Strath Taieri Community Board

MINUTES

 

Minutes of an ordinary meeting of the Strath Taieri Community Board held in the Strath Taieri Community Centre, Middlemarch tba on Wednesday 05 August 2026, commencing at 1.00 p.m.

 

PRESENT

 

Chairperson

Terina Geddes

 

 

 

 

Members

Donna Hall via zoom audio visual link

Quentin MacLeod

 

Bruce Thomas via zoom audio visual link

Robin Thomas

 

Cr Brent Weatherall

 

 

IN ATTENDANCE

Anna Johnson (Group Manager City Development).

 

Governance Support Officer                  Lynne Adamson

 

 

 

1          Public Forum

There was no Public Forum.

 

2          Apologies

 

There was an apology from Ken Bain.

 

 

Moved (Terina Geddes/Robin Thomas):

That the Board:

a)       Accepts the apology for absence from Ken Bain.

Motion carried (STCB/2026/036)

 

 

3          Confirmation of agenda

 

Moved (Terina Geddes/Cr Brent Weatherall):

That the Board:

 

Confirms the agenda with the following addition

 

That Item 7a – Board Updates be taken after Item 7 – Governance Support Update.

 

Motion carried (STCB/2026/037)

 

4          Declarations of interest

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.

 

 

Moved (Terina Geddes/Cr Brent Weatherall):

That the Board:

 

a)         Notes the Elected Members' Interest Register; and

b)        Confirms the proposed management plan for Elected Members' Interests.

Motion carried (STCB/2026/038)

 

5          Confirmation of Minutes

5.1       Strath Taieri Community Board meeting - 3 June 2026

 

Moved (Terina Geddes/Cr Brent Weatherall):

That the Board:

 

a)         Confirms the public part of the minutes of the Strath Taieri Community Board meeting held on 03 June 2026 as a correct record.

Motion carried (STCB/2026/039)

 

Reports

6          Otago Regional Council Update

 

Otago Regional Council Representatives Simon Whitton (Principal Advisor – Rivers), Garry Lahood (Senior River Engineer) and Greg Carson (Team Leader for The River Management Team) spoke to the Middlemarch River Management Update and responded to questions.

 

Moved (Terina Geddes/Cr Brent Weatherall):

That the Board:

a)              Notes the Otago Regional Council update.

Motion carried (STCB/2026/040)

 

Part A Reports

7a       Board Updates

 

The Board provided updates on the following items:

Satellite Coverage:
Robin Thomas expressed frustration regarding ongoing satellite coverage issues, which resulted in a loss of cellphone service at times.

Speed Limit, Hyde:
Quentin MacLeod advised that discussions regarding support for a potential speed limit reduction in Hyde would be progressed at the start of the rail trail season, when engagement with a larger audience was expected.

Hyde Hall:
Quentin MacLeod advised that a meeting relating to Hyde Hall was scheduled for 6 August 2026.

Pest Control Meeting:
Quentin MacLeod reported that he had attended a pest control meeting with Ken Bain. A further meeting was scheduled to be held in Middlemarch.

Road Conditions:
Terina Geddes asked whether any issues had been identified with road conditions during the recent icy and snowy weather. Concerns were raised regarding the road to Macraes Mine, particularly in relation to vehicle incidents and rescue callouts. It was noted that significant traffic travels to the mine from as early as 4.00 am, with traffic volumes expected to increase further as the shearing season begins.

Rail Trail:
Donna Hall advised that the new rail trail season was about to commence. Preparations were underway, including updates to the website, in anticipation of a busy season.

Middlemarch Signage:
Bruce Thomas provided an update on his proposal for new signage in Middlemarch. It was noted that Waka Kotahi would need to be contacted to obtain information regarding signage requirements, including size and placement.

Train Service:
It was noted that Ken Bain would like to see the Taieri Gorge train return to Middlemarch. Robin Thomas advised that the decision rests with Dunedin Railways and noted that a lease application for the Middlemarch railway station was currently being considered.

Mr Thomas suggested inviting Rebekah Jenkins, Dunedin Railways to attend the next meeting to discuss Dunedin Railways' aspirations for the rail corridor and facilities, which included anticipated timeframes.

 

Moved (Terina Geddes/Cr Brent Weatherall):

That the Board:

a)              Notes the Board updates.

Motion carried (STCB/2026/041)

 

7          Governance Support Officer's Report

 

A report from Civic provided an update on activities relevant to the Board area which included:

Project Fund

The project fund currently stood at $10,000 as it was the beginning of the new financial year.

 

Adoption of the new Funding Application Form

The new funding application and report back forms had been updated to the Council website.

 

Current Consultation

 

Roadworks Schedule

 

Dunedin City Council Updates

 

Future Meeting Dates

The future meeting dates for 2026 were confirmed as being held at 2.00 pm on 21 October 2026 and 2 December 2026.

 

 

Moved (Terina Geddes/Robin Thomas):

 

That the Board:

 

a)         Notes the Governance Support Officer’s Report.

Motion carried (STCB/2026/042)

 

 

8          Community Plan

 

The Community Board Plan was discussed, and members requested that the installation of entrance signage for Middlemarch and the beautification of Middlemarch be included in the plan.

