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Ashley, Kainga - Brooklands, Rangiora, Swannanoa - Ohoka, Hurunui District , Loburn, Kaiapoi, Pegasus, Fernside, Woodend, Spencerville, Sefton
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There's some real goodies on Neighbourly Market in our FREE section, and we want to see even more!
If you've got some things getting dusty in the garage that could use a new home, list them on Neighbourly as free in the next 48 hours and you'll go in to win one of 5 x $50 … View moreThere's some real goodies on Neighbourly Market in our FREE section, and we want to see even more!
If you've got some things getting dusty in the garage that could use a new home, list them on Neighbourly as free in the next 48 hours and you'll go in to win one of 5 x $50 Prezzy® cards!
To Johny leech for the fridge/freezer for our swap a book library in kainga open from tomorrow.if full please don't leave any books.😆
Does anyone else find it frustrating that Neighbourly acts so Gestapo- like and won't let you answer a post that comes up on Neighbourly??
Sometimes people just don't always understand how to post on neighbourly and they don't open it up to everyone. Especially when offering an… View moreDoes anyone else find it frustrating that Neighbourly acts so Gestapo- like and won't let you answer a post that comes up on Neighbourly??
Sometimes people just don't always understand how to post on neighbourly and they don't open it up to everyone. Especially when offering an item for sale.
Twice lately I have wanted to buy something from this forum and it came back that they are not in my neighbourhood so I can't contact them. I phoned one person and they did want to sell it to me, but I had to look them up in the phone book and call them. Not everyone is listed in the phone book, though.
If we're being neighbourly, and let's face it, we really do need our neighbours these days, why is Stuff so limiting and domineering. You used to be able to message someone who had something you wanted to buy or discuss with them, but now you can't get in touch at all.
I put it to Stuff and Neighbourly that you aren't being neighbourly at all!! Why can't you add a feature that one could get in touch with a person who isn't from your neighbourhood or why can't we all be neighbours with a restriction available when you only want it in your area.
You now can't even answer a post now.
THIS ISN'T BEING NEIGHBOURLY
New Zealand's small businesses have had another tough few weeks. We're calling on you, wherever you are across the country, to recognise a local business making a difference in your community.
We all love a cheeky grin and a wave from our local grocer, or a toot from the delivery … View moreNew Zealand's small businesses have had another tough few weeks. We're calling on you, wherever you are across the country, to recognise a local business making a difference in your community.
We all love a cheeky grin and a wave from our local grocer, or a toot from the delivery driver, or a coffee order that’s ready before we arrive. These are the business owners who remind us we're home.
Give your favourite local business owner the recognition they deserve by nominating them in the 2023 Prospa Local Business Hero awards.
By David Hill, local democracy reporter
Disc golf is one step closer to becoming a reality in Kaiapoi.
The Kaiapoi-Tuahiwi Community Board has given its seal of approval to the establishment of a nine-hole disc golf course in the Kaiapoi Domain.
The decision followed community … View moreBy David Hill, local democracy reporter
Disc golf is one step closer to becoming a reality in Kaiapoi.
The Kaiapoi-Tuahiwi Community Board has given its seal of approval to the establishment of a nine-hole disc golf course in the Kaiapoi Domain.
The decision followed community consultation.
Chairperson Jackie Watson said the board was ‘‘thrilled’’ to give its support after an ‘‘overwhelmingly positive’’ response from the community.
Waimakariri District Council community and recreation general manager Chris Brown said it was now up to the group behind the project to raise the necessary funds.
‘‘Once they get this they will be able to install the equipment.’’
Disc golf is similar to traditional golf, with the aim of getting a frisbee, instead of a golf ball, into a series of baskets in the fewest number of throws.
■ Public interest journalism funded through New Zealand on Air.
Meet a family with four boys (almost) that's up for adventure - and they don't mind roughing it in the process.
1 year old mobile phone in mint condition, cared for by the one and only me. Comes with case, toughened glass protector on screen and charge cable and adapter. 5 G ready.
