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476 days ago

Waka Kotahi - 'sabotaging growth' after it opposes massive housing development

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Otago News

A growing Central Otago town may be denied a 500 section development, after Waka Kotahi cited concerns over climate change and the lack of public transport.

But that position has angered outspoken Otago Regional Council councillor, Michael Laws, who lives in Cromwell.

‘’Waka Kotahi are sabotaging growth in Central Otago and the likes,’’ he said on Thursday, the same day as submissions to the Central Otago District Council closed.

‘’This is something that will benefit our entire region.’’

About 10km west of Cromwell, company Fulton Hogan plans to rezone about 118ha of a former quarry into a 90ha residential area, including a 5ha business park and 22ha industrial area.

But a major road block for that development is the position taken by Waka Kotahi, which partly funds public transport in Queenstown and Dunedin – but not in Central Otago – one of the fastest-growing regions in the country.

Read the full story from reporters Joanne Naish and Hamish McNeilly here (subscription required).

More messages from your neighbours
8 hours ago

Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.

This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.

Do you think this ban is reasonable?

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Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
  • 77% Yes
    77% Complete
  • 22.3% No
    22.3% Complete
  • 0.8% Other - I'll share below
    0.8% Complete
382 votes
16 days ago

What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.

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7 days ago

Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.

When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?

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Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
  • 82.1% Yes
    82.1% Complete
  • 15.2% No
    15.2% Complete
  • 2.8% Other - I'll share below
    2.8% Complete
2486 votes