Mayor hails Waimakariri council's annual plan with average rates rise of 4.5%
From local democracy reporter David Hill:
Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon has praised the efforts of staff after the Waimakariri District Council confirmed “one of the lowest rates rises in the country”.
Councillors voted to adopt the 2022-23 annual plan at a council meeting on Tuesday, with an average rates rise of 4.5%.
“It’s been a large piece of work because of the current economic situation,” Gordon said.
The annual plan largely followed on from last year’s 2021-31 long-term plan (LTP), with some adjustments to reflect the challenging economic environment, he said.
Economic indicators suggest the Waimakariri district is performing well, despite the impacts of Covid-19 and global economic uncertainty.
The prospect of nearly 900 new houses being built this year provides some optimism going forward, Gordon said.
“We wanted to ensure that we were going to be able to deliver on everything that we planned and to not end up with a case of over promising and under delivering.
“I’m very confident that we can provide the very high level of service that our ratepayers expect, while ensuring that we are not overspending at this crucial time.”
This year’s annual plan features upgrades to drinking water plants, increased funding for the proposed mixed use community hub in Kaiapoi, upgrades to the Rangiora Airfield and funding to protect significant natural areas.
Capital works are not forgotten, with increased funding allocated towards the Kaiapoi storm water and flooding improvements and upgrades to roading infrastructure.
Deputy mayor Neville Atkinson said this year’s annual plan deliberations had been “the most honest we’ve ever been with ourselves with what we can and can’t deliver”.
“We have change from government coming, we have the non-supply of materials, and we have inflation.
“The earthquakes were a difficult time, but it was pretty specific to Canterbury, but this (Covid-19) has impacted on the whole country.
“We are in for an incredibly rough two years, so I think this annual plan is a great achievement.”
Cr Paul Williams raised concern that the percentages of rates funding allocated to roading appeared to be lower than funding for the libraries, parks and swimming pools.
Gordon said it was a subject that needed further debate, but he noted the feedback from residents indicated the council was heading in the right direction.
“We get constant feedback at how much people value our libraries and pools, so I’m comfortable with the rates resolution.”
Last year the council considered climate change in the LTP for the first time.
Gordon said this year’s annual plan was underpinned by a conscious effort to enhance wellbeing, the environment and sustainability in a growing district.
“People told us they are happy with our advocacy around Three Waters and our commitment to balancing growth and optimism with economic uncertainty.”
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Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.
This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.
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Canterbury’s Woodend Bypass route confirmed
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
The route of the proposed Woodend Bypass in Canterbury has been confirmed - and it might look familiar to locals.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) says it has decided the stick with the route which was first designated nine years ago.
Engineers reviewed the route after the Government gave them the green light in July to push ahead with plans.
The 9km stretch of road will provide an extension to the Christchurch northern corridor, otherwise known as the Belfast to Pegasus Motorway.
Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey has advocated for the project for several years and said he is thrilled at the latest announcements.
‘‘Many residents across the Waimakariri and further afield will be in no doubt about my passion for this project.
‘‘For far too long now, elderly residents of Woodend have missed medical appointments as they refuse to cross the main road due to safety concerns, and school children have run the gauntlet of getting to and from school.
‘‘Business owners have also suffered because customers refuse to stop on the main road due to traffic.’’
Waimakariri deputy mayor Neville Atkinson said it will be welcome news for local residents.
‘‘It has been a long time coming and the council has always been supportive of this project, so we are delighted that it is moving forward at the pace it is.’’
Last week, Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced plans to build an overpass to replace the Pegasus roundabout and provide better access for Pegasus, Ravenswood and Woodend residents.
He said NZTA will release a request for tender for detailed design and construction supervision this week.
The first stage of early works will likely begin in early 2026 with preparation for road widening to four lanes between Lineside Rd and Cam River, while the main physical works are expected to begin later in 2026.
An NZTA spokesperson said it is too soon for concept drawings to show what the Pegasus interchange will look like.
‘‘We’ll be able to share these as the designs progress during this next phase.’’
Details of how environmental challenges, such as two shingle pit lakes which have been created over the last decade, will be overcome have yet to be released.
Final costs have yet to be determined, but it is believed it will cost hundreds of millions of dollars.
The Woodend Bypass is one of the Government's first five roads of national significance.
The Government is considering roads of national significance to be partially funded by a toll.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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