Latest news with #James
1News
an hour ago
- General
- 1News
Why this town's lake is causing a stink
It might sound idyllic to live beside a lake, but for Pegasus residents, it is anything but. The Pegasus Residents' Group wants answers on the fate of Pegasus Lake, due to ongoing issues with toxic algae. Environment Canterbury (ECan) issued an abatement notice to the developer, Templeton Pegasus Ltd, last month about the state of the artificial lake in the Canterbury town. It followed the latest public health warning for toxic algae, which was issued in December. Residents' group chairperson Matt James said frustration was growing among residents, who continued to face uncertainty. ADVERTISEMENT ''We have a good relationship with Templeton Group, which has given us a good insight into the problem. ''For a manufactured lake, it is very deep and the water is very stale. ''It is like a garden pond. It is fed by aquifers, but the flows aren't fast enough to flush it out, which has causes the lake to layer.'' The artificial lake was constructed by the original developer, Infinity Group, between 2008 and 2010, with Todd Property Group taking over the development in late 2012. It is now owned by Templeton Pegasus Ltd, a subsidiary of Templeton Group. Templeton Pegasus Ltd has been contacted for comment. Pegasus Lake is a popular spot for recreational activities. (Source: Local Democracy Reporting) ADVERTISEMENT James said Templeton Pegasus Ltd presented residents with a plan last year, but he believed no progress has been made since. ''The community hasn't heard back from Templeton for sometime and there's a lot of frustration and at times anger. ''My personal suspicion is it will end up with the council (Waimakariri District Council) having to deal with.'' Fellow residents' group committee members Colin Brownlee and Peter Johnston said the lake had been a drawcard in attracting residents to move to Pegasus. Algal bloom was first reported in February 2015, with the lake closed to recreational use for the first time. Two months later, ECan found the lake weeds had been sprayed with Diquat herbicide. An infringement notice was issued to Todd Property Group in 2020, with the sub-division subsequently sold to Templeton Group. ADVERTISEMENT An ECan spokesperson said Templeton Pegasus Ltd holds four resource consents and is in breach of conditions in two of those consents. ''The lake is prone to blooms of potentially toxic algae ('blue-green algae') over the summer period.'' Templeton Pegasus Ltd has since issued a registration of interest via its consultancy firm WSP last month to investigate options to remediate the lake. LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Otago Daily Times
5 hours ago
- General
- Otago Daily Times
Why this town's lake is causing a stink
It might sound idyllic to live beside a lake, but for the residents of this Canterbury town it is anything but. The Pegasus Residents' Group wants answers on the fate of Pegasus Lake, due to ongoing issues with toxic algae. Environment Canterbury (ECan) issued an abatement notice to the developer, Templeton Pegasus Ltd, last month about the state of the artificial lake in the Canterbury town. It followed the latest public health warning for toxic algae, which was issued in December. Residents' group chairperson Matt James said frustration is growing among residents, who continue to face uncertainty. ''We have a good relationship with Templeton Group, which has given us a good insight into the problem. ''For a manufactured lake it is very deep and the water is very stale. ''It is like a garden pond. It is fed by aquifers, but the flows aren't fast enough to flush it out, which has causes the lake to layer.'' The artificial lake was constructed by the original developer, Infinity Group, between 2008 and 2010, with Todd Property Group taking over the development in late 2012. It is now owned by Templeton Pegasus Ltd, a subsidiary of Templeton Group. Templeton Pegasus Ltd has been contacted for comment. Pegasus Lake is a popular spot for recreational activities. Photo: North Canterbury News Mr James said Templeton Pegasus Ltd presented residents with a plan last year, but he believes no progress has been made since. ''The community hasn't heard back from Templeton for sometime and there's a lot of frustration and at times anger. ''My personal suspicion is it will end up with the council (Waimakariri District Council) having to deal with.'' Fellow residents' group committee members Colin Brownlee and Peter Johnston said the lake had been a drawcard in attracting residents to move to Pegasus. Algal bloom was first reported in February 2015, with the lake closed to recreational use for the first time. Two months later ECan found the lake weeds had been sprayed with Diquat herbicide. An infringement notice was issued to Todd Property Group in 2020, with the sub-division subsequently sold to Templeton Group. An ECan spokesperson said Templeton Pegasus Ltd holds four resource consents and is in breach of conditions in two of those consents. ''The lake is prone to blooms of potentially toxic algae ('blue-green algae') over the summer period.'' Templeton Pegasus Ltd has since issued a registration of interest via its consultancy firm WSP last month to investigate options to remediate the lake. By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter ■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Scoop
