The future of Hamilton, the services its growing communities need and want, and principles around funding those services are all topics beginning to be discussed as part of planning the Council’s next 10-Year Plan (2018-28).

Mayor Andrew King says an initial briefing allowed elected members to better understand the challenges the city faces, and how the Council can look to balance growth, levels of service and the financial strategy.

“Growth is great for the future of our city as it stimulates economic activity and generates new jobs, but it brings some challenges,” says Mayor King.

“Last year alone Hamilton’s population increased by 4400 people and we need the houses, roads, parks, water and wastewater infrastructure to support the businesses and families who will arrive in the years to come.

“Not only do we need to consider new areas in our city for development, we also need to look at what services our established areas have and

how we want to maintain or even improve them over the next 10 years.

“We’re building a stronger economy and a more attractive city for families, and we need to make sure our financial strategy is prudent, clear and sustainable.

“As a Council we have some big decisions to make as Hamilton strives to become the third-city economy of New Zealand. We have looked at the ‘big-picture’ challenges we face, and the principles that will underpin how we fund Hamilton’s future.

“These principles will guide us as we balance rates, levels of service and debt. The everyday costs of running our city need to be met from rates, not through debt or from growth-related revenue such as development contributions,” says Mayor Andrew.

“Growth needs to pay its way. We need to look at how we fund and support growth, and how we can find new ways to fund it. Development contributions go towards big infrastructure like

roads and water services, but how do we pay for the things that bring a community together like parks, libraries and sports facilities?

“Councillors have had a presentation outlining whether targeted rating – either by area or activity – is one option we could look into. We’re also looking at how we can work with central government and national agencies, as well as private developers and philanthropic groups to enhance Hamilton. Increasing use of user-pays charges where there is a direct benefit for individuals or groups is another option,” says Mayor King.

“Hamilton is already one of New Zealand’s growth success stories. Our 10-Year Plan needs to secure this opportunity and provide a base for our city to build on. We have some long discussions and some difficult decisions to make this year before we take our plan to our communities for consultation next year, but today was an important first step.”

hamilton.govt.nz/10yearplan

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July 2017

PAGE 6MELVIN’S GIFT: New art collection for museum.

PAGES 3PILING IN: Cobham Drive underpass progress.

WILLIAM’S WAY: On the job with our parking wardens.

PAGE 5‘Big picture’ discussed for city’s future

DIG THIS: An aerial shot, taken from a drone above the Waikato River, shows the scale of the progress on the Victoria on the River project. The development of the park is a Central City Transformation Plan project and is scheduled for completion in early 2018. See next page for the full story and more photographs.

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The terraced and stepped parts of Victoria on the River have begun to emerge as work on the multi-million dollar project continues.

A key project in the Central City Transformation Plan, Victoria on the River is beginning to take shape behind the temporary fencing lining the central city site.

The Council purchased the site in 2009, and committed the funding to the Victoria on the River project in late 2015.

Work began on the project in late 2015 and will continue through 2017. When completed Victoria on the River will be an amphitheatre-shaped public space with views across the Waikato River and access to riverside paths.

The development is being phased over two stages: fill material was removed from the lower slope of the site during Stage One, which ran through the second half of 2016. Stage Two, currently underway, will see the further shaping of the park and the installation of paths, steps, furniture and other physical additions.

“Progress has been really good, despite some recent poor weather,” says Gina Hailwood, the Council’s Special Projects Manager.

“We’re happy with how the project is tracking – the next few months will see some significant work, including planting, installation of concrete pre-cast panels, and the timber decking,” she says.

More than 3700 cubic metres of material have been removed from the site in recent weeks, carted away in close to 200 truckloads.

A team of 10 people work on the site Monday to Friday, and the current phase of the project has involved driving 114 piles six metres into the ground to support a boardwalk structure. The boardwalk is being constructed across steeply sloping ground, adding to the challenge for the contractors working on the project.

Work on Victoria on the River will continue throughout this year, and although the site is hidden from view, regular updates – through both still imagery and short video clips – are being posted to the Council’s Facebook page to give the public insight into how it is being created.

“It’s exciting to be able to see it come together, and we want the public to get a sense of what’s happening there,” Miss Hailwood says.

Stark Property, which owns the neighbouring multi-storey building, has been using a section of the Victoria on the River site for the construction of a “pod” addition to its building.

