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By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Some Waimakariri residents may be charged a future targeted rate to help fund flood protection work on a North Canterbury river.
Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon says he is open to an Environment Canterbury (ECan) proposal for an Ashley/Rakahuri River rate … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Some Waimakariri residents may be charged a future targeted rate to help fund flood protection work on a North Canterbury river.
Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon says he is open to an Environment Canterbury (ECan) proposal for an Ashley/Rakahuri River rate to protect Rangiora against flooding.
He said it was time to consider funding river resilience ‘‘on a more equitable basis’’, including co-funding from the Government.
‘‘I look forward to discussing more with ECan what exactly is being proposed and how that would look.
‘‘I think we can all agree that what we have in place currently is not broad enough to cover all of the issues and it is timely to review.’’
There were river rating areas in place for the upper Ashley River, but not for the lower reaches, making it difficult for the two councils to fund river resilience work.
ECan and other regional councils have been advocating for central Government support for river resilience projects for several years.
It led to the ‘Before the Deluge' report, which was released just before Cyclone Gabrielle struck parts of the North Island last year.
The Government recently made funding available as part of its new regional infrastructure fund in Budget 2024.
ECan acting chairperson Craig Pauling said the council had asked for $38 million and so far has received $9.5m.
The initial funding would help with three projects, including upgrades to critical and aged flood management infrastructure across the region to make it more resilient to the changing climate.
Further work on the Rangitata flood resilience programme and projects in South Canterbury will also be funded.
Pauling said the council’s priority was building up the strength of its various catchments, with many of them not already rated.
‘‘It helps us to get on and get it sorted and get those rivers more resilient and communities protected.
‘‘Otherwise it will take us a generation to do it.’’
A targeted rate was introduced for the Selwyn district as part of Environment Canterbury’s 2024-34 Long Term Plan and now the council is looking at other rivers, including the Ashley River.
Pauling said he was hopeful of receiving more funding, with a further $100m still to be allocated.
ECan has also called for a braided river definition to be included in the Government’s legislation to replace the Resource Management Act.
‘‘Because there hasn’t been a definition we have had all sorts of issues come up and it is part of our wider river resilience work,’’ Pauling said.
‘‘The current definition in the RMA is based on a river, but what is a river?
‘‘Some rivers don’t move much, but braided rivers are different and change path a lot and so there needs to be an understanding of where the natural system is.’’
Braided rivers were defined in the previous Labour Government’s Natural and Built Environments Act, which has since been repealed by the National-led Government.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Motorists could be paying a toll to drive a new bypass on State Highway 1, in North Canterbury, once it's complete.
Meanwhile, planned safety improvements to the area have been canned for now, as officials review the planned work as part of the … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Motorists could be paying a toll to drive a new bypass on State Highway 1, in North Canterbury, once it's complete.
Meanwhile, planned safety improvements to the area have been canned for now, as officials review the planned work as part of the Woodend Bypass design.
The Government is considering a proposal for its promised roads of national significance to be partially funded by a toll.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) said the Woodend Bypass has been confirmed as one of the first five roads of national significance and that a safety review will be undertaken.
Associate Transport Minister Matt Doocey said the Government has backed recommendations by NZTA to introduce tolls in its Government Policy Statement on Land Transport.
‘‘As a Government, we are open to a wide range of funding tools to ensure we are able to deliver the roads that will allow kiwis and freight to get to where they want to go quickly and safely.’’
Safety improvements for Woodend’s Main North Rd were announced in December 2022, as part of a $35 million funding package for State Highway 1 between Saltwater Creek and Cam River, with work due to begin this year.
NZTA had previously advised the safety improvements were on hold, pending the revised policy statement on Land Transport.
Doocey said it made sense to have another look at the work programme.
‘‘When you look at the Woodend safety improvement programme, it was in response to Labour cancelling the bypass, so it is right to relook at that programme in the context of the new motorway.’’
The former Government included the Woodend Bypass in its policy statement on Land Transport announced in August 2023.
