Swannanoa - Ohoka, Swannanoa

Explore more, worry less at Ryman

Explore more, worry less at Ryman

With Ryman’s lock-and-leave-style living, you’re free to explore without worrying about home maintenance or security.

320 days ago

North Canterbury’s building boom slows, but growth expected to ‘crank up’ this year

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Building consents are down as the building boom slows in North Canterbury, but real estate agents say there are signs of growth.

Consents issued for new houses dropped last year across the three North Canterbury councils, but the region's … View more
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Building consents are down as the building boom slows in North Canterbury, but real estate agents say there are signs of growth.

Consents issued for new houses dropped last year across the three North Canterbury councils, but the region's authorities are still planning for growth as the population grows.

Local real estate agents also said there were signs the region was coming out of recession, with some confidence returning.

Across Waimakariri, Hurunui and Kaikōura, consents for new houses issued last year were down compared to 2022, but continued to be high.

Bayleys Rangiora and Hanmer Springs manager Ross Ditmer predicted a bright outlook, with new legislation and interest rates beginning to drop.

‘‘There is still interest from outside the region, with the drift south continuing as North Islanders find it is affordable to live here and there is a lot interest in lifestyle properties.’’

He said house prices were slightly cheaper in Waimakariri compared to Christchurch, with the ‘‘laid back’’ lifestyle an attraction.

Ray White Rangiora manager Stuart Morris said growth in Rangiora had been slow due to a lack of available land, but he expected it to ‘‘crank up’’ this year.

‘‘Bellgrove and Townsend Fields (Rangiora) are firing up, while Kaiapoi still has plenty of gas in the tank.’’

Morris predicted ‘‘a steady as she goes’’ market this year, as the economy recovered.

The average house price in the Waimakariri district was $650,000 to $700,000, with two bedroom units selling for as low as $400,000 and three bedroom homes selling for $500,000-plus.

At the top end, new builds could fetch as much as $900,000 to $1.2 million.

Waimakariri District Council planning, regulation and environment general manager Kelly LaValley said 762 consents were issued for new houses last year, down from 836 in 2022 and 928 in 2021.

A new KFC has been consented for Kaiapoi, north of the river, while the council has received a building consent for the proposed Rangiora Medical Centre, LaValley said.

Building consents have also been received for the new business hub in Southbrook, Rangiora, along with a consent for a storage facility.

While the consent numbers were down, it kept pace with Stats NZ’s high growth scenario, which could see the district’s population grow from 70,000 to 100,000 over the next 30 years.

The Hurunui District Council issued 482 consents last year (including 142 for new homes), compared to 614 (196 for new homes) the year before, building and property manager Kerry Walsh said.

Amberley was leading the way with 87 consents for new houses issued last year, down from 122 in 2022.

In Hanmer Springs, there were 18 consents issued for new houses last year, half of the 34 consents in 2022.

The largest project is the Amberley Country Estate Retirement Village.

The Kaikōura District Council issued 140 consents last year, down from 165 last year.

The largest project was the Vicarage Views subdivision.

Nearly half of Waimakariri’s consents were issued for Woodend (354), thanks largely to the booming Ravenswood subdivision.

Ravenswood sales manager Miranda Laney said the bulk of those consents were for stage 5, which were pre-sold two years ago.

She said the final stage (stage 6) is now selling, with just over 200 sections remaining to be sold.

Just over half of the 1500 sections in the sub-division now have houses on them.

Sections sold for between $350,000 to $450,000, while a house and land package sold for between $650,000 to $750,000 for a three-bedroom house.

The Ravenswood Central retail area of 20 hectares was filling up fast, with Harvey Norman expected to open later this year, joining five restaurants, a dental hygienist, a chemist, fitness centre, bottle store and two service stations.

■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

Image
321 days ago

Waimakariri council looks to keep rates rise under 9%

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

About $690 million is set to be spent over the next 10 years replacing Waimakariri’s assets and planning for the district’s rapid growth.

The Waimakariri District Council is proposing an average rate rise of 8.94%, as recommended by staff, as it … View more
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

About $690 million is set to be spent over the next 10 years replacing Waimakariri’s assets and planning for the district’s rapid growth.