The river path immediately below the Victoria on the River site remains closed while work is underway on the project.

hamilton.govt.nz/votr

Riverside park taking shape NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR INNOVATION AWARDThe annual Kudos Awards acknowledge and support local scientific innovations impacting the Waikato, New Zealand and the world. The Council is sponsoring the Innovator/Entrepreneur Award for the second year. Nominations for this and the seven other awards including the new Engineering Science Award are open until Saturday 15 July. More information about each award and the nomination process is available online.

kudos.co.nz

NEW WAYS TO PROVIDE FEEDBACKCustomers now have multiple ways of providing feedback about the Council’s customer service. Phone surveys have been launched giving each customer who calls the Council’s call centre (07 838 6699) the opportunity to complete a survey after their call is completed. The same survey is also available on the home page of the Council’s corporate website for consistency over all key customer channels. The information from this survey will form part of ongoing customer service monitoring and will be incorporated with feedback already being collected across other parts of Council such as the Customer Service Centre, Hamilton City Libraries and Waikato Museum.

hamilton.govt.nz

DOG REGISTRATIONS DUEDog owners need to register their dog(s) by 30 July to avoid a 50 per cent penalty. Dog owners have been sent an email or letter with details of their dog(s), costs and the different payment methods available. Dog registrations contribute to the enforcement of dog control laws, dog adoption services, owner education, events, school and community dog safety presentations, and daily patrols of the city.

hamilton.govt.nz/dogsonline

ANNUAL PLAN 2017/2018 AVAILABLE ONLINEThe Council’s Annual Plan for the 2017-2018 Financial Year is now available online. Produced following a public consultation in April and May, the 2017/18 Annual Plan presents the budget for the third year of Council’s 2015-2025 10-Year Plan, updated for any changes.

hamilton.govt.nz/annualplan

IN BRIEF

V I C T O R I A O N T H E R I V E R

CHANGING SHAPE: Three images showing Victoria on the River. At the top, an architecural concept design of how it will look when it’s finished, and below, two recent shots which demonstrate how the site has changed in recent weeks.

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Good progress on highway underpass

Welcome to HamiltonWe welcomed 128 new citizens to Hamilton in June 2017, from 24 different nationalities:Indian, Fijian, Filipino, Australian, British, Canadian Irish, Cambodian, Dutch, South African, Thai, Nigerian, Sri Lankan, Korean, American, Zambian, Iraqi, Syrian, German, Solomon Islander, Bangladeshi, Somali, Samoan

Feedback wanted on policy for fast housing developmentThe Council’s draft Special Housing Areas Policy is open for public feedback until Friday, 14 July.

Special Housing Areas (SHAs) are proposed areas of land, including sites not currently zoned for residential, in the city that can be put forward for housing development by landowners or

developers for consideration by the Council.

The community can provide feedback on the draft Policy which sets the criteria for defining Special Housing Areas.

If accepted, the Council can then recommend the proposal to the Government for approval, which

would enable fast-track consenting processes on these sites.

The Council’s Economic Growth and Planning Manager Luke O’Dwyer says it’s important the community has an opportunity to be involved with defining the criteria.

“While it is not an official

requirement to have a policy in place, it will provide a clear and consistent framework and provide certainty for developers and the community about what can be considered as an SHA,” says Mr O’Dwyer.

Defining Special Housing Areas (through the policy) is a way for the Council to deliver on

its commitments for increased housing supply and affordability outlined in the Housing Accord. The Council and the Government signed a Housing Accord in December 2016 as a way to increase housing supply and improve housing affordability in Hamilton.

hamilton.govt.nz/housingaccord

Maintenance closure for Gallagher Aquatic CentreGallagher Aquatic Centre, one of the Council’s two swimming facilities, will close for a week in July for the replacement of two boilers.

The closure is planned for 9 July to 16 July, with the centre re-opening on 17 July, says Debbie Lascelles, the Council’s Community Development and Leisure Manager.

“The boilers are essential for the operation of the facility, heating both pool water and air inside the complex,” she says.

“A full closure is considered the most efficient way to carry out the work, which we have to do for the long-term operation of the pool.

“We appreciate this will inconvenience some of the regular customers at Gallagher Aquatic Centre and we apologise for that.”

Customers who frequent Gallagher Aquatic Centre are urged to visit Waterworld (Garnet Ave, Te Rapa) for their swimming during the week of the closure.

hamiltonpools.co.nz

Phase one of work on the Cobham Dr underpass, connecting Hamilton East at Sillary St with the award-winning Hamilton Gardens, is forging ahead.

The four-metre wide and well-lit underpass – which is level with Sillary St – will provide a safe crossing point for pedestrians and cyclists under State Highway 1-Cobham Dr, and boost walking and cycling in and out of the central city.

Jason Harrison, the Council’s Transport Unit Manager, says this project is one many residents have been waiting for, especially those in Hamilton East.

“We want to build a great and more attractive city for families, and making sure we have good infrastructure in place to allow this is essential,” says Mr Harrison.

“We appreciate everyone’s patience while the work is taking place and we encourage people to continue using alternative routes.”

The $1.4m project, now into its sixth week, is being constructed by Downer NZ on behalf of the NZ Transport Agency and is expected to be completed in September.

