Changing Seasons!
Hi Neighbours,
As we approach summer we are reminded of the change we are seeing in our New Zealand seasons.
We can all recall the images of the impacts of extreme recent rains in urban Auckland and rural Canterbury. As summer temperatures warm and the season gets longer and longer, the cooling degree day analysis and heatwave days can help you to prepare for such events.
Climate Insights has added two new variables to its Residential Property Climate Risk Report: tropical cyclone and tsunami risk. Information is knowledge. A Climate Insights property report on your residential property also includes tips on what can be done to improve the resilience of your property and householders to emerging weather and climate risks. It only takes minutes to generate a report for any address.
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% Yes, it's fair
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10.3% No, it's unreasonable
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0.6% Other - I'll share below
Cyclists forced to use ‘more dangerous’ crossing if cycleway closed
Closing a Christchurch cycleway to avoid an unsafe rail crossing will lead cyclists across an even “more dangerous” crossing, cycling advocates say.
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has weighed in on the issue, calling the move to shut a 1.5km section of the Heathcote Expressway for up to two years, “illogical”. He has asked KiwiRail to explain.
KiwiRail is demanding Christchurch City Council close part of the expressway until $6.5 million worth of safety improvements can be made to the Scruttons Rd rail crossing.
It said the “unsafe” crossing posed the risk of death or serious injury once every thousand years.
What do you do think? Read the full story by reporters Sinead Gill and Tina Law here and tell us what you think in the comments. (A subscription is required, but you can see two free articles a month).
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.