Swannanoa - Ohoka news is brought to you by the team at Northern Outlook
Recent posts
Thank you for using Neighbourly
By David Hill, local democracy reporter
The risk of flooding in the Waimakariri district has caused a rethink of building guidelines.
The Waimakariri District Council has endorsed new flood mapping freeboard and floor level guidelines for very low, low and medium risk areas as it plans ahead … View moreBy David Hill, local democracy reporter
The risk of flooding in the Waimakariri district has caused a rethink of building guidelines.
The Waimakariri District Council has endorsed new flood mapping freeboard and floor level guidelines for very low, low and medium risk areas as it plans ahead for future flood events.
The new guidelines recommended floor levels of 300mm to 500mm above the flood level.
But staff were recommending no building in areas considered to be high risk flood hazard areas.
‘‘It is really important that our district continues to be built in a way that provides minimal risk to people and property,’’ mayor Dan Gordon said.
‘‘There has been a significant amount of work undertaken to ensure any risk of flooding has been mitigated the best it can be and that the process is as streamlined and cost effective as possible to developers.’’
In a report to April’s council meeting, utilities and roading general manager Gerard Cleary said the freeboard level was the height above the designated flood level.
In the Waimakariri district, the previous standard was a freeboard level of 300mm.
‘‘If the flood level is one metre above the ground at a house site and a 300mm freeboard level is applied, then the building’s floor level would need to be 1.3 metres above the ground,’’ he said.
Guidelines varied throughout New Zealand, but the freeboard allowance was generally between 300mm and 500mm.
In Christchurch the freeboard allowance was 400mm.
Cleary said the Waimakariri district was located in a large and predominantly flat floodplain, which meant a 300mm freeboard allowance was sufficient in a number of areas.
But there were several factors supporting the raising of the freeboard allowance to 500mm.
These included vehicle wash, survey error and inaccuracy, fences impeding flow, less public and insurance industry acceptance of flooding, modelling error and uncertainty, minor earthworks, ongoing movement due to seismic activity, climate change and catchment
changes.
National guidelines for new greenfield developments recommended a 500mm freeboard allowance above the flood level, Cleary said.
‘‘Where the land has a low risk of flooding, there is little or nothing that needs to be done by the developer to achieve the freeboard requirement.
‘‘In areas of medium or higher risk there may need to be additional filling or careful design considerations given to achieve the desired level protection.’’
Cleary said the guidelines took into account variation 1 to the Waimakariri District Plan, required by the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021.
Variation 1 identified areas of Kaiapoi as unsuitable for further housing intensification due to flooding risk.
Refresh an old table with a Resene Colorwood Whitewash finish.
Learn how to make old new again wiith these handy instructions.
Found cat last night, back again. Was scrambling through my bins for food. Gave kitty a munch & was inhaled faster then a vacuum. Is this anyones baby? Tuahiwi, between bramleys road & church bush road.
By David Hill, local democracy reporter
A proposed cycle way in Rangiora has been approved for further consultation, despite safety concerns.
The Waimakariri District Council’s utilities and roading committee has chosen Railway Rd as the preferred route over Southbrook Rd, as it looks to … View moreBy David Hill, local democracy reporter
A proposed cycle way in Rangiora has been approved for further consultation, despite safety concerns.
The Waimakariri District Council’s utilities and roading committee has chosen Railway Rd as the preferred route over Southbrook Rd, as it looks to link the Passchendaele Pathway (between Kaiapoi and Rangiora) with the Rangiora town centre.
The proposed route would head up Railway Rd, along Torlesse and Coronation streets and up Ellis Rd.
But Pak’nSave store owner James Flanagan and Foodstuffs South Island Ltd property development manager Rebecca Parish said following Railway Road past the supermarket was ‘‘the wrong option’’.
In a deputation to Tuesday’s (April 18) committee meeting, Flanagan said up to 10 large, 2.9 metre wide trucks made deliveries to Pak’nSave each day via Railway Rd.
The lack visibility for truck drivers made it unsafe for cyclists, he said.
