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By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
The Waimakariri District Council is in ‘‘a financially sound position’’ despite a challenging year, says chief executive Jeff Millward.
Flooding, economic uncertainty and high inflation impacted the council, which still ended the year to June … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
The Waimakariri District Council is in ‘‘a financially sound position’’ despite a challenging year, says chief executive Jeff Millward.
Flooding, economic uncertainty and high inflation impacted the council, which still ended the year to June with an operating surplus of $21.7 million.
Councillors adopted the 2022-23 annual report at an extraordinary meeting on Tuesday afternoon.
"We’ve had a fair bit of pressure coming on the budget and other councils are saying the same thing," Millward said.
"By all our performance measures we have done pretty well. Overall it has been a good year."
The operating surplus was $9.7 million less than budgeted due to inflation and developers contributions being less than expected.
Development contributions is what developers pay councils to help with the costs of increased services such as libraries, roads and water infrastructure.
The council also borrowed $8m less than the $188m it had budgeted.
Millward said Audit New Zealand had given its endorsement of the annual report, which took into account the change in government and a potential change in Three Waters policy.
He did not anticipate any immediate impact to the council from the change of government.
"It is very much business as usual until we have [the incoming Government's] 100-day plan to respond to."
National campaigned to reverse a number of reforms for local government, including Three Waters and the Resource Management Act overhaul.
Mayor Dan Gordon said the council was in a strong position but he warned of a challenging year ahead.
"We need to look carefully at our budgets as we go into the Long Term Plan.
"Our neighbours are already talking about significant rate increases unless there are significant cuts to services."
Millward said the council was facing ‘‘significant impacts’’ from climate change as it looked ahead to next year’s 2024-34 long-term plan.
Gordon also thanked staff and volunteers for their efforts in responding to the weekend's damaging winds, which brought down trees and cut power to thousands of homes.
"If we had the Three Waters reforms in place now we wouldn’t have been able to perform as effectively as we did, and that is something we have been concerned about.
"Severe weather events are happening more regularly, and the council is seeking to establish a permanent fund to ensure we have budget to maintain, fix, and improve our stormwater, wastewater and roading networks following extreme weather."
Last month, the council approved a plan to establish an infrastructure resilience team to lead flood recovery efforts.
■ Public interest journalism funded through New Zealand on Air.
Plants all under $10 this weekend....Hydrangeas, shrubs, hedging, grasses, flaxes, perennials and many more plants! Vegetable pods - tomatoes, broccoli cucumber zuchinni and lettuce choose any three for $1. Open from 10am until 6pm all weekend. 151 Flaxton Road, Rangiora
Hello Neighbours, are you ready for a relaxing Labor Day long weekend?
If you're looking for some leisurely activities, we've got just the thing – a selection of fantastic shows to enjoy from the comfort of your home!
PLUS, we've got the scoop on broadband providers … View moreHello Neighbours, are you ready for a relaxing Labor Day long weekend?
If you're looking for some leisurely activities, we've got just the thing – a selection of fantastic shows to enjoy from the comfort of your home!
PLUS, we've got the scoop on broadband providers offering FREE streaming subscriptions! Let's dive in!
Bring out the best in your bathroom with a feature wall in your favourite Resene colour.
Find out how to get started with our easy advice.
Lower speeds can saves lives and prevent serious injury. Reducing the speed vehicles travel makes a major difference in a crash. People make mistakes on our roads, and those mistakes shouldn’t cost our neighbours, whānau or pets their lives.
We're asking for … View moreLower speeds can saves lives and prevent serious injury. Reducing the speed vehicles travel makes a major difference in a crash. People make mistakes on our roads, and those mistakes shouldn’t cost our neighbours, whānau or pets their lives.
We're asking for feedback on a Draft Safer Speed Plan which sets out a three-year implementation plan and 10-year vision for safe speed areas in Christchurch and Banks Peninsula.
To read the plan and give feedback by 25 October visit our website.
A common neighbourhood quandary is the shared fence and we wonder what you would do... Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the We Say You Say column of your local paper.
Your fence needs a paint but it's a fence that is shared with your … View moreA common neighbourhood quandary is the shared fence and we wonder what you would do... Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the We Say You Say column of your local paper.
Your fence needs a paint but it's a fence that is shared with your neighbour's property. Do you...
1 X 22grm Unisex Elite Shungite Nugget from Colombia encased in an adjustable macramé waxed thread. This is the actual pendant you will receive.
