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Sir Tim Shadbolt drew some criticism after suggesting a statue be erected in his town for his long-standing mayorship in Invercargill. This week is National Volunteer Week, a time to reflect on those who have given their time selflessly to your community and made a difference. So, which local do … View moreSir Tim Shadbolt drew some criticism after suggesting a statue be erected in his town for his long-standing mayorship in Invercargill. This week is National Volunteer Week, a time to reflect on those who have given their time selflessly to your community and made a difference. So, which local do you think deserves recognition? Tell us why!
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the We Say You Say column of your local paper.
Firewood (Blue Gum), Treez have been down coming up four yearz.
4 cubic metres loadz. There is only 16Mtr left of this wood. Free delivery within Rangiora other areas by arrangement.
Ph/Text 022 095 6381 John
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Housing options and public transport are key issues in the draft Greater Christchurch Spatial Plan.
Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon says the draft plan seeks to resolve historical issues around kāinga nohoanga development and to unlock investment … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Housing options and public transport are key issues in the draft Greater Christchurch Spatial Plan.
Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon says the draft plan seeks to resolve historical issues around kāinga nohoanga development and to unlock investment opportunities.
Consultation on the draft plan is open until July 23 and provides a blueprint for how population and business growth will be accommodated in Greater Christchurch into the future.
"Focusing future development in and around specific areas means we can plan strategically for growth so there’s good public transport, quality high-density housing, and plenty of green spaces to enjoy," Gordon said.
He said the draft plan sought to unlock investment opportunities in the Rangiora and Rolleston town centres, the Christchurch city centre, Papanui, Riccarton and Hornby.
It has been developed by the Whakawhanake Kāinga Komiti (Urban Growth Partnership for Greater Christchurch), and was built on the Huihui Mai - let’s come together engagement earlier this year which received more than 7000 responses.
Housing Minister Megan Woods said the Huihui Mai survey provided some clear signals on ways to meet the needs of present and future generations, and to address challenges of population growth, housing affordability and climate change.
"The Komiti received a strong direction from residents on how to tackle some of the big issues facing the city region, such as improving public transport, building in the right places, strengthening climate resilience and restoring the natural environment."
For mana whenua, the plan identified kāinga nohoanga development within traditional reserve sites, including Māori Reserve 873, and urban areas as a development priority.
It also committed to not utilising Māori land for infrastructure purposes.
Mana whenua governor Gail Gordon said the commitments were a positive step forward in the relationship with the councils.
There was also recognition of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and rangatiratanga in the plan.
The Greater Christchurch Partnership was a collaboration between the Waimakariri and Selwyn District Councils, Christchurch City Council, Environment Canterbury, Mana whenua, Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency and government ministers.
For more information visit www.greaterchristchurch.org.nz...
A big thank you to everyone who nominated a small business in this year's Prospa Local Business Hero awards - and who got behind our 11 regional finalists and voted.
And a huge congratulations to Meg Wilson - the founder of PAWS (Pet Animal Welfare Shops) across South Waikato! Meg's … View moreA big thank you to everyone who nominated a small business in this year's Prospa Local Business Hero awards - and who got behind our 11 regional finalists and voted.
And a huge congratulations to Meg Wilson - the founder of PAWS (Pet Animal Welfare Shops) across South Waikato! Meg's passion for pets received almost 20% of votes which has seen her walk away with a prize package worth $10,000 to support the work she and her team of volunteers do each day.
Thank you Neighbourly members for rallying around businesses in your community and continuing to show them how valued they are!
Our June Seniors newsletter is out today. In this issue, we focus on the cost of living. We share some practical advice on how to save money on your health, home and everyday expenses plus much more.
Lottery closing soon! Buy your tickets today for a chance to win this brand new, fully furnished home in stunning Taupō.
Worth over $1 million and built to perfection by Jennian Homes, this brand new home features three bedrooms, two bathrooms and boasts a stylish open-plan kitchen, living and… View moreLottery closing soon! Buy your tickets today for a chance to win this brand new, fully furnished home in stunning Taupō.
Worth over $1 million and built to perfection by Jennian Homes, this brand new home features three bedrooms, two bathrooms and boasts a stylish open-plan kitchen, living and dining area for year-round entertainment and comfort.
