Hurunui District , Amberley

938 days ago

Sinking coastlines mean parts of Christchurch will feel impact of sea-level rise earlier than expected

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

From reporter Tina Law:
Parts of Christchurch will feel the impacts of sea-level rise earlier than expected because the land is sinking, according to new data.

Large areas from Woodend to Lake Ellesmere, including Banks Peninsula, are subsiding up to three millimetres per year, which means an … View more
From reporter Tina Law:
Parts of Christchurch will feel the impacts of sea-level rise earlier than expected because the land is sinking, according to new data.

Large areas from Woodend to Lake Ellesmere, including Banks Peninsula, are subsiding up to three millimetres per year, which means an extra 30 centimetres of sea-level rise over the next 100 years.

The data has come from NZ SeaRise, a five-year research programme funded by the Government involving 30 local and international experts.

It has taken into account the natural rises and falls of the country’s coastline, as well as climate change and warming temperatures to project sea level rises.

Using a www.searise.nz... |new online tool|, New Zealanders will for the first time be able to see how much and how fast sea levels will rise along their own stretch of coast and in their neighbourhood.

Programme co-leader Professor Tim Naish​, of Victoria University of Wellington, said 20 years ago it was thought sea-level rise was like pouring water into a bathtub – if you put more water in, it rises uniformly around the world, but Naish said it is actually much more complicated.

Sea levels are expected to rise at different rates across New Zealand and even at different levels across Canterbury’s coastline.

The largest increases in sea levels are expected to occur along the southeast of the North Island along the Wairarapa Coast.

Programme co-leader Dr Richard Levy, of GNS Science and Victoria University of Wellington, said subsidence rates along that coast were high, and sea levels could rise by well over 1.5 metres by 2100 if the least optimistic climate change scenario was followed.

Based on current international emissions reduction policies, global sea levels are expected to rise by about 60cm by 2100, but for large parts of New Zealand this could double to about 1.2m due to ongoing land subsidence, Naish said.

“We have less time to act than we thought.”

According to the data, Akaroa on Banks Peninsula would see 30cm of sea-level rise by 2040, instead of 2060. The coastline in the area is sinking by 3mm a year.

“Thirty centimetres of sea-level rise means the one in 50-year coastal storm flood will occur annually,” Naish said.

However, some areas at the top of Lyttelton Harbour have shown a rise in the land.

Land movement data was based on median numbers taken between 2003 and 2011, and does not include the impact of the Christchurch earthquakes.

The data showed New Brighton’s coastline was sinking at 0.8mm a year, but Naish said since the earthquakes it has actually been sinking at 8mm a year, twice as fast as the global sea-level rise.

“We don’t know how long this will go on for.”

Levy said he expected councils and planners to be the primary users of the new projection information, and that the finance and insurance sectors had already been asking for the data.

Naish said the new science would give time to put in place equitable and effective adaptation measures that would limit the impact of unavoidable sea-level rise.

The Christchurch City Council has already embarked on a long process to adapt the city and Banks Peninsula to climate change.

Changes to managing new developments are being made to the district plan and the council has agreed on guidelines for adapting existing areas.

Whakaraupō Lyttelton Harbour will be the first area in Christchurch to go through climate change planning, expected to start in the spring and take 18 months.

Simon Watts, observatory director at Brighton Observatory of Environment and Economics who built his home in Southshore, said it was always better to know about things rather than be ambushed, but said the devil was always in the detail.

He said there were areas in Christchurch that rose after the earthquakes and others that sunk.

“For some areas it could be good news and others it could be bad news.

“Yes, people should be concerned because if parts of New Zealand sink by 3mm a year, that is effectively doubling the rate of sea level rise for those places."

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942 days ago

Last ditch bid for fast tracking ‘out of control’ hedge removal

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

From local democracy reporter Adam Burns:
Maintenance of an “out of control” hedge at could cost ratepayers in a small North Canterbury village tens of thousands of dollars over the next couple of years, despite plans for it to be cut down.

But there are hopes the axing of the shadowy shrub … View more
From local democracy reporter Adam Burns:
Maintenance of an “out of control” hedge at could cost ratepayers in a small North Canterbury village tens of thousands of dollars over the next couple of years, despite plans for it to be cut down.

But there are hopes the axing of the shadowy shrub can be fast tracked, following suggestions its removal was at least another two years away.

Plans for the macrocarpa shelterbelt hedge, which stands between 6 and 8 metres high on Waikuku Beach’s Parks Ave, continue to cause headaches for the small beach town community, including funding avenues for the hedge’s swift removal.

A report was tabled at the Woodend-Sefton Community Board meeting a fortnight ago, which recommended the hedge be removed.


