Timaru Urban Renaissance Network founder Ian Butcher raised his concerns after comments made in an independent heritage assessment on the Hydro Grand Hotel were published. The report, by Blenheim-based heritage architect John B. Gray, describes the heritage management provisions in the District Plan as “somewhat unusual”.

Many families sent their children to New Zealand to learn English and build up their knowledge and connections to bring back to businesses in their home countries, she said. She welcomed students, parents and friends to approach the chamber to discuss business developments and other opportunities, while saying she hoped they would return and “contribute to our economy”.

Tattoos on Jonty Penney’s right leg read like a Kiwiana exhibition: the goodnight kiwi and cat, jandals, gumboots, Horse from Footrot Flats , a Morris Minor, a tomato-shaped squeezable sauce dispenser, Buzzy Bee, the Four Square guy and a tiki. The electrician’s first tattoo, of a tiger, at the age of 16 on his right upper arm shocked his mum and he has since covered it up with other tattoos.