Fabulous cameras, S Pen.
Excellent phone. Reason for selling - Upgraded
Listing elsewhere so If you want this really great … View more1 year old mobile phone in mint condition, cared for by the one and only me. Comes with case, toughened glass protector on screen and charge cable and adapter. 5 G ready.
Fabulous cameras, S Pen.
Excellent phone. Reason for selling - Upgraded
Listing elsewhere so If you want this really great phone get in touch really quick.
By local democracy reporter David Hill:
The Waimakariri district could become a dark sky community.
Oxford Area School Observatory volunteer Raul Elias-Drago told the Canterbury Astronomical Society's Stardate South Island 2023 camp at Staveley in Mid-Canterbury last weekend, the … View moreBy local democracy reporter David Hill:
The Waimakariri district could become a dark sky community.
Oxford Area School Observatory volunteer Raul Elias-Drago told the Canterbury Astronomical Society's Stardate South Island 2023 camp at Staveley in Mid-Canterbury last weekend, the observatory committee is exploring the possibility of creating an Oxford dark sky community.
After hearing a presentation about the Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve, Elias-Drago now wondered if the committee should think wider, across the whole Waimakariri district or even North Canterbury.
‘‘The Wairarapa example has been very important for us to learn, as it shows we can have a Waimakariri district where not every part of the district is exactly the same or subject to the same rules.’’
He said the committee was keen to develop the accreditation for Oxford, and the Oxford area, and believed it was important to draw people in - not only for the astronomy.
‘‘By bringing people to the observatory, we hope they will come again and it will benefit the businesses in the area.’’
But the Wairarapa Dark Sky model was appealing.
The Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve gained accreditation from the International Dark Sky Association in December, after a five-year journey.
The reserve encompassed two districts, including the South Wairarapa and Carterton District Councils.
It comprised a core area to the south, which consisted of the Aorangi Forest Park, administered by the Department of Conservation.
The main towns to the north made up the ‘‘periphery’’, which were not subject to the same standards and lighting restrictions, but were still part of the reserve.
Protecting the dark sky had benefits of bringing in astro-tourism, protecting human health and animal welfare, and training the astronomers and astronauts of tomorrow, Elias-Drago said.
Retired Canterbury University academic Professor John Hearnshaw has launched a petition calling for national legislation to limit light pollution and promote dark skies, with the ultimate goal of New Zealand becoming a dark sky nation.
Science student and Canterbury Astronomical Society member Sasha Crawford said wildlife needed the stars to navigate.
‘‘A lot of birds use the stars to migrate, so not being able to see them can be catastrophic, as the circadian rhythm doesn't activate so they can't perform their natural functions and John Hearnshaw talks about it in his book [on dark skies].’’
Science communicator Hartina Mogosanu, who was involved in establishing the Wairarapa reserve, said it was time to ‘‘normalise’’ the conversation around dark skies.
An exhibition was held in Carterton over the summer to help people to understand what a dark sky reserve means.
She said thousands of people turned out and asked lots of questions, including whether police were going to arrive to turn out their lights.
‘‘But they don't have to do anything, the work has been done already.
‘‘People were a bit surprised as they thought everything was going to change, so it emphasises the need for good science communication.’’
Mogosanu said the two Wairarapa councils, Waka Kotahi NZTransport Agency and the Department of Conservation had all played key roles in making the changes necessary to gain dark sky accreditation.
*Public interest journalism funded through New Zealand on Air.
He iwi tahi tatou. Together we are one nation, united by Te Whare Rūnanga, standing tall next to the Treaty House and built by the hands of my whānau for not only Māori and Pākehā, but all New Zealanders. I invite you to come and share in their story.”
Pita Tipene is the Chair of the … View moreHe iwi tahi tatou. Together we are one nation, united by Te Whare Rūnanga, standing tall next to the Treaty House and built by the hands of my whānau for not only Māori and Pākehā, but all New Zealanders. I invite you to come and share in their story.”
