Strath Taieri Community Board
MINUTES
Minutes of an ordinary meeting of the Strath Taieri Community Board held in the Strath Taieri Community Centre, Middlemarch on Tuesday 03 March 2026, commencing at 1:08 p.m.
PRESENT
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Chairperson |
Terina Geddes |
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Deputy Chairperson |
Ken Bain
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Members |
Donna Hall |
Quentin MacLeod |
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Bruce Thomas |
Robin Thomas |
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Cr Brent Weatherall |
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IN ATTENDANCE |
Mike Cartwright (City Growth and Advisory Services Manager) |
Governance Support Officer Lynne Adamson
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Sheila Ramsay addressed the meeting regarding concerns about the current 50 km/h to 100 km/h zones in Middlemarch and commented that residents were concerned about vehicles overtaking before leaving the 50 km/h zone. Ms Ramsay advised that Milford Street now had additional housing and requested that the 50 km/h zone be extended further north, supported by a flashing “slow down” sign and an introduction of 70 km/h transition zones on both the northern and southern approaches so drivers were already slowing before entering the township. Concerns were also raised about speeding near the school, where vehicles regularly exceeded the 40 km/h school zone speed limit and options available to help address this. Ms Ramsay responded to questions.
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1.2 Strath Taieri A & P Show Funding Application
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Dianna Bradshaw spoke to the funding application from the Strath Taieri A & P Society. She noted that medical cover was required for the event and, as a volunteer could not be secured, St John was engaged to provide this service at an unexpected cost. She further advised that this was the Society’s 122nd Show, which remains an important and longstanding part of the community’s culture.
Ms Bradshaw responded to questions.
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1.3 Middlemarch Cavalcade 2026 |
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Tara Dwyer spoke in support of the funding application from the Cavalcade Host Town Committee.
Ms Dwyer responded to questions. |
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There was an apology for absence from Donna Hall.
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Moved (Terina Geddes/Robin Thomas): That the Board: Accepts the apology from Donna Hall. Motion carried (STCB/2026/001) |
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Moved (Terina Geddes/Cr Brent Weatherall): That the Board:
Confirms the agenda without addition or alteration.
Motion carried (STCB/2026/002) |
Members were reminded of the need to stand aside from decision-making when a conflict arose between their role as an elected representative and any private or other external interest they might have.
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Moved (Terina Geddes/Robin Thomas): That the Board:
a) Notes the Elected Members' Interest Register; and b) Confirms the proposed management plan for Elected Members' Interests. Motion carried (STCB/2026/003) |
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5.1 Strath Taieri Community Board meeting - 26 November 2025 |
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Moved (Terina Geddes/Ken Bain): That the Board: a) Confirms the public part of the minutes of the Strath Taieri Community Board meeting held on 26 November 2025 as a correct record. Motion carried (STCB/2026/004) |
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Constable Alan Lynch provided an update on policing matters within the Board area which included poachers; speeding issues and speed limits; discussions with Go Bus about the installation of flashing lights at the end of buses which were turned down.
Constable Lynch responded to questions.
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Moved (Terina Geddes/Quentin MacLeod): That the Board: a) Notes the Policing Update. Motion carried (STCB/2026/005) |
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There were two funding applications for consideration by the Board. The Cavalcade Host Town Committee have requested $4,700.00 towards the cost of printing posters/flyers for promotion of the event; advertising – predominantly radio; public liability insurance and portaloo hire. The Strath Taieri A & P Society Inc have requested $500.00 towards the cost to provide medical cover for the event to be held on 22 March 2026. |
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Moved (Ken Bain/Robin Thomas): That the Board:
a) Approves $4,700 to the Cavalcade Host Town Committee towards the cost of printing of posters/flyers for the event; advertising; insurance and portaloo hire. Motion carried (STCB/2026/006)
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Moved (Robin Thomas/Quentin MacLeod): That the Board:
b) Approves $500 to the Strath Taieri A & P Society Inc towards the cost of medical cover at the show. Motion carried (STCB/2026/007) |
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A report from Civic provided an update on activities relevant to the Board area which included: · Project Fund · Stormwater and Wastewater Connections in Middlemarch · Middlemarch Community Hall – members commented that they had been advised that the entry to the hall was a health and safety liability as it opened onto the main road and that there was $300k available to relocate it to the side entrance. |
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The City Growth and Advisory Services Manager (Mike Cartwright) and Governance Support Officer ( Lynne Adamson) spoke to the report and responded to questions.
