Rangiora after hours healthcare meeting called
From local democracy reporter David Hill:
North Canterbury residents may soon get some answers about the future of after hours healthcare in the region.
Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand has accepted an invitation from Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey to appear at a public meeting in Rangiora on Thursday, April 27.
Doocey called the meeting in response to community concerns at the lack of progress on promised public health services at the Rangiora Health Hub.
The former Canterbury District Health Board announced in December 2020 its intention for an after hours facility to be operational by late 2022.
‘‘That date has come and gone and we’re now hearing it could be three years away, so it is important Health NZ comes back and answers the community’s questions,’’ Doocey said.
He said he hoped the meeting would provide some clarity around what hours the facility will operate and what services would be provided when it eventually opened.
‘‘I will be keen to hear what healthcare services can be fast-tracked and what can be put in place in the interim.’’
Te Whatu Ora entered into an agreement with South Link Health Services Group in 2020 to develop a family health and urgent care centre
at the Rangiora Health Hub.
‘‘This agreement is subject to several conditions,’’ a Te Whatu Ora spokesperson said.
‘‘Once these conditions have been met, South Link Health Services Group will be granted a ground lease and must complete this development with all reasonable speed.’’
The spokesperson referred questions about the progress of the project to South Link Health Services Group.
In the meantime, after hours provision in Rangiora included Durham Health being open Saturdays 9am to 12pm, telehealth GP consultation services through providers such as PracticePlus, and the St John nurse phone triage service.
Residents can access the triage service by calling their GP phoneline after-hours.
The Pegasus 24 Hour Surgery in Madras St, Christchurch, was also available to North Canterbury residents.
The Oxford Community Health Centre also provided after hours services to its registered clients, with a triage nurse and virtual GP
consultations.
Doocey launched a petition in November with Rangiora residents Sandi and David McLean, which he planned to present to Te Whatu Ora at the meeting.
South Link Health Services Group was also expected to be represented at the meeting.
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Heritage gem or dangerous burden? Bowling club’s dilemma with historic pavilion
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
A Rangiora sports club is frustrated with the increasing maintenance and insurance costs of its 113-year-old pavilion, which can't be demolished due to its historic importance.
The Rangiora Bowling Club approached the Waimakariri District Council last year for help, but was yet to find a satisfactory solution for the pavilion.
It is registered with Heritage New Zealand and listed in the Waimakariri District Plan, leaving the club with few options.
The club’s ex-president Norman Hewett said the pavilion on Good St, north of the town centre, is unsafe and no longer fit for purpose.
Hewett said the council has been supportive and Heritage New Zealand has offered advice, but no funding.
‘‘Everybody thinks the building is worth preserving, but there is a cost and it shouldn’t be put on the bowling club.
‘‘As far as we are concerned it is not fit for purpose and we want to know how we can get round that.
‘‘We want to know what the community thinks and if they want to retain it, are they willing to pay for it?’’
The club has formed a sub-committee to explore what options are available.
Sub-committee member Rodger Wilton said the club has been unable to find any record that the club had a say when the building was given heritage status.
Built in 1911, the pavilion served the Rangiora Bowling, Tennis and Croquet Club, which originally shared the site.
It cost 945 pounds and was opened on October 28, 1911.
The three clubs purchased 1.25 acres on the corner of Blackett and Good streets in April 1905, but later parted company, with tennis and croquet moving to new sites.
While no quotes have been sought, Hewett believed it would cost more than $1 million to bring the pavilion up to code.
Ideally the club would like to demolish the pavilion so it can upgrade its main building and remain on site.
The stairwell was non-compliant and there was no wheelchair access, meaning the club was unable to use the upstairs facilities.
There are loose tiles on the roof which need replacing.
An attached building behind the pavilion is sufficient to meet the needs of the 140 members and for hosting the largest bowls tournament in North Canterbury, Hewett said.
He said the club is open to all options, including a land swap or selling to a developer with the expertise to restore the pavilion.
Waimakariri District Council community and recreation manager Chris Brown said the council is working through various opportunities with the bowling club as part of a feasibility study.
‘‘There are a lot of options to consider. Each have various financial, social and operational implications.’’
Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga said it had ‘‘expressed support for the adaptive reuse of the building and supported the club’s intention to investigate options for the pavilion and the associated land parcel’’.
The Rangiora Bowling Club is keen to hear the views of the community. Email rangiorabowling@gmail.com.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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