Waikuku & Waikuku Beach, Waikuku

Wondering about something in your neighbourhood?

Wondering about something in your neighbourhood?

Whether it's a new building going up or a strange noise you keep hearing, ask your neighbours here.

757 days ago

Confusion over housing rules

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Bureaucracy has led to confusion over whether new housing rules apply to Woodend and Pegasus.

New housing rules were announced by the Government in October last year, setting medium density residential standards (MDRS) as the default position for towns … View more
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Bureaucracy has led to confusion over whether new housing rules apply to Woodend and Pegasus.

New housing rules were announced by the Government in October last year, setting medium density residential standards (MDRS) 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 to apply the MDRS to Rangiora, Kaiapoi and Woodend / Pegasus.

But in an email to Local Democracy Reporting last month, Environment Minister David Parker said, based on advice from the Ministry for the Environment, the MDRS apply to Rangiora and Kaiapoi.

‘‘The MDRS does not apply to Woodend and Pegasus as the population of these settlements is less than 10,000.’’

Waimakariri District Council development planning manager Matt Bacon said the confusion came down to how the ‘area’ of Woodend was defined.

The Canterbury Regional Policy Statement identifies Woodend, Pegasus and Ravenswood as one urban area rather than separate towns.

‘‘This is why the MDRS were applied to Woodend/Pegasus/Ravenswood, although this is still subject to the submissions and hearings process,’’ Bacon said.

Adding to the confusion, the National Policy Statement (NPS) on Urban Development sets the criteria as a population in excess 10,000 residents for towns in high growth areas.

But the legislation, which gave effect to the NPS, set the criteria as: ‘‘an area predominantly urban in character that the 2018 census recorded as having a residential population of more than 5000’’.

At the time of the 2018 census, Woodend had a population of 2784 and Pegasus 2637 - a combined population of more than 5000.

The legislation, the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 was backed by both Labour and National.

But a lack of consultation meant councils were ‘‘blindsided’’ and the Waimakariri District Council made a submission against the legislation.

Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey said he was surprised by the council’s position.

‘‘It’s quite contradictory for the council to say they oppose the legislation on one level because they don’t agree with it, but then seek to enforce some of the most punitive measures.’’

Doocey said central government never intended Woodend, Ravenswood and Pegasus to be treated as one urban area when applying the MDRS.

‘‘These towns individually don’t reach the population threshold, but with the council taking the interpretation to link those towns together it will have the unintended consequence of the intensification being focused on Woodend.’’

Covenants set in place when Pegasus was first established would likely prevent the new standards being applied in the township, he said.

Doocey encouraged the council to take the environment minister’s advice and not apply to the standards to Woodend and Pegasus.

The new standards allow for up to three homes and buildings of up to three storeys to be built on some sites without a resource consent, provided conditions are met.

Conditions include maximum heights, setbacks from boundaries, no more than 50% of land covered by buildings and at least 20% of the section must be landscaped with trees, grass or garden beds.

Building consents will still be required.

■ Public interest journalism is funded by New Zealand on Air.

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757 days ago

Same Same but Different

Fieldays

Same Event, Same Venue, different date, 30 November to 3 December.

Plenty to see and do, eat, buy and try.

From Agri machinery, to new innovations, career opportunities and competitions.

We want to celebrate the sector that is relentlessly hard-working, at the forefront of world-leading … View more
Same Event, Same Venue, different date, 30 November to 3 December.

Plenty to see and do, eat, buy and try.

From Agri machinery, to new innovations, career opportunities and competitions.

We want to celebrate the sector that is relentlessly hard-working, at the forefront of world-leading technologies, and economically critical to our country.

The largest agricultural event in the Southern Hemisphere.

Bringing town and country together over four days

The ultimate opportunity for agribusiness networking throughout the primary sector value chain.

Got to www.fieldays.co.nz to buy tickets.
Know more

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758 days ago

Waimakariri flood repair bill more than $4m

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Heavy machinery is out in force to repair damaged infrastructure across the Waimakariri district following the July rain events.

The Waimakariri District Council’s repair bill has escalated to more than $4 million as staff and contractors repair … View more
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Heavy machinery is out in force to repair damaged infrastructure across the Waimakariri district following the July rain events.

The Waimakariri District Council’s repair bill has escalated to more than $4 million as staff and contractors repair underground services, roads, bridges, culverts, slips and washouts from overland flow.

In a report to last month’s council meeting, utilities and roading general manager Gerard Cleary said staff have been busy responding to 685 drainage service requests and 130 sewer service requests.

‘‘Some are resulting in works which are able to be completed this year and others are able to be addressed by existing capital works projects or are the landowner’s responsibility.’’

The council hopes to secure nearly $1 million from Waka Kotahi NZ Agency towards roading repairs expected to total $1.94 million.

Some of the repair work is being shared with Environment Canterbury (ECan), with the council looking to loan fund the bulk of the repair bill.

Emergency repairs are also being made to urban stormwater across the district, at an estimated cost of $615,000.