‘‘The council is making a decision over funding, rather than safety.’’
The project was being funded through the Government’s Transport Choices funding package, which required all works to be completed by June 2024.
But senior engineering adviser Don Young said the safety concerns could be mitigated.
He suggested making Railway Rd one-way, widening the road, and installing signage and flashing lights to warn cyclists of trucks.
The only other viable route would involve crossing the railway line at Marsh Rd and crossing back further up, but this would require agreement from KiwiRail, he said.
Council staff had approached KiwiRail and been advised it could take ‘‘years to complete’’, following KiwiRail processes due to staff shortages.
‘‘We don’t have that timeframe with the funding we have, but we could look at it for the long-term plan,’’ Young said.
Councillors voted to authorise staff to proceed with detailed design and consultation with businesses in the area and other stakeholders.
A road safety audit will be completed and a report will be presented to the utilities and roading committee in July.
The 2023 General Election is to be held on Saturday 14th October 2023 - that's less than 6 months until you make your vote!
In the lead up to the election, what issues are you most wanting to hear from parties and their candidates about?
Type NFP if you want your comments excluded from … View moreThe 2023 General Election is to be held on Saturday 14th October 2023 - that's less than 6 months until you make your vote!
In the lead up to the election, what issues are you most wanting to hear from parties and their candidates about?
Type NFP if you want your comments excluded from the We Say You Say column of your local paper.
It’s your last chance to win this brand-new,, fully-furnished home located just north of Auckland in the stunning beachside town of Mangawhai.
Valued at over $1.4 million and built to perfection by Jennian homes, this brand-new home features three-bedrooms, two-bathrooms and boasts an … View moreIt’s your last chance to win this brand-new,, fully-furnished home located just north of Auckland in the stunning beachside town of Mangawhai.
Valued at over $1.4 million and built to perfection by Jennian homes, this brand-new home features three-bedrooms, two-bathrooms and boasts an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area.
Make this property your permanent residence, a holiday home, a rental or even sell it. Tickets only $15 – get in quick and purchase more tickets today.
Hi everyone, just posting again to keep it recent. Thanks so much for everyone's support so far. If you are in a different neighborhood, please share to increase the chances of being seen in a wider area.
I have started 2 petitions to try to remove the sale of disposable vaping products… View moreHi everyone, just posting again to keep it recent. Thanks so much for everyone's support so far. If you are in a different neighborhood, please share to increase the chances of being seen in a wider area.
I have started 2 petitions to try to remove the sale of disposable vaping products in dairies, service stations and supermarkets.
It has become an epidemic within our young people and its creating such a negative and harmful culture.
I heard only today from a friend that her daughter was sold a vape from a dairy! ......... she is 15.
This has to be stopped.
Thank you again for all of your support.
petitions.parliament.nz...
And
chng.it...
Wanted to rent long term for a friend of mine two to three bedrooms with garage and fully fenced has been in the house he is now for 8 years, for Father and son only. Must be kaiapoi woodend or rangiora areas please.
A very big Thank You to Faye who posted me some beautiful new wool. Very much appreciated. Here is a photo of a little cardi for a 0-3 month old baby just about to come off the needles to show what we are doing. We need to get these little items finished and in the post by the end of June for the … View moreA very big Thank You to Faye who posted me some beautiful new wool. Very much appreciated. Here is a photo of a little cardi for a 0-3 month old baby just about to come off the needles to show what we are doing. We need to get these little items finished and in the post by the end of June for the northern winter.
From local democracy reporter David Hill:
A 60kph speed limit has been proposed on State Highway 1, between Pegasus and Waikuku, in preference to wire rope barriers.
The Waimakariri District Council has agreed to back a request from local residents for a speed reduction, as part of Waka … View moreFrom local democracy reporter David Hill:
A 60kph speed limit has been proposed on State Highway 1, between Pegasus and Waikuku, in preference to wire rope barriers.
The Waimakariri District Council has agreed to back a request from local residents for a speed reduction, as part of Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency’s Woodend safety improvements.
