hamilton.govt.nz /hamiltoncitycouncil @CouncilHamilton

citynewsJune 2015

HAMILTON

Hamilton residents will notice some changes when they receive their rates invoice next month. New-look rates invoices, due to arrive in letterboxes and email inboxes from 1 July, will signal the start of Hamilton’s transition to a capital value rating system. Under capital value rating, general rates are calculated on the value of the land and what’s built upon it.

Under the land value rating system Hamilton used historically, general rates were calculated solely on the value of the land. The switch to capital value rating is expected to be confi rmed by the Council on 30 June.Paul Conder, the Council’s Chief Financial Offi cer, believes the new system is a more appropriate way to calculate rates and the best

option for the city. “About half of Hamilton’s residential ratepayers will see a decrease in their rates with the move to capital value rating. The annual 3.8 per cent increase will be levied on top of this amount.“To help reduce the impact on those who will see an increase, we are phasing the new system in over 10 years.”

The change in rating system will not result in more revenue being collected by the Council, and will bring Hamilton into line with other major cities in New Zealand who use capital value rating. The new-look rates invoice features a modern design that’s easy to read and provides information about how your rates are spent.

Winter clean up

PAGE 3

Paying for your pooch registration

PAGE 5

Using Hamilton i-SITE for national travel

PAGE 5

Hamilton makes the move toa capital value rating system

Artist Jeremy Shirley is giving Cobham Bridge a makeover.Read more on Page 7.

Mural adds colour to Hamilton

READ MORE ON PAGE 2

hamilton.govt.nz /hamiltoncitycouncil @CouncilHamilton

citynews

2

SUMMARY - Hamilton City Council Rates - 68512DESCRIPTION CATEGORIES AND FACTORS FOR ASSESSMENT RATE VALUE YEAR TOTAL

General rateTargeted transitional rateHamilton Gardens

Access Hamilton

Residential use

Per rating unit

Residential use Capital valueLand value

Capital value

Separately used or inhabited part (SUIP)

0.000573550.01107862

0.00024156

$11.50

$520,000$210,000

$520,000

1

$298.25$2,326.51

$125.61

$11.50

TOTAL

$2,761.87

Fixed charge

Your rates explainedGeneral rateAll properties are charged a general rate which is calculated on the capital value

of the property. Variations (differentials) of the general rate are applied, based on

the property’s use. The differential categories are residential, commercial, Central

Business District commercial and rural. Targeted ratesThe following targeted rates are paid by groups of ratepayers who receive a specific service.

Transitional rate helps fund the services listed under the general rate as we transition to a capital value rating system over 10 years. All rateable properties will

be charged this rate but differentials apply, based on property use. The differential

categories are residential, multi-unit residential, commercial, CBD commercial,

small rural, large rural and rural residential. Commercial and rural water rate is charged to non-residential water users to help

fund water services.

Access Hamilton rate helps fund transportation projects in the city outlined in the

Access Hamilton Strategy.Hamilton Gardens rate rate helps fund the development of themed gardens and

infrastructure at Hamilton Gardens. This uniform charge is set on each separately

used or inhabited part of the rating unit.Business Improvement District (BID) rate is charged to all commercial properties

in the Central Business District (CBD). The funds are transferred to the Hamilton

Central Business Association for projects that help improve the CBD.Water, sewerage and/or refuse service category rate is charged on community

use properties (as defined in the rating policy) that are connected to these services.

Horsham Downs Hall rate is charged to properties in the Horsham Downs Hall area

to fund hall maintenance.

The general rate and the targeted transitional rate fund: Water management - Water supply, sewerage, stormwaterTransport - Roads, footpaths, cycleways and bridges, traffic lights, street lights,

signs, pedestrian crossings, street furniture, road safety, landscaping, weeding,

street cleaning, litter collection, Hamilton Transport Centre, bus stops and shelters

(the buses are managed by the Waikato Regional Council), parking spaces and

metersRubbish and recycling - Rubbish and recycling collection, closed landfill management and waste minimisation initiativesLifestyle - Pools, indoor recreation, Hamilton Zoo, Hamilton City Libraries, Waikato

Museum, theatres, arts promotion, animal control, environmental health and public safety, housing, emergency management and community developmentParks and green spaces - Hamilton Gardens, community parks, gullies and native

plantings, streetscapes, sports parks and cemeteries and the crematoriumEconomic development - Event sponsorship, property investments, i-SITE Visitor

Information Centre, Claudelands, Waikato Stadium and Seddon Park, city planning,

building control, planning guidance and complianceDemocracy - Governance, public affairs and partnership with MaaoriInspection and objection to rating information and records The Rating Information Database (RID) holds all the rates information on your property, including your name and address. The database can be viewed at the

Council Municipal Building, Civic Square, Hamilton. Rating information (without

owners details) is also available on our website - hamilton.govt.nz/propertysearch

You can ask the Council to remove your name and address details from the database, or object to any of the information in it.

Remission, postponement and relief policiesThese policies allow the Council to offer a remission on rates if the ratepayer meets the criteria: Hardship Relief Policy The Council may remit rates on a residential property in cases of extreme financial

hardship.

Postponement due to financial hardship The Council may postpone the payment of residential rates in cases of extreme

financial hardship.