4 cm long x 2.5 cm wide $62
This stunning Elite Shungite Pendant was a delight to create.
Being 98% carbon Shungite offers excellent protection … View more1 X 22grm Unisex Elite Shungite Nugget from Colombia encased in an adjustable macramé waxed thread. This is the actual pendant you will receive.
4 cm long x 2.5 cm wide $62
This stunning Elite Shungite Pendant was a delight to create.
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This pendant looks beautiful as well as offering you all the benefits of wearing Shungite.
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One of its roots lies in Asgard, the home of gods, while the other is in Hel, the underworld of Norse mythology. The third root is in Midgard, the realm of mortal men. This way, Yggdrasil connects worlds of mortal, divine and dead.
Strung on an adjustable chord, 3.5cm round engraved regular shungite.
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By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
North Canterbury’s mayors are hopeful the incoming Government will stick to its promise to scrap the Three Waters reforms.
The Waimakariri, Hurunui and Kaikōura councils have been among the more vocal opponents of the Labour Government’s Affordable… View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
North Canterbury’s mayors are hopeful the incoming Government will stick to its promise to scrap the Three Waters reforms.
The Waimakariri, Hurunui and Kaikōura councils have been among the more vocal opponents of the Labour Government’s Affordable Waters legislation.
The legislation, which was revised earlier this year, proposed the creation of 10 entities to control the country’s Three Waters infrastructure, with the North Canterbury councils included in the Canterbury/West Coast entity.
The National and Act parties campaigned on a promise to repeal the legislation and replace it with a new proposal based on community ownership of water services.
"We look forward to the new Government swiftly repealing the outgoing Government’s legislation to honour that commitment," said Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon, co-chairperson of the lobby group Communities for Local Democracy (C4LD).
"Both leading into the campaign, and during the campaign, they’ve been clear with Kiwis that this was their intention, and they have the electoral mandate now to get on with it and fix this flawed reform."
Gordon said reform was urgently needed, but central and local government needed to work together to ensure the best outcome.
Three Waters was suggested as a solution to the country's ageing water service infrastructure.
The legislation aimed to give the new water organisations greater financial flexibility to make infrastructure upgrades to improve the safety, reliability and affordability of water services.
An alternative model was presented by Gordon in November, alongside Auckland mayor Wayne Brown and Christchurch mayor Phil Mauger.
It would see the water regulator, Taumata Arowai, remain in place alongside local ownership.
Localised Regional Water Organisations (RWOs) were suggested as an alternative to the government’s proposed 10 entity model, which would be set up in partnership with Mana Whenua.
It was proposed the RWOs have access to investment capital through a new Water Infrastructure Fund, administered by central government’s Crown Infrastructure Partners.
The degree of any formal co-governance would be determined by local communities in consultation with mana whenua, rather than by central government, Gordon said.
Kaikōura mayor Craig Mackle said his preference was to join a North Canterbury RWO, which could include Kaikōura, Hurunui, Waimakariri, Christchurch and Selwyn.
Hurunui mayor Marie Black said her district had been concerned about the "loss of ownership" from early on.
"We look forward to progress being made on that commitment once the new Government is in place.
"There is a little bit of uncertainty at the moment and it will take a bit of time, but I have a high level of confidence because of the determination the parties expressed in the campaign."
She called on the new Government to work in "true partnership" with councils across the range of reforms, including the Resource Management Act reform and the future of local government.
Comment has been sought from Te Kura Taka Pini (the Ngāi Tahu freshwater group).
A Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu spokesperson said the rūnanga is "apolitical" and works with the government of the day.
■ Public interest journalism funded through New Zealand on Air.
Wondering about your power, broadband and mobile providers? It's time to have your say!
Voting for the PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARDS in the Power, Broadband and Mobile categories is now open. Click below to VOTE NOW!
Share your voice and VOTE for who you think deserves to WIN … View moreWondering about your power, broadband and mobile providers? It's time to have your say!
Voting for the PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARDS in the Power, Broadband and Mobile categories is now open. Click below to VOTE NOW!
Share your voice and VOTE for who you think deserves to WIN People's Choice - Power, Broadband and Mobile in New Zealand.
Voting ends on November 17th, 2023.
Just under 2 weeks left to book to get the birthday discounted rate.
To help us celebrate our 1st birthday, for the month of October 2023 we are offering a 15% discount on repairs and a free can of 5 Star Tyre Shine*
For further information or to make a booking, touch base with Paul on the … View moreJust under 2 weeks left to book to get the birthday discounted rate.