Late last month, large steel sheet piles were fitted into Cobham Dr to stabilise the road during the excavation and digging of a

deep channel for the underpass. Work began earlier this week on the placement of the 18 pre-cast concrete boxes which will form the underpass.

Cobham Dr has been temporarily reduced to two lanes, which will shift as the build and fill process goes on.

The road will remain under traffic management during the work with a 50km/h speed restriction in place until completion.

“A project like this on a busy section of SH1 is very complex and we are doing our best to minimise disruption to traffic,” said NZ Transport Agency

Highway Manager Karen Boyt.

“The underpass is going to be a huge boost for city walking and cycling, connecting Hamilton East with other shared paths into the city, and providing a safe crossing point to the popular Hamilton Gardens.

“There is also a reminder to drivers using Hamilton Gardens’ western entrance from Cobham Dr to please be cautious as trucks are using this to access the building site. And until September there will be no right turn into Grey Street from Cobham Dr and no left turn into Grey St until August.”

myhcc.nz/sillaryst

WORK FORGING AHEAD ON COBHAM DR: Large steel sheet piles are fitted into place to stabilise the road in preparation for the placement of the 18 pre-cast concrete boxes which will form the underpass.

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Tropical jungle’s technology tricks

A steamy jungle with lush tropical palms and aloes is thriving in Hamilton, despite temperatures in the city plunging to sub-zero throughout winter.

Paying homage to temperate climate gardeners who have tried to recreate the mysterious beauty of tropical landscapes since the 16th Century, the Tropical Garden at Hamilton Gardens opened in 2014.

However, the garden would not survive without assistance from technology.

A number of frost sensitive plants, including many of the 6000 plants hanging from a vertical “living wall”, provide a splash of tropical paradise in the heart of the city year round. They are kept alive

by a frost sensor linked to a sprinkler system so that if the temperature drops overnight, the sprinklers automatically turn on. Despite the water feeling cold, it is warmer than ice and forms an ‘insulating blanket’ over the plants.

“It’s crucial we have this system in place,” says Hamilton Gardens Operations Manager Gus Flower. “The Waikato winter can be extremely fickle and we need to ensure our plants are protected from dramatic temperature drops. Without the sprinkler system, a swathe of these plants would die at this time of year.”

A limited amount of water is sourced from the Waikato River for use within the Gardens and is redirected

to the sprinkler system as required.

“The thing that makes this garden special is that it is so unexpected. A tropical garden in Hamilton is not what you would expect to find. Using this technology means we can offer visitors another world to explore here.”

Filled with birds of paradise, bamboos from Asia and even Central American aloes, the garden features approximately 200 species. More than 8,000 individual specimens were planted during the three years of construction. The plants, while looking tropical, have also been chosen because they are a hardier species than those found in tropical locations – yet still require a little assistance to thrive. The

carefully thought out planting plan also ensures that more durable plants provide some cover for the more tender plants, and the garden walls have been painted black on the reverse to act as a heat bank during the day.

hamiltongardens.co.nz

Even through the wettest months of winter, it’s important people keep up with good water conservation habits especially indoors.

With winter well and truly upon us, being mindful of how much water we use during this coldest and dampest season seems a little surprising – and most of us won’t have water conservation prominent in our minds.

But the Council’s City Waters Manager Maire Porter says although outdoor water use

decreases during winter due to rain and lower temperatures, we need to be aware of increasing indoor water usage.

“During the colder months, people start to have longer, hotter and more frequent showers and baths as a way to stay warm,” Ms Porter says.

“Where our water comes from and how it gets to our tap is something most of us take for granted that’s why we’re reminding Hamiltonians about the Smart Water Starts With You! campaign and

the importance of water conservation all year round.

“By being smart about water and not wasting it, we can create positive habits now that will really help during the summer months when water demand is high.”

One easy way to be smart with water use at any time of the year is to shorten your shower to four minutes.

Research by building industry research organization BRANZ suggests New Zealanders’

shower use goes up in winter from 24 per cent to 30 per cent during winter while hot water heating accounts for around 30 per cent of our energy bills according to ECCA Energy Wise data.

To be in to win a digital shower timer and see how much money and water you could save check out the shorter shower saves power quiz at the Smart Water website.

smartwater.org.nz/quiz

Winter time water conservation

IMPORTANT NOTICE

with the Ministry of Health, recommends

drinking-water tap each morning before use to remove any metals that may have

Hamilton City Council supplies safe, high-quality ‘Aa’ grade

Although the health risk is small, we recommend this

on public and private water supplies.

hamilton.govt.nz/water

LUSH AND LOVELY: If it gets too frosty at night, sensors trigger the sprinkler system at Hamilton Gardens’ Tropical Garden, keeping the plants alive.

More than 2000 homes in the western suburbs of Dinsdale and Nawton will have more consistent water pressure by the end of July.

