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By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter. Photo: Lightyears Solar Ltd co-founders Matt Shanks (left) and Sean Toban.
A North Canterbury residents group has called for a proposed solar farm consent application to be publicly notified.
Community concern at a proposal to build a 180.8-hectare … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter. Photo: Lightyears Solar Ltd co-founders Matt Shanks (left) and Sean Toban.
A North Canterbury residents group has called for a proposed solar farm consent application to be publicly notified.
Community concern at a proposal to build a 180.8-hectare solar farm near Waipara, north of Amberley, has prompted the Waipara Residents’ Association to write to the Hurunui District Council to press for it to be notified.
Far North Solar Farm Ltd applied to the Hurunui District Council in March for resource consents for its proposal.
The company is proposing to build a 143.8 MWp solar farm on a 242.4ha property next to State Highway 7 near Waipara.
Waipara Residents’ Association chairperson Steven Ellis said the committee has written to the council to request the consent applications ‘‘be publicly notified and not fast tracked’’.
‘‘It is important that community members be given the opportunity to be heard, through a submission process, regarding their thoughts about the proposed use of this farm land.’’
Community concern led to the group Save Waipara Valley being formed last year.
A Hurunui District Council spokesperson said the application is on hold, while the applicant commissions peer reviews of the landscape and visual effects, and glint and glare effects.
No decision has been made whether to notify the consent.
Meanwhile, the Waimakariri District Council has received resource consent applications for solar farms at Swannanoa and Sefton.
Auckland-based Lightyears Solar Ltd has applied for a resource consent to build an eight hectare solar farm at Swannanoa.
A council spokesperson said staff are working through the notification process, but no decision on notification has been made.
The council could decide to have no notification, a limited notification with neighbours and affected parties, or a full public notification.
Lightyears Solar Ltd co-founder and development manager Matt Shanks said his company proposed building ‘‘a mid-sized, dual use solar farm’’.
The farm will generate six megawatts of renewable energy, which will mostly be consumed locally ‘‘providing for some of Rangiora’s daytime energy needs’’, he said.
He said Lightyears Solar has contacted the immediate neighbours to the farm, as part of the consent process.
An Australian company Energy Bay Ltd has applied for a resource consent to build a solar farm on 80ha at Sefton.
The council spokesperson said the application was on hold, awaiting more information.
No decision has been made whether to notify the consent.
Environment Canterbury has received consent applications from Lightyears Solar, which are on hold awaiting further information.
But the regional council has no active consent applications from Far North Solar Farm Ltd and Energy Bay Ltd for solar farms in North Canterbury.
The Waimakariri District Council granted a consent, subject to conditions, in April for MainPower, North Canterbury’s energy network, to construct a solar farm on a 10 hectare site at Thongcaster Rd at Eyrewell Forest, to the north of Waimakariri River.
The site is expected to produce enough energy to power 1250 local homes through MainPower’s distribution network.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Continuing with Neighbourly's online Q&A with experts in their field, this week we are tackling online safety with Jandy Fiske from Netsafe.
Jandy Fiske has been with Netsafe for nearly 8 years. Starting on their helpline, she's now Netsafe's Community Engagement Advisor. … View moreContinuing with Neighbourly's online Q&A with experts in their field, this week we are tackling online safety with Jandy Fiske from Netsafe.
Jandy Fiske has been with Netsafe for nearly 8 years. Starting on their helpline, she's now Netsafe's Community Engagement Advisor. Jandy says: 'I'm passionate about online safety because I strongly oppose bullying and want to support those affected by it.'
Jandy is passionate about protecting vulnerable communities and is promoting online safety to ensure no one falls prey to online scams. She can answer your questions about any type of online scams, and also about online harm such as online bullying.
↓ Ask your question below now and she'll be online on Wednesday, 11th September to reply to you ↓
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 … View moreA 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.
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Winter’s almost over, and while many of us are shaking off the chilly months spent indoors, Wendy and John from Keith Park Village have been making the most of every moment. For this couple, winter isn’t a time to hunker down – it’s the perfect season to jet off to warmer climates and … View moreWinter’s almost over, and while many of us are shaking off the chilly months spent indoors, Wendy and John from Keith Park Village have been making the most of every moment. For this couple, winter isn’t a time to hunker down – it’s the perfect season to jet off to warmer climates and explore hidden corners of the world.
Click read more for the full story.
For only $15 a ticket, you could win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home located in the coastal town of Cooks Beach, Coromandel.