Funding was also announced in December 2022 for a $6 million project, including cycleways linking Kaiapoi, Woodend and Pegasus, as part of NZTA’s Transport Choices Programme.
But the programme was axed last December by the new Government.
Doocey said the proposed cycleways and an under-pass at the Pegasus roundabout would be considered as part of the final bypass design.
‘‘When you look at the Christchurch Northern Corridor, the (Christchurch to Kaiapoi) cycleway was an important part of it, so I think it would make sense to consider the cycleways and an underpass as part of the bypass design.’’
Woodend-Sefton Community Board chairperson Shona Powell said she welcomed news about the bypass, but the safety improvements were needed now.
‘‘It will take several years to build the bypass. It is just getting frustrating.’’
Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon said he had been seeking clarity about the promised safety improvements without success.
But he welcomed Doocey’s comments that the cycleway and under-pass would be considered as part of the final design.
‘‘It makes total sense to construct this as part of the works and I know the community would be thrilled to have these included.
‘‘This is an incredibly important project for our district and I am delighted by the depth of consideration the Government is giving to it.’’
He would also like to see a cycleway clip-on added to the State Highway 1 bridge over the Ashley-Rakahuri River.
The council has been planning the Kaiapoi to Woodend and Woodend to Pegasus cycleways for several years, along with a Rangiora (Southbrook) cycleway.
Proposed safety improvements had included road widening, wider centrelines and safety barriers, and reducing the speed to 60kph at the Pegasus roundabout, which would have become one lane with raised safety platforms.
Traffic lights were also proposed at the Rangiora-Woodend Rd intersection, roundabouts at the Woodend Beach Rd and Williams St intersections and a crossing refuge for people using bus stops near Pineacres.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Winter is here and it is a great time to get all your interior painting and decorating projects sorted.
Get in touch with Andy and the friendly team
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Car parking needs to be ‘‘accessible and user-friendly’’, say Rangiora and Kaiapoi business owners.
The Waimakariri District Council is planning to develop parking management plans for the district’s two main town centres over the next 12 to … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Car parking needs to be ‘‘accessible and user-friendly’’, say Rangiora and Kaiapoi business owners.
The Waimakariri District Council is planning to develop parking management plans for the district’s two main town centres over the next 12 to 18 months.
Kaiapoi Promotions Association acting chairperson Martin Pinkham said parking has not been adequately provided for as the town centre has developed.
Pinkham said the situation was ‘‘complicated’’ as the main shopping area was centred on the town’s main access route, Williams St, which had about 15,000 vehicle movements a day.
‘‘People who are a bit older don’t like parking in the main street because they don’t feel safe.’’
He said the car park behind the Ruataniwha Kaiapoi Civic Centre and Library was often full, while the recent commercial developments to the north of the river were developed without adequate parking.
New subdivisions such as Silverstream and Sovereign Palms were several kilometres from the town centre and there was no viable public transport system to provide connections.
Pinkham suggested a shuttle service could be introduced to support the growth in Kaiapoi and Rangiora.
Rangiora’s town centre also has its challenges, but local business owner Karl Howarth said there were good parking options, for now.
‘‘I don’t think there is a massive issue with parking at the moment,’’ Howarth said.
‘‘But we want to keep a vibrant town centre and we don’t have a viable public transport service, so people are reliant on their cars.’’
He said a parking building needed to be part of the council’s long-term planning.
Speaking at last week’s council meeting, the council’s strategy and programme senior adviser, Heike Downie, said $80,000 had been set aside in the 2024-34 long-term plan to develop the parking management plans.
She said the National Policy Statement for Urban Development removed the requirement for private developers to provide parking, which placed pressure on existing parking supply.
The potential for a parking building in Rangiora was identified in the council’s North of High Street Development Plan, developed following the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes.
Council staff have already held workshops with the Kaiapoi-Tuahiwi and Rangiora-Ashley community boards and planned to engage with local businesses over the next few months.
