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By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
North Canterbury’s food rescue organisation says it backs a call for a food waste policy to be developed in the region.
Satisfy Food Rescue chairperson Phillipa Hunt says food security has become more important in the wake of natural disasters and the… View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
North Canterbury’s food rescue organisation says it backs a call for a food waste policy to be developed in the region.
Satisfy Food Rescue chairperson Phillipa Hunt says food security has become more important in the wake of natural disasters and the Covid-19 pandemic.
She was responding to comments from Foodbank Aotearoa New Zealand chief executive John Milligan, who addressed last week’s
Environment Canterbury (ECan) meeting calling for a policy to reduce food waste in Canterbury.
‘‘Food security is so important, particularly when you see natural disasters, droughts and pandemics, so we can be more resilient and it is going to become more of issue in the future,’’ she said.
‘‘Here in the Waimakariri, because we responded to the earthquakes, the systems were in place to respond to the Covid situation, which is where Food Secure North Canterbury was able to be set up fairly quickly.
‘‘I would be interested in seeing a food waste policy developed and we would want to be a part of it.’’
Hunt said when it came to reducing food waste, it was about feeding people first, animals second and then composting.
Going to landfill should only be a last resort, she said.
Milligan said globally the world was facing one of its worst food crises in modern history.
New Zealand was not immune, with Covid, supply chain issues, rising inflation, climate change and Cyclone Gabrielle.
But he said there was enough food available to ensure every New Zealander had three nutritious meals a day, provided distribution
and food waste challenges could be overcome.
‘‘One in five kids will have gone to school this morning without breakfast and many will go to bed without tea,’’ he told the ECan
councillors.
‘‘One-third of all of our food is totally wasted and it is something we need to work very hard at combating.’’
He said Canada and several European countries had passed food wastage laws.
The office of the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Adviser produced a report on food waste last year, but the government had yet to produce a policy or legislation.
Food waste was a climate change issue, being a major producer of methane gas, with wasted loaves of bread being among the worst offenders.
Milligan said Canterbury was feeling the effects of food shortages arising from Cyclone Gabrielle, with food and support being
redistributed to the North Island.
Families who had left damaged homes and come to stay with whānau in Canterbury were also needing support, he said.
The ECan councillors voted to refer the matter to the Canterbury Joint Waste Committee.
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
North Canterbury’s three mayors fear local democracy could be lost amid talk of a ‘‘super city’’.
The mayors were responding to the Christchurch City Council’s submission on the draft future for local government report, where it advocated … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
North Canterbury’s three mayors fear local democracy could be lost amid talk of a ‘‘super city’’.
The mayors were responding to the Christchurch City Council’s submission on the draft future for local government report, where it advocated for the city to become a unitary authority.
A unitary authority would incorporate the power and responsibility of a regional council.
There are just six unitary authorities in New Zealand – Auckland, Gisborne, Nelson, Marlborough, Tasman and the Chatham Islands.
Given the close relationship between the Christchurch, Selwyn and Waimakariri councils, the prospect of a Greater Christchurch unitary authority has been mooted.
Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon said he was surprised to hear of the city council’s submission, but there was no appetite for amalgamation.
‘‘One of the biggest challenges if you have a unitary authority is where would the boundaries be and who would look after the rivers.
‘‘Canterbury stretches from Waitaki to Kaikōura and rivers are often the boundaries between districts, so who would look after the rivers which sit on the boundaries between districts.
‘‘We don’t agree with everything Environment Canterbury does, but we have a good relationship.’’
Hurunui mayor Marie Black said a unitary authority would ‘‘rob our communities of the voices that we have been advocating for across all the reform process’’.
‘‘A super city is an interesting concept as where would you draw the boundaries and how does this capture the place of belonging, which is very much a feature of how we relate to our community and our people.
‘‘I would not see that a unitary authority would bring value to a district like the Hurunui.’’
Kaikōura mayor Craig Mackle said he was not surprised to hear of the Christchurch submission, but he feared a unitary authority could leave Hurunui and Kaikōura out on their own.
‘‘I was guessing they were going to have crack at it.