Three new pumps are replacing the existing two pumps at the Dinsdale Reservoir, providing more resilience for the city’s water network and better water pressure, particularly around Baverstock Rd and Ruske Pl.

City Waters Unit Manager Maire Porter says the $500,000 investment in the city’s network will be welcomed by residents.

“This zone has historically had lower water pressure than most of the city during some times of the day, and this work will increase the current pressure in some areas while improving levels of service generally across the zone,” Mrs Porter says.

“The additional pump will also mean we have a back-up for any unexpected issues in the future.

“As we change the pumps we will supply this area directly from the city’s water treatment plant. When we reconnect to the Dinsdale Reservoir to the network there will inevitably be some air in the system which may result in inconsistent water pressure, sputtering taps and cloudy-looking water between around 6 July and 12 July, although this will not affect water quality.

“Our teams will be taking steps to minimise any disruption for residents, and all works are expected to be completed by 19 July. To report any water issues contact our 24/7 customer service line on 838 6699,” Mrs Porter says.

hamilton.govt.nz/water

New pump boosts western water supply

FROSTY FLOOR: Ice is evident on plants at Hamilton Gardens during the coldest weeks of the year.

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William’s daily wanderWilliam Tarawhiti has been working for Hamiltonians for the last six years, keeping the city’s streets free of parking issues.

A year ago William stepped up from an officer’s role to be the Parking Compliance Supervisor for the Council’s Parking Unit.

William runs a small team, which will soon increase with the employment of new recruits. The team ensures the city’s parking network is functioning as intended making it easy to get around and that customer questions and complaints are dealt with.

A typical day – rain, hail or shine – sees Williams team on the street answering various questions about Hamilton and the region, chatting with the public at the same time trying to create parking turnover within the central city and outer areas.

“The role of the Council’s parking officers is changing – we’re becoming more like city ambassadors rather than an enforcement figures. But there are always occasions when enforcement is needed,” says William.

“The Access Hamilton Strategy looks at keeping the city running as smoothly as possible, making

sure drivers reach their destination freely and there is parking turnover all while assisting the public with queries and complaints.

“When people see me writing them a ticket, they tend to try to talk their way out of it. If I haven’t finished writing the ticket, I might educate the driver and offer a polite warning, dependent on the situation,” says William.

William says some motorists take

umbrage at being ticketed and can respond with abusive remarks, “but you must always maintain a professional and customer-focussed approach, and remind people of the job I have and why it’s essential”.

“It can be a challenging job sometimes, but I enjoy meeting new people, working outdoors and having no one day the same”.

hamilton.govt.nz/parking

Meet the MayorAre there any city issues you would like to discuss with Mayor Andrew King?

Please phone 838 6976 to book a 10-minute appointment during one of the following times:

Thursday, 6 July, 7.45am-9am

Thursday, 13 July, 7.45am-9am

Thursday, 20 July, 7.45am-9am

Thursday, 27 July, 7.45am-9am

Thursday, 3 August, 7.45am-9am

Appointments must be booked in advance. Please report to Reception on the ground floor of the Hamilton City Council Building in Civic Square.

New parking technology shows smart innovation More than 900 new sensors will be embedded into central Hamilton streets in coming weeks as part of a parking technology upgrade.

The sensors are small domed-shaped devices which will sit flush with the road surface, as opposed to raised models like those currently in place.

Cr Geoff Taylor, chair of the Council’s Parking Task Force, says the sensors are being installed ahead of the new parking trial to be rolled out in October, an outcome of the Council’s Annual Plan. The sensors will be installed through July and August.

Cr Taylor says the In-Ground Vehicle Detection Sensors are equipped with a microchip and small circuit board which will send a data signal to a computer network.

That computer network will then transmit information on parking space availability to a phone app commuters can download, as well as the digital information boards which are above several Hamilton streets.

The app, PayMyPark, is free and will be available from both Google Playstore and iTunes.

Cr Taylor says the phone app is one of the key advantages for people looking to park in the city, as it will include information on where parking spaces are available.

“There’s a real convenience aspect for motorists – they’ll get real-time parking space information delivered to their phones,” Cr Taylor says.

“This should improve the turnover of parking spots, get people in and out of spaces more efficiently, and help us meet the parking target ‘sweet spot’ of having 15 per cent of parks vacant.”

Motorists are encouraged to use the app responsibly and keep traffic safety in mind while using the tools the Council has provided.

Cr Taylor says the sensors will also help Parking Team staff in their roles to understand parking trends and is part of the Council’s aim of making Hamilton a “smart” city.

The company providing the sensors, Smart Parking, has more than 55,000 of its sensors across 16 countries.

