Flooding and slips across Christchurch
Heavy rain overnight has caused flooding in several areas of Christchurch, including by the Heathcote River and Oxford Tce. Many instances are being reported of cars being water logged especially when parked next to rivers, and people being stuck in their homes due to flooded driveways.
With the already saturated ground and flooding, Christchurch City Council Civil Defence and Emergency Management Manager, Brenden Winder, said it was likely there would be more surface flooding and slips in hillside areas.
“Strong easterly winds are forecast to accompany the rain, which may create issues with estuary and river levels, particularly around high tide on Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning.”
What you need to know:
- There are multiple road closures in the central city, including parts of Fitzgerald Ave and Cambridge Tce
- Some schools – including Christchurch Girls’ High, Hillmorton High, and St Thomas of Canterbury College – are asking students to work from home as flooding has made it difficult to access classrooms
- Council advises to clear leaves from sumps or drains on your property only if it is safe to do so
- If you come into contact with flood water, treat it as contaminated and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards
- Move cars, valuables and electrical items out of reach of potential flood water.
- In case of high winds, secure umbrellas, BBQs and outdoor furniture.
Council staff and contractors are ready to respond to issues and the council’s contact centre is open around-the-clock for residents who need help. To stay up to date with road closures and council updates, check the Christchurch City Council website.
Poll: Is the increase in disability parking fines fair?
In October, the fine for parking in a designated mobility car park without a permit has jumped from $150 to $750—a 400% increase!
The goal is to keep these spaces open for those who truly need them. Do you think this big increase in the fine is fair? Share your thoughts below.
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89.4% Yes, it's fair
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9.8% No, it's unreasonable
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0.8% Other - I'll share below
House fire causing road closures
Pages Road is closed this afternoon from Breezes Road, this is due to a house that has caught fire in the area.
Coastal Ward Community Board member, Alex Hewison, shared the closure on a local Facebook page.
Fire and Emergency are at the scene but further details have not been shared at this stage.
Avoid the area where possible.
Have your say on Canterbury’s public transport
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Canterbury residents are being encouraged to have their say on public transport in the region.
Environment Canterbury has released its draft public transport plan and is seeking submissions.
The draft plan outlines a vision for public transport in the region and notes key priorities such as improving the environment, growing patronage, accessibility, innovation and technology, and affordability.
‘‘Public transport takes many forms with communities across our region,’’ councillor Peter Scott said.
‘‘With limited funding available, we need to make sure we make the best decisions to deliver a public transport network that is integrated with urban development, innovative and meets the needs of new and existing customers.
‘‘Effective public transport is the lifeline that connects us to work, school, recreation and our friends and family, so it is important we get this right.’’
The Canterbury’s population is growing and by 2050, it is projected 700,000 people will be living in Greater Christchurch.
The draft plan covers public transport for the region, which includes the Metro service (Christchurch, Selwyn and Waimakariri), MyWay by Metro in Timaru, Total Mobility and Community Vehicle Trusts.
It was developed in partnership with local councils and Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.
Environment Canterbury has been planning to step up its public transport efforts by increasing the frequency of existing services and introducing mass rapid transport in Greater Christchurch.
But these plans have been stalled by a lack of public transport funding in the Government’s 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme.
A proposal to allow people to travel with domestic pets is also included in the draft plan.
Having pets on buses has been successfully trial in other parts of New Zealand, councillor Joe Davies said.
‘‘We’re keen to understand what controls are needed for our bus users in Greater Christchurch and Timaru to be comfortable with pets on public transport.
It is proposed to allow adult passengers to bring a single pet on board, as long it is in an approved carrier at off-peak times, weekdays between 9am and 3pm or after 6pm, and during weekends.
Another proposal would loosen those restrictions in future to allow for leashed and muzzled dogs and increasing the limit to two pets per passenger.
‘‘We want to gauge how people feel about these proposals. Now is the time to have your say,’’ Davies said.
Submissions close on Thursday, October 24.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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