‘‘I don’t see we would be any better off. All I can see is the big players demanding what they want.’’
If there was going to be any amalgamation, Mackle said he could live with a partnership between Kaikōura, Hurunui and Waimakariri.
But his preference was for the status quo.
‘‘We do work in with Hurunui and we have good relationships across North Canterbury.’’
In its submission, Environment Canterbury suggested the differences between regional councils and city and district councils ‘‘could be better articulated and considered’’.
Please come along and support Haven Drinnan and Blair Smith - they are representing New Zealand at the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Berlin June 2023. Only $15 per ticket, with up to 6 at a table. Please text Gail on 0272012080 to book your tickets. It will be a fun night out!
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
A Kaiapoi initiative hopes to establish a much needed community centre through collaboration.
The Kaiapoi Community Hub Trust has announced plans to build a $6.8 million community hub in the former red zone.
The Waimakariri District Council is … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
A Kaiapoi initiative hopes to establish a much needed community centre through collaboration.
The Kaiapoi Community Hub Trust has announced plans to build a $6.8 million community hub in the former red zone.
The Waimakariri District Council is pitching in the first $1.6m to fund earthworks and utility services.
A further $200,000 has been made available from the Ministry of Social Development, leaving the community to raise $5m.
‘‘After Covid -19 lockdowns we saw there was a need for places where the community can connect,’’ Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon said.
‘‘The hub model works well and we’ve had successful examples of community hubs in the district to date, such as Northbrook studios in Rangiora.’’
But Gordon said the Kaiapoi hub would be unique, with purpose-built facilities for educational purposes and shared office space.
‘‘One thing we do really well in the Waimakariri district is collaboration, it is one of our greatest strengths.’’
The Kaiapoi Community Hub Trust is a collaboration between Satisfy Food Rescue and the Kaiapoi MenzShed, along with two independent trustees.
Chairperson Anthony Van Meer said the trust aimed to ‘‘create some community vibrancy’’
‘‘We don’t have that shared facility in Kaiapoi like other areas do. We lost our picture theatre and this site will be bigger than Trousselot Park.’’
Satisfy Food Rescue will occupy the northern end of the development, with a purpose-built facility where food can be processed for distribution to the region’s food banks.
The Kaiapoi MenzShed planned to build three sheds, while a shared community facility with a commercial kitchen and a large green space would also be established.
The trust also planned to build an auditorium, with the possibility of a picture theatre and recording studio.
The Kaiapoi Croquet Club was also building on the site.
Van Meer said other organisations had shown an interest in joining the project.
‘‘We are open to ideas and for groups who want to join the trust.’’
Satisfy Food Rescue chairperson Phillipa Hunt said her organisation was ‘‘excited’’ to be involved in a project with a community focus.
Keith Lawrence said the Kaiapoi Menz Shed was established post-earthquake by ‘‘four guys in a garage’’.
Kaiapoi Promotions Association chairperson Martin Pinkham said the hub was an important development for the town.
He said the hub would make the ideal location for the Kaiapoi Christmas Carnival and other community events.
Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey said he would be ‘‘going into bat’’ to help the trust secure funding from central government to match community fundraising efforts.
‘‘There is funding available through central government, so it is a matter of making the case.’’
For more information about the project go to kaiapoihub.org.
Beautiful 6 seater 'one-of-a-kind', solid, one piece, chunky, macrocarpa dining bench set. This indoor/outdoor table set has been stunningly stained and varnished! This table will not require tying down during a storm. Buyer must collect, assistance of 3 or 4 men needed, very heavy. … View moreBeautiful 6 seater 'one-of-a-kind', solid, one piece, chunky, macrocarpa dining bench set. This indoor/outdoor table set has been stunningly stained and varnished! This table will not require tying down during a storm. Buyer must collect, assistance of 3 or 4 men needed, very heavy. Dimensions: L 2000mm W 1700 H 770
This Sunday we'll be putting our clocks back for the end of daylight saving. Despite the benefits of an extra hour of sun during daylight saving, these clock changes commonly bring disruptions to our households and sleep - some feel that it should be scrapped altogether. What do you think?
