Nearby
Ashley, Kainga - Brooklands, Rangiora, Swannanoa - Ohoka, Hurunui District , Loburn, Kaiapoi, Pegasus, Fernside, Woodend, Spencerville, Sefton
Waikuku & Waikuku Beach news is brought to you by the team at Northern Outlook
Recent posts
Thank you for using Neighbourly
Our February issue of our Seniors Newsletter is out now. In this issue we're keeping you in the know how on copper withdrawal and how that may affect you, plus lots more.
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Government reform was on top of the agenda at a Waimakariri District Council meeting on Tuesday, February 7.
Councillors debated submissions on the draft future of local government report, and two Three Waters reform bills.
In a draft submission … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Government reform was on top of the agenda at a Waimakariri District Council meeting on Tuesday, February 7.
Councillors debated submissions on the draft future of local government report, and two Three Waters reform bills.
In a draft submission prepared by senior policy analyst Temi Allinson, the council advocated for five year long term plans, supported the concept of ‘‘citizen-led participatory democracy’’, called for stronger relations between central and local government, and reiterated concern for ‘‘unfunded mandates’’.
The council chose not to give feedback on the proposal to lower the voting age to 16 in its submission.
‘‘We decided it was a matter we didn’t need to have a view on,’’ mayor Dan Gordon said.
‘‘It is before the courts, and really it is a matter for the government.’’
The Water Services Legislation Bill and the Water Services Economic Efficiency and Consumer Protection Bill caused considerable discussion with councillors raising a number of concerns.
Cr Joan Ward questioned how creating additional bureaucracy would led to lower costs.
She said the council needed to re-enforce its opposition to the proposed reforms, and she expressed concerned about the lack of transparency in the draft legislation.
She noted there was no reference in the bills requiring the new entities to be audited by Audit New Zealand.
Cr Jason Goldsworthy questioned whether the Commerce Commission was the right body to have oversight over the new Three Waters entities, as proposed in the legislation.
He noted the Commerce Commission had found concerns with the supermarket duopoly model, so how could an entity with a monopoly over three waters be subject to market competition?
Deputy mayor Neville Atkinson said the Commerce Commission was not the right body to have oversight of Three Waters.
‘‘It needs to have the Auditor-General over the top of it.’’
Cr Niki Mealings noted there was no guarantee for drinking water to be supplied in the proposed legislation, if it was to be treated like other utilities such as power or phone.
‘‘Will people get their water cut off if they can’t pay their bill?’’
Cr Philip Redmond noted the proposed legislation did not address the question of ownership of water.
‘‘Is that a deliberate omission? There are differing views on what ownership of water means and I wonder if this bill is opening the way for an alternative to come in.’’
Submissions on the draft future of local government report close on February 28, while the Three Waters reforms submissions close on February 12.
■ Public interest journalism is funded by New Zealand on Air.
To celebrate Valentine’s Day, subscribe to NZ House & Garden, NZ Gardener, or TV Guide online at Mags4Gifts and receive an iconic box of Guylian Belgian seashells.
Simply enter the promo code ‘VALENTINES’ at the checkout to redeem this great offer. Valid until 11:59pm 14 February … View moreTo celebrate Valentine’s Day, subscribe to NZ House & Garden, NZ Gardener, or TV Guide online at Mags4Gifts and receive an iconic box of Guylian Belgian seashells.
Simply enter the promo code ‘VALENTINES’ at the checkout to redeem this great offer. Valid until 11:59pm 14 February 2023, white stocks last. For full terms and conditions click here.
The team at Mags4Gifts.
Recommendations please for someone to check our fridge/freezer in our large caravan - in 2020 we paid $2765.75 for a rebuild/new cooler etc. - for the last few months the temperature has not been cold enough for water etc. however in the last fortnight our food -cheese/meat etc. has been going off … View moreRecommendations please for someone to check our fridge/freezer in our large caravan - in 2020 we paid $2765.75 for a rebuild/new cooler etc. - for the last few months the temperature has not been cold enough for water etc. however in the last fortnight our food -cheese/meat etc. has been going off - yes it has been hot lately but this has been ongoing for awhile and maybe it wouldn't happen in a 'house fridge' ? Any help greatly appreciated - Thank you
Protective waterproof Jacket with thermal lining which is detachable.
The Jacket has shoulder and elbow padding.
In new condition hardly worn.
Hi everyone,
We’ve seen a lot of post lately for people looking for a gardener so just thought I’d post that Layne is available and is keen to help. Feel free to flick me through a message or give Layne a call/text on 021 025 82219 . Thanks everyone!
Does anyone know where I can get the springs on my caravan squabs redone they don't need to be reupholstered just the springs tightened I think ph 0276088915 or you can message me thanks
Hi
We have three ewe lambs for sale.
All approx six months old.
$130 each of $360 for all three.
All too often, our older community are found at home alone, suffering, physically hurt and unable to help themselves. If you’re living alone and would like some extra support, get to know your neighbours, reassure them that you're okay with them checking in on you, and together make a plan … View moreAll too often, our older community are found at home alone, suffering, physically hurt and unable to help themselves. If you’re living alone and would like some extra support, get to know your neighbours, reassure them that you're okay with them checking in on you, and together make a plan and talk through what warning signs to look out for should something be wrong. It could just save your life.
For more information, and tips to help you make a plan go to thehelloproject.nz
(Plant your berries now so they are better established by spring)
This sale is for raspberry and thornless blackberry plants, $15 and $20 each.
Bulk Deals:
$60 worth for $50
$90 worth for $70
$130 worth for $100
All raspberries have been transplanted from existing Clutha, Heritage and … View more(Plant your berries now so they are better established by spring)
This sale is for raspberry and thornless blackberry plants, $15 and $20 each.
Bulk Deals:
$60 worth for $50
$90 worth for $70
$130 worth for $100
All raspberries have been transplanted from existing Clutha, Heritage and Lewis varieties. They produce awesome raspberries.
The thornless blackberries are Black Satin
Pick up in Rangiora. However, for an $80+ purchase, I'm happy to deliver myself within 30min of Rangiora for an extra $10 - depending on location.
Will exchange mobile numbers before pickup.
Concerned about root spread when growing raspberries and blackberries?
If you are concerned re how to grow raspberries and keep them contained - fear not! It's not difficult to achieve. I’m happy to explain how to keep them under control and give you a 1-page ‘How To’ guide.
Needless to say, it's been a horrible week for a lot of us with the scary weather and all it's brought with it. If you're doing it tough, here's something which might help.
Stuff's podcast Stuff Explained has been talking with Hummingly's Jolie Wills, a … View moreNeedless to say, it's been a horrible week for a lot of us with the scary weather and all it's brought with it. If you're doing it tough, here's something which might help.
Stuff's podcast Stuff Explained has been talking with Hummingly's Jolie Wills, a psycho-social expert in disaster and disruption. In this short podcast interview, Jolie shares her expert advice on what you, or the people you want to support, may need right now.
Whether you're currently involved, or you want to help others, it's worth a quick listen!
© Neighbourly 2025
Loading…