The bulk of the urban stormwater work is in Kaiapoi. This includes installing temporary pumps for the Dudley, Feldwick and McIntosh drains, and deployed to McDougal Place, Cridland Street West and Trousselot Park as needed, at an estimated cost of $185,000.

Cleary said drains in rural drainage areas had generally functioned well.

Repairs are being made to scouring of bridges, slumps and slips on Lees Valley Rd costing $250,000, and a culvert on Okuku Pass Rd costing $20,000.

Council staff are working with Environment Canterbury (ECan) for repairs at Silverstream, costing $50,000.

Unsealed roads are being re-metalled from scour and washing out of fines at an estimated cost of $580,000. Repair work following a bank collapse at Ohoka Stream is expected to cost $10,000.

Other works include drain scour repairs with a retaining wall at Upper Sefton Rd ($100,000) and reinstatement of river fords ($80,000).

Repairs to a culvert and upgrading pipe work on Main North Rd is expected to cost $100,000, while fixing a collapsed culvert on Old North Rd will cost $40,000 and a culvert upgrade at Wolffs Rd will cost $80,000.

A new drain at Kaiapoi Urupa will cost about $60,000.

Work to mitigate additional runoff at Ashley Gorge Road and upgrades to a culvert access way at Vicenza Drive will each cost $50,000.

The council’s contribution to repairs at the Okuku River, in conjunction with ECan, is expected to be $25,000.

Scoping includes river training works and bank protection works totalling $50,000.

Sewer repairs will cost $340,000.

This includes work to upgrade the pipe work and manholes at Kairaki sewer, costing $100,000.

Modifications to reduce the inflow the Kings Avenue wastewater will cost $50,000, with work to reduce inflow and infiltration at the Mandeville septic tanks will cost $100,000.

The Tuahiwi and Fernside waste water systems require work to reduce inflow and infiltration from private laterals costing $50,000.

A further $40,000 is needed for inflow and infiltration property inspection work at Woodend Beach and Waikuku Beach.

■ Public interest journalism is funded by New Zealand on Air.

758 days ago

Your base weekly fee is fixed

Ryman Healthcare

Retirement is an exciting time, filled with possibilities. Our fixed fee guarantee is one of the ways we provide financial certainty. Ryman residents love it as it helps them reduce rising living costs and surprise expenses.

Enjoy the quality amenities at every Ryman village and splurge a little… View more
Retirement is an exciting time, filled with possibilities. Our fixed fee guarantee is one of the ways we provide financial certainty. Ryman residents love it as it helps them reduce rising living costs and surprise expenses.

Enjoy the quality amenities at every Ryman village and splurge a little on yourself if you feel like it! Take up that hobby you’ve dreamed of or plan a holiday somewhere warm.

It’s easy to live life your way when you have freedom to do the things you enjoy. It’s another example of how we’re pioneering retirement living.
Find out more

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760 days ago

Looking for a person too help clean up our yard

Stephen from Kaiapoi

Is there anybody wanting some extra cash to remove some rubbish from our home ,some old concrete etc probably about 8-10 hrs ..We are about to list our home and are moving into a house bus so busy times . Any recommendations welcome thanks

L
758 days ago

iMP winstec/BETA saddle

Lynda from Woodend

Winstec /BETA saddle. 2010s
cari system instead, no stuffing or filling. Saddle tree is in excellent condition.
Seat 17' , currently 'red 'gullet plate installed, in this interchangeable saddle .
Synthetic tan brown saddle.
Come with a waterproof saddle cover and spare screws.… View more
Winstec /BETA saddle. 2010s
cari system instead, no stuffing or filling. Saddle tree is in excellent condition.
Seat 17' , currently 'red 'gullet plate installed, in this interchangeable saddle .
Synthetic tan brown saddle.
Come with a waterproof saddle cover and spare screws.
Asking 800.00 ONO
Delivery at buyer expense
no time waster pls

Price: $800

759 days ago

There's still time (just!) to send in your basil recipe

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Dear neighbours,

Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are still on the hunt for amazing and inventive basil recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by Oct 21, 2022. Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition … View more
Dear neighbours,

Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are still on the hunt for amazing and inventive basil recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by Oct 21, 2022. Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Vegetable Growing Made Easy.

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R
760 days ago

Senior ladies fitness and balance group

Ruth from Rangiora

COME ALONG TO A SMALL,FUN,FITNESS AND BALANCE CLASS WITH A FRIENDLY GROUP OF LADIES AND A SOCIAL COFFEE AFTERWARDS😊ALL FITNESS LEVELS WELCOME
WOODEND COMMUNITY SPORTS CENTER
9AM MONDAYS
CALL RUTHIE ON 021350617

J
762 days ago

Handyman, gardener, builder painter,

Jenny from Kaiapoi

Looking for and on behalf,
Lots of evening and weekend work,
Cash paid daily
Any interest PM me All materials supplied just labor required.

J
761 days ago

Rental required

Julia from Rangiora

Hi All, I'm looking for a rental within North Canterbury area. 1 bedroom, self-contained. If anyone knows of anything, please contact me, either on here or on the number below.
Thank-you :)
Julia - 020 4102 9571

762 days ago

Rangiora housing to be accelerated

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

From local democracy reporter David Hill:

A housing development in Rangiora is set to burst into life thanks to Government investment.

