Mixed reaction to new development
By David Hill, local democracy reporter
News of a new two-storey development in Rangiora’s town centre has been met with a mixed reaction.
The Waimakariri District Council has announced vacant commercial land on the corner of High and Ashley streets has been sold, along with the building occupied by the BNZ bank.
The new owners, Cornershop Investments, have released a concept image of a two-storey building with office and retail space.
But residents have taken to social media to question the need for more retail and office space, and raised concern about the lack of car parks.
Mayor Dan Gordon said the sale was a good outcome for such a high profile site, on the corner of two busy streets.
"We are thrilled to be working alongside developers and shaping the ongoing growth and development of Rangiora.
"Residents often tell us one of the things they value the most about living in Waimakariri is the unique character of our townships and we are really pleased this project will continue to build on Rangiora’s character, look and feel."
Cornershop Investments is made up of Eileen and Murray Irvine, Bridget Hope and Gabe Rijpma, and Andrea and Jake Gardner.
The Irvines had been involved in other developments in Rangiora’s town centre including the Good St laneway.
"We all strongly believe in the future of Rangiora and are proud to be able to assist in its growth," Irvine said.
The response on social media has been mixed, with a number of people expressing support.
"Amazing, very exciting for Rangiora," said one comment.
One person said "very cool", while another said "looks great, nice work Waimakariri District Council."
But others raised concerns about empty office and retail spaces already on High St, a lack of carparks, the loss of greenspace and high priced leases.
"Looks great, but what will go in there? The new building opposite this site has been empty since it was built," one respondent said.
"Looks nice, but is it actually needed? I think a nice green space with seating would be nice," said another.
Poll: Should drivers retake the theory test every 10 years?
Drivers get where they need to go, but sometimes it seems that we are all abiding by different road rules (for example, the varying ways drivers indicate around a roundabout).
Do you think drivers should be required to take a quick driving theory test every 10 years?
Vote in the poll and share any road rules that you've seen bent! 😱
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48.4% Yes
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49.7% No
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1.9% Other - I'll share below
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Hero
“I was born and raised in war. To be honest, those are not good memories.
I really like Iran, and I really miss it, but I couldn’t be myself there. Even though my family didn’t like my decision, I left Iran. I promised myself that I would do whatever I can for all communities, especially for the kids, so they do not have the same experience I had.
I studied software engineering in Iran and left in 2006. I went to Malaysia and stayed in Kuala Lumpur for seven years. I was admitted to Lincoln University to do my PhD here, but unfortunately, I couldn’t afford the expenses. I requested a scholarship, but they told me I had to be there for six months first. So, I stayed in Malaysia and did my PhD in network security. In December 2013, I came to New Zealand with a work visa.
It took me a while to connect with the Iranian community here. I volunteered with the Multicultural Council, SPCA, and community patrol, and I established the Christchurch Iranian Society in 2017. Before that, I started working on Radio Toranj, the only Farsi-language radio show in New Zealand.
One of the reasons I started organizing cultural events was to showcase Iranian culture. I wanted to show people that we have delicious food, colorful dresses, traditional customs, and our own instruments. My hope was to show people that we are not what you see in the media.
I am working to involve all the communities that celebrate Nowruz, the Persian New Year, in the Nowruz festival in March 2025. We want to share this celebration not only with our community but with the public as well. It’s better when it’s shared.
I remember the first time someone from Dunedin called me and asked, Hero, can you help? Something happened, and they keep declining Iranian visa applications. When I heard that, I felt insulted. We are still human, so how can they do that?
Through this journey, I’ve learned a lot. Every single day, people with different cases call me, and I try to share my knowledge and guide them as much as I can.
I have received several awards, including the Christchurch Civic Award and an Award of Recognition for my contributions to the community during the pandemic. In 2021, I established Canterbury Kia Ora Academy, a charitable trust. Through this charity, I can help other communities as well, not just the Iranian community.”
- Hero
View more stories, or nominate someone: @humansofchch
www.humansofchch.org......
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