$15m to camp at the Hamilton Zoo
Plans to refresh Hamilton Zoo have impressed residents, but there’s a question mark over the dollars needed to implement it.
Glamping with giraffes and an improved cafe and entrance are part of the Hamilton Zoo Master Plan, which city councillors will say yes or no to at a meeting today.
A $15 million figure for the upgrade has been bandied about, but approving the plan won’t commit council to spending, a report to the community and services committee said.
Instead, zoo projects would join the queue when councillors decide where to direct the money available under the long-term plan.
Almost 200 people made submissions to council on the zoo plan, and were asked if the major projects would help the zoo deliver ‘‘fun, conservation, education and sustainability’’. The answer from 161 of them was yes. Supporters most commonly mentioned the expanded cafe and entrance, and the Waterhole camp - a safari-style overnight stay facility.
Most people - 71 per cent of submitters - also liked the idea of better connections between the zoo and nearby Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park.
A handful of those against the zoo plan wanted more focus on sustainability, conservation and education, or objected in general to animals being kept in captivity.
If the plan gets the nod, money will be the big question - at the moment, there’s nothing set aside in the council coffers to pay for it.
Through consultation, council asked how it should fund the project if it goes ahead: through entry fees, general rates, targeted rates, partnerships, or sponsorships.
A combination of all those options was the most popular model, supported by 47 per cent of respondents.
Ten per cent of those who wrote in thought the plan shouldn’t be funded at all.
Council staffers recommend that councillors approve the zoo plan to set a clear direction, and so zoo projects can be considered in the 2018-28 Long-Term Plan, and plans that follow. A semi truck and trailer have rolled on the Coromandel Peninsula, injuring the driver. The accident happened around 2.20pm on Monday, near the intersection of SH25 and Wentworth Valley Road. The driver was seriously injured, Senior Sergeant Ray Malcolmson said. A crane was needed to right the large container truck and trailer. The police Commercial Vehicle Investigations Unit (CVIU) attended. Firefighters attended to the driver. Using a roundabout well could get you a free coffee, through a Hamilton City Council campaign. Council’s campaign for what they’re calling roundabout respect was launched mid-June. It focuses on four of the city’s biggest roundabouts, Wairere Dr, Norton Rd/Lincoln Rd, Five Cross Roads, and Seddon Rd. Council and police have partnered to provide pit stops at Crosby/ Wairere Dr roundabout, giving coffee cards to those drivers who navigate it well. Award-winning singer-songwriters are joining forces to combat human trafficking at Zeal, Hamilton, in July. Holly Arrowsmith, New Zealand Tui Award ‘Best Folk Album 2016’ winner and Silver Scroll nominee, Aro and Aaron//David will perform on Thursday, July 13, 7pm, as part of the ‘Stand with Her Tour’. The tour seeks to support Tearfund New Zealand’s efforts to combat human trafficking in the Asia-Pacific region.