Remission of penaltiesThe Council can choose to remit all, or part of, a penalty applied to an account

because of late payment if:• regular payments are being made that will clear the outstanding balance by the end of the financial year, or• all payments have been made on time for the previous four instalments, or

• late payment was due to extraordinary circumstances. Remission and postponement of rates on Maaori freehold land The Council may remit or postpone rates on Maaori freehold land which is in multiple ownership, and where the land is both unoccupied and unproductive.Not-for-profit community organisations remissionThis policy allows the Council to offer a rates remission to organisations that

provide a social benefit to the community. Hardship relief – 50 per cent and 100 per cent non-rateable landCommunity use and sporting and cultural organisations may apply for a further

remission in cases of extreme financial hardship. Water, sewerage and refuse service remission The Council remits rates for these services where they are unavailable or in the

case of domestic water supply, the service is charged via a water meter.Land affected by natural calamity or disasterA remission in rates may be given if land is unusable because of a natural disaster

and the ratepayer is in financial hardship. Retail shops owned by community organisations Community organisations are charged half the commercial rate for these properties.

Sports clubs and organisations which hold a Liquor LicenceThese organisations (excluding chartered clubs) may be eligible for a 50 per cent

remission in rates if they meet the required criteria. Council-owned properties Rateable properties, used for non-commercial purposes and/or specified within

the remission policies will receive a full remission of rates.Penalties Any rates instalment not paid by the due date will have a 10 per cent penalty added. An additional 10 per cent penalty is applied to the outstanding balance at

the beginning of July each year. A further 10 per cent penalty is added to any rates

arrears from the previous rating year that is not paid within six months of the July

penalty being added.

Further information, including the funding of activities and remission policies, can be found in

Hamilton City Council’s 2015-2025 10-Year Plan. Copies of the plan are available on our website

hamilton.govt.nz or from the Hamilton City Council Municipal Building, Civic Square, or any

Hamilton City Library. If you would like to speak to someone about your rates please call 07 838 6688.

SUMMARY - Hamilton City Council Rates - 68512DESCRIPTION

General rateTargeted transitional rateHamilton Gardens

Access Hamilton

Your rates explainedGeneral rateAll properties are charged a general rate which is calculated on the capital value

of the property. Variations (differentials) of the general rate are applied, based on

the property’s use. The differential categories are residential, commercial, Central

Business District commercial and rural. Targeted ratesThe following targeted rates are paid by groups of ratepayers who receive a specific service.

Transitional rate helps fund the services listed under the general rate as we transition to a capital value rating system over 10 years. All rateable properties will

be charged this rate but differentials apply, based on property use. The differential

categories are residential, multi-unit residential, commercial, CBD commercial,

small rural, large rural and rural residential. Commercial and rural water ratefund water services.

Access Hamilton rateAccess Hamilton Strategy.Hamilton Gardens rateinfrastructure at Hamilton Gardens. This uniform charge is set on each separately

used or inhabited part of the rating unit.Business Improvement District (BID) ratein the Central Business District (CBD). The funds are transferred to the Hamilton

Central Business Association for projects that help improve the CBD.Water, sewerage and/or refuse service category rateuse properties (as defined in the rating policy) that are connected to these services.

Horsham Downs Hall rateto fund hall maintenance.

The general rate and the targeted transitional rate fund:Water management - Water supply, sewerage, stormwaterTransport - Roads, footpaths, cycleways and bridges, traffic lights, street lights,

signs, pedestrian crossings, street furniture, road safety, landscaping, weeding,

street cleaning, litter collection, Hamilton Transport Centre, bus stops and shelters

(the buses are managed by the Waikato Regional Council), parking spaces and

metersRubbish and recycling - Rubbish and recycling collection, closed landfill management and waste minimisation initiativesLifestyle - Pools, indoor recreation, Hamilton Zoo, Hamilton City Libraries, Waikato

Museum, theatres, arts promotion, animal control, environmental health and public safety, housing, emergency management and community developmentParks and green spaces - Hamilton Gardens, community parks, gullies and native

plantings, streetscapes, sports parks and cemeteries and the crematoriumEconomic development - Event sponsorship, property investments, i-SITE Visitor

Information Centre, Claudelands, Waikato Stadium and Seddon Park, city planning,

building control, planning guidance and compliance- Governance, public affairs and partnership with MaaoriInspection and objection to rating information and recordsThe Rating Information Database (RID) holds all the rates information on your property, including your name and address. The database can be viewed at the

Council Municipal Building, Civic Square, Hamilton. Rating information (without

owners details) is also available on our website - hamilton.govt.nz/propertysearch

You can ask the Council to remove your name and address details from the database, or object to any of the information in it. $

Matthew John Smith and Jane Margaret Smith 17 Boston Close Rototuna Hamilton 3210

RATES INVOICE / ASSESSMENTPrivate Bag 3010, Hamilton 3240, New ZealandPh: 07 838 6688 Fax: 07 838 6693rates@hcc.govt.nz hamilton.govt.nz

TAX INVOICE CREDIT / DEBIT NOTEIssue date: 20 July 2015 GST 11-174-531

TOTAL AMOUNT DUE BY 21 August 2015 $590.86This account is being paid by direct debit - no manual payment required.

INSTALMENT DUE DATES21 August 2015

13 November 201512 February 2016

14 May 2016

1 2 3 4

2085

46

Rates number: 68512 Rating year: 01/07/2015 – 30/06/2016 Total rates: $2,762.00Instalment: 1 (01/07/2015 - 30/09/2016)

Property location: 17 Boston Close Valuation number: 04208-124-15 Land value: $210,000 Capital value: $520,000 Area: 0.0790 Hectares

Legal description: Lot 151 DP 399621

Visit hamilton.govt.nz/rates for more information on ways to pay your

rates or to have your rates invoice emailed to you. To update your details email rates@hcc.govt.nz or phone 07 838 6688.

Payment options

For internet banking payments: Account 02-0316-0030142-06 using particulars: RATES, code: 68512.

Direct debit Internet

bankingOnline viawebsite Cash/eftpos or cheque Local

BNZ

NE$

DD

Paid by direct debit.No manual payment required.