6 hours ago
- General
- Scoop
Why This Town's Lake Is Causing A Stink
It might sound idyllic to live beside a lake, but for Pegasus residents it is anything but. The Pegasus Residents' Group wants answers on the fate of Pegasus Lake, due to ongoing issues with toxic algae. Environment Canterbury (ECan) issued an abatement notice to the developer, Templeton Pegasus Ltd, last month about the state of the artificial lake in the Canterbury town. It followed the latest public health warning for toxic algae, which was issued in December. Residents' group chairperson Matt James said frustration is growing among residents, who continue to face uncertainty. ''We have a good relationship with Templeton Group, which has given us a good insight into the problem. ''For a manufactured lake it is very deep and the water is very stale. ''It is like a garden pond. It is fed by aquifers, but the flows aren't fast enough to flush it out, which has causes the lake to layer.'' The artificial lake was constructed by the original developer, Infinity Group, between 2008 and 2010, with Todd Property Group taking over the development in late 2012. It is now owned by Templeton Pegasus Ltd, a subsidiary of Templeton Group. Templeton Pegasus Ltd has been contacted for comment. Mr James said Templeton Pegasus Ltd presented residents with a plan last year, but he believes no progress has been made since. ''The community hasn't heard back from Templeton for sometime and there's a lot of frustration and at times anger. ''My personal suspicion is it will end up with the council (Waimakariri District Council) having to deal with.'' Fellow residents' group committee members Colin Brownlee and Peter Johnston said the lake had been a drawcard in attracting residents to move to Pegasus. Algal bloom was first reported in February 2015, with the lake closed to recreational use for the first time. Two months later ECan found the lake weeds had been sprayed with Diquat herbicide. An infringement notice was issued to Todd Property Group in 2020, with the sub-division subsequently sold to Templeton Group. An ECan spokesperson said Templeton Pegasus Ltd holds four resource consents and is in breach of conditions in two of those consents. ''The lake is prone to blooms of potentially toxic algae ('blue-green algae') over the summer period.'' Templeton Pegasus Ltd has since issued a registration of interest via its consultancy firm WSP last month to investigate options to remediate the lake.
Daily Express
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
More women holding top Sabah Government posts
Published on: Wednesday, July 23, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jul 23, 2025 Text Size: James also expressed appreciation to the outgoing main and sub-committee members of the Sabah Women Advisory Council (MPWS) for the 2021–2024 term, who played a vital role in designing and implementing strategic women empowerment programmes, including AKWan. Kota Kinabalu: About 33 per cent of women in Sabah have held the position of Deputy State Secretary as of July 16 this year, while 30pc have served as permanent secretaries in ministries and 50pc as heads of departments. During the same period, women also made up 26pc of board members and chief executive officers (CEOs) in government-linked companies (GLCs). State Community Development and People's Wellbeing Minister Datuk James Ratib said this when officiating the Women's Leadership Course (AKWan) 2024 graduation ceremony for its second cohort, here. His speech was read by the Ministry's Permanent Secretary Datuk Maria Chong. A total of 171 participants completed the course this year, the majority of whom were grassroots leaders and women activists from various local organisations. James said AKWan empowers women's role in State development by producing capable female leaders. He said since its establishment in 2021, AKWan has served as a strategic platform for women's development, not only offering leadership exposure but also boosting participants' confidence and readiness to take on decision-making roles at both state and national levels. 'Data from the 2024 AKWan cohort shows that most participants are grassroots leaders actively involved in various organisations, indicating that women are increasingly prepared to take on leadership responsibilities,' he said. 'Today's graduates represent the next generation of brave, knowledgeable and high-potential women leaders who will drive community development,' he added. He also urged the graduates to embrace leadership roles in politics, public service, GLCs and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). James also expressed appreciation to the outgoing main and sub-committee members of the Sabah Women Advisory Council (MPWS) for the 2021–2024 term, who played a vital role in designing and implementing strategic women empowerment programmes, including AKWan. 'Their commitment is clearly reflected in areas such as education, entrepreneurship, community leadership and social development, areas that position women as agents of change,' he said. James also announced upcoming programmes under MPWS and the Sabah Women's Affairs Department (Jhewa), such as the Women Leaders Symposium, Engagement with Sabah's Women Leaders and Women's Lab, which aim to further strengthen the women's leadership ecosystem in the State. Also present were Chief Executive Officer of the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) and MPWS Chairperson Datuk Rosmawati Lasuki, as well as Jhewa Director Haslina Ismail. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