Situated a short three-minute drive from the shores of Lake Taupō, make this property your permanent residence, a holiday home, rent it or even sell it – it could be all yours for only $15! Be in to win by purchasing your tickets today.
1 only horse shoe on a spike $410
2 only horse shoes balls $390 each
Measured thru the middle to give approx size 560mm great size
Beautifully made by Rangiora Menz Shed
Look fantastic in garden, entrance way or wedding feature.
Pickup Rangiora
Rae Mackay (Rangiora Menz Shed)
0273 621 … View more1 only horse shoe on a spike $410
2 only horse shoes balls $390 each
Measured thru the middle to give approx size 560mm great size
Beautifully made by Rangiora Menz Shed
Look fantastic in garden, entrance way or wedding feature.
Pickup Rangiora
Rae Mackay (Rangiora Menz Shed)
0273 621 601
Rangiora farmer Rodney Back is upset at being charged for water that he's not using.
In fact, no-one is using the water – the charges relate to empty sections he subdivided a few years back.
The Waimakariri District Council says it doesn't matter how much water is being used, or … View moreRangiora farmer Rodney Back is upset at being charged for water that he's not using.
In fact, no-one is using the water – the charges relate to empty sections he subdivided a few years back.
The Waimakariri District Council says it doesn't matter how much water is being used, or whether it's used at all, Beck has to pay a fixed charge.
As a protest, Beck turned on each water supply last week, allowing an estimated 10,000 litres of drinking water a day to run down the drain.
The 78-year-old North Canterbury farmer said he was a firm believer in user pays, but objected to paying for something no-one was using, and planned to leave the taps on until the council intervened.
Read reporter Keiller MacDuff's full report here (subscription required).
You nominated your most-loved locals - now it’s time to vote! We’ve managed to whittle down over a thousand nominations into regional finalists, so we need to know who deserves to win. Regional winners will go into the running for national titles, as judged by a panel led by Peter Gordon, so … View moreYou nominated your most-loved locals - now it’s time to vote! We’ve managed to whittle down over a thousand nominations into regional finalists, so we need to know who deserves to win. Regional winners will go into the running for national titles, as judged by a panel led by Peter Gordon, so make sure to get your votes in.
Head to stuff.co.nz/loveyourlocal to cast your votes, and go into the draw to win a Restaurant Association voucher.
Anyone got an old working twin tub washing machine they want to sell?
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
North Canterbury amateur astronomers are set to help in the tracking of space rocks as they fire through the earth’s atmosphere above Canterbury.
Oxford Area School has joined a nationwide network of meteor trackers by installing a fireball-tracking … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
North Canterbury amateur astronomers are set to help in the tracking of space rocks as they fire through the earth’s atmosphere above Canterbury.
Oxford Area School has joined a nationwide network of meteor trackers by installing a fireball-tracking camera above the entrance to its observatory.
Observatory volunteer Raul Elias-Drago said the camera was up and running and he could remote access it from his home.
There was just a technical issue to overcome, as it appeared the school’s firewall was preventing the uploading of images to the internet.
"It is exciting. You think - wow! It’s mounted, the hard work is done and now it is just a matter of resolving the IT," Mr Elias-Drago said.
The camera was pointing towards the celestial south pole, away from possible light pollution.
Observatories and schools throughout New Zealand were already part of the network with cameras installed.
The Canterbury Astronomical Society has mounted a camera at its observatory at West Melton, near Christchurch, which is pointing west, away from the Christchurch city lights.
The cameras captured the night sky on clear nights, being triggered by bright flashes.
Camera data was uploaded each day to the istrastream.com/rms-gmn/?country=NZ |Global Meteor Network|.
With enough cameras pointing at the night sky, it was possible to triangulate the trajectory, speed and mass of a space rock speeding through the Earth’s atmosphere.
This led to finding a meteorite in Dunedin last year.
It is believed that several meteorites landed in New Zealand each year, although only nine have been documented in the last 160 years.
The cameras were also capable of identifying meteor showers, with one camera capturing 400 meteors in one night last year.
Elias-Drago said the school hoped to use the images in science classes once the camera was fully operational.
Observatory volunteers were planning an event to mark the launch of the meteor camera next month.
