Traffic and noise among concerns for residents against proposed new landfill
From local democracy reporter David Hill:
A proposed proposed landfill near Oxford in North Canterbury could create problems with noise and traffic and have a negative ecological impact, concerned residents say.
About 400 submissions were received in response to resource consent applications lodged last year by Woodstock Quarries with Environment Canterbury (ECan), and a land use consent with the Waimakariri District Council, to develop a landfill at 513 Trig Rd, View Hill, northwest of Oxford.
The company was proposing to expand an existing hard rock quarry and to establish and operate a new solid waste management and disposal facility for the disposal of construction and demolition waste, contaminated soils and special wastes.
A joint hearing to consider the consent application, and the 400 submissions, was due to be held in late March by ECan and the Waimakariri District Council.
ECan councillor Claire McKay said staff were still working through the submissions, but traffic, noise, amenity and recreational values, and ecological impact were dominant themes.
“Residents have the opportunity to further present their concerns as part of an upcoming hearing.”
The hearing will be held before a panel of independent commissioners, and will include evidence and viewpoints presented by the applicant, submitters, and reporting officers.
Once the hearing is completed, the commissioners will have 15 working days to make and announce their decision.
Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon said the council respected the process surrounding resource consents, but did not endorse the landfill application.
“Council provided funding to the Oxford-Ohoka Community Board so they could make a detailed submission opposing the landfill.
“I believe Kate Valley was created to take this type of material and it is our view there is no requirement for another site in Oxford.”
ECan is also processing a resource consent application from Darwin Earthworks Ltd to extract gravel from the Okuku River.
“We need to take the time to fully understand the potential environmental effect of this resource consent application,” council consents planning manager Aurora Grant said.
“We want the best outcome for the environment and the community.”
No decision has been made on whether to notify the Okuku River application.
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I am lighter than air, but a hundred people cannot lift me. What am I?
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Poll: Should drivers retake the theory test every 10 years?
Drivers get where they need to go, but sometimes it seems that we are all abiding by different road rules (for example, the varying ways drivers indicate around a roundabout).
Do you think drivers should be required to take a quick driving theory test every 10 years?
Vote in the poll and share any road rules that you've seen bent! 😱
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47.9% Yes
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50.2% No
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1.9% Other - I'll share below
Hero
“I was born and raised in war. To be honest, those are not good memories.
I really like Iran, and I really miss it, but I couldn’t be myself there. Even though my family didn’t like my decision, I left Iran. I promised myself that I would do whatever I can for all communities, especially for the kids, so they do not have the same experience I had.
I studied software engineering in Iran and left in 2006. I went to Malaysia and stayed in Kuala Lumpur for seven years. I was admitted to Lincoln University to do my PhD here, but unfortunately, I couldn’t afford the expenses. I requested a scholarship, but they told me I had to be there for six months first. So, I stayed in Malaysia and did my PhD in network security. In December 2013, I came to New Zealand with a work visa.
It took me a while to connect with the Iranian community here. I volunteered with the Multicultural Council, SPCA, and community patrol, and I established the Christchurch Iranian Society in 2017. Before that, I started working on Radio Toranj, the only Farsi-language radio show in New Zealand.
One of the reasons I started organizing cultural events was to showcase Iranian culture. I wanted to show people that we have delicious food, colorful dresses, traditional customs, and our own instruments. My hope was to show people that we are not what you see in the media.
I am working to involve all the communities that celebrate Nowruz, the Persian New Year, in the Nowruz festival in March 2025. We want to share this celebration not only with our community but with the public as well. It’s better when it’s shared.
I remember the first time someone from Dunedin called me and asked, Hero, can you help? Something happened, and they keep declining Iranian visa applications. When I heard that, I felt insulted. We are still human, so how can they do that?
Through this journey, I’ve learned a lot. Every single day, people with different cases call me, and I try to share my knowledge and guide them as much as I can.
I have received several awards, including the Christchurch Civic Award and an Award of Recognition for my contributions to the community during the pandemic. In 2021, I established Canterbury Kia Ora Academy, a charitable trust. Through this charity, I can help other communities as well, not just the Iranian community.”
- Hero
View more stories, or nominate someone: @humansofchch
www.humansofchch.org......
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