The Waimakariri District Council is proposing an average rate rise of 8.94%, as recommended by staff, as it looks to complete its draft 2024-34 long-term plan (LTP).

Mayor Dan Gordon described the draft LTP as ‘‘a prudent and responsible budget’’.

‘‘We started this long-term plan with a proposed 19% rate increase based on our work programme.

‘‘For this reason, we have deferred $120m of non-essential works to the outer years to bring our rate increases to what we understand will be one of the lowest in Canterbury.

‘‘But I want to make it clear, while we have made savings, we are not compromising on our level of service.’’

The district’s population is projected to grow from about 70,000 to 82,075 by 2034, based on Stats NZ’s high growth scenario.

The council is planning to consult on five key themes as it plans for growth.

These include how best to manage the natural environment, flood resilience, provision of community facilities, extension of the Rangiora Library and the proposed Rangiora eastern link road.

The council has spent $10m of unbudgeted spending over the last three years in response to major storm events, and is planning ahead by establishing a permanent infrastructure recovery team this year.

In the last LTP in 2021, the council signalled it would build a new community centre in Pegasus and make provision for future facilities in Ravenswood.

The council announced last year it had reach an agreement with Templeton Group to purchase land on the Pegasus lakefront.

It is now consulting with the community and Templeton Group on the detailed design of a community centre, and plans to begin construction by the end of next year.

The council is also negotiating with Templeton Group to buy land for future community facilities to serve the growing Woodend and Ravenswood community.

Gordon said the council was in talks with Canterbury Cricket and Canterbury Country Cricket about extending Mainpower Oval to accommodate more cricket pitches and training facilities.

‘‘If we want to keep first-class cricket in Rangiora, we need to put in a level of investment, so we are developing a partnership around that.’’

The council will meet again on February 27 to adopt the draft LTP, before it goes out for consultation from March 15 to April 19.

■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

321 days ago

PriceMe Awards 2024 Winners

The Team from NZ Compare

Discover the Best of the Best! The 2024 PriceMe Award Winners have been revealed, voted by thousands of Kiwi consumers!

From household favourites to tech essentials and more. Explore now for top-rated brands and unbeatable deals!
Do you often shop at one of the winning stores or brands?

Image
326 days ago

Real estate agent wants better roads for North Canterbury

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

North Canterbury's growing housing market needs greater infrastructure support, a real estate manager says.

Bayleys Rangiora and Hanmer Springs manager Ross Ditmer said the Woodend Bypass, the proposed Rangiora Eastern Link Rd and the Skew Bridge … View more
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

North Canterbury's growing housing market needs greater infrastructure support, a real estate manager says.

Bayleys Rangiora and Hanmer Springs manager Ross Ditmer said the Woodend Bypass, the proposed Rangiora Eastern Link Rd and the Skew Bridge upgrade (west Kaiapoi) are vital to the region’s prosperity.

‘‘We’ve got Rangiora opening up, with the Bellgrove subdivision underway, but we need that road treatment.

‘‘It is chicken and egg stuff. We’ve got to future proof it otherwise it is going to become a nightmare.

‘‘The Woodend Bypass is huge, and for Amberley it will make it easier and more attractive to commute to Christchurch for work.’’

The Government has promised to build the Woodend Bypass, which would divert highway traffic away from the Canterbury township.

Stats NZ's high growth scenario suggested Waimakariri could grow from 70,000 to 100,000 over the next 30 years, with the bulk of the growth expected in Rangiora and Kaiapoi.

The proposed Waimakariri District Plan, which is expected to take effect later this year, is set to open up 200 hectares of land for housing in Rangiora and 97ha in Kaiapoi.

Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon said the Eastern Link Rd and Skew Bridge upgrade will be included in the 2024-34 long-term plan.

The Eastern Link Road has been designated in the Waimakariri District Plan and the council has applied to Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) to share the $37.9 million bill.

‘‘We will be giving ratepayers the choice if they want us to get on and fund it without NZTA funding, or whether we should wait,’’ Gordon said.

Without NZTA funding, the full amount would be loan funded and cost ratepayers $30.67 per property per year, over approximately 30 years, compared to $15.03 with the subsidy.

The Skew Bridge upgrade is estimated to cost $11 million price tag and would cost ratepayers about $10 per year without NZTA funding, Gordon said.