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Put an empty wine bottle to good use with this feeder finished in Resene Clover that can cater for a range of garden birds.
Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Amberley's role in studying the Earth’s magnetic field is set to remembered.
The Amberley Domain was home to a geophysics observatory from 1913 until 1978, playing its part in studying electrical storms and aurora.
Jo Hassall, who chairs the … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Amberley's role in studying the Earth’s magnetic field is set to remembered.
The Amberley Domain was home to a geophysics observatory from 1913 until 1978, playing its part in studying electrical storms and aurora.
Jo Hassall, who chairs the Hurunui District Council’s south ward committee, said the community planned to erect a park bench, picnic table and a display board in the domain to tell the story.
‘‘It is going to be quite exciting,’’ she said.
‘‘The building is long gone and there is nothing to say there was once a geophysics observatory in the domain.
‘‘If we don’t preserve these sites, they are lost forever.’’
She said the process started after a letter was received from an astronomer in Rolleston, alerting the ward committee to the domain’s illustrious past.
A working bee is being planned to clear the area and remove some dead trees, while the Amberley Reserve Advisory Group is going to apply for funding to support the project.
Hassall said it will add value to the site, as there is nowhere for parents to sit while children are playing on the tennis and netball courts at the domain.
‘‘It will be a lovely area when it is finished and there is a beautiful view out to Mt Grey.’’
The observatory was originally established in the Christchurch Botanic Gardens in the 19th century, but was moved to Amberley in 1913, according to a Christchurch City Council report.
‘‘The introduction of the electric tram system affected some of the observatory’s instrumentation making it difficult to obtain accurate records,’’ the report says.
‘‘In 1913 a new magnetograph was acquired and located offsite in the Amberley Domain, North Canterbury.’’
Observations continued at the Christchurch site, alongside the Amberley observatory which was tucked into an embankment.
An article on the teara.govt.nz website says the observatory was moved to Eyrewell, near Oxford, in 1978 due to the growth of Amberley.
The observatories have operated alongside other New Zealand magnetic observatories at Apia in Samoa and Scott Base in Antarctica, with the data shared as part of a global network.
The GNS Science geomagnetics team continues to measure and monitor the magnetic field from the Eyrewell observatory.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Are you planning your next getaway? Organising a holiday is exciting, but the journey itself can sometimes be a little overwhelming. To ensure your trip is smooth from start to finish, here are some top tips from the travel experts at You, Me and Friends to help you avoid common travel pitfalls and… View moreAre you planning your next getaway? Organising a holiday is exciting, but the journey itself can sometimes be a little overwhelming. To ensure your trip is smooth from start to finish, here are some top tips from the travel experts at You, Me and Friends to help you avoid common travel pitfalls and enjoy a carefree vacation.
Click read more for the full story.
With a clever bit of colour matching and spot patching you can have your front door tidied up quickly.
Check out our handy advice to get the job done.
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
North Canterbury's mayors are thrilled a youth employment programme has received funding for another 12 months.
Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston announced $9 million in funding last week, which will allow the Mayors’ … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
North Canterbury's mayors are thrilled a youth employment programme has received funding for another 12 months.
Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston announced $9 million in funding last week, which will allow the Mayors’ Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ) programme to be extended to June 2026.
The announcement followed calls from the mayors recently for funding assurances for the programme, which helps young people get into employment, amid a rising unemployment rate.
Kaikōura district councillor Vicki Gulleford said she was pleased with the announcement.
‘‘We don't know how this will be distributed throughout the participating programmes or what the expected number of outcomes will be.
‘‘However, we are very hopeful that the strong successes Kaikōura has achieved through our previous delivery of the programme will stand us in good stead for continuing with a similar or increased contract for the next year.
‘‘Kaikoura District Council will continue to partner with Te Hā o Mātauranga to deliver the programme locally.’’
The Kaikōura MTFJ programme was contracted for 38 sustainable (at least 91 days), full-time employment placements, for the year to June 30 and placed 48 people, including 44 youth.
The Hurunui programme is contracted for 15 placements, and placed 16 young people.
Hurunui mayor Marie Black said she was ‘‘thrilled there is a longer term vision to enable the programme to continue to grow’’.
‘‘The mahi is important for our young people, to remain connected, confident and contribute to our district.
‘‘This extended focus is important for our wonderful employers and our partnership with MSD.’’
The Waimakariri District Council only joined the programme at the beginning of last year, but has enjoyed some positive outcomes, Mayor Dan Gordon said.