A new sub-division in northeast Rangiora will receive $5.7 million for transport and three waters projects from Kainga Ora’s Infrastructure Acceleration … View more
From local democracy reporter David Hill:

A housing development in Rangiora is set to burst into life thanks to Government investment.

A new sub-division in northeast Rangiora will receive $5.7 million for transport and three waters projects from Kainga Ora’s Infrastructure Acceleration Fund (IAF).

The Bellgrove subdivision is expected to unlock around 1300 affordable homes and the infrastructure will help open up other housing options in the area.

Rangiora is one of eight towns and cities to get a share of $192m from tranche two of the IAF funding announced by Housing Minister Megan Woods on Thursday, October 13.

Waimakariri District Council acting chief executive Jeff Millward says the funding will allow the development to get under way sooner than would otherwise have been possible.

‘‘It makes a big difference to get that funding and accelerate that development. It’s quite an exciting development.’’

Affordable housing has become a major issue in the district in recent years, with the council working on a housing policy statement.

‘‘It’s about how do we provide quality housing at an affordable value, and this development will help low income and first home buyers, right through to people who have been in the market for a long time,’’ Millward said.

The Bellgrove subdivision was fast-tracked under the Government’s Covid-19 Recovery Fasttrack Consenting Act 2020.

Without the fast-track approval, the development would have been held up by the council’s District Plan process.

Bellgrove Rangiora project manager and director Paul McGowan says the infrastructure over the entire development was expected to cost $70 to $80 million across five stage.

‘‘This funding will help us to get the infrastructure required for stage one, which will ultimately open up the whole area.

‘‘I look at Waimakariri district compared to Selwyn and the amount of growth has minimal. It seems [Waimakariri] has been constrained, so this will really give it a lift.’’

Work is already under way to establish drainage and clear trees around the Bellgrove homestead, which will remain at the centre of the sub-division due to its category two status with Heritage New Zealand.

Sections are selling for as small as 200m2 up to 1100m2.

Ray White Rangiora manager Stuart Morris says affordable housing on the smaller sections could cost about $650,000 to $750,000.

It will likely be in duplex or townhouse style, similar to housing in Ravenswood and Pegasus.

‘‘It does mean a small, new home, but it seems to be where we are heading.

‘‘The trends is more for first home buyers to save for a bit longer, and go all in and buy brand new, with small, easy care options.

‘‘There seems to be less appetite for ‘doer-up’ houses.’’

Waimakariri-based Labour List MP Dan Rosewarne says the announcement is ‘‘fantastic news for Rangiora’’.

‘‘It’s another great example of how local and central government can deliver for our community and all New Zealanders.

‘‘This Government infrastructure funding will help the council and developers make sure critical infrastructure like pipes, roads and wastewater connections, are in place, so that thousands more homes can be built and communities can thrive.’’

■ Public interest journalism funded through New Zealand on Air.

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761 days ago

STOP TREATING SOIL LIKE DIRT

Yates

Nourish the soil and the soil will nourish you! Healthy soil is at the very foundation of gardening success - and life itself - and this National Gardening Week Yates wants to help you grow good soil.

We’ve pulled together a bunch of ways to measure your soil health – how about planting a … View more
Nourish the soil and the soil will nourish you! Healthy soil is at the very foundation of gardening success - and life itself - and this National Gardening Week Yates wants to help you grow good soil.

We’ve pulled together a bunch of ways to measure your soil health – how about planting a pair of undies to find out how healthy your soil is? Or try a quick “worm count” test, building a “compost jar” (great fun for kids) or do a food waste audit.

Plus we’ve easy to follow steps on how to turn your food scraps & garden waste into fabulous compost.
Find out more

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761 days ago

Painting And Decorating

Enviro Painters Ltd

Enviro Painters Ltd are a professional and friendly company that prides itself on customer satisfaction.
We specialise in all aspects of painting and decorating be it your new home or renovation interior or exterior.
All staff are Trade Qualified and i have over 27 years in the trade giving you … View more
Enviro Painters Ltd are a professional and friendly company that prides itself on customer satisfaction.
We specialise in all aspects of painting and decorating be it your new home or renovation interior or exterior.
All staff are Trade Qualified and i have over 27 years in the trade giving you peace of mind that you will be dealing with a professional. We service all of North Canterbury and Christchurch.

I Look forward to meeting you onsite to discuss your project.
021 226 8476
Enviropaintersltd.co.nz

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762 days ago

Corner Lounge Suite

Ian & Jill from Rangiora

The retro corner lounge suite can be configured to suit your space and requirements. It has four removable arms to add how you wish, be it to both sides of a chair or 2 seater or any combo. It also has a removable shelf that fits onto the back of the corner seat suitable for a lamp or your … View moreThe retro corner lounge suite can be configured to suit your space and requirements. It has four removable arms to add how you wish, be it to both sides of a chair or 2 seater or any combo. It also has a removable shelf that fits onto the back of the corner seat suitable for a lamp or your knick-knacks. Enquiries phone 03 3136114

Price: $190

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