‘‘The bridge is at the end of its life and it will make a huge difference to our community when it is upgraded and it will help address congestion.’’

■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

322 days ago

Make money from your unused space

Heybarn

Unlock the potential of your unused space, whether it's a shed, garage or paddock and start making it work for you.

Kiwis from all over New Zealand are looking to rent affordable space for storage, a workshop or an event.

Visit - let us help you find the perfect renter for your space.
Find out more

Image
S
323 days ago

beans and tomatoes

Sue from Kaiapoi

fresh picked french beans $3 bags and tomatoes $5 bags for sale at gate
Bramleys Road turn off lineside road 2nd house on left
larger amounts available by request
0212222838

Price: $5

Image
V
324 days ago

Lonicera nitida plants (Box Honeysuckle)

Vicki from Rangiora

Good sized plants. Looks like buxus when grown but grows at twice the speed. Tiny oval dark green leaves. Plant in full sun or semi shade. Ideal plant to shape into balls cones etc perfect for planting now $3.50 per plant

Price: $3.50

V
324 days ago

Bulk Griselinia Plants

Vicki from Rangiora

Great for hedges. Good size. 100s available.$4 per plant.

Price: $4

P
324 days ago

desk

peter from Rangiora

desk as pictured
700 ht x 800w x 1500lg
few scraps on it but generally fine


drawers all good not separating.

pickup rangiora

Price: $80

Image
P
324 days ago

barbeque

peter from Rangiora

Masport Weekender 3
3 burner

plate and grill 50/50

Not much use at all, if at all.
has some surface rust as u can see in pics.

View more
Masport Weekender 3
3 burner

plate and grill 50/50

Not much use at all, if at all.
has some surface rust as u can see in pics.

lid has handle missing
end shelf has a cut in it but hardly noticeable
rubber ring on snout that screws into bottle is good.

pickup Rangiora

Price: $60

Image
324 days ago

6 Rejuvenating Wellness Tips

The Team from NZ Compare

Get ready for a refreshing summer with our 6 rejuvenating wellness tips!

Whether you're hitting the trails, diving into the waves, or simply chilling at home, these tips are perfect for making the most of your break!

Image
325 days ago

Have you got your tickets yet?

Heart Foundation Lotteries

Don't miss out! For only $15 a ticket, you could be in to win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home in Pegasus, Christchurch worth nearly one million dollars.

Featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms and an open plan kitchen, living and dining area, this home is waiting to be lived … View more
Don't miss out! For only $15 a ticket, you could be in to win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home in Pegasus, Christchurch worth nearly one million dollars.

Featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms and an open plan kitchen, living and dining area, this home is waiting to be lived in by its new owners.

Make this property your permanent residence, a holiday home, rent it or even sell it – it could be all yours! Get your tickets today at heartlottery.org.nz.
Buy tickets now

Image
325 days ago

Fridge/Freezer 250L SS

Earle from Kaiapoi

For sale. Fisher & Paykel stainless steel fridge/freezer. 250 litre capacity (55cm W x 60cm D x 160cm H). Approximately 10 years old. Runs well with good seals. Interior light does not work but can be bought online. Buyer must pick up.

Price: $150

326 days ago

Family Friendly Service and Discussion

Jeneane Hobby from Ashley Community Church Incorporated

Paul and Lesley Askin lead their next family-friendly monthly service - Sunday,3 March - at the Ashley Community Church from 4.30 pm. Bring a plate of finger food for a shared meal afterwards.
Remember to go before you come because there is no toilet on site.


Enquiries to Paul or Lesley, Ph … View more
Paul and Lesley Askin lead their next family-friendly monthly service - Sunday,3 March - at the Ashley Community Church from 4.30 pm. Bring a plate of finger food for a shared meal afterwards.
Remember to go before you come because there is no toilet on site.


Enquiries to Paul or Lesley, Ph 021 140 2074

39 Canterbury St, Ashley.

326 days ago

Pittosporum - Black Matipo - Feb Special

Goughs Nurseries

We're looking to move some of our pittosporum hedging plants to make room for next season's stock. Usually $7.50 each - now $6 each for a limited time. 80cm tall and bushy.

Image
Top