However, it was initially proposed the project be considered for inclusion in the Waimakariri District Council’s 2024 long-term plan, with costs for the removal of the hedge and replanting estimated to be about $105,000.

The hedge could also absorb ongoing maintenance costs “at health and safety levels” until it was removed in 2024-25, according to the report.

Maintenance of the hedge costs the council about $20,000 for the first trim, followed by a further cost of “between $10,000 and $15,000 every 18 months”.

During a public deputation at the April 11 meeting, Waikuku Beach resident Jo Kane fumed at the proposed time frames following what she described as some drawn out deliberations with council staff on the matter.

“This was never the expectation from anyone in the community,” she said.

“This is a longstanding and unsustainable maintenance issue, and it really galls me that for the next three years you will have to trim this hedge back off the road.

“I feel really let down when I saw that piece of the report [indicating 2024].

“It needs to be gone, sooner rather than later.”

The removal of the hedge was later approved, but the community board agreed to amend its previous recommendation, in order for a last ditch request to go to the council for funding through this year’s annual plan.

Several concerns around the hedge were raised by residents during community consultation a year ago.

Ongoing maintenance costs, a lack of sunlight leaving ice and moss on the road, a desire for landscape views to be restored, and concerns the hedge was a fire risk were raised by those wanting it gone.

Other community members, favouring its retention, believed the hedge offered privacy and was a good windbreak for homeowners.

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937 days ago

Can you help a business in your community?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

We are incredibly proud to launch Short Notice is a new initiative designed to connect neighbours with a little spare time on their hands with local businesses that need a bit of extra help!

It's very simple; using the new Short Notice community hub, share a little about yourself, your … View more
We are incredibly proud to launch Short Notice is a new initiative designed to connect neighbours with a little spare time on their hands with local businesses that need a bit of extra help!

It's very simple; using the new Short Notice community hub, share a little about yourself, your availability and how you'd like to help.

If you're a business owner sign up for a FREE Premium Business listing to get access to Short Notice and let your community know what help you need.

Together, let's help keep small businesses busy!
Explore Short Notice

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937 days ago

THE VILLAGE HALL MARKET, CHEVIOT

Janine from Hurunui District

Don't miss this indoor market, running fortnightly from Saturday 21 May through to the end of September 2022. New stallholders welcome to apply.

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937 days ago

Mum-believable Mother’s Day sales

NZ Beds

How’s it going neighbours, the friendly team here at NZ Beds wanted to remind you that we have some mum-believable deals to celebrate this Mother’s Day. Thank your mum and gift her an unforgettable serene sleep because she deserves it. From a luxury mattress to ultra luxurious bedding gift her … View moreHow’s it going neighbours, the friendly team here at NZ Beds wanted to remind you that we have some mum-believable deals to celebrate this Mother’s Day. Thank your mum and gift her an unforgettable serene sleep because she deserves it. From a luxury mattress to ultra luxurious bedding gift her the experience she will never forget.

Pop into your nearest NZ Beds store to browse our range. Find your nearest store with our store locator.

NZ Beds Team look forward to help you in getting a good night sleep.
Find us

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937 days ago

Any size McCafé® coffee is $4

McDonald's

Grab yourself a delicious Barista Made Coffee for only $4 at McCafé.

McCafé, simply good coffee.

Available for a limited time.
Find out more

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938 days ago

Bird cage on stand

Ann from Rangiora

Large bird cage on stand

Negotiable

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938 days ago

Ladies bicycle

Ann from Rangiora

1960's era. Sturmey Archer 3 speed gears and dynohub lighting

Negotiable

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938 days ago

Pair of Lamps 38cm high

Ella from Rangiora

2 gorgeous touch lamps for sale
Condition as per photos.
Both come with working bulbs
Price for the pair.
Pick up Rangiora

Price: $45

940 days ago

Enviro Painters Limited

Enviro Painters Ltd

Enviro Painters Ltd are a professional and friendly company that prides itself on customer satisfaction.
We specialise in all aspects of painting and decorating be it your new home or renovation interior or exterior.
All staff are Trade Qualified and i have over 27 years in the trade giving you … View more
Enviro Painters Ltd are a professional and friendly company that prides itself on customer satisfaction.
We specialise in all aspects of painting and decorating be it your new home or renovation interior or exterior.
All staff are Trade Qualified and i have over 27 years in the trade giving you peace of mind that you will be dealing with a professional. We service all of North Canterbury and Christchurch.

I Look forward to meeting you onsite to discuss your project.
021 226 8476
Enviropainterltd.co.nz

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940 days ago

Our 2022 Prospa Local Business Hero Winner!