The request followed a meeting last week with Pegasus and Waikuku residents and Waka Kotahi director of regional relationships James Caygill.
Waka Kotahi had proposed installing a wire rope barrier, known as ‘‘a cheese grater’’, on the 1.5km stretch of road between Pegasus and Waikuku, which has an 80kph speed limit, as part of the proposed safety improvements.
‘‘The feedback we received at the meeting was that people are not in favour of wire rope barriers on that stretch of road,’’ Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon said.
‘‘The residents suggested a reduction of speed and asked if that would negate the need for wire rope barriers.’’
Residents said the wire rope barrier would cause inconvenience as it would prevent them from turning and restrict access to their properties.
Gordon was drafting a letter in support of the request, with input from his fellow councillors and Woodend-Sefton Community Board chairperson Shona Powell.
He said similar concerns had been raised by residents and business owners located between Woodend and Pine Acres, Kaiapoi, to the south.
‘‘Ultimately what will make a difference is a [Woodend] bypass.’’
Caygill said the meeting was a good chance to hear the specific concerns of concerned residents.
He said several issues were raised, including power pole positions, driveway access points, speed and the necessity of the wire rope barrier.
‘‘Their concerns are being fed back to the project team as we continue work on the design for SH1 Saltwater Creek to Cam River.’’
Robbie Brine said he had attended 11 road deaths on SH1 between Smith St, Kaiapoi, and Saltwater Creek, north of the Ashley River, in his capacity as a police officer.
‘‘I don’t like the cheese graters. They may save lives, but with the aesthetics and the inconvenience they cause, it’s just not worth it.’’
He said reducing the speed limit would add only ‘‘a few seconds to a car journey’’, while saving lives.
Deputy mayor Neville Atkinson said he was opposed to both options.
‘‘We’re not going to solve it with a band aid. We need to find a real solution.’’
Waimakariri District Council roading manager Joanne McBride said it would be difficult to enforce a 60kph speed limit as the 1.5km
stretch of road was through a rural area.
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 … View moreFrom 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.
The comparison you've been waiting for! Are you team Apple or team Samsung?!
Both companies have their own strengths and weaknesses when it comes to technology and it can get pretty heated. It's always best to check before you invest - so compare the pro's and con's of … View moreThe comparison you've been waiting for! Are you team Apple or team Samsung?!
Both companies have their own strengths and weaknesses when it comes to technology and it can get pretty heated. It's always best to check before you invest - so compare the pro's and con's of Samsung and Apple now with this easy guide.
THRIVE OP SHOP, 96 High St., Rangiora (GABLES ARCADE). needs your donations of quality women's top quality winter clothing; belts and handbags; novels; glassware,(wine and tumblers); jigsaws etc.
We are at the New World end of Gables Arcade. Thank you in advance. We are a branch of … View moreTHRIVE OP SHOP, 96 High St., Rangiora (GABLES ARCADE). needs your donations of quality women's top quality winter clothing; belts and handbags; novels; glassware,(wine and tumblers); jigsaws etc.
We are at the New World end of Gables Arcade. Thank you in advance. We are a branch of Christchurch City Mission, helping those in need.
Telecommunications are an integral part of our lives, so when things go wrong it can be frustrating. Do you prefer to keep tight lipped, or are you willing to speak up?
The Telecommunications Dispute Resolution service, or TDR for short, is here to help. It’s ok to complain and we encourage … View moreTelecommunications are an integral part of our lives, so when things go wrong it can be frustrating. Do you prefer to keep tight lipped, or are you willing to speak up?
The Telecommunications Dispute Resolution service, or TDR for short, is here to help. It’s ok to complain and we encourage you to speak up and raise issues early.
For phone and internet disputes, talk to your provider first and give them a chance to sort it. If it remains unresolved or if you need some extra help, you can talk to TDR – your free and independent complaint service.
To get in touch or find out more, visit www.tdr.org.nz or freephone 0508 98 98 98.
© Neighbourly 2024
Loading…
