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From local democracy reporter David Hill:
Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey admits opposing a private plan change for a proposed North Canterbury residential development was not an easy
decision.
Doocey has expressed his opposition to a proposed development at Ohoka, near Rangiora, despite the … View moreFrom local democracy reporter David Hill:
Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey admits opposing a private plan change for a proposed North Canterbury residential development was not an easy
decision.
Doocey has expressed his opposition to a proposed development at Ohoka, near Rangiora, despite the developer being a member of his extended family.
The Waimakariri District Council has received about 630 submissions in response to the 850 section development proposed by Rolleston Industrial Developments Ltd.
The company is part of Carter Group, and is run by Doocey’s cousin Tim Carter.
‘‘Some people felt I had a conflict of interest, but I was upfront from the beginning and I felt that I had a job to do as the local MP to listen to people’s concerns,’’ Doocey said.
‘‘In a way, with Carter Group being a prominent company in Canterbury, it was inevitable this issue would potentially arise.
‘‘I feel at times people did make personal attacks because of my family connection with the developer which I feel was uncalled for.
‘‘I can’t be responsible for what people do in my extended family - they have to be responsible for their own decisions.’’
Despite the family connection, Doocey said he decided, after hearing the concerns of residents, the proposed developed would be bad for the community.
He cited the loss of productive soils, the risk of flooding and transport issues among his reasons for opposing the development.
‘‘In New Zealand the loss of productive soils is a major issue and this plan change would lead to the loss of productive soils.’’
A new National Policy Statement on productive land was released by by the Government on Sunday, September 18.
Doocey said several residents in Ohoka, Silverstream and south Kaiapoi had raised concerns about flooding, which were highlighted in the recent heavy rain events.
Transport was another issue highlighted by residents, with Tram Rd already under pressure from congestion.
Doocey said he had written to Environment Minister David Parker and raised questions in Parliament in response to residents’ concerns.
He also disputed the developer’s assessment the proposed development was consistent with the National Policy Statement on urban development.
Under the NPS, housing developments were allowed in urban environments which had existing or planned public transport services.
‘‘Ohoka is neither urban nor serviced by public transport,’’ Doocey said.
‘‘I’m supportive of green fields development in areas in close proximity to planned urban development areas with links to existing infrastructure such as roading and three waters.’’
North Canterbury-based Labour List MP Dan Rosewarne said he had also been contact by concerned residents and had raised questions with Government ministers.
‘‘I’ve been quite surprised at the backlash,’’ he said.
‘‘The feedback I’ve had from the Ministers is that it’s examples like this,that’s why we’re looking at the RMA (Resource Management Act).
"We need to make it a bit more consistent so we can get better co-ordination with future developments.’’
■ A Waimakariri District Council spokesperson said submissions were being processed, with a summary to be prepared for a further submission period of 10 days before hearings were held.
No date has been set for a second submission period or for hearings, which will be heard by independent commissioners.
■ Public interest journalism is funded by New Zealand on Air.
From local democracy reporter David Hill:
Woodend residents say a cycle way linking the town with Kaiapoi is urgently needed for the community.
Woodend Community Association chairperson Doug Weathey said the proposed cycle ways linking Kaiapoi and Pegasus with Woodend should be a top … View moreFrom local democracy reporter David Hill:
Woodend residents say a cycle way linking the town with Kaiapoi is urgently needed for the community.
Woodend Community Association chairperson Doug Weathey said the proposed cycle ways linking Kaiapoi and Pegasus with Woodend should be a top priority.
He was speaking at the Waimakariri District Council’s meeting earlier this month in response to the council’s walking and cycling network plan.
The proposed Woodend to Kaiapoi cycle way would follow Sandhill Road, continuing parallel to State Highway 1 to Pine Acres, before following Williams St into Kaiapoi.
It was listed as priority two in the council’s draft walking and cycling network plan, while the Pegasus to Woodend cycle way was priority three.
Weathey said the Woodend to Kaiapoi cycle way would complete the circuit, with the Passchendaele Pathway (Kaiapoi to Rangiora) and the Rangiora to Woodend Pathway.
‘‘It would be a very nice circuit around the eastern part of the district and it would bring a lot of people into the area.’’
Woodend-Sefton Community Board chairperson Shona Powell also addressed the council meeting and said the two cycle ways were needed to offer a safe route for cyclists.
She said one primary school pupil had attended the drop in sessions to say he wanted to cycle from Woodend to Kaiapoi High School when he was older.
‘‘We have been asking for these cycle ways since 2018 and it’s no longer a nice to have.’’
Kaiapoi High School principal Jason Reid, a keen cyclist, said the proposed Woodend to Kaiapoi cycle way was ‘‘a fantastic idea’’.