The implementation of smart parking technology is an outcome of the Central City Transformation Plan.

hamilton.govt.nz/parking

Hamilton City Council’s Parks and Open Spaces Unit are responsible for the management of Hamilton’s 200 parks and open spaces.A crucial part of the unit’s role is the control of pest animal species such as rats, possums, mice and rabbits.

The work is undertaken in collaboration with Waikato Regional Council and focuses on protecting Hamilton’s green spaces, particularly those with ecological significance.

This work is undertaken by a private contractor working on behalf of Council, to a specific schedule which encompasses a range of parks on either a regular or as-needed basis.

From 17 July to 20 October 2017, a new programme of pest control will commence. The programme will see intensive pest control undertaken in selected parks for a three-month period.

This programme will see a particular focus on the Waikato River:

hamilton.govt.nz

PEST CONTROL IN HAMILTON CITY PARKS

• Fairfield Esplanade • Featherstone Park• Hammond Park *• Matakanohi Reserve• Miropiko Reserve• Munro’s Walkway• Queenwood Esplanade• Edgecumbe Park• Hamilton Lake Domain *• Mooney Reserve *• Pukete Farm Park *• Te Anau Park • Totara Park

• Waiwhakareke Hertiage Park • A J Seeleys Reserve• Chelmsford Park *• Donny Park• Hillcrest Park *• Jubilee Park• Mangaiti Park • Onukutara Park• Ranfurly Park *• Tauhara Park *• Te Awa O Katapaki

Esplanade *

* Large parks including dog exercise areas or playgrounds. Pest control will be undertaken in the margins of these parks; however it will be well away from off-lead exercise areas and playgrounds.

The primary tools for pest management are bait stations and traps. The use of these tools is site-specific and can vary depending on the pest species identified and the community’s use of the parks.

Although the Council’s contractors place traps and bait stations in areas of parks which are not generally high use or readily accessed by the public, residents who use these parks are strongly advised to keep themselves, their children and any pet animals under close supervision.

The pest control work is closely monitored and the Council’s contractor uses methods which are sensitive to the use and popularity of the parks. Parks where pest control is underway will feature clear signage which identifies the type of bait or trap in use.

For more information on the Council’s pest control programme, visit www.hamilton.govt.nz/pestcontrol

BEST FOOT FORWARD: William Tairawhiti leads a team of Parking Wardens in central Hamilton.

FLUSH AND FLASH: The new parking space sensors sit flush with the road surface.

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An artist’s dying wish is being recognised with an exhibition of his paintings now open at Waikato Museum Te Whare Taonga o Waikato.

In late 2015, Hamilton-born artist Melvin Day, then 92, indicated he would gift 60 of his paintings – spanning nearly 80 years of practice – to Waikato Museum as a lasting legacy to his home city.

Day is a New Zealand art icon, with his career starting at age 11 when he undertook formal study at Elam (Auckland University School of Fine Arts).

He was the first New Zealander accepted into London’s Courtauld Institute, regarded as the most prestigious centre of art history studies in the world.

He explored a diverse range of genres over the course of his career, featuring in many major exhibitions in leading art galleries around New Zealand and internationally.

In 1968, he was appointed Director of the National Art Gallery of New Zealand and later became the Government Art Historian. He was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for service to the arts in 2003.

He died in January 2016 before his gift to Waikato Museum could be fulfilled, but the executors of his estate have realised his wish.

The paintings were made part of the museum’s permanent collection last year, and a small number of works are now on display in the exhibition, entitled Thank You Melvin Day.

“This gift will ensure the legacy of Melvin Day’s highly innovative and varied career as a major New Zealand artist will be preserved in

perpetuity for generations of art lovers to come,” says Day’s agent, Mark Hutchins-Pond.

“As a result of this gift, Waikato Museum now holds the most extensive and comprehensive collection of his works in existence.”

Thank You Melvin Day runs until 17 September 2017 and a more extensive retrospective exhibition is planned for 2019.

waikatomuseum.co.nz

Waikato Museum Te Whare Taonga o Waikato celebrates 30 years on its Grantham Street site this year, with exhibitions, events and a book planned to mark the significant occasion. The city’s art gallery and museum first amalgamated in 1973, and moved into the iconic Waikato Museum building on 3 October 1987.

The result of years of research, planning, debate and uncertainty, it was at the time New Zealand’s most sophisticated example of a purpose-built modern museum.

The design was led by celebrated architect Ivan Mercep, of JASMaD, who would later become the Head Architect of Te Papa Tongarewa Museum of New Zealand.

To commemorate the upcoming milestone, Waikato Museum is holding four months of festivities.

The exhibition Te Haerenga The Journey: Toward Te Whare Taonga o Waikato, running from 5 August to 26 November 2017, recalls some of the many highlights and strengths developed during the Museum’s three decades of operation in its current location, as well as key people and factors involved in establishing the institution.

