John Bolt As ACT Local Candidate For Timaru
ACT Local has selected John Bolt, a longtime South Canterbury dairy farmer and father, as its candidate for the Timaru Ward of the Timaru District Council in this year's local election. Originally from the Waikato, John made South Canterbury his home 20 years ago and has farmed in Temuka ever since. A lifetime in dairy farming has taught him how to make tough decisions, manage through challenging circumstances, and plan for the long term – skills he believes are vital for good local government. John is standing to bring a practical, peoplefocused voice to council. He believes in wellconsidered, longterm decisions that benefit the whole community, not shortterm thinking or political games. 'Farming has taught me to plan for the long term, make tough calls when they're needed, and always look after the people around you. "Those lessons matter in local government too. I want Timaru to be a district where rural and urban communities are supported to get ahead, where rates are spent carefully on the things that really matter – safe roads, reliable water, and strong local services. "Council needs to deliver value for every dollar, cut waste, and make decisions that respect everyone equally. I'll bring that practical, nononsense approach to council so our district can thrive now and for the next generation.' – John Bolt Earlier this year, ACT New Zealand announced it would be standing Common Sense Candidates for local government for the first time — after hearing from New Zealanders across the country who are sick of rising rates, ballooning budgets, and councils that ignore the basics while chasing ideological vanity projects. When you vote ACT Local, you know what you're getting: Fixing the basics Lower Rates Cutting the waste Ending race-based politics Restoring accountability Stopping the war on cars ACT Local Government spokesperson Cameron Luxton says: ' ACT Local candidates are community-minded Kiwis who've had enough of wasteful councils treating ratepayers like ATMs. It's time to take control on behalf of ratepayers — to restore accountability and deliver real value for money. ACT Local is about getting the basics right: maintaining roads, keeping streets clean, and respecting the people who pay the bills. Our candidates won't divide people by race or get distracted by climate vanity projects. They're here to serve, not lecture." – Cameron Luxton
Scoop
18-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
On-Site Works Begin For Stadium Redevelopment
Press Release – Timaru District Council The initial phase of the project will see civil works and utility diversions, with the upgrade to the existing stadium kicking off in October. Work on the new part of the stadium will begin in January 2026. The entire project is expected to be completed … Work is about to kick off on the major project to redevelop Aorangi Stadium and create a major centre for indoor sports for the region. The $24.2 million redevelopment of the facility on Morgans Road will deliver a strengthened existing stadium, a new stadium and a link building with a gym and function room, all designed to meet the needs of current and future sports users, while continuing to offer space for large events. Deputy Mayor Scott Shannon welcomed the start of works, saying that having worked through the development phases, it was exciting that the project was moving on site. 'This is a major investment in our community and will bring modern and high-quality facilities for our local sports codes, as well as proving the capacity to hold regional and national scale tournaments. 'We're also pleased that the design chosen still enables us to continue to have a venue for large scale events and conventions, while still enabling sport to take place. 'Once complete, Aorangi Stadium will be a cornerstone of sport and recreation in our district for generations to come.' The initial phase of the project will see civil works and utility diversions, with the upgrade to the existing stadium kicking off in October. Work on the new part of the stadium will begin in January 2026. The entire project is expected to be completed by Mid-2027. The whole development is being designed and built by Timaru-based company Thompson Construction and Engineering. Thompsons' Contracts Manager Emily Hill-Pitt said that the company was looking forward to starting the construction phase of such a major community project. 'We are honoured to be working with the Timaru District Council and ultimately for our community on this project. 'As members of the community ourselves, our team and local subcontractors take great pride in contributing to a facility they'll also enjoy and benefit from.'
Scoop
18-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
On-Site Works Begin For Stadium Redevelopment
Work is about to kick off on the major project to redevelop Aorangi Stadium and create a major centre for indoor sports for the region. The $24.2 million redevelopment of the facility on Morgans Road will deliver a strengthened existing stadium, a new stadium and a link building with a gym and function room, all designed to meet the needs of current and future sports users, while continuing to offer space for large events. Deputy Mayor Scott Shannon welcomed the start of works, saying that having worked through the development phases, it was exciting that the project was moving on site. 'This is a major investment in our community and will bring modern and high-quality facilities for our local sports codes, as well as proving the capacity to hold regional and national scale tournaments. 'We're also pleased that the design chosen still enables us to continue to have a venue for large scale events and conventions, while still enabling sport to take place. 'Once complete, Aorangi Stadium will be a cornerstone of sport and recreation in our district for generations to come.' The initial phase of the project will see civil works and utility diversions, with the upgrade to the existing stadium kicking off in October. Work on the new part of the stadium will begin in January 2026. The entire project is expected to be completed by Mid-2027. The whole development is being designed and built by Timaru-based company Thompson Construction and Engineering. Thompsons' Contracts Manager Emily Hill-Pitt said that the company was looking forward to starting the construction phase of such a major community project. 'We are honoured to be working with the Timaru District Council and ultimately for our community on this project. 'As members of the community ourselves, our team and local subcontractors take great pride in contributing to a facility they'll also enjoy and benefit from.'