… View moreThis Sunday we'll be putting our clocks back for the end of daylight saving. Despite the benefits of an extra hour of sun during daylight saving, these clock changes commonly bring disruptions to our households and sleep - some feel that it should be scrapped altogether. What do you think?
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the We Say You Say column of your local paper.
Neighbourhood Support members across New Zealand are invited to attend a special wellbeing webinar, 'Building Strong Communities', with Farmstrong Ambassador, Sam Whitelock, at 7:30pm on Tuesday April 4th.
For more information and to register, head to www.neighbourhoodsupport.co.nz....… View moreNeighbourhood Support members across New Zealand are invited to attend a special wellbeing webinar, 'Building Strong Communities', with Farmstrong Ambassador, Sam Whitelock, at 7:30pm on Tuesday April 4th.
For more information and to register, head to www.neighbourhoodsupport.co.nz....
Please invite those on your street and in your neighbourhood who might be interested (it's not just for rural folk, although those of you in rural communities might be particularly interested).
I have 2 of these same pattern were on both Double beds in house great condition Ph 0212095513 happy for you to view pleated round bottom and pillow top that turn downs over pillows
Congratulations to Kaiapoi Club Outdoor Bowls U5 Pairs team of Andree Ruitenberg and Dave Humphreys who not only made the final of the Bowls Canty Division 1 U5 Pairs competition but also won it.
From local democracy reporter David Hill:
Pupils at one school are taking action to stop young people becoming addicted to vaping, while a principal at another says the problem is bigger for schools than “smoking ever was”.
Student leader Jasper Rosewarne, 12, launched a petition after … View moreFrom local democracy reporter David Hill:
Pupils at one school are taking action to stop young people becoming addicted to vaping, while a principal at another says the problem is bigger for schools than “smoking ever was”.
Student leader Jasper Rosewarne, 12, launched a petition after vape store Hukka Woodend opened across the road from the school recently.
“When I heard that there was a vaping store opening across the road from our school, I didn’t like it because I don’t want young people exposed to vapes,” he said.
The student leaders reached out to Jasper’s father, Labour list MP Dan Rosewarne and Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey for advice.
They planned to present the petition to Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon and were calling on the vape store owner to take measures to protect young people in the community.
The students suggested closing the store when children were going to and from school, no signage on School Rd facing the school, having merchandise locked away where young people could not see it and no seating outside where young people could loiter.
The store’s advertised opening hours were 10am to 7pm.
The sale and supply of vape products has an age restriction of 18 years, but local schools said large numbers of their students had been exposed to it.
Earlier this month, the Waimakariri District Council expressed concern at the lack of regulations around vaping and the lack of enforcement of the age restriction.
Rosewarne said he visited the store and attempted to arrange a meeting with the owner, but had yet to receive a response.
Doocey said the community did not want a vape store near the school, but felt powerless to stop it.
He called for legislation restricting the number of vape stores and where they could be located.
Rangiora High School principal Bruce Kearney said vaping was a bigger problem for schools than “smoking ever was”.
Smokers were easy to spot as there would be smoke and you could smell it on their breath.
“But with vaping it is almost impossible to catch people, and some of the vapes look like a highlighter.”
Vaping was creating anti-social behaviour, as pupils congregated around toilets and prevented others from entering.
Given the age restriction, Kearney questioned how his pupils were getting hold of vape products.
“I have no idea how they get it, but someone is breaking the law.”
But he noted when pupils did get caught with vape “90% of the time the parents are fully aware of their vaping habits”.
Kaiapoi High School principal Jason Reid said while vaping was less harmful than tobacco, there were too many unknowns when it came to the long term effects.
“The teenage brain is highly malleable, it is still developing and nicotine, like any psychoactive substance, can have significant negative effects on this process.”
He called for regulations to make vapes “flavour-free” and as a prescription-only medication to help people give up smoking.
Rangiora New Life School principal Stephen Walters said his school was working with parents of pupils who had become addicted to vaping.
“As a chemistry teacher with a knowledge of chemicals and their effects, I have very real concerns about the chemicals that growing young lungs are being exposed to.”