From 1 September to 29 October 2017, the exhibition Ngaa Taonga: Treasures from Waikato Museum Te Whare Taonga o Waikato presents a selection of the art and artefacts from the Museum’s vaults.

A book complementing both exhibitions will be launched during the celebrations.

A series of events, including collections tours and talks by curators, former staff members and museum experts, will also be held

between August and November.

Waikato Museum Director Cherie Meecham says the 30th anniversary is an opportunity to raise the profile of the city and region’s cultural heritage.

“Join us in the celebration of this great facility and the many important stories that have been and will continue to be told here,” she says.

waikatomuseum.co.nz

Waikato Museum building turns 30

DAY’S DONATION: Artist Melvin Day, above, and one of the artworks he produced, left, and is included in the collection donated to Waikato Museum.

A delegation of official visitors from Hamilton’s Chinese sister city of Chengdu got a closer look at Waikato technology and innovation during their recent visit to the city.

Luo Qiang, Mayor of Chengdu attended Fieldays at Mystery Creek with his delegation as part of his trip, which also included visits to Hill Laboratories and Hamilton Gardens.

Along with the Chengdu delegation, there were a number of Sichuan-based companies exhibiting at Fieldays for the first time.

“One particular highlight was Fieldays, where it was great to see and experience the mutual interests in agri-business,” Mr Qiang says.

The delegation’s visit was the latest in a series of recent events between the two sister cities, which included Mayor Andrew King and the Council’s Chief Executive Richard Briggs visiting Chengdu in May. Mr Qiang was on board the inaugural direct flight between Chengdu

and Auckland via Sichuan Airlines last month.

Prior to the Fieldays excursion, there was an official welcoming for Mr Qiang, along with a singing of two Memorandums of Understanding. The MOUs, part of the Sister City Plan between the cities, were between The University of Waikato and Tianfu New Area, and Waikato Innovation Park and Chengdu Hi-tech Zone.

Mr Qiang said he was very happy to be able to see Chengdu’s sister city of Hamilton during his time in New Zealand.

“This trip was a great opportunity to further improve the already prosperous relationship between Hamilton and Chengdu,” Mr Qiang said.

“With direct flights now between Chengdu and Auckland via Sichuan Airlines, we think there will be a lot more tourists coming to your beautiful city. We can’t wait to see more Sichuan restaurants in Hamilton when we next visit.”

TAKING SHAPE: Waikato Museum of Art and History toward the end of its construction, circa 1987. Collection of Hamilton City Libraries HCL_M01664.53

Chengdu delegation visits

Melvin’s marvellous gift

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Three years after it was gifted to a community-based trust as part of the Council’s Theatres Review, The Meteor theatre is set to formally reopen after a major refurbishment.

The “black box” theatre at the foot of Victoria St has undergone extensive work, redecoration and earthquake strengthening over the past few months, an essential part of the arrangement between the Council and the One Victoria Trust which runs the theatre and has led both fundraising and project management of the refit.

Refurbishment included complete removal and rebuilding of the “back of house”/workshop area, electrical rewiring, steel beam reinforcement of the roof, insulation and new wall linings, new flooring in the actual theatre, and dedicated toilets, showers and changing rooms for performers, says One Victoria Trust Chairman Aaron Chesham.

Although most of the refurbishment won’t be too visible to the public, Mr Chesham says the disabled ramp access at the front of the building – designed by local architecture firm Paua Architects, which also acted as project manager for the refurbishment – to reflect the theatre’s art deco design is a major improvement.

“Previously, disabled patrons had to enter the theatre down the side

alleyway and through the ‘back of house’, which wasn’t very nice for them,” Mr Chesham says.

The budget for the refurbishment has been more than $1 million, with the trust raising the bulk of the funds itself (including a significant grant from the Ministry of Culture and Heritage), and helped over the line by an additional grant from the Council earlier this year.

The management of the theatre is a great example of how a partnership between a community organisation and the Council can work for the benefit of the city, he says.

“From the trust’s perspective, we’re very grateful to the Council and we feel the process and the model have worked really well,” he says.

Mr Chesham says the trust used the five-month closure period to “have a really good internal look at what we are, do some planning, and futureproof ourselves”. This has included implementation of marketing strategies to promote the theatre to the community, and a shift toward being a stronger partner in the performances and shows held there.

“For us it’s now a case of managing the success of it, which is great,” Mr Chesham says.

“Our story is changing from one

of just saving the venue to one of real success, and telling Hamilton stories – we’re trying to promote creative endeavour.”

One of the most successful recent shows at The Meteor has been One Hill of a Fight, a very “Hamilton story” which deals with the 1930s politics and challenges around the decision to remove a hill from what is now Garden Place. The sell-out play, which received glowing feedback, returns for a second season from

11 August to 19 August.

The formal reopening of The Meteor is scheduled for 21 July, and includes an official powhiri at dawn. Local musician and trustee Jeremy Mayall has created a special composition for the event.