Switch & Win!

Switch to paying your rates by direct debit and be in the draw to win

$500 off your rates bill this year!This promotion is proudly sponsored by the BNZ

MAKE THINGS EASYSwitch to paying your ratesby direct debit.

THE CHANGE TO

In November 2014, the Council approved a move from Land to Capital Value rating.This will be introduced over 10 years.This is YEAR ONE of the transition.

Visit hamilton.govt.nz/ratingreview for more information. We’d like to know what you think of your new-look rates invoice.

Email rates@hcc.govt.nz or call 07 838 6688 with your feedback.

ACCOUNT SUMMARYBalance on 1 July 2015Previous instalment(s)Rates penaltiesRemission of rates

Amount due by 21 August 2015Amount required to settle rates in fullGST content of this rates instalment

$0.14cr$0.00$0.00$0.00This instalment

$690.49

Payments received before 19 July 2015

$99.49cr

$590.86

$2,662.24$90.06

Any instalment amount not paid by the due date will incur a 10 per cent penalty.

Unpaid rates from previous years will incur a 10 per cent additional charge on 1 January 2016.

Your total rates for this year are $2,761.87. This is how they are spent each week:

A breakdown of these activities is on the back of this page. Rounding may apply to the weekly figures shown above.

Water ManagementDemocracy

Transport Lifestyle

Rubbish & Recycling

Parks & Green Spaces

Economic Development

$2.37

Rubbish and Recycling

$8.10

Transport

$13.53

Lifestyle

$7.20

Parks and Green Spaces

$2.02

Democracy

$13.19

Water Management

$6.70

Economic Development

It’s fair to say that it feels like winter is just around the corner. The Council, like many organisations, has elements of its business that are seasonal and for several staff , this means clearing leaves from gutters to keep the rain draining away as winter sets in.

The start of winter is an exciting time as it signifi es Fieldays are almost here. This year promises to be even more exciting as the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2015 New Zealand games kick off . Some of the footballing super stars of tomorrow will be in Hamilton and the games promise to be excellent.

I’m extremely proud of the great sporting facilities we have in this city and a lot of hard work has gone into ensuring Hamilton’s part of this major tournament runs like clockwork. It’s especially challenging at this time of year when no two days are the same and we need to be prepared for all weather types – while still delivering world class grounds. If you get a chance to go to the games, I’d highly recommend it.

And if football is your thing, then the Waikato Museum is also running a superb exhibition The Beautiful Game: The wonderful world of football.

This is also a big month on the Council calendar as councillors discuss and approve the 10-Year Plan on 30 June. Thank you to everyone who’s provided feedback on the consultation document as it sets the direction for what we will deliver to the community. It also addresses rates in the coming year. The big focus for the 2015-2025 10-Year Plan is planning for a growing city while continuing to provide the things that make our city a wonderful place to live.

Chief ExecutiveRichard Briggs

UPCOMING COUNCIL MEETINGS• Community Forum

Subcommittee3 June, 9.30am

• District Licensing Committee3 June, 10am

• External Funding Subcommittee3 June, 1.30pm

• Extraordinary Council meeting to debate the 10-Year Plan4 June, 9am

• Proposed District Plan Subcommittee16 June, 1.30pm

• Audit and Risk Committee17 June, 2.30pm

• District Licensing Committee24 June, 10am

• Ordinary Council meeting25 June, 1.30pm

• Extraordinary Council meeting to approve the Council’s 10-Year Plan30 June, 9am

• District Licensing Committee1 July, 10am

COUNCIL NEWS

• Hamilton Zoo combines with The Warehouse for new initiative

• Hamilton Zoo’s tiger cubs formally named

• Precautionary closure for river path section

• Increase in transfer station fees proposed

• Construction begins on new Minogue Park playground

• Finalists selected for No.8 Wire National Art Award

• Senegal team welcome at Waikato Museum

• New bylaw will help protect Hamilton’s waterways

• Popular bike path gets an upgrade

• Red panda cubs out and about at Hamilton Zoo

CONTACT UScitynews@hcc.govt.nzCity News EditorHamilton City CouncilGarden PlacePrivate Bag 3010Hamilton 3240

Your rates pay for a wide range of things that make Hamilton a clean, safe, attractive and enjoyable city in which to live, work and play. Rates fund vital services, like rubbish collection, water and sewerage and infrastructure such as roads and footpaths.

They also contribute to building and maintaining facilities like gardens, parks, swimming pools, sports fi elds, Waikato Museum and Hamilton Zoo. When you break it down, you can see the value you get for your rates.

Your rates in action

Your new-look rates invoice

• has a new design that’s easy to read

• condensed into one double-sided page

• provides a breakdown of where your rates go

• features an information box for news and updates

Get your rates by email Reduce paper waste by receiving your rates invoice by email. hamilton.govt.nz/emailrates

How will the change to CV aff ect me?To fi nd out what your rates for the 2015-2016 rating year will be, visithamilton.govt.nz/propertysearch

plantings, streetscapes, sports parks and cemeteries and the crematoriumEconomic developmentInformation Centre, Claudelands, Waikato Stadium and Seddon Park, city planning,

building control, planning guidance and complianceDemocracy - Governance, public affairs and partnership with MaaoriInspection and objection to rating information and recordsThe Rating Information Database (RID) holds all the rates information on your property, including your name and address. The database can be viewed at the

Council Municipal Building, Civic Square, Hamilton. Rating information (without

owners details) is also available on our website - hamilton.govt.nz/propertysearch

You can ask the Council to remove your name and address details from the database, or object to any of the information in it. $

Visit hamilton.govt.nz/rates for more information on ways to pay your

rates or to have your rates invoice emailed to you.To update your details email rates@hcc.govt.nz or phone 07 838 6688.