A community survey was also planned, Downie said.
A Southbrook (Rangiora) development plan is also in the pipeline.
The council also plans to begin conversations with the Oxford-Ohoka and Woodend-Sefton community boards about parking needs.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
North Canterbury’s three councils have thrown their weight behind a plan to tackle climate change.
The Waimakariri, Hurunui and Kaikōura councils have endorsed the Canterbury Mayoral Forum’s draft climate partnership plan.
Waimakariri mayor Dan … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
North Canterbury’s three councils have thrown their weight behind a plan to tackle climate change.
The Waimakariri, Hurunui and Kaikōura councils have endorsed the Canterbury Mayoral Forum’s draft climate partnership plan.
Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon, who chairs the mayoral forum’s climate action reference group, said by working together larger councils could help the smaller councils.
‘‘Climate change doesn’t recognise territorial boundaries, so we need something that works across Canterbury.
‘‘Christchurch is further ahead, which is fantastic, and in Waimakariri we are developing our work programme.’’
The Waimakariri District Council adopted its natural environment strategy at a council meeting last week, after completing its consultation alongside the long-term plan.
The 30-year strategy aims to protect the district’s natural ecosystems and its special indigenous biodiversity.
Gordon said the mayors hoped to officially launch the Canterbury Climate Partnership Plan later this year and he planned to invite Climate Change Minister Simon Watts.
‘‘I have raised with the Minister about attending a public launch to provide some inspiration of what can be done in other regions.’’
The plan sets out 10 climate actions to help the 11 Canterbury councils prepare for ‘‘a sustainable future’’.
The actions included understanding climate risks and improving resilience, reducing emissions, adaptation planning, nature-based solutions, education and advocacy, supporting papatipu rūnanga, integrating climate change considerations into council processes, identifying co-funding opportunities, monitoring and evaluation, and implementation.
Hurunui mayor Marie Black said her council had endorsed the plan in principle.
The Hurunui District Council was represented on the climate action reference group by Councillor Dave Hislop, a dairy farmer.
‘‘Dave brings a pragmatic approach and he is grounded in farming principles,’’ Black said.
Hislop and other rural councillors had questioned aspects of the plan and science behind it, before giving their support, chief executive Hamish Dobbie said.
‘‘I think it has been through a robust process and councillors of all persuasions have been involved.
‘‘We might not 100% agree with everything, but it is important Canterbury stands together and is seen to be working together.
‘‘There is a desire for us to thrive and do well and loom large in the consciousness of the Government and the Canterbury Climate Partnership Plan is just one of those things which we are working on collectively.’’
Kaikōura District Council chief executive Will Doughty said his council had endorsed the plan and budgeted for its contribution over the next three years in its long-term plan.
‘‘We believe it is a great initiative to be looking at the issues from a wider regional perspective.
‘‘We are very keen to see some tangible outcomes from the climate actions.’’
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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Bicycle in good condition. 8 speed. Included - extra padded seat, front carrier basket, side mirror, helmet, hi-viz vest. Pick up Rangiora. Ph or text 021 084 37041. DO NOT use messenger to contact me. Thank you.
Hello Neighbours
I have two different blends of Magnesium Chloride Spray. One can be used by the whole family the other has Boron added to help anyone suffering from arthritis pain. The most recent research into the effectiveness of Boron for arthritis shows a dramatic reduction in symptoms has … View moreHello Neighbours
I have two different blends of Magnesium Chloride Spray. One can be used by the whole family the other has Boron added to help anyone suffering from arthritis pain. The most recent research into the effectiveness of Boron for arthritis shows a dramatic reduction in symptoms has been achieved within 3 – 6 months.
Magnesium is essential for life, but most people are not getting enough and aging much faster than necessary, both inside and out.
Pain, arthritis and osteoporosis are not caused by aging. We are NOT destined to grow old in pain. Magnesium is believed to be a natural pain receptor blocker, making it the perfect first go-to when muscles, nerves, connective tissue and bones need any kind of support.
