Waimakariri cycleway projects in limbo
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Three Waimakariri cycleway projects are in limbo following the change in Government.
Cycleways in Rangiora, Kaiapoi and Woodend were included in the Government’s Transport Choices funding announced in December 2022, with Waka Kotahi set to fund 70% of the $5.8 million budget.
The projects were to be funded through the Climate Emergency Response Fund.
It is now on hold while Waka Kotahi waits for the new Government to set its transport priorities.
The Waimakariri District Council has already approved detailed design for the Kaiapoi to Woodend and Woodend to Pegasus cycleways, while detailed design was approved last week for a third cycle way in Southbrook, Rangiora.
Developing the Rangiora cycleway has had some challenges, with the council preferring a route heading up Railway Rd, along Torlesse and Coronation streets, up Ellis Road and Country Lane, and on to South Belt.
Pak’nSave and Foodstuffs South Island Ltd raised concerns about the lack visibility for truck drivers entering and exiting the supermarket on Railway Road.
"There has been some discussions around the location of the cycleway behind Pak’nSave, but the council felt it was a safer option for the cycle path than Southbrook Rd, where there are 26,000 vehicles passing each day," Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon said.
He said council staff would continue to consult with Pak’nSave, KiwiRail and other businesses as the project developed.
MGordon said if the funding was not made available in the next three months, the council would reconsider the cycleways as part of next year’s 2024-34 long-term plan process.
The proposed cycleways came from the council’s walking and cycling network plan developed last year.
"We are seeing growth in alternative modes of transport and people are coming out here to experience walking and cycling in our district, which is something we are keen to encourage.
‘‘"Since the Northern Corridor opened with the cycle way alongside it, we have seen a lot more people cycling out to our district."
■ Public interest journalism funded through New Zealand on Air.
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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
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