Pita Tipene is the Chair of the Waitangi National Trust. He, and all of those all of those at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, invite you to come and feel the stories that shaped Aotearoa.
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
A decision on whether Woodend and Pegasus will be included in new housing standards, may ultimately be decided by an independent commissioner.
There has been some confusion whether the new medium density residential standards, which allow for … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
A decision on whether Woodend and Pegasus will be included in new housing standards, may ultimately be decided by an independent commissioner.
There has been some confusion whether the new medium density residential standards, which allow for sub-dividing for up to three housing units or building up to three storeys on a single property, apply to Woodend and Pegasus.
Waimakariri District Council development planning manager Matt Bacon said the legislation was open to interpretation and he expected the planning process would ultimately define how the new rules applied to the district.
‘‘We have certainly had some submissions which deal with that particular issue, and the independent commissioner will consider those in making a decision.
‘‘I don’t think there is any wrong interpretation and it has to be that way because it is legislation which has to be applied nationally.
‘‘There is always going to be areas of variation around the country, so that’s why the submission process is so important.’’
The new housing rules, announced by the Government in October 2021, set the new standards as the default position for towns in high growth areas, such as Greater Christchurch.
The Waimakariri District Council (WDC) notified variations to the proposed District Plan in August last year to apply the new standards to Rangiora, Kaiapoi and Woodend/Pegasus.
Feedback from Environment Minister David Parker and Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey indicated the Government and the Opposition, which both supported the legislation, never intended Woodend and Pegasus to be included.
But the Canterbury Regional Policy Statement identified Woodend, Pegasus and Ravenswood as one urban area rather than separate towns.
The Christchurch City Council recently announced a variation to its Plan Change 14, which would apply the new standards primarily to the central city.
Bacon said his team would be looking at the Christchurch interpretation closely to see how it might apply to Waimakariri.
‘‘We are interested in having a look at some of the evidential basis they have applied and what scope there is to do something here.’’
Covenants preventing further sub-division were placed on properties in Pegasus and Ravenswood when they were first developed and Woodend-Sefton Community Board chairperson Shona Powell questioned how these would be enforced.
Bacon said covenants were a private agreement between a developer and landowner.
While they were legally binding, they were separate to the Resource Management Act and were not a part of the council’s consenting process.
‘‘If a resource consent is lodged, we are required to process it like any other consent.
‘‘When someone applies for a resource consent it is up to the applicant to make sure everything else is in place.
‘‘This includes building consents and covenants, before starting work.’’
He conceded there was a danger of resource consents on covenanted sections ending up in court.
‘‘I know they did look at covenants early on in the legislation, but it is not covered in the new legislation.
‘‘It will be interesting to see if it comes into the RMA reform,’’ Bacon said.
*Public interest journalism funded through New Zealand on Air.
Give a dull brown table a fresh light look using a modern chalk paint style effect.
Find out how to refresh your table with this handy advice.
We've seen the devastation of flood waters, yet the Government backed down on plans to protect wetlands (which help soak up heavy rain) after they received complaints by property developers.
Are you confident we're making the right decisions to protect us from future disasters? … View moreWe've seen the devastation of flood waters, yet the Government backed down on plans to protect wetlands (which help soak up heavy rain) after they received complaints by property developers.
Are you confident we're making the right decisions to protect us from future disasters? Let's discuss!
Share your thoughts in the comments below - add NFP if you don't want these shared in the We Say You Say column of your local paper.
By David Hill, local democracy reporter
Waimakaririmayor Dan Gordon hopes to raise his council’s concerns about the planning process over the coming months.
Gordon has been appointed to a Ministerial Advisory Group — the resource management reform local government steering group — along… View moreBy David Hill, local democracy reporter
Waimakaririmayor Dan Gordon hopes to raise his council’s concerns about the planning process over the coming months.
