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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?!
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Faster broadband is being distributed to more rural North Canterbury communities, but black spots remain.
A Rural Connectivity Group (RCG) spokesperson said the group had been contracted to build 56 cell sites across Canterbury, with 42 cell sites now … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Faster broadband is being distributed to more rural North Canterbury communities, but black spots remain.
A Rural Connectivity Group (RCG) spokesperson said the group had been contracted to build 56 cell sites across Canterbury, with 42 cell sites now live and another 14 planned for this year.
She said 12 rural North Canterbury communities have been connected as part of phase two of the government’s Rural Broadband Initiative (RBI2).
But gaps remained at Oxford, Glentui and Clarkville.
A further five Hurunui communities - Marble Point, Molesworth Station, Poplars Station in the Lewis Pass, Poplars Ridge and Port Robinson - were expected to be connected with cell sites this year as part of an RBI2 expansion programme, if the funding can be secured from Crown Infrastructure Partners.
Seven cell sites have been connected in Hurunui communities over the last three years including Domett, Inland Road, Lyford, Lyford South, Mt Grey, Pyramid Valley and Teviotdale.
In Kaikōura new cell sites were providing coverage to Mangamaunu Beach and the highway as well as the rural area west of the township.
New connections at Okuku, The Pines Beach and Eyrewell were live last year in the Waimakariri district.
‘‘This is a significant investment under the government’s RBI2 and Mobile Black Spot Fund programme in Canterbury providing 4G wireless broadband and 4G voice, data and text services from Spark, Vodafone and 2degrees,’’ the RCG spokesperson said.
‘‘These cell sites will provide connectivity to around 4280 rural households and businesses, improve connectivity on the roads and connectivity at popular visitor destinations.’’
Amuri.Net was connecting ultrafast fibre broadband to residents in the Ohoka/Mandeville area under an initiative announced last year by Digital Economy and Communications Minister David Clark, during a visit to the district.
In December the government announced it was on track to see 99.8% of New Zealanders receiving improved broadband speeds by the end of this year.
In the Lifting Connectivity in Aotearoa report, the Government stated its long-term goal was for every rural and remote New Zealander to be connected to high speed broadband by 2032.
More than $2.5 billion has been invested in improving digital connectivity to date from government and private sector contributions.
Federated Farmers telecommunications spokesperson Richard McIntyre said the report was ‘‘ambitious, but admirable’’.
‘‘The report lifts the discussion from having to justify whether something should be done to one of ‘let’s get on and do it’.
‘‘While it’s going to take a lot more investment on top of the money already announced, we applaud the commitments made to longer term rural connectivity solutions.’’
A Spark spokesperson said the company was continuing to work closely with the RCG on the planned projects.
‘‘Spark upgraded one of the two Kaikōura sites prior to Christmas with 5G technology and we will be continuing with 5G expansions on the existing Spark sites in the area over the coming months.’’
*Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air
Dear neighbours,
Last year, Jane Horne and partner Simon Bartholomew's Mondrian-inspired cube took the title of Resene Shed of the Year. Now, we're on the hunt for this years winner! Send us photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever storage spaces, cute chicken … View moreDear neighbours,
Last year, Jane Horne and partner Simon Bartholomew's Mondrian-inspired cube took the title of Resene Shed of the Year. Now, we're on the hunt for this years winner! Send us photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever storage spaces, cute chicken coops and potty potting sheds to win amazing prizes worth more than $2000. The Resene Shed of the Year 2023 winners will be announced in the April issue of NZ Gardener.
By local democracy reporter David Hill:
A rates rise of under 6% is on the cards after the Waimakariri District Council’s annual plan deliberations last week.
The council pared back a projected 6.9% rise as they endeavoured to ease the impact on people’s pockets.
Councillors voted to … View moreBy local democracy reporter David Hill:
A rates rise of under 6% is on the cards after the Waimakariri District Council’s annual plan deliberations last week.
The council pared back a projected 6.9% rise as they endeavoured to ease the impact on people’s pockets.
Councillors voted to defer funding depreciation for asset replacement, and to spread out earthquake loan repayments to keep its average rates rise at 5.97%.
