Kaiapoi locals left in dark over parking changes
From local democracy reporter Adam Burns:
Community leaders in the Waimakariri are pumping the brakes on a parking restriction overhaul in Kaiapoi, because they suspect many affected residents are oblivious of the proposed changes.
This is despite claims of positive feedback from locals and subsequent endorsements by the town’s community board.
Waimakariri District Council staff have been sent back out to talk to residents, following concerns around the level of awareness and engagement of the changes following a round of consultation last year.
Several changes to parking restrictions around Williams St, Hilton St and Raven Quay were recommended by council, including reductions from P120 to P60 in three areas and increases in two areas, from P15 to P60 and P120 respectively.
The Kaiapoi-Tuawhi Community Board formally backed the changes at a February meeting after three weeks of community engagement in 2021.
But concerns were raised at last week’s District and Planning Regulation Committee meeting around council’s communication with residents during consultation on the plans.
Councillor Kirstyn Barnett queried why residential property owners — facing tougher parking restrictions on Ravens Quay — had been left in the dark after council staff admitted it only canvassed views of businesses in the area.
"Why wouldn’t you notify the residents with a letter that there were proposed changes outside their houses."
Deputy mayor Neville Atkinson said there were business owners on Hilton St who also "had no idea".
Between 60 to 70 flyers around the parking proposal were delivered to businesses and retailers in the CBD, a council report said.
Council business and centres advisor Vanessa Thompson said approaches were made to retailers and property owners "directly affected" by the changes, but some may have been missed.
Atkinson suggested another round of engagement with the community to avoid a "possible uproar".
Mayor Dan Gordon also had reservations and recommended further discussions with Kaiapoi locals.
The report said an online survey was also conducted around the changes, recording a total of 30 responses.
"Community feedback indicates that the six proposed parking restriction changes are generally supported with the majority share in favour."
Further feedback outlined frustration about a lack of consistent parking enforcement, but the matter was not specifically addressed by its recommendations.
Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut
This Wednesday, we're having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with John Bracewell from Crewcut.
John Bracewell, former Black Caps coach turned Franchisee Development Manager and currently the face of Crewcut’s #Movember campaign, knows a thing or two about keeping the grass looking sharp—whether it’s on a cricket pitch or in your backyard!
As a seasoned Crewcut franchisee, John is excited to answer your lawn and gardening questions. After years of perfecting the greens on the field, he's ready to share tips on how to knock your garden out of the park. Let's just say he’s as passionate about lush lawns as he is about a good game of cricket!
John is happy to answer questions about lawn mowing, tree/hedge trimming, tidying your garden, ride on mowing, you name it! He'll be online on Wednesday, 27th of November to answer them all.
Share your question below now ⬇️
Riddle Alert! Who’s Up for Some Brain-Busting Fun?
4-letter word, always done tomorrow,
We’re out of tea, the ultimate sorrow!
Without the eye, you owe me some money,
No sugar no nectar no sweetness no honey,
4-letter word, if by chance you choose,
You can never win, you can only lose!
What is the 4-letter word?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
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Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
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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82.5% Yes
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14.9% No
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2.6% Other - I'll share below
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