For internet banking payments: Account 02-0316-0030142-06 using particulars: RATES, code: 68512.

Direct debit Internet

bankingOnline viawebsite Cash/eftpos or cheque Local

BNZ

NE$

Paid by direct debit.No manual payment required.

and Jane Margaret Smith17 Boston CloseRototuna Hamilton 3210

INSTALMENT DUE DATES

2085

46

In November 2014, the Council approved a move from Land to Capital Value rating.This will be introduced over 10 years.This is YEAR ONEVisit hamilton.govt.nz/ratingreview for more information.We’d like to know what you think of your new-look rates invoice. Email rates@hcc.govt.nz or call 07 838 6688 with your feedback.

Payment optionsD

$2.37$2.37

Rubbish and RecyclingRecyclingRecycling

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

This is how an average annual rates bill of $2,044.12 is spent each week:

hamilton.govt.nz /hamiltoncitycouncil @CouncilHamilton

citynews

3

Ankle-deep in nature’s seasonal change

Armajeet Singh calls it “the battle between nature and machine.”

At this time of year, Mr Singh and colleague Ikshit Manchanda are often ankle-deep in leaves, carrying out the vital task of leaf removal from a number of city streets.

The autumn leaf fall across several Hamilton suburbs is huge, and for Mr Singh and Mr Manchanda it means several hours a day with leaf-blower backpacks, using the small petrol-powered machines to pile up the leaves from roadside grass berms, before they’re swept up by a specially equipped truck.

They start their working day in

the CBD, before moving to the tree-lined eastern suburbs where their role also includes clearing leaves from drains and grates in the kerb and channel alongside the road.

“Hamilton East is the biggest challenge for us – there are a lot of big trees over there,” Mr Singh says, referring to oak, beech and ash specimens which are, in some cases, up to 100 years old and tower 35m above the street.

Mr Singh says they often get feedback and cheerful greetings from residents, particularly older people who appreciate their effort in removing slippery leaves and debris from footpaths.

“Sometimes we get an opportunity to talk to the elderly residents – we stop the blowers, have a chat to them, and they’re really thankful for what we do. That gives us strength to carry on, it’s really nice.”

The weather conditions are a factor in the team’s workload, as gusty or strong autumn winds means more leaves.

The leaf fall collection peaks through May and June, and can extend into July. When the leaf fall is at its height, the truck which follows the duo is emptied up to 10 times a day, and contributes to a total leaf fall disposal of nearly 500 tonnes across the season.

“Last year we collected leaves equal to 40 big elephants. It’s a big leaf fall this year, too,” Mr Singh adds.

The pair has come across some unusual items as they’ve cleaned away the leaves – car hub caps, road and traffi c control signs, litter like plastic bottles, and even broken-down kitchen items including microwave ovens.

They’ve also seen traffi c accidents, all sorts of illegal dumping, and even people walking home a little worse for wear after a big night out.

“We see a lot of different things every day. It can make it quite interesting,” Mr Singh says.

ON THE JOB: Armajeet Singh and Ikshit Manchanda undertake the huge leaf fall clean-up job across Hamilton.

Councillors will debate the city’s 10-Year Plan at an extraordinary meeting on Thursday 4 June, taking into consideration feedback provided by residents and organisations from across Hamilton. Several hundred people provided responses via social media, at engagement sessions and through written submissions. A range of comments were received, with many focusing on the three fi nancial options put forward for the city. Other submissions

centred on the provision of cycleways and the future of the Municipal Pool. Mayor Julie Hardaker says the new approach to hearing the views of the public through engagement sessions, which replaced the formal hearings of the past, were well received.“The sessions were a great opportunity for the public and organisations to talk to the councillors and I, and the staff, about the plan and budget in an interactive way.

Setting the financial direction for the city“This format led to some great conversations around the table and the feedback I received was that people enjoyed the setting and were more comfortable giving their views.”The new format still included written submissions and staff were also available at the engagement sessions to record feedback.Residents were asked to consider three fi nancial options for the Council over the next decade. The Council’s preference is to keep to the fi nancial plan

established three years ago, but with a change to when it reaches its borrowing limit. This option recognises the Council needs to invest in more projects, earlier, to respond to Hamilton’s growth and to look after existing assets.The other options propose borrowing more to do some projects earlier, and borrowing less to complete some projects at a later time. The Council adopts the 10-Year Plan at its meeting on 30 June. hamilton.govt.nz/10yearplan

Visiting Ambassadors and High CommissionersIt’s been a busy month for international delegations visiting Hamilton.

The Chamber of Commerce hosted a business event for 24 visiting Ambassadors and High Commissioners representing a number of countries. They were visiting the Waikato to gain a better understanding of the region, and of Hamilton’s economy, and the visitor offering in the region.

The event was attended by business leaders and was an opportunity to share the successes and diversity of the Waikato economy and explore opportunities for further international business.

Mayor Julie Hardaker says this annual event is a great opportunity for Hamilton’s business community to meet representatives from around the world in one room and explore opportunities for growing their business.

Two delegations from Chengdu and Wuxi China also visited Hamilton in the past month.

Chengdu’s First Vice Mayor Zhu Zhihong and a delegation from the Chengdu Municipal Government and business community met the Mayor, councillors and Chamber of Commerce. Chengdu and Hamilton have a relationship dating back to 1995 when the Chinese city expressed an interest in building a relationship for the purpose of agri-business and agricultural education with the Waikato.

The visit included signing two agreements; an agreement to record Chengdu’s sister city status with Hamilton building on the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2014, and a Memorandum of Understanding between AgResearch and China’s New Hope Dairy for research and innovation.