‘‘Cycle ways like this are extremely valuable because they give young people options and it keeps them off the main road.
‘‘Environmentally it means you don’t have to have a vehicle that burns through fossil fuels and it’s good for fitness and wellbeing.’’
Kaiapoi Promotions Association chairperson Martin Pinkham served on the walking and cycling network working party which helped develop the network plan and was pleased to see it finally coming to life.
He said a Woodend to Kaiapoi cycle way was a high priority and was surprised it was only listed as priority two.
But he did have concerns about it following Williams Street into Kaiapoi as a less busy road would be a safer option.
‘‘We need to get people into North Canterbury and we’ve got to give them options.
‘‘What I’m pleased about is that we finally have a cycling network plan as it sets a guide for the next 20 years, even if we may disagree with what is given priority.’’
The council has completed its consultation on the draft walking and cycling network plan and councillors were due to adopt it at the October council meeting.
The last of the potted tulips and Dutch iris in flower now. Prices range from $3 to $10 per pot. $3 from every pot sold will go the the Cancer Society. Pickup is at 20 Cassino street Rangiora Phone 03 745 91 48
From local democracy reporter David Hill:
North Canterbury’s mayors are keen for more discussions on passenger rail.
The issue of passenger rail was discussed at a Canterbury Regional Transport Committee meeting last week, as the region’s mayors considered the Government’s enquiry into … View moreFrom local democracy reporter David Hill:
North Canterbury’s mayors are keen for more discussions on passenger rail.
The issue of passenger rail was discussed at a Canterbury Regional Transport Committee meeting last week, as the region’s mayors considered the Government’s enquiry into the future of inter-regional passenger rail.
Light rail has long been touted to meet a growing commuter transport demand in the Greater Christchurch area, to ease congestion and reduce transport emissions.
Meanwhile, the Coastal Pacific rail service is set to make a return on September 29, after two years of Covid-19 disruption.
Hurunui mayor Marie Black said she would welcome a Greater Christchurch light rail service being extended to Amberley and Waipara.
‘‘We struggle to have a public bus system due to our low population, so we would like to be considered - but it’s got to stack up financially.’’
The benefits of taking the train instead of the car for the 40 minute journey into Christchurch included catching up on work, checking emails or reading a book, as well as the environmental benefits.
But Black said it would take a change in mindset.
Kaikōura was well outside the area being considered for a Greater Christchurch light rail service.
But mayor Craig Mackle said there were potential benefits for the tourist town from a more regular rail service.
He welcomed the return of the Coastal Pacific service and he said the popularity of chartered trains for the Kaikoura Cup race day showed what was possible.
‘‘It’s a hard one, because there is the risk it would be sitting dormant most of the time, but people love coming to Kaikōura and who doesn’t enjoy a good train ride.’’
Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon has long been a fan of trains and buses and was a regular user of the park and ride express bus from Rangiora for meetings in the city.
He said there was support for subsidised inter-city passenger and on-demand services, affordable electric vehicles and financial incentives to work from home, to help reduce emissions.
North Canterbury-based Labour List MP Dan Rosewarne sits on Parliament’s transport and infrastructure committee and said a Greater Christchurch light rail service would bring benefits to the region.
He envisaged a service linking central Christchurch with Amberley, Rangiora and Kaiapoi in the north and travelling as far south as Ashburton.
‘‘They always talk about rail in Wellington, but it’s important to get Canterbury and North Canterbury moving too.
‘‘Once that stadium is built, alongside the convention centre and the rest of the central city is rebuilt, it will be like another Wellington.’’
Submissions for the Government’s inter-regional passenger rail enquiry close on October 6.
Dear neighbours,
Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are now on the hunt for new potato recipes, so send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by Sept 25, 2022.
Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Vegetable … View moreDear neighbours,
Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are now on the hunt for new potato recipes, so send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by Sept 25, 2022.
Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Vegetable Growing Made Easy.
I am looking for recommendations for someone to clear up a few gorse bushes from my property. They have grown up so my neighbour can see them.
Come down to the Ashley River/Rakahuri on Saturday 24 September at 10am and join us in planting seedings.
What: Community planting day
When: Saturday 24 September, approximately 10am - 1pm
Where: The area between the primary and secondary stopbanks west of Cones Road – Ashley … View moreCome down to the Ashley River/Rakahuri on Saturday 24 September at 10am and join us in planting seedings.
What: Community planting day
When: Saturday 24 September, approximately 10am - 1pm
Where: The area between the primary and secondary stopbanks west of Cones Road – Ashley River/Rakahuri.
RSVP: Not required, but feel free to join the event on Facebook.