MTFJ Waimakariri facilitator Elizabeth Trevathan said about 130 referrals or contacts from job seekers have been received in the last 12 months.
‘‘On average we have around 40 job seekers actively engaged at any one time.’’
While the Waimakariri programme was funded for 14 placements, it placed 29 people, including 26 youth in the year to June 30.
A further 20 young people have been placed into part-time, casual or fixed term employment contracts.
‘‘This programme is a great example of localism in action,’’ Gordon said.
‘‘It utilises local knowledge and relationships to help young people secure work and start careers that will help them throughout their lives.
‘‘There is a real demand and need for it and our council will be seeking to continue the programme and continue helping young people in Waimakariri.’’
The Ministry of Social Development funds the programme.
Upston said the Government’s focus is on getting people into employment and supporting community-led programmes with a proven track record.
The national unemployment rate continues to climb, reaching 4.6% in the June quarter, with young people aged 16 to 24-years the hardest hit.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Police have arrested every patched member of the Christchurch chapter of the Comancheros yesterday, in a significant operation targeting the gang.
Millions of dollars’ worth of illicit drugs have been seized as Police yesterday terminated about 70 warrants as part of the eight-month … View morePolice have arrested every patched member of the Christchurch chapter of the Comancheros yesterday, in a significant operation targeting the gang.
Millions of dollars’ worth of illicit drugs have been seized as Police yesterday terminated about 70 warrants as part of the eight-month investigation, dubbed Operation Avon.
In total, 29 warrants were executed on addresses and more than 40 warrants executed on vehicles, predominately in the Christchurch area, with a handful in Auckland.
Approximately 5kg of class A drugs were seized, along with 11 firearms, ammunition, and about $250,000 cash.
Eighteen men aged between 18 and 55 were arrested and have been charged, including every patched Comancheros Christchurch member.
As part of enforcement activity Police have also restrained $1.9 million dollars of assets, consisting of an Auckland property and 11 vehicles.
The Christchurch chapter of the Comancheros became a priority target of the National Organised Crime Group (NOCG), supported by Canterbury Police, as their brazen alleged offending spread across New Zealand.
“Early on, our investigation identified significant drug offending involving the Class A controlled drugs methamphetamine and cocaine, and extensive money laundering,” says Detective Inspector Darrin Thomson.
“Class A drugs cause untold harm and misery in our communities and the impact on families is intolerable.
“These groups have no hesitation in peddling drugs and accumulating vehicles and property, with no regard for the destruction they cause in everyday New Zealanders’ lives.
“We have no doubt that this disruption of the Comanchero gang will have a positive impact on the drug supply chain across the country.”
Police allege the gang organised for drugs and cash to be relayed between Auckland and Christchurch every few weeks.
Detective Inspector Thomson said over a million dollars’ worth of drugs at wholesale value were believed to have been moved between the North and South Island, which Police will allege at prosecution equates to more than $15 million street value.
The 18 men have made a first appearance at court in Christchurch and Auckland. Charges include participating in an organised criminal group, conspiracy to supply methamphetamine, and conspiracy to supply cocaine.
Further charges, including money laundering and drug dealing charges, are being considered ahead of future appearances.
“NZ Police is committed to putting an end to the harm organised criminal groups perpetuate across New Zealand,” says Detective Inspector Thomson.
“Operation Avon is holding those responsible to account following a meticulous investigation and coordinated response.
“Pivotally, arresting every member of the chapter will put an end to their unwanted presence in our Christchurch community.”
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Efforts to develop a new Canterbury cricket ground are being delayed due to confusion over who has responsibility.
Hurunui District Council chief executive Hamish Dobbie said staff were hampered in their ability to progress the development of Amberley … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Efforts to develop a new Canterbury cricket ground are being delayed due to confusion over who has responsibility.
Hurunui District Council chief executive Hamish Dobbie said staff were hampered in their ability to progress the development of Amberley Eastern Reserve due to the wording of a council resolution passed five years ago.
‘‘We just need to know who is giving direction so we can get on and do it.’’
The council has been revising its reserve management plan, which helps to shape how large green spaces are used in the region.
The Eastern Reserve attracted the most interest during the recent consultation with mixed views on the cricket ground proposal.
Cricket is proposed to be the main sport at the four hectare reserve, while a potential play area, pump track and tennis courts are also being considered.