 

 

9          Chairperson's Report

 

The Chairperson provided an update on various meetings she had attended which included:

Strath Taieri Hall Committee:

Ms Geddes advised that the committee had arranged for both the main hall and super room floors to be re-varnished.

 

Strath Taieri Volunteer Fire Brigade Annual General meeting

Ms Geddes thanked members on behalf of the Community Board for their continued commitment to the community, particularly their response during emergency situations and their ongoing promotion of fire safety.

 

Strath Taieri Community Resilience Group

The Chair commented that emergency preparedness and funding had been discussed.  The group confirmed they had access to Emergency Management funding for essential equipment such as generators, blankets, water containers and other emergency supplies.  However, this did not cover ongoing maintenance costs such as servicing equipment or replacing fuel used during an emergency response. 

 

Following discussion, it was agreed that the Board would provide funding up to $250.00 per annum from the discretionary fund for maintenance of equipment and reimbursement of fuel costs for equipment used during an emergency response.

 

Mayor and Council Leadership Team

Ms Geddes attended a semi-formal meeting with Mayor Sophie; Deputy Mayor Cherry Lucas; Sandy Graham (Chief Executive), several Councillors, senior Council staff and fellow Community Board Chairs in July.

 

The meetings had been established following Annual Plan feedback requesting improved opportunities for Board Chairs to engage with Council.  Ms Geddes advised that she appreciated the opportunity to represent the Strath Taieri Community Board and acknowledge the support Council provided to the community. 

The meeting had occurred between the two recent weather events. During this period, Ms Geddes was in contact with Council staff and Emergency Management. Sand had been organised and delivered early on the Sunday afternoon, which allowed residents who felt at risk to prepare their properties. She was again in contact with staff on Monday morning once daylight allowed an assessment of conditions.

Ms Geddes commented that she felt Council staff were proactive, responsive and that the Strath Taieri community had been well supported throughout this period.

Ms Geddes also provided an update on other matters of interest which included:

 

A & P Showgrounds Playground

Ms Geddes met with Will Gibson, Chair of the Strat Taieri A & P Society regarding the proposed new playground.  They had provided DCC Parks and Recreation staff with the boundary of the land they would like considered and requested concept plans to show what could be achieved within the existing footprint, along with a further option should additional land become available.

 

The A & P Society had indicated it would be willing to contribute towards associated improvements if required which included potential upgrades such as a new fence around the car park.

 

Discover Middlemarch

The Chair had received correspondence from Discover Middlemarch who asked whether the Community Board would like to participate in their community information page.  Ms Geddes suggested that the current Council profiles be provided and a link to the Community Board funding information. 

 

Fix-It Form and Maintenance Issues

Ms Geddes advised that the Fix-It form appeared to be working well and had been a useful tool for reporting maintenance issues.  She further commented that following the recent flooding events she had reported several blocked culverts and washouts and was pleased to report that the issues had been addressed.

 

Middlemarch Amenities Upgrade

The Chair spoke of a discussion undertake on pre-engagement for a proposed Middlemarch Amenities Upgrade. 

 

Ms Geddes advised that she welcomed the potential investment but had concerns with the community engagement process as not all residents had received notification letters.  She would have liked to see a wider engagement approach.

 

Public Forum

The Chair followed up on concerns raised at the 3 June 2026 Public Forum as follows:

 

Ms Geddes wrote to Waka Kotahi regarding the Sutton Bridge stones stored on private property and sought clarification around ownership and responsibility.  This matter was more complex than expected but she will continue to pursue clarification.

 

Concerns had been raised related to trees believed to be located on the public berm.  Following the June Community Board meeting Council staff and Ms Geddes had inspected several sites including those referred to during the public forum.

 

 

 

Moved (Terina Geddes/Quentin MacLeod):

That the Board:

 

a)         Notes the Chairperson’s report.

Motion carried (STCB/2026/043)

 

 

Moved (Terina Geddes/Robin Thomas):

That the Board:

b)             Approves establishment of provision of up to $250.00 funding per annum to assist with essential costs that were not covered by Emergency Management funding.

Motion carried (STCB/2026/044)

 

10        Councillor Update

 

Councillor Brent Weatherall will provide an update on items of interest which included:

South Dunedin Futures Programme

Cr Weatherall provided an update on the South Dunedin Futures programme and the three adaptation programmes discussed.

 

Lower Speed Limit – Brighton Road

Cr Weatherall provided an update on the resolution of the Hearings Committee to lower the speed limit on Brighton Road from Brighton to Taieri Mouth.

 

Simplifying Local Government

Cr Weatherall provided an update on discussions held with Queenstown Lakes District Council on proposed amalgamations.

 

 

Moved (Terina Geddes/Cr Brent Weatherall):

That the Board:

 

a)         Notes the Councillor Update.

Motion carried (STCB/2026/045)

 

11        Items for Consideration by the Chair

 

There were no items identified for consideration by the Chair.

 

 

The meeting concluded at 2.01 pm.

 

 

 

 

..............................................

CHAIRPERSON