To help us celebrate our 1st birthday, for the month of October 2023 we are offering a 15% discount on repairs and a free can of 5 Star Tyre Shine*
For further information or to make a booking, touch base with Paul on the contact details below.
* while stocks last
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Canterbury receives a "paltry amount" of national road funding, Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon says.
In a submission on the Government's national roading priorities, Gordon said the Woodend Bypass and Ashburton State Highway 1 bridge were … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Canterbury receives a "paltry amount" of national road funding, Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon says.
In a submission on the Government's national roading priorities, Gordon said the Woodend Bypass and Ashburton State Highway 1 bridge were the only significant Canterbury projects in the mix.
"The Ashburton bridge and the Woodend Bypass are important for the entirety of Canterbury and for the country," Gordon said.
"We need to advocate strongly for Canterbury. What we receive in Canterbury is a paltry amount compared to the overall funding for roading."
He said maintenance funding and subsidies needed to be at a level that allowed councils to keep roading networks up to speed.
"When we get behind it is very hard to catch up, so it is something we prioritise here."
In the submission on the draft Government Policy Statement on land transport, the Waimakariri District Council supported its "general direction", but said it would like more Canterbury projects in the mix.
The policy statement, released by Transport Minister David Parker in August, sets the Government’s priorities for future land transport investment.
The inclusion of the proposed Woodend Bypass in the plan saw it move into the top three projects in the draft Canterbury Regional Land Transport Plan 2024-34. This guides land transport planning within the region.
The other significant Canterbury project brought forward was the Ashburton State Highway 1 bridge.
In the submission, Gordon welcomed plans to widen the Ashley River Bridge as part of the Woodend Bypass project.
"We hope this will allow for cycling and walking."
However, he called for an underpass to be constructed near the Pegasus/Ravenswood roundabout to improve cycle and walking access across SH1.
Gordon also wanted the immediate purchase of land required for the Woodend Bypass to give property owners some certainty.
He also called for other Waimakariri projects to be given great priority, including the proposed Skew bridge upgrade (west Kaiapoi), Lineside Rd safety improvements, the Rangiora western link, the proposed Rangiora eastern link road and transportation infrastructure to support the development of Māori Reserve 873.
He also advocated the call from Greater Christchurch Partnership’s (a coalition of local government, mana whenua and government agencies) for more funding for public transport and infrastructure enhancements.
Other Canterbury projects in the GPS included funding for public transport, Rolleston upgrades, Brougham St safety improvements, increased public transport capacity on Halswell Rd, rural intersection safety improvements, and SH1 resilience in Timaru.
For now the Rangiora western link, eastern link road and Skew bridge projects sit at numbers 20, 24 and 25 in the draft Canterbury Regional Land Transport Plan 2024/34.
The Greater Christchurch Partnership’s public transport initiatives is in the top four, along with the Conway River bridge replacement in the Hurunui district.
"The benefit of the regional approach is that councils work together effectively to advocate for regionally significant and nationally significant projects," Gordon said.
■ Public interest journalism funded through New Zealand on Air.
Spring has sprung in Silverstream, and we're celebrating with a photo competition over on our Facebook and Instagram pages! 📷🌷
Click the link below and comment your best shot of Silverstream in all its springtime glory for a chance to win a Queen's High Tea for two at Paris for … View moreSpring has sprung in Silverstream, and we're celebrating with a photo competition over on our Facebook and Instagram pages! 📷🌷
Click the link below and comment your best shot of Silverstream in all its springtime glory for a chance to win a Queen's High Tea for two at Paris for the Weekend* 🍰☕
This competition runs across Facebook & Instagram and entries close on Friday 27th October. The winner will be announced by a video on our Facebook and Instagram pages on Monday 30th October.
*Terms and conditions apply. See linked post.
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When it’s time to explore retirement village options, you have so many choices. So how do you decide what village is best for you? We’ve put together a comprehensive guide explaining all there is to know about Ryman retirement living.
How much does a retirement village cost? What levels of … View moreWhen it’s time to explore retirement village options, you have so many choices. So how do you decide what village is best for you? We’ve put together a comprehensive guide explaining all there is to know about Ryman retirement living.
How much does a retirement village cost? What levels of care do we provide? The Ryman Guide answers all your questions around finances, living options & what to expect when you move in to one of our thriving village communities.
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