In 2019, the council passed a resolution where it directed the Amberley Reserve Advisory Group to update its charter to include the Eastern Reserve, with the council retaining control of the reserve’s development.
But Dobbie said the wording of the resolution had created confusion over who made the final decision.
Alongside the council, there are a number of interested parties including the council’s South Ward Committee, the Amberley Reserve Advisory Group, sporting organisations and local residents, all wanting to have a say.
‘‘Officers are of the view that the council intended to retain direct governance of the Eastern Reserve throughout its development and that the council would work with the Amberley Reserve Advisory Group and the various sporting bodies,’’ Dobbie said.
At a council meeting on Tuesday[August 27], councillors directed staff to prepare a paper for the September council meeting to clarify the decision making process.
Consultation of the revamped reserve management plan has been completed, with the council due to adopt the new plan at either the September or October council meeting.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
The restoration of an historic Hanmer Springs building remains on track, despite a budget blowout.
The Hurunui District Council will seek a $300,00 grant from the Rata Foundation towards a $425,000 funding shortfall for the restoration of the former … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
The restoration of an historic Hanmer Springs building remains on track, despite a budget blowout.
The Hurunui District Council will seek a $300,00 grant from the Rata Foundation towards a $425,000 funding shortfall for the restoration of the former Soldiers’ Block in the Queen Mary Historic Reserve.
The Soldiers’ Block was opened in 1916 to rehabilitate soldiers returning from World War I, and was later used as a drug and alcohol treatment facility, while the site also has cultural significance for Ngāti Kurī.
Speaking at Tuesday’s (August 27) council meeting, chief strategy and community officer Judith Batchelor said the project budget has been revised to $3.6 million, after just under $3.18m was budgeted in the council’s 2023 annual plan.
She said the funding shortfall was due to expected increases in materials costs and changes to the heating system, while the removal of linings and floor coverings revealed structural elements which were not shown on the original building plans.
The remaining $125,000 will be funded from the Queen Mary Development Contributions Fund.
The funding will allow the first two stages of the project to be completed, with the building on track to reopen on Anzac Day next year.
Stage one is earthquake strengthening and bringing the building to code, while stage two will see the main hall reinstated for community use.
The long-term vision will be to establish a museum with an interactive experience called ‘‘A Place of Light and Life’’, which will tell the story of the site.
But it will require the community to raise a further $6 million and discussions have begun around creating a temporary exhibition.
Batchelor said conversations have already been held with the Rata Foundation.
‘‘Our conversations with Rata have been around how we can keep the story alive during the different stages of the project.
‘‘We have a video and bed and I’m confident we can get our hands on more information for the exhibition space to provide a wet weather activity and an educational opportunity for the 15,000 school children that visit Hanmer Springs.’’
The council also approved the use of $430,000, from interest accrued from the Queen Mary Development Contributions Fund, to help kick start fundraising efforts for the next stage.
Hanmer Springs councillor Tom Davies said developing the Queen Mary Historic Reserve, including the Soldiers’ Block, is ‘‘a key anchor project for Hanmer Springs’’.
‘‘The support of the locals is just amazing,’’ he said.
‘‘I have been lucky enough to have a look inside a couple of times and now that the panels have been removed you can see the architectural genius of the building.
‘‘It is an absolute gem for Hurunui and it will be something we can be so proud of when it is finished.’’
The $3.6m restoration project is being funded by a Lotteries grant, $1.5m from the Government’s Better Off funding, development contributions and a grant from the council’s Earthquake Prone Buildings Fund.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Our village is open and you’re invited to explore it. Discover our living and care options, tour our show homes, and see the amenities on offer.
Come along and experience why New Zealanders have voted us most trusted brand, for the tenth time.
We look forward to seeing you.
The meaning of retirement is changing. It’s no longer just about saying goodbye to work - it’s now an opportunity to try something new or keep doing what you love. Rather than hanging up their hats, many of today’s retirees are redefining this phase by staying active through part-time jobs, … View moreThe meaning of retirement is changing. It’s no longer just about saying goodbye to work - it’s now an opportunity to try something new or keep doing what you love. Rather than hanging up their hats, many of today’s retirees are redefining this phase by staying active through part-time jobs, volunteering, or even launching new careers.
Living in a retirement village doesn’t necessarily mean you’re done with work either; rather, it offers the opportunity to explore different activities, pursue long-held passions, and discover new interests. In fact, many people find the lifestyle gives them more freedom to stay engaged and active through work they enjoy.
Click read more for the full story.
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