The Mayor of Wuxi and a delegation that included members of Wuxi’s tourism administration were also in Hamilton this month. Wuxi has been a sister city since 1986. Wuxi was a contributor to the Chinese Garden at Hamilton Gardens.

The Hamilton and Western Waikato Friendship Force clubs hosted a visit from the Tottori Friendship Force club of Japan.

hamilton.govt.nz /hamiltoncitycouncil @CouncilHamilton

citynews

4

visitors can practice their skills and learn some history at the same time.”

Visitors will learn about the distant origins of football, its international evolution and its impact in New Zealand and the Waikato. A highlight is the Waikato Football Heroes section, which honours some of the players, coaches and administrators who have contributed to the development of the game in the region.

The city’s involvement in the tournament concludes on 16 June, and offers a rare chance to see the football superstars of tomorrow in action in one of the most signifi cant international sporting events the city has hosted in recent years.

The Beautiful Game: The wonderful world of football is at Waikato Museum until Sunday 26 July. The exhibition is open daily from 10am – 4.30pm and entry is free.

waikatomuseum.co.nz

fi fa.com/nz2015

Football’s rich tradition in the Waikato is explored in an exhibition at Waikato Museum where visitors can test their skills and see the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2015 New Zealand trophy.

The Beautiful Game: The wonderful world of football opened on Saturday 23 May. Timed to celebrate football during the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2015 New Zealand, visitors were able to have their photos taken with the FIFA trophy during the opening weekend.

Waikato Museum Director Cherie Meecham says the exhibition explores football’s heritage and goes beyond a static display to provide an authentic football experience for visitors.

“The Beautiful Game celebrates football at a regional, national and global level. However, taking sport into the gallery space doesn’t mean there will be no action. As well as hosting the trophy, we will have foosball (table football) and a one-on-one soccer court where

When he found out Uruguay’s U-20 football team was coming to New Zealand, Carlos Diaz was quick to offer his services.Hamilton-based Mr Diaz, a native of the Uruguayan capital of Montevideo, will act as Team Liaison Offi cer for Uruguay when the South American nation competes in the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2015 New Zealand. Better still, Uruguay plays in Hamilton this weekend, taking on African qualifi ers Mali at Waikato Stadium on 6 June at 4pm.“I sent in my qualifi cations, and the FIFA U-20 Local Organising Committee said yes. It’s very exciting,” says Mr Diaz who, with his wife, owns a business in Beerescourt, and works as a Spanish interpreter for Decypher, a Hamilton translation service.A former amateur footballer who played for many years, Mr Diaz sees some similarities between New Zealanders’ love of rugby and South Americans’ thirst for football, but is quick to point out football is a truly global game.“In South America, you are born with a football…and you don’t cry, you say ‘goal’!” he says.“This is a great chance for the people of Hamilton to see something different, and really enjoy the games. This is completely different to rugby.”He’s thrilled by the prospect of seeing Uruguay’s next generation of football stars in action in his adopted country, and expects a stunning display of the familiar highly-

From Montevideo to Beerescourt

FIFA-inspired exhibition celebrates the beautiful game

FOOTBALLING FOREFATHERS: Darren Fellowes (right, Waikato) takes on Rodger Grey (left, Waitakere) at Muir Park. Image courtesy of Waikato Times.

SWEET GAME: Carlos Diaz and his wife Maria at La Rosa, their Hamilton bakery. Mr Diaz is Uruguay’s Team Liaison Offi cer for the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2015 New Zealand.

Football andFieldaysmake fora busyweekWith an overlap between the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2015 New Zealand and the annual New Zealand National Agricultural Fieldays, Hamilton is set for one of its busiest weeks of the year.

The city’s involvement in the tournament concludes with two knockout matches at Waikato Stadium later this month – a Round 16 game on 11 June and Quarter-Final on 14 June. Fieldays, one of the most signifi cant events in the region, runs from 10-13 June.

Dick Breukink, General Manager of Novotel Tainui Hamilton – one of Hamilton’s largest hotels – says the hotel is already fully booked for the specifi c Fieldays period, although rooms do become available on 14 June.

“We’re hoping a lot of people who are going to Fieldays will also go to some of the FIFA games while they’re booked in here,” he says.

Mr Breukink says when Hamilton hosts major events – such as the recent ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, and the upcoming FIFA U-20 World Cup 2015 New Zealand – “it really is the cream on the cake” for the hotel and hospitality sector.

However, the infl ux of Fieldays visitors also places signifi cant pressure on Hamilton’s accommodation providers, and with FIFA U-20 World Cup 2015 New Zealand visitors also expected, Hamilton City Council has launched a Home Host programme.

i-SITE’s Andrea Fitness will manage the programme, which invites Hamilton residents to host FIFA U-20 World Cup 2015 New Zealand visitors in their homes free of charge.

“The Home Host programme is not intended to take business away from commercial accommodation providers – it’s aimed at ensuring we, as a city, can provide visitors with places to stay if our hotels and motels are full,” Mrs Fitness says.

To register interest in being a home host: andrea.fi tness@hcc.govt.nz

skilled and exciting brand of South American football.“They are the new faces the world will see in a couple of years – they will be playing in Europe, around the world…who knows where? One or two are playing in Europe already,” he says. “There will be some players who lose their temper, and that can be quite funny sometimes.”Mr Diaz joined the team on 19 May, and will

be with the side until its involvement in the tournament is concluded – which he hopes will be the fi nal in Auckland later this month. It’s his fi rst direct experience in a FIFA World Cup.The Uruguay vs Mali game is on Saturday 6 June at Waikato Stadium. All Hamilton’s FIFA U-20 World Cup 2015 New Zealand matches are listed on page 8.hamilton.govt.nz/worldcup

hamilton.govt.nz /hamiltoncitycouncil @CouncilHamilton

citynews

5

When South African Bailey Leong was asked by his wife Julie, and her friend Fiona from Macau, to help them plan their visit to New Zealand, he knew the pair needed sound travel advice and a cleverly scheduled itinerary to fi t in all the things they wanted to see and do.

