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821 days ago

Extension to Christchurch tram allows patrons to circle the city

The Team Reporter from The Press

The extension to Christchurch's tram has finally been completed and was opened to the public on Thursday.

Trams now continue travelling from the corner of Manchester St along High St, up Tuam St and turning into Poplar St before heading back down Lichfield St.

Christchurch City Council head of transport and waste management Lynette Ellis said the project had "really added to the special character of High St".

A new tram stop and shelter had also been installed at the intersection of Tuam and High
streets intersection

The life-sized bronze corgis that were installed in High St
in 2003 to mark the Queen’s golden jubilee have been moved to sit
beside the new shelter.

Jewel Lewis, 78, made the most of her time hunkering down at home during Covid to create a special tribute to Christchurch's tram.

"Forty years ago, while driving down the long drive into the Canterbury Sun Club at Rolleston, I was always taken with an old tram sitting in a paddock and used as a shed. Our Pop was particularly fond of it as he used to drive the same tram on the Sumner route many years before," she said.

"It has since been on my bucket list to replicate this in miniature and I have finally done so. I researched it, drew up all the plans ... and sent it through to my 85-year-old friend who has a laser cutter in his back shed."

She then made kits for her miniaturist-loving friends. The photos below show one tram in pristine form "as a lady shed snug" and one in "bashed form where it turns into an old decrepit shed".

More messages from your neighbours
5 days ago

Poll: Do you mind when neighbours leave freebies on the street?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Some spare wood, used furniture or children's toys - do you mind when your neighbours leave goods on the street for others to make use of?

Share your thoughts in the comments and poll below.

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Do you mind when neighbours leave freebies on the street?
  • 83.4% It's fine!
    83.4% Complete
  • 14.8% It annoys me!
    14.8% Complete
  • 1.9% Other - I'll share below
    1.9% Complete
3649 votes
5 days ago

Poll: Should the Christchurch Southern Motorway have a 110kph speed limit?

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

The government wants to increase the speed limit on Christchurch’s Southern Motorway to Rolleston to 110kph.

The proposed change would apply from the Curletts Rd interchange in Addington to the Weedons Rd interchange in Rolleston.

Transport Minister Simeon Brown said it would mean faster journey times for Kiwis travelling in and out of Christchurch.

“Boosting economic growth and productivity is a key part of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy. This proposal supports that outcome by reducing travel times and increasing efficiency on this key South Island freight route.”

“We know how critical this connection is for motorists and freight operators, and we’re committed to ensuring that this state highway enables people to get to where they want to go, quickly and safely.”

Brown said the Southern Motorway was built to a high safety standard, with features “that greatly reduce the risk of death or serious injury in a crash”, including a flexible median barrier, and a smooth alignment which offers good visibility for drivers.

In July, Selwyn mayor Sam Broughton wrote to the Ministry of Transport, Brown and Act Party leader David Seymour suggesting the speed limit be increased to 120kph.

“Whether it is for general traffic, direct public transport services, or moving freight ... increasing the speed ... will assist in improving efficiency and connectivity while still being safe,” he wrote.

“This is reflected in generally higher average speeds above 100kph we already observe along the motorway.”

Consultation on the increased speed limit begins on September 3 and closes on October 1.

Read more local news at thepress.co.nz |thepress.co.nz|.

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Should the Christchurch Southern Motorway have a 110kph speed limit?
  • 45.2% Yes
    45.2% Complete
  • 52.4% No
    52.4% Complete
  • 2.4% I'm not sure/something else (tell us in the comments)
    2.4% Complete
372 votes
10 days ago

Meet Councillor Genevieve Robinson - Ōhoko/Christchurch Central constituency

The Team from Environment Canterbury

A close-up experience with Tutumairekurai/Hector’s dolphins reinforced Councillor Genevieve Robinson’s commitment to protecting our coastal environment.

She’s also kept on her toes by our Youth Rōpu, who bring fresh perspectives and challenge us to think differently about the issues we face.

Hear more from Councillor Robinson, who represents Ōhoko/Christchurch Central, as she shares her views.

youtu.be...