Loud Lyttelton locals make progress on cruise ship problems
A heated yet productive community meeting on the future of cruise ships in Lyttelton was marred by the absence of one key player - the cruise industry.
More than 100 people packed into the Loons Club in Lyttelton on Tuesday night to vent their frustrations about the 2022/23 cruise season.
Their main concerns centred around the environmental impact, public transport disruptions and the loss of community that the “floating apartment buildings” brought with them.
For the first time in 11 years, cruise ships returned to Lyttelton Port last summer. More than 125,000 people disembarked from 73 cruise ships between October 2022 and April 2023 - a 357% increase compared to pre-Covid numbers.
Locals complained of inconsiderate, low spending passengers who overwhelmed the area and the public transport, while economic development agency ChristhurchNZ touted the financial benefits.
Read the full story from reporter Shannon Redstall here (subscription required).
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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.