Things to bring: Please bring your own shovel, gloves, water bottle, sturdy shoes, hat, sunscreen, warm clothing etc.
Read all the details on the Environment Canterbury website.
This work is part of the Rangiora Reach Masterplan, which is a collaborative project between Environment Canterbury and Waimakariri District Council.
Sell 2 x new sheets of 2.4 x 1.2 gib. Transport marks only so as new.
Left over from project $60 for both sheets
Location Cones Rd
www.stuff.co.nz...
Getting to know the candidates. Informative article.
Vintage Sears Binoculars Model 6281 7x50m extra wide angle. Case is ok, lid may need restitching or replaced. Pick up in Rangiora - needs to go surplus to our needs
This beautiful large casserole dish with lid has no chips, or any visual marks etc. As you will see I paid $52 back about 40 years ago. Surplus to our needs - The potter was J Ing from Nelson. Pick up only in Rangiora - surplus to our needs
Today at 20 Cassino street Rangiora, potted tulips and Dutch iris for sale. Some in flower and some in bud close to opening. From $3 to $10 per pot with $3 going to the Cancer Society from each pot sold.
Phone 03 745 91 48.
This is a great back support for anyone driving full time, or sitting in a chair. The front cover is faded but that doesn't affect the use. New they retail from $149 - $250. surplus to our needs. Pick up in Rangiora or could deliver into chch when I am next in town.
Brighten up a tired concrete wall with Resene Lumbersider. Find out how to brighten up your wall.
From local democracy reporter David Hill:
Former mayors are encouraging residents to get know their local candidates.
David Ayers and Winton Dalley, who served as mayors of Waimakariri and Hurunui from 2010 to 2019, suggest voters contact candidates and ask them questions.
Several wards … View moreFrom local democracy reporter David Hill:
Former mayors are encouraging residents to get know their local candidates.
David Ayers and Winton Dalley, who served as mayors of Waimakariri and Hurunui from 2010 to 2019, suggest voters contact candidates and ask them questions.
Several wards have high numbers of candidates, with many of them unknown to voters.
Ayers encouraged people to take the time to learn about their mayoral, council, community board and regional council candidates.
‘‘It’s often said that people don’t vote because they don’t know the candidates, but you can turn that around and say ‘candidates don’t know all the voters in their ward either’.
‘‘But at a local level you can always attend meetings and you can contact candidates directly.
‘‘By listening to what they have to say, it will help you to vote for people who will look after your local community.’’
He said not all candidates understood the role local councils played, with national and global issues often confused with local democracy.
Dalley said voter apathy was a constant problem in local government elections.
‘‘There’s an apathy around today and people don’t believe they can make a difference.
'‘But somebody has to sow the seeds and ask the questions or nothing is going to happen.’’
Dalley suggested voters ask candidates if they have ‘‘a personal agenda’’.
‘‘Depending on what that agenda is, consider is it about the candidate’s priorities or the community’s priorities?
‘‘My position was always to serve the community first.
‘‘At the end of the day you are there to serve the community and not yourself or the international community.’’
Both former mayors said it was important to vote in local elections, as council decisions impacted on our daily lives.
Councillors made decisions on roads, footpaths, rubbish collection, three waters, libraries, swimming pools, parks, planting trees and town centres.
The also made decisions on managing the growth in towns like Rangiora, Kaiapoi, Woodend and Amberley, including traffic management, infrastructure and planning for housing.
Climate change and managing Civil Defence in times of crisis, such as a pandemic or earthquake, were also questions councils faced.
Legislation such as the Local Government Act, Resource Management Act and national policy statements limited a council’s decision making ability.
Pending legislation such as Three Waters, the Resource Management Act and local government reform meant a local voice was essential.
Ayers said central government imposing itself on local democracy was the norm during his 36 years in local government.
‘‘This government is not impacting on local democracy any more than any previous government.
‘‘But there is a major issue across the country for local government funding, and councils are finding that rates are not providing the income that allows them to meet the rising standards that are being required of them by both the government and local communities.’’
Dalley said local democracy was ‘‘living fairly precariously’’.
He encouraged voters to ask candidates whether they were prepared ‘‘to question those who want to rewrite democracy’’.
‘‘Because once it’s rewritten, the values of previous generations will be lost.’’
■ Waimakariri election information: waimakariri.govt.nz/your-council/local-body-elections
■ Hurunui election information: hurunui.govt.nz/council/local-body-elections/a-your-candidates
■ Kaikōura election information: kaikoura.govt.nz/local-elections-2022/
■ Environment Canterbury election information: ecan.govt.nz/about/your-council/engage-with-us/elections/
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