South Wales Guardian
8 hours ago
- Politics
- South Wales Guardian
Badenoch and Cleverly attack Labour housing record after Tory reshuffle
The newly appointed shadow housing secretary promised that 'under Kemi's leadership, I am ready to lead the fight' on new homes policy in the capital, a day after returning to the Conservative front bench. Opposition leader Mrs Badenoch accused Sir Keir Starmer's Government of having done 'the exact opposite' of showing it was serious about housebuilding. Labour, which has pledged to deliver 1.5 million homes by the next parliament, said the country was still 'living with the consequences' of the Tories' 'disastrous decision to abolish mandatory housing targets'. Mrs Badenoch said the Prime Minister is 'seemingly more concerned about homes for illegal migrants than getting Britain building' following remarks made by Sir Keir to Parliament's Liaison Committee. Sir Keir has suggested there is 'lots of housing available' to accommodate both rising numbers of homeless people and asylum seekers when asked about the need to house both groups. 'Under my leadership, Conservatives will stand up for property rights. Private owners should not face the threat of their property being taken over by the council to house illegal immigrants,' she said. Sir James said: 'This Labour government is totally failing the country, and the capital, on housing – and under Kemi's leadership, I am ready to lead the fight against this failure.' Ahead of a joint visit with Mrs Badenoch on Wednesday, he criticised actions such as cancelling the London Plan review of housing and 'using precious stock to house asylum seekers'. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has withdrawn the review, which had been ordered by the previous government, to pave the way for what she called a 'partnership approach' to development between Government and City Hall. The joint visit is the first since Mrs Badenoch reshuffled her front bench on Wednesday as part of efforts to demonstrate what she described as the Tories' 'mission of renewal'. Former foreign secretary Sir James will shadow Ms Rayner in the housing, communities and local government brief, while ex-Conservative Party chairman Richard Holden becomes shadow transport secretary. Kevin Hollinrake has been appointed party chairman, replacing Nigel Huddleston, who will become shadow culture Andrew will become shadow health secretary, replacing Edward Argar, who resigned citing health reasons. Julia Lopez has been appointed shadow science secretary, taking over from Alan Mak, who has left the shadow cabinet. Gareth Bacon has been replaced by Mr Holden in his transport brief and demoted from the shadow cabinet, but remains minister for London. Sir James served in the Foreign Office and as home secretary when the Conservatives were in power before spending months on the back benches after coming third in the Tory leadership contest last year. The MP for Braintree in Essex has since used his influential position as a former minister to warn against pursuing a populist agenda akin to Nigel Farage's Reform UK. In the same speech, he also said he wanted to return the Tories to government 'at every level,' amid speculation he could harbour ambitions of running for the London mayoralty held by Sir Sadiq Khan in 2028. He has also urged the Conservatives to reject climate change 'luddites' on the right who believe 'the way things are now is just fine,' in remarks that were widely seen as at odds with the net-zero stance of the Tory leader. In a press release ahead of the joint visit, the Tories described Sir James as a 'political heavyweight' who will take the fight to Labour 'over their failure to provide the people of Britain with the houses they need – particularly in London, ahead of the mayoral elections in 2028.' The release contained no new Conservative housing policy announcements, after Mrs Badenoch said she did not want to rush into new proposals following the party's election defeat last year. A Labour spokesperson said: 'No amount of deckchair shuffling can hide that the architects of 14 years of Tory failure still sit around Kemi Badenoch's top table. 'We're still living with the consequences of the Tories' disastrous decision to torpedo supply by abolishing mandatory housing targets. 'While Labour is working in partnership with regions to turn the tide on the acute and entrenched housing crisis, the Conservatives haven't changed and they haven't once apologised for the mess they left behind.'