It was higher than the 4.2% signalled in the 2021-31 long-term plan, but reflected the economic realities, with inflation at 7.2%, mayor Dan Gordon said.
“We think it is a fairly responsible position to present to our community.
“There is always an impact, so that is why there is a careful balance.”
Gordon said feedback indicated ratepayers wanted the council to stick to its work programme, especially when it came to roading.
The council faced a shortfall in Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency funding, because, while it was inflation adjusted, it did not cover all of the rising costs.
“We don’t want to fall behind with our roading programme, especially with the number of weather events we are getting,” Gordon said.
“And we will be having strong conversations with Waka Kotahi, with our partner councils to see what can be done.”
The council also planned to write to Transport Minister Michael Wood.
Planning was under way to expand the district’s cycling network, following a $6 million grant which was announced in December and needed to be spent by June 2024.
Further community feedback on cycleways projects will be sought later this year.
The council decided to bring forward its ultraviolet treatment programme for the district’s drinking water schemes to enhance its case for chlorine exemptions.
“While we are going through the chlorine exemption process, what we are picking up from Taumata Arowai is having some extra barrier in place is a requirement,” Gordon said.
“Anything we can do to keep our community protected we will do and we know the strong desire from our community to be chlorine free.”
The council is due meet again on February 28 to adopt the draft annual plan ahead of consultation from March 10 to April 17.
The council is proposing to consult on investment, the costs of keeping urban water supplies chlorine free, stormwater updates, contract inflation, and depreciation and earthquake funding.
The consultation document would also provide information on government reforms, climate change and sustainability, community facilities, rubbish and recycling, Canterbury Museum and the Christchurch stadium.
By David Hill, local democracy reporter
North Canterbury’s Mayors have extended an invitation to the Local Government Minister Kieran McAnulty to return to the region to learn more about the issues it faces.
The mayors were responding to the announcement by Prime Minister Chris Hipkins, who… View moreBy David Hill, local democracy reporter
North Canterbury’s Mayors have extended an invitation to the Local Government Minister Kieran McAnulty to return to the region to learn more about the issues it faces.
The mayors were responding to the announcement by Prime Minister Chris Hipkins, who put the brakes on some of the government’s reform programme.
This included asking McAnulty to report back on how to refine the Three Waters reforms.
McAnulty visited all three North Canterbury districts during his time as Associate Local Government Minister.
Hurunui mayor Marie Black said she would ‘‘always welcome’’ McAnulty back to have "a look and feel of our district and the services we need", such as roading and Three Waters.
"He comes from a small district like our own, so he does have an understanding of rural issues, we hope it transfers into his thinking and decision making."
She acknowledged the need to focus on the cost of living, but she was keen to see more detail of the government’s ‘‘re-focusing’’ of its priorities.
Kaikōura mayor Craig Mackle said he would ‘‘wait and see’’ what comes of Hipkins’ announcement.
"It looks like he is saying and doing the right things, but I would like to know more - a lot more.
"I am grateful for the pause, but too often we have had this and then they have powered ahead and done what they wanted to do."
Mackle said he would welcome McAnulty back to learn more about the district’s challenges.
Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon put out a joint statement with Communities 4 Local Democracy (C4LD) chairperson Helen Worboys, re-enforcing their organisation’s position.
"All councils want the best outcomes for Three Waters in Aotearoa New Zealand, and we welcome the renewed opportunity for the Government to work with local councils on that solution."
The two mayors said C4LD had put together a "common sense" proposal which would deliver on the Government's objectives, while preserving the local voice and respecting property rights.
"We are confident that there's a way through this issue that every Kiwi would support, and we're keen to work in partnership with Government to get there."
Comment was also sought from Ngāi Tahu.
*Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ on Air
Cyclone Gabrielle has had a devastating impact on hundreds of thousands of Kiwis. As the long clean up begins and support becomes more and more needed, Stuff is calling for readers to support the Red Cross and Mayoral Relief Funds in areas where a local state of emergency has been declared. … View moreCyclone Gabrielle has had a devastating impact on hundreds of thousands of Kiwis. As the long clean up begins and support becomes more and more needed, Stuff is calling for readers to support the Red Cross and Mayoral Relief Funds in areas where a local state of emergency has been declared. We'd love your support. You can donate here.
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