Gordon has been appointed to a Ministerial Advisory Group — the resource management reform local government steering group — along with mayors, council chief executives and Ministry for the Environment officials.
The steering group will advise the government on the Natural and Built Environments Bill, the Spatial Planning Bill and the Climate Adaptation Bill, which were set to replace the Resource Management Act (RMA).
‘‘We will be working to make sure local government’s and our communities’ voices are heard and understood.’’
Gordon has already raised concerns with Environment Minister David Parker during last year’s Local Government Conference around the ability of developers to make private plan change requests while a council is in the process of reviewing its District Plan.
The question came to light after a private plan change request was lodged by Rolleston Industrial Developments Ltd.
The request sought to develop a new sub-division at Ohoka, while the council was still completing its Waimakariri District Plan review.
Gordon asked if there could be a moratorium placed on private plan change requests.
"I have heard back from the Minister’s office, and it is being considered as part of the RMA reforms."
He said he would raise the question again through the Ministerial Advisory Group.
*Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ on Air
From local democracy reporter David Hill:
Community efforts are helping īnanga/whitebait to flourish at Kaiapoi in North Canterbury.
The sweeping wetland surrounding the Kaiapoi River is home to īnanga/whitebait and native birds like the matuku-hūrepo/Australasian bittern.
Over the … View moreFrom local democracy reporter David Hill:
Community efforts are helping īnanga/whitebait to flourish at Kaiapoi in North Canterbury.
The sweeping wetland surrounding the Kaiapoi River is home to īnanga/whitebait and native birds like the matuku-hūrepo/Australasian bittern.
Over the last 15 years, the wetland has been steadily invaded by pest plants.
But an Environment Canterbury (ECan) led-project is attempting to set the balance back in favour of the original native plants.
“We're using targeted weeding, which means we’re leaving native undergrowth untouched and flood protection trees, where necessary, while eliminating yellow flag iris,” ECan braided river revival regional lead Greg Stanley said.
“No planting is needed as native species will flourish with space.”
Native wetland and saltmarsh communities grew beneath a canopy of planted and wilding willow trees.
Raupō, bullrush, harakeke, juncus, and carex were among the species inhabiting the area, providing sustenance and shelter for īnanga habitat.But yellow flag iris has quickly spread through the berm habitats, displacing wetland communities.
The iris infestation out competed native plants, threatening the habitat that īnanga rely on.
Without removal, the saltwater-tolerant weed was likely to outlast the willows, which were slowly dying back with saltwater intrusion and targeted removal.
“This is a really big problem,” Stanley said.
“With sea level rise, climate change, and saltwater intrusion, the conditions are moving to allow yellow flag iris to become increasingly dominant.”
Without intervention, īnanga were unlikely to survive, he said.
“Īnanga can't use yellow flag iris for laying eggs.
“The native plant species all have classic grassroots which form dense raft mats that the īnanga stick their eggs to, whereas the yellow flag iris is like a ginger root.”
Previous spawning grounds identified at the confluence of Kaiapoi River and Courtenay Stream have been increasingly choked by iris intrusion.
This has reduced the spawning ground, with little else available.
The project began in November 2021 and was now in its second season.
It was one of 23 river sites ECan was transforming throughout Waitaha/Canterbury.
The Regionwide Berm Transition Project was part-funded by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment's Kānoa – Regional Economic Development and Investment Unit.
The affordability of everyday items just keeps increasing!
If it’s not the petrol prices, it’s the cost of food, insurance or rates and let’s not get started on mortgage interest costs!
Home loan interest rates don't stay the same for long these days and it’s causing many … View moreThe affordability of everyday items just keeps increasing!
If it’s not the petrol prices, it’s the cost of food, insurance or rates and let’s not get started on mortgage interest costs!
Home loan interest rates don't stay the same for long these days and it’s causing many households to feel stressed out. Could you be saving thousands of dollars a year? If you don't check, you don't know.
Get a FREE mortgage health check through Money Compare and find out. If you could save money, why wouldn’t you right?!
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