A Hukka Woodend spokesperson said the store had strict policy where no-one under-18 was allowed to enter the store, even with a parent or guardian.
There was no signage on School Rd, but there were signs facing Main North Rd and there was no seating outside the store.
Hukka Woodend did not promote any of its products, as guided by the Vaping Regulatory Authority, the spokesperson said.
Save up to $69 with an NZ House & Garden subscription. Subscribe today to get NZ’s favourite lifestyle magazine delivered straight to your home every month, plus you’ll receive ManukaRx’s Pro-Aging Skin Oil worth $44.95 absolutely free!
Achieve healthy and ageless skin with the … View moreSave up to $69 with an NZ House & Garden subscription. Subscribe today to get NZ’s favourite lifestyle magazine delivered straight to your home every month, plus you’ll receive ManukaRx’s Pro-Aging Skin Oil worth $44.95 absolutely free!
Achieve healthy and ageless skin with the Pro-Aging Skin Oil. This face oil features the powerful essential oil blend of East Cape mānuka oil and rosehip oil. Offer is valid until 16 April 2023. Offer applies for 1-year and 2-year subscriptions only. For full T&Cs click here.
Please come along for a fun night out and support Haven and Blair who are competing in the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Berlin June 2023. Only $15 per person, with up to 6 at a table.
Restore antique furniture with Resene Aquaclear.
Find out how with these easy step by step instructions.
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
The speed limit on Kaiapoi’s Smith Street will be reduced to accommodate the growing Waimak Junction Business Park.
The Kaiapoi-Tuahiwi Community Board backed a proposal this week to reduce the speed limit from 80kph to 50kph on the small stretch of … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
The speed limit on Kaiapoi’s Smith Street will be reduced to accommodate the growing Waimak Junction Business Park.
The Kaiapoi-Tuahiwi Community Board backed a proposal this week to reduce the speed limit from 80kph to 50kph on the small stretch of road between the southbound motorway on-ramp and the existing 50kph sign, 90 metres to the east.
Waimakariri District Council roading and transportation manager Joanne McBride said the speed limit change was needed to improve safety.
The Waimak Junction Business Park is expanding, with the planned opening of a Countdown supermarket, alongside Placemakers, Bunnings, Mitre 10, Briscoes and other retailers, expected to significantly increase traffic volumes.
But board members questioned why the speed limit was not being reduced from Revells Rd, including the Smith St motorway overbridge, which was under the jurisdiction of Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.
Deputy mayor Neville Atkinson said the overbridge section of the road, with four entry points, was more dangerous and suggested ‘‘piecemeal’’ changes to speed limits were confusing for motorists.
‘‘I don’t see the sense in changing this two or three times. It is just nonsensical. We need to change it all at once.’’
McBride said council staff had approached Waka Kotahi, but the agency had no plans to reduce the speed limit on the section of Smith Street under its jurisdiction.
‘‘The traffic signals are going in and we have time constraints with the development proceeding, so we need to get it done now.’’
Developer Jedd Pearce said the speed limit reduction on Smith St was long overdue.
He said the Countdown supermarket build, the largest development on the site, was expected to completed in late October.
‘‘It is going to be good for Kaiapoi and create a lot of employment.
‘‘I’m really looking forward to seeing it finished. We’re trying to catch up with Rangiora.’’
Council staff completed consultation in November and found there was 52 percent support from respondents for the speed limit change, with 48% opposed.
Board chairperson Jackie Watson backed the speed limit change.
‘‘I think it is time that we had this speed limit change.
‘‘I have spoken to quite a few people who didn’t even know it was coming, but they said when they try to come out of Tunas St sometimes it is impossible.’’
Waka Kotahi regional relationships director James Caygill said his organisation worked closely with other road controlling authorities when speed limits were being reviewed.
‘‘We will continue to consider how road controlling authorities are intending to treat local roads connecting with state highways as the State Highway Speed Management Plan is developed and do our best, where possible, to ensure those plans remain aligned.’’
Knitted Toys, ideal for Easter gifts.
Will be at the Oxford Craft Market Sunday 2nd April 10am - 2pm.
www.facebook.com...
Deadline Sale
Marketed by Aaron Clark
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