Click on the Read More for information on each of the Magnesium Chloride Sprays
1st one - For the Whole Family
2nd one - Arthritis Pain
Pickup from Room to Heal or Courier Service available
Room to Heal in Rangiora
Reiki Practitioner
Therapeutic Massage Therapist
Bioptron Medical Hyperlight Light Therapist
Love and Light
Rae
Good condition, as photo I have used on a free standing lamp and as a shade on ceiling nice pattern display on ceiling pm me or text 0212095513
Looking for a window cleaner to do inside and outside of a 3 bedroom home in Burnt Hill.
Please text Rae 0273 621 601
...You can see right through them.
No, we haven't lost the plot! July 1st is International Joke Day and because laughter is good for your body, we want to get involved.
So, go on, jokers! Share your best joke below...
Note change of time from summer start time.
Next family-friendly monthly service - Sunday, 4 August at the Ashley Community Church. With shorter days the gathering will start at 3.30 pm with a shared afternoon tea. Remember to bring something to share!
Also remember to go before you come as … View moreNote change of time from summer start time.
Next family-friendly monthly service - Sunday, 4 August at the Ashley Community Church. With shorter days the gathering will start at 3.30 pm with a shared afternoon tea. Remember to bring something to share!
Also remember to go before you come as there is no toilet on site.
Enquiries to Paul or Lesley, Ph 021 140 2074
39 Canterbury St, Ashley.
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
A community leader is relieved a proposed landfill near Oxford, in North Canterbury, won't go ahead.
‘‘We are pleased and relieved for the community that the proposal to create a landfill in the existing Woodstock Quarry site has been … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
A community leader is relieved a proposed landfill near Oxford, in North Canterbury, won't go ahead.
‘‘We are pleased and relieved for the community that the proposal to create a landfill in the existing Woodstock Quarry site has been declined,’’ Thomas Robson (pictured), the Oxford-Ohoka Community Board deputy chairperson, says.
‘‘There was overwhelming community opposition to this proposal due to the unsuitability of the site and the potential damage to the environment.
‘‘This was evident by the huge number of submissions against the proposal, and the amount of negative feedback the community board received.’’
The board was among those who submitted against the proposal, citing traffic, fire safety, dust, operational logistics and amenity effects.
Hearing Commissioners declined an application from Woodstock Quarries Ltd to create a landfill and expand an existing quarry site last week, concluding the applicant provided ‘‘insufficient information’’.
The Oxford-Ohoka Community Board was among those who submitted against the proposal.
Woodstock Quarries Ltd submitted resource consent applications in 2021 with Environment Canterbury (ECan) and the Waimakariri District Council to develop a landfill at 513 Trigg Rd, View Hill, near Oxford.
ECan consent planning manager Aurora Grant said the commissioners concluded the project posed ‘‘unacceptable risk to nationally and regionally significant biodiversity and cultural values’’.
‘‘The decision is consistent with the Environment Canterbury officer’s recommendation, and the position of the Oxford-Ohoka Community Board and Te Ngāi Tūāhuriri Rūnanga.’’
During the consent process, opponents questioned the need for another landfill when the Kate Valley Landfill near Waipara, in North Canterbury had capacity and the Burwood Resource Recovery Park landfill in Christchurch was closed in 2019 due to a lack of use.
In its submission, the Oxford-Ohoka Community Board raised concerns about traffic, fire safety, dust, operational logistics and amenity effects.
In all, 397 submissions were received, with 395 in opposition.
The hearing process took more than 12 months, with 11 joint witness statements, Grant said.
Protestors interrupted a hearing in the Oxford Town Hall in July last year and were verbally abusive towards staff and commissioners.
ECan was forced to temporarily suspend the hearing, which resumed in Oxford the following month
The applicant and submitters can appeal the decision to the Environment Court within 15 working days of receiving the decision.
Woodstock Quarries Ltd director Darryn Shepherd declined to comment.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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