They had less than two weeks to spend in the country, and wanted to make sure they saw all the tourist destinations on their wish list, and some of the country’s hidden attractions. Given the tight timeframes, they also needed to ensure no time was wasted waiting for connections.

A friend recommended the team at Hamilton i-SITE.

“They suggested the most suitable internal fl ight dates and times, and with their local knowledge and relationships, made all the bookings for our car hire, accommodation, excursions, sightseeing trips and tours,” Bailey says.

The schedule incorporated travel by air, road and bus to ensure Julie and Fiona saw as much as they could while making good use of their limited time in the country.

They visited Hamilton, Rotorua, Christchurch, Kaikoura, Lake Tekapo, Cromwell, Queenstown, Milford Sound and Auckland. The itinerary devised by i-SITE factored in other activities too, adding a distinctive experience to the tourists’ overall experience of New Zealand, including cherry picking near Tekapo, devouring blue-lipped mussels in Auckland, lobster in Kaikoura, lamb in Hamilton and a hangi meal in Rotorua.

The friends began their tour in the Waikato with a trip to Hamilton Gardens before moving on to the Waitomo Caves. Mr Leong says the i-SITE consultants added value

every step of the way, providing tips for Julie and Fiona to get the best out of their holiday.

“It required experience and a great deal of patience to tailor a trip given we were in a different time zone during the planning and given the list of things the friends wanted to do,” Mr Leong says. “We started from scratch and with help, suggestions and advice from our i-SITE consultant, we ended up with a fantastic trip that met all their expectations. They had a thoroughly enjoyable, peaceful and scenic experience of New Zealand.”

Paying for your pooch registration made easy

i-SITE plans “fantastic trip” for overseas tourists

Whether you’re from Beijing, Blenheim or Beerescourt, the Hamilton i-SITE Visitor Information Centre can help with your travel plans. i-SITE is a great source of information on things to see and do in Hamilton, but there’s a lot more the team can do, including helping develop itineraries for travel throughout New Zealand.“The team at the i-SITE centre, on the corner of Caro Street and Alexandra Street, can arrange accommodation and tours and make bus, ferry and train bookings – and you won’t pay a service fee,” says Jason Dawson, the Council’s Customer Relationships General Manager.

The centre is also the agent for Ticketek, Eventfi nda, Dash tickets and i-Ticket which means it is a one-stop shop for most events in Hamilton. i-SITE also has gift vouchers for experiences such as hot air balloon rides and river cruises, and a great range of souvenirs, including Kiwicraft costume jewellery. There’s free Wi-Fi and the i-SITE team can even help if you need to fax or photocopy any documents. Visit Hamilton i-SITE which is open every day except Christmas Day, from 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday and from 9.30am – 3.30pm on weekends.

Check out what Hamilton’s i-SITE can do for you

Dog registration fees can now be paid using POLi, an online debit payment system.The registration payments, which are due on 30 June, can also be made via internet banking, online with a credit card, or in person at the Municipal Building or at Animal Education and Control, 217 Ellis Street, Frankton.About 40 per cent of all dog owners have elected to pay registration fees online using a credit card since this option was introduced last year and it is hoped the introduction of the POLi system will also appeal to a

large number of dog owners, Animal Education and Control Manager, Susan Stanford, says. Owners who register their dogs online will get their dog tags about 10 days after they’ve put in their applications. If you are a dog owner, look out for changes to the Dog Control Policy and Bylaw. The changes include clarifying dog owners’ responsibilities and introducing more off-lead dog exercise areas in the city. To pay for your dog registrations online, go to hamilton.govt.nz and click ‘pay it’. TAG TIME: Dog registration payments are due on 30 June.

BEST HOLIDAY EVER: Staff at the Hamilton i-SITE are always willing to lend a hand in planning your holiday. INSERT: Fiona Lei (left) and Julie Leong say their trip was planned brilliantly by the team at i-SITE in Hamilton.

hamilton.govt.nz /hamiltoncitycouncil @CouncilHamilton

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The Council wants to know what Hamiltonians think about its vision for biking over the next 30 years.

Councillor Margaret Forsyth says the draft Hamilton Biking Plan plan aims to deliver projects that will create a fully connected biking network that is safe, family-friendly and attractive.

“The plan is not just about building new cycleways, it’s also about promoting biking in the city and providing educational programmes for all road users to create a bike-friendly city for Hamiltonians now and well into the future,” she says.

Hamiton’s size and relatively fl at landscape make it an ideal city for biking and walking, which are excellent options for short journeys and single purpose trips like travelling to work or school, Cr Forsyth says.

Feedback on the Hamilton Biking Plan can be provided online from 2 to 19 June.

hamilton.govt.nz/haveyoursay

Hamilton City Council has maintained its accreditation to act as a Building Consent Authority from International Accreditation New Zealand (IANZ).

This allows the Council to continue to issue building consents and provide other building related services consistently across Hamilton.

Brian Croad, General Manager for City Environments, says the reaccreditation is a signifi cant achievement.

“The high standards we have put in place for building safety and customer service have been refl ected in this successful reaccreditation.“Gaining this recognition from IANZ is an integral part of being a Building Consent Authority and we are proud of the huge effort our consents team has put in to making the process robust and easy for the customer.”Building consent authorities are audited every two years to confi rm compliance with the BCA regulations.