Sean Murray, the Council’s General Manager Venues, Tourism and Major Events, says the gifting of the theatre to the trust came with some specific measures relating to the number of patrons

and performances, insurance and the financing of building refurbishment, which have been “smashed out of the park”.

“The trust has done a brilliant job with the theatre and its management, and the arrangement has proven to be a real win for the city, its performing arts community, and the Council.”

themeteor.co.nz

Meteor partnership a success

ENTER STAGE CENTRE: Members of The Meteor staff and One Victoria Trust, from left, Yvonne Milroy (Trustee), Alec Forbes (Technical Manager), Deborah Nudds (Theatre Manager), Ross MacLeod (Trustee), Jeremy Mayall (Trustee), Aaron Chesham (Trust Chair), Charlotte Isaac (Trustee), Adrienne Clothier (Trustee) and Shane Hobson (Trustee).

Two videos – one economic and one lifestyle – have been created by the Council to showcase growth in Hamilton and its unique features.

The videos have been created to tell the story of how Hamilton is making waves on the national stage as a fast growing city that’s one of the most affordable places to live and work.

Videos are a key part of delivering the Council’s Economic Development Strategy through telling the Hamilton story (economic and lifestyle), coordinating opportunities across the sub region and with businesses, and developing a central investment portal.

The economic video focuses on what makes Hamilton a city of growth, opportunity and innovation. It includes facts on population, Gross Domestic Profit (GDP) and the city’s key sectors.

The lifestyle video focuses on Hamilton being a great place to build your future and showcases our education sector, diversity and what you can do in your spare time.

The Council’s General Manager City Growth Kelvyn Eglinton says the videos are easy for people to understand as they keep the economic information simple and relatable, and showcase the great reasons to live here.

“The videos work hand in hand to paint a picture of our great city and can be appreciated by those who live here, have lived here or are interested in moving,” says Mr Eglinton.

“There’s more to Hamilton than is shown in the videos, but we have a starting point that we can now build on. Feedback we’ve received from businesses and the community so far has been great.

“The real measure of success is people are proud and using the videos to positively support Hamilton.

“When the economic video was launched on the Council’s Facebook and LinkedIn pages, it quickly became the most popular post in the page’s history which shows just how proud Hamiltonians are of their city. Ex-Hamiltonians were also interested with it spreading throughout the world including Australia, England and France.

“The videos are available to the public or for business use to help tell the city’s story and can even been used as part of recruitment on the national or international stage.”

To request a copy of either video, email investment@hcc.govt.nz

hamilton.govt.nz/hamiltonstory

New videos showcase growing Hamilton

Follow us on social media You can keep in touch with the Council’s business from your smartphone, computer or other digital device.

The organisation and several of its facilities have a range of social media channels for sharing information, images and videos.

You can also engage with Council and our facilities directly through these channels.

Hamilton City Council Hamilton Gardens Hamilton Pools FMG Stadium Waikato Waikato Museum Arts Post Claudelands Hamilton Zoo Hamilton City Libraries Hamilton NZ Hamilton Adopt a Dog National Contemporary Art Award

Hamilton City Council Hamilton NZ Hamilton City Libraries Waikato Museum Hamilton Zoo Hamilton Gardens ClaudelandsNZ HLIVE

Hamilton City Council Hamilton Zoo

2017Find out what’s on at visithamilton.co.nz

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hamilton.govt.nz /hamiltoncitycouncil @CouncilHamilton8

Finance CommitteeTuesday, 4 July, 9:30am Council Chamber

Elected Member BriefingThursday, 6 July, 9:30amCommittee Room 1

Elected Member Briefing (Long Term Plan)Wednesday, 12 July, 9:30amCommittee Room 1

Elected Member Briefing (Long Term Plan)Tuesday, 18 July, 9:30amCommittee Room 1

District Licensing Committee Friday, 21 July, 9:30amCouncil Chamber

Elected Member Briefing (Long Term Plan)Wednesday, 26 July, 9:30amCommittee Room 1

Ordinary Council MeetingThursday, 27 July, 9.30amCouncil Chamber

UPCOMING COUNCIL MEETINGS

Meetings are open to the public and are livestreamed on our website.

hamilton.govt.nz/livestream

Elected Member Briefings are for the purposes of providing updates on various topics to Elected Members. The public are welcome to observe the briefings.