Prospa

Congratulations to Robert Fenwick, owner of Fenwicks Pharmacy in Canterbury, the 2022 Prospa Local Business Hero.

Robert has been recognised for his ongoing service and support for the community through tough times. Fenwicks pharmacy remained open throughout the lockdown with friendly greetings,… View more
Congratulations to Robert Fenwick, owner of Fenwicks Pharmacy in Canterbury, the 2022 Prospa Local Business Hero.

Robert has been recognised for his ongoing service and support for the community through tough times. Fenwicks pharmacy remained open throughout the lockdown with friendly greetings, conversations and smiles!

Congratulations to all the finalists and thank you for nominating your favourite local business. We'd like to acknowledge the official winner of the public voting poll, Josh Coe, owner of Page 42 cafe. Unfortunately, Josh has decided to close his business after 3.5 years and we wish him all the best.

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941 days ago

Rustic house number

The Team from Resene ColorShop Rangiora

Turn scrap building materials into a fun and practical piece for the home. Use timber offcuts and some creativity to make a rustic house number sign with Resene Alabaster and Resene Woodsman Crowshead.

Find out how to create your own.

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941 days ago

Family Friendly Service and Discussion

Jeneane Hobby from Ashley Community Church Incorporated

Paul and Lesley Askin hold their family-friendly monthly service, Sunday, 5 June, at the Ashley Community Church from 4.30 pm. No vaccine pass required. Masks are encouraged. The venue is operating without vaccine passes. Check with Paul or Lesley if they don't already know you are coming. Ph … View morePaul and Lesley Askin hold their family-friendly monthly service, Sunday, 5 June, at the Ashley Community Church from 4.30 pm. No vaccine pass required. Masks are encouraged. The venue is operating without vaccine passes. Check with Paul or Lesley if they don't already know you are coming. Ph 021 140 2074

39 Canterbury St, Ashley. Remember dress warmly and go before you come as there are no toilet facilities.

943 days ago

Oxford Bird Rescue to close after 10 years open, and thousands of birds saved

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

From reporter Amber Allott:
After nearly a decade rescuing hawks hit by cars and nursing injured owls back to health, one of Canterbury’s best-loved wildlife rescues will be closing its doors.

North Canterbury’s Oxford Bird Rescue Trust, run by husband-and-wife team Scott and Tracey Bowman, … View more
From reporter Amber Allott:
After nearly a decade rescuing hawks hit by cars and nursing injured owls back to health, one of Canterbury’s best-loved wildlife rescues will be closing its doors.

North Canterbury’s Oxford Bird Rescue Trust, run by husband-and-wife team Scott and Tracey Bowman, specialises in rescuing and rehabilitating raptors – or birds of prey.

The rescue announced on social media last week that Scott's health had taken a turn for the worse, and he had been diagnosed with motor neuron disease.

“Unfortunately there is no cure, it is aggressively debilitating and terminal and his prognosis isn't great, not giving him a lot of time left.

“We have spent the last few weeks looking at the road ahead and given his condition and rate of decline we simply can't offer the care required to continue rehabbing raptors.”

The rescue would finish rehabilitating the last few birds in its care, Bowman said, before closing for good.

For locals who found injured owls and hawks going forward, Bowman said they might face a bit more of a drive.

The South Island Wildlife Hospital, based at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve in Christchurch, would be taking on most of the raptor care, he said.

“They’re best set up, especially for the harriers.”

The pair planned to donate a lot of their equipment to other bird rescues, hopefully including the new Kaikōura Wildlife Hospital, Bowman said.

Their unique, custom-built hawk enclosure – which allowed full in-house rehabilitation – would go to the South Island Wildlife Hospital.

“There’s still going to be people doing it, it just won’t be us.”

943 days ago

Poll: Why aren't you switching power providers?

The Team from NZ Compare

The weather is getting chilly, ya power is going to rise! So why are you sticking with the same plan and provider if it might be costing you MORE money?!

53.9% of Neighbours said they switched over 6 months ago and 33.6% said you have no idea when you last switched! We want to know why … View more
The weather is getting chilly, ya power is going to rise! So why are you sticking with the same plan and provider if it might be costing you MORE money?!

53.9% of Neighbours said they switched over 6 months ago and 33.6% said you have no idea when you last switched! We want to know why you're not switching power providers?

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Why aren't you switching power providers?
  • 32.6% Switching is too hard, I have enough to deal with!
    32.6% Complete
  • 23.7% I'm in a contract
    23.7% Complete
  • 43.8% I don't know where to find a better deal
    43.8% Complete
473 votes
Top