The audit process, by IANZ assessors, included assessment of the Council’s building policies, systems and procedures.

“Now we have gained accreditation, we are focusing on continuing to improve the building consenting process for our customers,” Mr Croad says.

“Technology, such as hand-held devices for building inspections, is one approach we are looking at to streamline the process even further.”

Council gets the consents tick

Hamilton Biking Plan –have your say

Calling all Hamilton artistsThe Public Art Plan and Development Guide will make it easier for artists to develop new works in the city.

The guide, which was approved by the Strategy and Policy Committee last week, sets out the Council’s vision for Hamilton to be a city of vibrant, engaging and dynamic public art, and provides a step-by-step process for developing a public art project.

Chair of the Strategy and Policy Committee, Cr Angela O’Leary says the Council is committed to integrating art into a wide range of activities in the city and raising its profi le in the community.

“Since the adoption of the Hamilton Arts agenda in April 2012, we’ve worked with local arts organisations to develop a number of installations in the city including the Sapper Moore-Jones statue in Victoria Street and the Te Waharoa Ki te Ao Marama (pictured) at Lake Domain.

“The Public Art Plan and Development Guide will help us develop more artworks that give energy and expression to Hamilton and inspire and challenge residents and visitors to the city.”

hamilton.govt.nz /hamiltoncitycouncil @CouncilHamilton

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YOUR MAYOR AND COUNCILLORS

Garry MallettCouncillor: East Ward07 838 6766garry.mallett@council.hcc.govt.nz

Karina Green Councillor: East Ward07 838 6766karina.green@council.hcc.govt.nz

Margaret ForsythCouncillor: East Ward021 616 562margaret.forsyth@council.hcc.govt.nz

Rob PascoeCouncillor: East Ward07 838 6766rob.pascoe@council.hcc.govt.nz

Gordon ChestermanDeputy Mayor021 922 927 gordon.chesterman@council.hcc.govt.nz

Julie HardakerMayor021 284 8618mayor@council.hcc.govt.nz

Angela O’LearyCouncillor: West Ward021 343 774 angela.oleary@council.hcc.govt.nz

Ewan WilsonCouncillor: West Ward021 276 6644ewan.wilson@council.hcc.govt.nz

Leo ToomanCouncillor: West Ward07 838 6766leo.tooman@council.hcc.govt.nz

Philip YeungCouncillor: East Ward07 838 6766philip.yeung@council.hcc.govt.nz

Andrew KingCouncillor: West Ward07 838 6766andrew.king@council.hcc.govt.nz

Dave MacphersonCouncillor: West Ward021 477 388 dave.macpherson@council.hcc.govt.nz

Martin GallagherCouncillor: West Ward021 241 8434 martin.gallagher@council.hcc.govt.nz

Mural adds light, colour and energy to blue bridge

Painting a mural on the steel girders of Cobham Bridge has been a challenge in more ways than one for artist Jeremy Shirley.The bridge is being painted bright blue as part of the Council’s River Plan, and this means the mural that Mr Shirley painted on the eastern side of the bridge in May 2012 had to go. He’s replacing it with a new design based on his original mural.

Peace Tiles welcomed homeA part of Hamilton’s history has been welcomed home with the offi cial unveiling of the Peace Tiles in Civic Square.The tiles were part of the Garden Place Peace Wall in the late 1980s. With the introduction of the CityHeart redevelopment, the tiles were removed and the wall taken down in 2012 to make way for the Worley Place and Alexandra Street traffi c and pedestrian shared zone. At the time the tiles were put into storage.The wall commemorated the International Year of Peace and was the brainchild of the Mayoress of the time, Lady Rhyl Jansen. It was opened by Governor General Sir Paul Reeves on 21 June 1986. Mayor Julie Hardaker says she is pleased to see the return of the Peace Tiles.“They’re a beautiful addition to Civic Square and have added nostalgic fl avour to the area. The tiles are a fantastic snapshot of how Hamiltonians felt in the 1980s. “Back then there was a heightened concern over the nuclear arms race and a strong desire to promote peace nationally and internationally.”The installation of the tiles in Civic Square began in March and is expected to cost $20,000.

WEL Energy Trust has provided a $10,000 grant.Mayor Hardaker says a group from the former Council of Elders, led by Maxine Hodgson, has worked hard

to bring the project to fruition.“I’d like to acknowledge the role the Council of Elders played in reinstating the Peace Tiles in the city in such a prominent place.”

Mrs Hodgson says the messages on the tiles still have meaning today.“It’s so exciting to see them return home. A wide range of Hamilton residents were involved in the

project from its inception. Back then it was all about peace and civility between people and nations and it’s just as appropriate now in this day and age.”

WELCOMED: Lady Rhyl Jansen (left), Hamilton Mayor Julie Hardaker and Maxine Hodgson at the unveiling of the Peace tiles at Civic Square.

It’s a challenging canvas made up of spans of steel joined by vertical sections, and the paths the work is viewed from are at different angles on each side.

“Adding to the challenge is the fact I’m working alongside contractors who are sandblasting and spraying with industrial paints and the bridge is fully enclosed for containment which means that I can’t stand back to view the painting,” Mr Shirley says.

that would otherwise be dark and gloomy. They both incorporate the new ultramarine blue colour of the bridge as the background.

Mr Shirley says his design, which features unfolding tendrils and koru-like patterns which seemingly grow from the land and reach out as the bridge spans the river, signifi es the richness of the Waikato offering an “organic contrast” to the hardness and formality of the steelwork.