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Moved (Robin Thomas/Quentin MacLeod): That the Board:
a) Notes the Governance Support Officer’s Report. Motion carried (STCB/2026/008) |
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The Otago Regional Council provided an update in response to queries raised at previous meetings which included: · E.coli Investigations – Taieri River – there was a discussion on the contamination levels of the Taieri River at Outram Glen and monitoring where was it coming from e.g. forestry blocks at Sutton Stream, Deep Stream, Lee Stream or the gorge. · Erosion Repairs on the Taieri River at Mareburn Deviation Road · Blockage in Doughboy Creek – it was noted that the blockage was an owner problem and not the Otago Regional Council and members queried if a notice to rectify could be sent to the owner. · Middlemarch River Management Update · There were wildlife problems noted and advice was sought on what could be done to improve this. · It was suggested that the Chair write a letter to the Otago District Council raising concerns based on the report. |
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Moved (Quentin MacLeod/Cr Brent Weatherall): That the Board: a) Notes the Otago Regional Council Update Report. Motion carried (STCB/2026/009) |
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A report from Civic provided a schedule of meeting dates for the remainder of 2026 for approval from the Board. |
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There was a discussion on the meeting schedule for the remainder of 2026 and it was agreed that the scheduled 1 April 2026 meeting be deferred until 15 April 2026. The October Board meeting would be held in Hindon.
The April – September winter meetings would have a 1.00 pm start time with a 2.00 pm start time for the Summer meetings in October and December.
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Moved (Terina Geddes/Robin Thomas): That the Board:
a) Approves the meeting schedule for 2026 as presented with the exception of the 1 April 2026 meeting which would be held on 15 April 2026 in the Hyde Community Hall. b) Approves the start times of 1.00 pm for the winter months of April – September and 2.00 pm for the summer meetings in October and December. Motion carried (STCB/2026/010) |
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The Community Board Plan was attached for discussion at each meeting for the purpose of review and updating as required by the Board. The Board agreed that they would discuss the plan and provide an opportunity for the community to be involved. The would hold a round table discussion prior to the next meeting. |
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Moved (Terina Geddes/Bruce Thomas): That the Board:
a) Notes the Strath Taieri Community Board Community Plan. Motion carried (STCB/2026/011) |
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The Chairperson provided a verbal update on matters of interest since the last meeting which included: · Middlemarch Railway Station – noting there was maintenance required due to wastewater drainage collapsing causing the piles to sink. · Fix it Forms – the Board rings the Dunedin City Council with issues but finds the acknowledgment to be slow at times. · Dump Station at the Tennis Courts – this was blocked again this week and with the Cavalcade currently happening, more issues were expected. It was agreed that funding be kept aside annually for clearing the dump station. · The Hyde Hall had been painted. · ANZAC Day Wreaths – Mr McLeod would collect the wreaths from the Mosgiel Library on the afternoon of Friday 24 April 2026. · ANZAC Day organisation – the speaker, flag bearers etc would be organised by the Chair. It was agreed that up to $250.00 would be approved for catering following the parade. |
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Moved (Terina Geddes/Cr Brent Weatherall): That the Board:
a) Notes the Chairperson’s report. b) Approves payment of up to $1,000 per financial year for clearing the blockage at the dump station. c) Approves Payment of up to $250.00 for catering on ANZAC Day following the parade. Motion carried (STCB/2026/012) |
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Councillor Brent Weatherall will provide an update on items of interest which included: · New Councillor Induction Programme · Submissions to Central Government · Road naming policy change · Acknowledgement of the passing of former Mayor, Cr Jules Radich and thanking the Board for the card they sent · Enterprise Dunedin possible transfer to a CCO · New Policy for Grants · Draft Water Supply Bylaw · Rate capping |
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Moved (Terina Geddes/Bruce Thomas): That the Board:
a) Notes the Council Activities Update Motion carried (STCB/2026/013) |
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Funding – noting that requests come in last minute and could these be tightened up.
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The meeting concluded at 3.14 pm
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CHAIRPERSON