Engineers in the early phases of a multimillion-dollar
refurbishment of the Waitaki Dam and powerhouse say it is a
testament to the skills of the original builders that the
1930s facility still stands up to modern scrutiny - but its
generators could still need replacing within the next five to
10 years.
The Ministry of Education will investigate ways to improve
wheelchair facilities on school bus services nationally,
after ''a number'' of people, including a woman from Oamaru,
voiced safety concerns.
Artworks held in the collection stores of the Forrester Art
Gallery in Oamaru were made available for public viewing this
week as the gallery celebrated its 30th birthday.
Waitaki residents have put forward suggestions on how to
protect one of North Otago's best-known scenic routes, but
some ratepayers say any efforts to save the Oamaru to
Waianakarua coastal road from marine erosion would be futile,
because the ''sea would triumph in the end''.
Elderly Waitaki residents living in community housing are
hopping mad they were not told their rents were going up,
although news media were told on Friday.
Oamaru's ''spectacular'' Victorian buildings that make the
town ''unique'' will not be left abandoned, empty or in need
of demolition by new earthquake-prone building policy
proposals, Building and Construction Minister Maurice
Williamson has promised.
Pensioners in Waitaki will have just two months to enjoy an
increase in their superannuation benefit before it is
partially gobbled up by a hike in community housing rent.
Two Weston volunteer firefighters will next week complete a
rigorous three-month training schedule as they attempt to
take on more than 4000 other firefighters in a race to the
top of Auckland's Sky Tower.
Glider pilots across New Zealand are to be warned of the
dangers of dehydration in hot conditions, following the
findings of a coronial inquiry into the death of a Hororata
pilot who crashed near Omarama.
