Spatial plan out for consultation
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Housing options and public transport are key issues in the draft Greater Christchurch Spatial Plan.
Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon says the draft plan seeks to resolve historical issues around kāinga nohoanga development and to unlock investment opportunities.
Consultation on the draft plan is open until July 23 and provides a blueprint for how population and business growth will be accommodated in Greater Christchurch into the future.
"Focusing future development in and around specific areas means we can plan strategically for growth so there’s good public transport, quality high-density housing, and plenty of green spaces to enjoy," Gordon said.
He said the draft plan sought to unlock investment opportunities in the Rangiora and Rolleston town centres, the Christchurch city centre, Papanui, Riccarton and Hornby.
It has been developed by the Whakawhanake Kāinga Komiti (Urban Growth Partnership for Greater Christchurch), and was built on the Huihui Mai - let’s come together engagement earlier this year which received more than 7000 responses.
Housing Minister Megan Woods said the Huihui Mai survey provided some clear signals on ways to meet the needs of present and future generations, and to address challenges of population growth, housing affordability and climate change.
"The Komiti received a strong direction from residents on how to tackle some of the big issues facing the city region, such as improving public transport, building in the right places, strengthening climate resilience and restoring the natural environment."
For mana whenua, the plan identified kāinga nohoanga development within traditional reserve sites, including Māori Reserve 873, and urban areas as a development priority.
It also committed to not utilising Māori land for infrastructure purposes.
Mana whenua governor Gail Gordon said the commitments were a positive step forward in the relationship with the councils.
There was also recognition of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and rangatiratanga in the plan.
The Greater Christchurch Partnership was a collaboration between the Waimakariri and Selwyn District Councils, Christchurch City Council, Environment Canterbury, Mana whenua, Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency and government ministers.
For more information visit www.greaterchristchurch.org.nz...
Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
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?
-
0% Yes
-
0% No
-
0% Other - I'll share below
Canterbury’s Woodend Bypass route confirmed
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
The route of the proposed Woodend Bypass in Canterbury has been confirmed - and it might look familiar to locals.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) says it has decided the stick with the route which was first designated nine years ago.
Engineers reviewed the route after the Government gave them the green light in July to push ahead with plans.
The 9km stretch of road will provide an extension to the Christchurch northern corridor, otherwise known as the Belfast to Pegasus Motorway.
Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey has advocated for the project for several years and said he is thrilled at the latest announcements.
‘‘Many residents across the Waimakariri and further afield will be in no doubt about my passion for this project.
‘‘For far too long now, elderly residents of Woodend have missed medical appointments as they refuse to cross the main road due to safety concerns, and school children have run the gauntlet of getting to and from school.
‘‘Business owners have also suffered because customers refuse to stop on the main road due to traffic.’’
Waimakariri deputy mayor Neville Atkinson said it will be welcome news for local residents.
‘‘It has been a long time coming and the council has always been supportive of this project, so we are delighted that it is moving forward at the pace it is.’’
Last week, Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced plans to build an overpass to replace the Pegasus roundabout and provide better access for Pegasus, Ravenswood and Woodend residents.
He said NZTA will release a request for tender for detailed design and construction supervision this week.
The first stage of early works will likely begin in early 2026 with preparation for road widening to four lanes between Lineside Rd and Cam River, while the main physical works are expected to begin later in 2026.
An NZTA spokesperson said it is too soon for concept drawings to show what the Pegasus interchange will look like.
‘‘We’ll be able to share these as the designs progress during this next phase.’’
Details of how environmental challenges, such as two shingle pit lakes which have been created over the last decade, will be overcome have yet to be released.
Final costs have yet to be determined, but it is believed it will cost hundreds of millions of dollars.
The Woodend Bypass is one of the Government's first five roads of national significance.
The Government is considering roads of national significance to be partially funded by a toll.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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?
-
82.1% Yes
-
15.1% No
-
2.7% Other - I'll share below
Loading…