* Not livestreamed

City News is Hamilton City Council’s monthly newspaper. Content reflects Council’s role in the development and management of the city and its public assets, and communicates the business of the Council to Hamiltonians. It is delivered to all letterboxes across Hamilton. Feedback is welcome. Email city.news@hcc.govt.nz For general enquiries on the Council’s business and services call 838 6699.citynewsHAMILTON

YOUR MAYOR AND COUNCILLORS

Martin GallagherDeputy Mayor07 838 6766martin.gallagher@council.hcc.govt.nz

Andrew KingMayor07 838 6976andrew.king@council.hcc.govt.nz

Paula SouthgateCouncillor: East Ward021 589 957paula.southgate@council.hcc.govt.nz

Philip YeungCouncillor: East Ward027 808 1626philip.yeung@council.hcc.govt.nz

Siggi HenryCouncillor: West Ward027 808 5155siggi.henry@council.hcc.govt.nz

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

Mark BuntingCouncillor: East Ward027 808 5164mark.bunting@council.hcc.govt.nz

James R CassonCouncillor: East Ward027 808 5173james.casson@council.hcc.govt.nz

Garry MallettCouncillor: East Ward021 741 021garry.mallett@council.hcc.govt.nz

Rob PascoeCouncillor: East Ward021 988 742rob.pascoe@council.hcc.govt.nz

Angela O’LearyCouncillor: West Ward 021 343 774 angela.oleary@council.hcc.govt.nz

Leo ToomanCouncillor: West Ward021 512 098leo.tooman@council.hcc.govt.nz

Geoff TaylorCouncillor: West Ward027 808 5170geoff.taylor@council.hcc.govt.nz

NZ SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA – BRITISH FESTIVALCLAUDELANDS6 JULY, 7PMThis concert is a celebration of the rich tradition of British music. Ralph Vaughan Williams implored his fellow composers to ‘learn your own language first.’ A student of England’s music history, he merged contemporary and past traditions, and his Symphony No. 4, composed in 1935, is a furious reflection of the world he lived in.TICKETEK.CO.NZ

SAVE THE CHILDREN 70TH ANNIVERSARY MORNING TEAST JOHN’S CHURCH HALL11 JULY, 10.30AM TO 12PMThe Waikato branch of Save the Children is hosting a 70th anniversary Morning Tea to celebrate and acknowledge the work of all branches and their members in New Zealand who have volunteered their time and skills to make this a better world for children.VISITHAMILTON.CO.NZ

THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF TRONThe Meteor, 1 Victoria Street, Hamilton, WaikatoTUESDAY 11 JULY TO SATURDAY JULY 15The Meteor presents The Wonderful Wizard of Tron, a funny 21st Century update of the classic children’s story, adapted for local kids by Benny Marama and featuring original songs composed by Jeremy Mayall. A hilarious, panto-style, multimedia experience, The Wonderful Wizard of Tron is a snappy show with a modern message, that kids will love and adults will love even more. Shows at 10:30 am and 1 pm daily from Tuesday 11 to Saturday 15 July. Evening shows at 7:30pm on Thursday 13 and Friday 14.THEMETEOR.CO.NZ

GALLAGHER CHIEFS VS BRUMBIESFMG STADIUM WAIKATO15 JULY, 5.15PMBoth teams have had fierce battles over the years, including the 2013 Investec Super Rugby final. Make sure you get your tickets to see another great game.TICKETEK.CO.NZ

THE WIGGLESCLAUDELANDS16 JULY, 10AM TO 11AM, 12.30PM TO 1.30PMEmma, Lachy, Simon and Anthony are excited to perform their brand new show in Hamilton. They will be bringing the Wiggly dancers with them as well as Dorothy the Dinosaur, Captain Feathersword, Wags the Dog and Henry the Octopus.TICKETEK.CO.NZ

HERMAN’S HERMITS – FAREWELL NEW ZEALAND TOUR (1964-2017)CLARENCE STREET THEATRE28 JULY, 7PMWhen the 1960s British Invasion hit the scene worldwide, Herman’s Hermits were one of the biggest groups out of the UK. Watch them play all their hits at Clarence Street Theatre.TICKETEK.CO.NZ

4SEASONS RIVER RUN/WALK 5KM OR 10KMMATAKANOHI RESERVE29 JULY, 9AM TO 11AMEnjoy the Waikato River while participating in our Winter Fun Run/Walking event. There is a series of 4 events a year in each season.EVENTFINDA.CO.NZ

NATIONAL CONTEMPORARY ART AWARD 2017 JUDGE’S FLOOR TALKWAIKATO MUSEUM29 JULY, 1-2PMJudge Elizabeth Caldwell shares her view on this year’s National Contemporary Art Award finalists. Don’t miss this opportunity on the first day of the exhibition.WAIKATOMUSEUM.CO.NZ

Whether you are from Beerescourt, Beijing or Blenheim, for the ultimate experience in what our city has to offer, visit the Hamilton i-SITE Visitor Information Centre first. Ph: 0800 Hamilton (4264 5866) E: info@visithamilton.co.nz A: Cnr Caro and Alexandra Streets, Garden Place, Hamilton.VISITHAMILTON.CO.NZ

July/August