Dear neighbours, every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of reader recipes using a seasonal crop. This month, we're on the hunt for cauliflower recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by June 25, 2023. Every published recipe wins a copy of the August issue of NZ Gardener.
Reinvent an old picnic basket into a snazzy new sewing case with fresh Resene colours.
Find out how to revamp your own with our handy advice.
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Plans to protect Oxford’s night sky are gaining momentum.
The Oxford Area School Observatory has met with local stakeholders and now plans to submit an application for dark sky park status with the International Dark-Sky Association.
The ultimate … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Plans to protect Oxford’s night sky are gaining momentum.
The Oxford Area School Observatory has met with local stakeholders and now plans to submit an application for dark sky park status with the International Dark-Sky Association.
The ultimate goal was to become a dark sky reserve, volunteer Raul Elias-Drago said.
He said gaining dark sky park status for the 11,350-hectare Oxford Forest Conservation Area was a good first step.
"There’s no power, no light fittings, so it is very easy to gain accreditation and the Department of Conservation is supportive.
"We can use that to generate momentum and then continue the conversation with the council and local businesses, generate some funds and come back to addressing the lighting in the township."
A dark sky reserve would include the conservation area as the core and the township as the periphery.
Oxford-Ohoka Community Board chairperson Thomas Robson said the board was supportive of the project.
"It is something that has been talked about for a while and there has always been a desire to do it and hopefully it will bring people to the town.
"The observatory is such a great facility and the more well-known it becomes, the more volunteers and support it will generate."
Robson said there would be some challenges in getting a dark sky reserve application together, but he believed the initiative would have broad community support.
"The majority of us moved to Oxford to enjoy the rural lifestyle and part of that is the night sky.
"In the long term it will be a good thing for the community and it is nice to have proposals like this coming to the board which are good news stories."
Elias-Drago gave a presentation to the community board last week before meeting with stakeholders in the Oxford Town Hall.
Stakeholders included local businesses, sports clubs, schools, Oxford Gallery, the Oxford A&P Association, the Department of Conservation, Waimakariri District Council staff and Enterprise North Canterbury (ENC).
"It was a full house and we also had members of the Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand and the International Dark-Sky Association zoom in, in support."
Elias-Drago said there were questions around lighting.
He said good lighting policies could reduce light pollution, improve melatonin levels in humans and improve animal welfare.
"It is not about living in the dark. I want people to have a better life. It is about better living through better lighting."
A study commissioned by ENC suggested a dark sky reserve could generate $5.4 million in additional spending in the town and create up to 24 jobs.
From local democracy reporter David Hill:
Bylaws are ‘‘toothless’’ without enforcement, a Waimakariri district councillor says.
Al Blackie, a retired dentist and volunteer maritime safety officer, has vented his frustrations at boat users who he says are exceeding the 5-knot speed… View moreFrom local democracy reporter David Hill:
Bylaws are ‘‘toothless’’ without enforcement, a Waimakariri district councillor says.
Al Blackie, a retired dentist and volunteer maritime safety officer, has vented his frustrations at boat users who he says are exceeding the 5-knot speed limit on the Kaiapoi River, in violation of a local bylaw.
He said he recently photographed a jet ski doing repeated passes at speed.
“To be fair she slowed down when she got to the marina, and turned around, but she was beating it by the time she got to the coastguard building.
“We are between a rock and hard place because it is a navigation issue, which is Environment Canterbury’s responsibility, and it takes 45 minutes to an hour for them to get here and get a boat on the water, and by then they’re gone.
“One of these days there is going to be carnage.”
Local rowing clubs trained on the river from young children to adults, and it also had an impact on the Kaiapoi River Queen, Blackie said.
The problem was the council had no way of enforcing its bylaws, he said.
Signs were put up to warn of speed limits, but these were often removed, vandalised or used for target practice.
He wanted councils to be given the ability to issue fines.
Blackie said the council faced similar issues when trying to enforce the Pegasus Bay Bylaw.
The Ashley Rakahuri Rivercare Group faced challenges from cats, dogs and vehicles, as well as rats and black-backed gulls, as it sought to protect native birds
“Often it is locals, and their fellow locals, who can be quick to moan about it, but they don’t report it,” Blackie said.
“It is going to take the good locals dobbing in the bad locals to get to the bottom of this.”
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