The murals, which he is painting on both the eastern and western sides of Cobham Bridge, will bring light, colour and energy to areas

NZ Transport Agency, which owns and maintains the bridge as part of the state highway network, is covering the cost of the new blue livery and the murals. The Agency says the bridge maintenance repaint is proceeding well. Contractors have completed the fi rst of four spans – the one with Jeremy’s artwork – with the others in various stages of preparation. The job will wrap up this month.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

hamilton.govt.nz /hamiltoncitycouncil @CouncilHamilton8

June / July

2015visithamilton.co.nz

Where to get your event tickets: Hamilton i-SITE, on the corner of Caro and Alexandra Streets, is an agent for Ticketek and Dash Tickets. The i-SITE is open 9am to 5pm weekdays and 9.30am to 3.30pm weekends.

visit

NIGHT AT THE LIBRARY

6 JUNE, 3.30PM MIDNIGHTThis is an annual event where we provide research time for genealogists outside of normal library hours. The price includes eight hours research time, pizza, beverages, wifi , genealogy databases, unlimited internet printing, tours of heritage resources and archives.HAMILTONLIBRARIES.CO.NZ

THE ROYAL NEW ZEALAND BALLET PRESENTS SALUTE

10 JUNE, 7.30PMThe Royal New Zealand Ballet is honoured to collaborate with the New Zealand Army Band and distinguished NZ composers and choreographers Dwayne Bloomfi eld, Gareth Farr, Neil Ieremia and Andrew Simmons in this special programme of works to mark the centenary of World War One.HAMILTONTHEATRES.CO.NZ

EARLY MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS IV: THE PIANO

11 JUNE, 12PMWAIKATO MUSEUMEarly music specialist Mark Macdonald examines the relationship between early music, craftsmanship, art and social history in this series of talks every second Thursday.WAIKATOMUSEUM.CO.NZ

7 DAYS LIVE12 JUNE, 8PMCLAUDELANDS ARENANZ National Agricultural Fieldays is bringing together the biggest event on New Zealand’s agricultural calendar and some of New Zealand’s fi nest comic talent for one massive night of entertainment – 7 Days Live: Fieldays Edition. Kicking off with a selection of quick-fi re stand-up comedy, followed by a no-holds-barred game of uncut 7 Days, the Fieldays Edition is sure to have you laughing until the cows come home.CLAUDELANDS.CO.NZ

STAGE CHALLENGE & J ROCK16 JUNE, 7PMCLAUDELANDS ARENAThis performing arts event is touring NZ during May and June providing students around NZ the opportunity to express their creativity. The students work as a team and are involved in every aspect of the performance including set construction, choreography, hair and makeup and costume design.CLAUDELANDS.CO.NZ

SMOKEFREE ROCKQUEST 201519 JUNE, 7PMCLARENCE STREET THEATRESmokefree Rockquest aims to motivate young musicians to prove their ability and realise the heights they can reach in their music careers, and to encourage their peers to support original NZ music. Now in its 27th year, the series of over 40 events reaches audience numbers of more than 10,000 every year.HAMILTONTHEATRES.CO.NZ

NEW ZEALAND NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL FIELDAYS10 13 JUNE, 8AM 5PMMYSTERY CREEKFieldays is a four-day event, which transforms Mystery Creek into the Southern Hemisphere’s largest agricultural expo. The best and the brightest of the agri-industry will descend on the Waikato, from all over the world, bringing with them huge machines, world-changing innovations, exciting competitions, demonstrations and in-depth educational seminars.FIELDAYS.CO.NZ

HAMILTON OPERATIC SOCIETY PRESENTS MAMMA MIA! 19 JUNE 4 JULY, 7.30PMFOUNDERS THEATREA mother, a daughter, three possible dads and a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget. More than 54 million people around the world have already fallen in love with the characters, the story and the music that make MAMMA MIA! the ultimate feel-good show.HAMILTONTHEATRES.CO.NZ

THE WIGGLES ROCK AND ROLL PRESCHOOL TOUR12 JULY, 10AMFOUNDERS THEATREAnthony, Emma, Lachy and Simon are here to have some fun and keep the little ones entertained by mixing some of their new hits with Wiggles classics such as Hot Potato!, Rock–a–Bye Your Bear and Do the Propeller. They will of course be joined by Dorothy the Dinosaur, Captain Feathersword, Wags the Dog and Henry the Octopus. HAMILTONTHEATRES.CO.NZ

FIFA U20 WORLD CUP

2015 NEW ZEALAND

WAIKATO STADIUM MATCHES

WEDNESDAY, 3 JUNE4pm – Qatar vs Portugal

7pm – Senegal vs Colombia

SATURDAY, 6 JUNE1pm – Senegal vs Qatar

4pm – Mali vs Uruguay

THURSDAY, 11 JUNE7.30pm – Round 16 match

(teams TBC)

SUNDAY, 14 JUNE1pm – Quarter fi nal

(teams TBC)

KATCHAFIRE19 JUNE, 8.30PMALTITUDE BARBefore embarking on their European and Australian tours in July, August and September, Katchafi re will fi rst go on their annual NZ winter tour. Don’t miss out on seeing the band showcase their favourite hits, as well as introducing new band members to their line-up. No doubt you have experienced or heard about the bands legendary performances, so make sure you get out to one of their shows in May and June.EVENTFINDER.CO.NZ/2015/KATCHAFIRE/HAMILTON

WAIKATO WEDDING EXPO28 JUNE, 9.30AM 4PMHAMILTON GARDENS PAVILIONThe expo showcases the most comprehensive selection of wedding products and services gathered under one roof. It is a must see event by soon-to-weds and their wedding parties as it presents the newest ideas and latest styles in tying the knot.WEDDINGEXPO.NET.NZ