Latest news with #RehetteStoltz
NZ Herald
29-05-2025
- Politics
- NZ Herald
Tairāwhiti Citizens' Assembly release ‘Calls to Action' around land use transition
Gisborne District Council chief executive Nedine Thatcher Swann and Mayor Rehette Stoltz receive the Tairāwhiti Citizens' Assembly Calls to Action from assembly members and the project team, (from back left) Tia Takarangi, Te Weu chairwoman Renee Raroa, Paul Murphy, Meredith Akuhata-Brown, project lead Harley Dibble, Linda Evans, Ray Kitchen and Jonty Hall, (front) Rachel Hogan, Makahuri Thatcher-Wharehinga, Nedine Thatcher Swann, Mayor Rehette Stoltz and Assembly spokeswoman Dayna Chaffey. Photo / Supplied The Tairāwhiti Citizens' Assembly formed to discuss how land use changes can be fairly managed has released 'Calls to Action' urging support for a locally led process to prepare for a climate-resilient future. They want the Government, the Gisborne District Council and industry to back land-use transition that restores the
NZ Herald
05-05-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
Gisborne's Tairāwhiti Museum praised amid concerns over $158k financial deficit
Mayor Rehette Stoltz acknowledged the museum's financial pressures, saying it grappled with rising costs 'like everybody else'. She described the museum as 'a little gem'. However, councillor Colin Telfer raised concern about a $158,995 deficit for the year, citing 'a trend' of rising costs. He noted that wage costs had increased by $130,000 – nearly equal to the annual shortfall – and said the museum was 'basically' relying on its cash reserves, of which $100,000 had been used. Councillor Larry Foster called the museum a significant regional asset but questioned its declining retail revenue of $12,000. 'There must be opportunities to enhance your retail [revenue] with that many customers coming through your door,' he said. Foster also queried the low rental for the onsite cafe – $7200 a year, or $138.50 a week – describing it as a 'pretty cheap rental' and effectively a subsidy. However, he acknowledged the cafe added to the museum experience. 'I know a cafe really enhances the whole environment of the museum, so perhaps they want to subsidise it.' Foster praised the museum's reputation, calling it one of the country's top regional museums. He said it would be nice not to be losing so much money, but he acknowledged that the organisation was not intended to be a profit-making one. Councillor Colin Alder expressed concern over the rising wage bill and the purchase of a $30,000 vehicle. He said the museum should consult the council before making operational spending decisions. While Alder praised the quality of the cafe, he questioned whether its contract should go out to tender. Councillor Ani Pahuru-Huriwai defended the vehicle purchase, saying, 'they need a good vehicle'. She praised the museum for its inclusive engagement with artists and mana whenua across the region. Councillor Aubrey Ria said the council could offer suggestions but should be cautious about directing the museum's spending. 'Council has no expertise in the functions of a museum,' she said. Councillor Debbie Gregory said the new cafe contract had 'made a huge difference' and described it as 'a great cafe'. In response to Gregory's questions, council chief executive Nedine Thatcher-Swann said the museum's new lease had not yet been signed. That would be needed before any progress could be made on repairing the museum's roof, which council cultural activities manager Pene Walsh said leaked 'on occasion'. According to the annual report, the museum hosted 885 students from 73 schools and early childhood centres through Ministry of Education-funded programmes valued at $164,380. Exhibitions in 2023–2024 featured works by 102 local and national artists. These included four group shows and 11 solo exhibitions, all by artists with strong ties to the region. Nine temporary exhibitions had a strong Toi Māori focus, reflecting the museum's commitment to Māori art and culture. Major temporary exhibitions included He Kākahu Rerehua and Millard Studio. Permanent exhibitions include Watersheds, Te Moana, Star of Canada, and Wyllie Cottage. The museum reported total revenue of $1,287,921, with $292,581 from donations and fundraising and $985,538 from services. Council funding totalled $735,000. Total expenses reached $1,446,916, including $915,478 for volunteer and employee costs and $397,201 in service-related costs.
NZ Herald
25-04-2025
- General
- NZ Herald
Thousands attend moving Anzac Day service in Gisborne
After the solemn march behind the Highland band pipers from the Gisborne District Council chambers to the Cenotaph, the Trust Tairāwhiti Eastland Rescue Helicopter crew flew over the gathering to begin proceedings, and the RSA Kapahaka Roopu performed a beautiful waiata pōwhiri. The crowd gave voice to the anthems of New Zealand and Australia and the Gisborne Civic Brass Band played How Great Thou Art. Two teens from the Cadet Forces read the famous In Flanders Field poem in English and then in Māori. One veteran told the Gisborne Herald afterwards: 'I don't ever remember a more inclusive dawn service. We felt like the one people we are'. Aircraft from the aero club flew over the scene, wreaths were laid at the Cenotaph and Mayor Rehette Stoltz spoke. 'Anzac Day gives us the opportunity to think of those in our communities who have experienced war and conflict – those who lost their lives, our veterans, our armed services personnel, families of the fallen, and our refugee communities," Stoltz said. 'We also remember those who were injured and returned home after serving us bravely. Let us not forget the impact on them and their loved ones. 'New Zealanders who remember World War II, and those who grew up in its shadow, know the suffering that division can cause. 'As we witness concerning events across the globe, it is incumbent on all of us to remember the lessons of the past. 'Let Anzac Day forever be a reminder of our duty to uphold the values of those who have served our nation in the protection of peace and democracy.' Royal New Zealand Navy Warrant Officer Rowe Kaa, formerly of Gisborne, delivered a powerful speech. 'Today we acknowledge the assembly of the people and remember all those who have served and are still serving our nation in the armed forces, and in particular those who gave their lives for New Zealand.' She made special mention of 28 Māori Battalion. 'The battalion was renowned for its rich cultural history, strong sense of unity, bravery and tenacity in battle. 'As Lt General Sir Bernard Freyberg said - no infantry battalion had a more distinguished record, or saw such heavy fighting, and sustained such heavy casualties as the Māori Battalion.' Kaa pointed to the role New Zealand played in the creation of the United Nations after WWII. 'That system is under a huge strain today and the world is a much more unstable and dangerous place than it has been decades. 'When we leave here today we may like to consider what we as individuals, as a community and as a country can do to continue to uphold the rule of law, freedom and basic human rights across the world. 'In doing this we can continue to honour in a powerful way the memory of those service men and women who came before us, who sacrificed so much for our nation and our values.' The ode was read in Māori by Syd Clarke and in English by Gisborne RSA president Trevor Jukes. The trench whistle was sounded, as it was sounded in WWI, the Last Post was played, a three-round gun salute was fired from across the river and the RSA Kapahaka Roopu performed again. Jukes said it was 'great to see such a turnout and thanks to all those who have supported us today. Well done everybody, a magnificent job'. He led three cheers from the crowd for the veterans. One service-goer was heard to say after the proceedings: 'You have to say Anzac Day and the spirit it represents is still very much alive and well, growing stronger even, in Gisborne'. A feature of the service was the age spread of people - from babies in prams to the elderly. A mum with a couple of youngsters in tow summed it up when she said: 'I think it's really important the children have an understanding of Anzac Day and the sacrifices made'.
