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Give your bedroom a fresh look with this creative bedhead project and Resene paints. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Replacing the Skew Bridge in west Kaiapoi remains a priority, Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon says.
The council has been lobbying Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency for funding to assist with the estimated $11 million replacement cost.
"I would like … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Replacing the Skew Bridge in west Kaiapoi remains a priority, Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon says.
The council has been lobbying Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency for funding to assist with the estimated $11 million replacement cost.
"I would like to bring it forward, but without the subsidy it will place 100% of the cost on the council," Gordon said.
He was responding to comments from ratepayer Bruce Bellis, in a council meeting on November 7.
Bellis called on the council to take urgent action to replace the bridge.
"It is a dangerous bridge, it is a very narrow bridge, and it is very old and parts of it are crumbling away.
"It is in urgent need of replacement."
He said the bridge was dangerous because it was narrow, with trucks crossing the bridge with wheels over the centre line.
"It is not uncommon to see parts of rear view mirrors (of trucks) lying on the bridge."
Bellis presented a 2019 report, Skew Bridge Point of Entry, which he said the council had received from Waka Kotahi.
He received the report as part of an Official Information Act request to the council.
But the council’s transport and roading manager, Joanne McBride, said the report was prepared by council staff and submitted to the agency as part of its funding application.
It has been estimated to cost $11m to replace the bridge, with the council seeking a 51% funding share from Waka Kotahi to ease the burden on ratepayers.
"The council has been advocating to Waka Kotahi to replace Skew Bridge for years and has committed to funding the council share of the project," McBridge said.
"To date there has been no funding commitment from Waka Kotahi.
"The Skew Bridge project is required to go through a business case process to secure co-funding from Waka Kotahi before it can proceed, however, when last assessed it did not meet the criteria for funding."
She said the council was continuing to work with Waka Kotahi to explore funding opportunities.
Skew Bridge was listed at number 25 in the priority list for projects to be included in the draft 2024-34 Canterbury Regional Land Transport Plan.
Council staff believed the bridge had about 17 years of life remaining.
In the meantime safety improvements were completed last year on the approaches of the bridge and active warning signs have been installed to remind drivers to slow down as they approached the bridge.
■ Public interest journalism funded through New Zealand on Air.
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Criticism of the Waimakariri District Council’s housing growth planning is disappointing, mayor Dan Gordon says.
In a recommendation to decline a private plan change request to rezone Ohoka land, independent commissioners Cindy Robinson and Ros … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Criticism of the Waimakariri District Council’s housing growth planning is disappointing, mayor Dan Gordon says.
In a recommendation to decline a private plan change request to rezone Ohoka land, independent commissioners Cindy Robinson and Ros Day-Cleavin were critical of the council for not making enough provision for housing growth.
But Gordon said the criticism was "unfair".
"I guess they are entitled to come to whatever conclusions they like, but I can assure you the council does have enough provision to meet short to long term land capacity."
Under the existing Waimakariri District Plan, there are 321 hectares available for development, which equated to capacity for about 5900 new houses.
Based on its growth model, which was prepared under the requirements set out in the National Policy Statement on Urban Development, the council projected demand for 5600 new houses over the next 10 years.
Under the Proposed District Plan, notified in November 2021, the council believed it had provision for rezoning of land to cater for more than 20,000 new houses.
The proposed District Plan has been incorporated into the Greater Christchurch Spatial Plan, which has just finished consultation.
The council put forward this evidence as part of its plan change assessment, with the applicant, Rolleston Industrial Developments Ltd, arguing the council’s model "overstated capacity’".
But Gordon said other councils, including the Selwyn District Council, used the same methodology.
"The model will always be subject to variables and changing market demands across a 30 year period."
Rolleston Industrial Developments Ltd also presented evidence suggesting land in northeast Kaiapoi, which has been included in the spatial plan, was unsuitable for development.
The land in question was deemed red zone by the government after the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes, with payouts offered to property owners to allow them to move on.
A rural zoning designation was then imposed by the Waimakariri District Council, which has been retained in the Proposed District Plan, with the council also designating it for possible future development.
Specific zoning outcomes were being considered as part of the District Plan Review, due to be completed in June next year.
The costs of developing the former red zone land were likely to be high, and a potential developer would need to be aware of the constraints specific to the area, a council spokesperson said.
"Any flooding or other environmental considerations would need to be accounted for in any development plans."
But developers have already expressed interest in former red zone land, including a consortium led by Kaiapoi developer Jedd Pearce, which is exploring the possibility of a marina development including apartment style living.
Gordon said the experience reinforced the need for a moratorium on private plan changes while a council is going through a District Plan Review.
"All of that consultation can be compromised by a private plan change."
Gordon raised his concerns with Outgoing Environment Minister David Parker last year and planned to raise the issue again when a new Environment Minister is appointed.
"Changes were signalled in the Resource Management Act reforms, but the incoming Government has signalled it will take a different direction, so we will wait to see what that is."
■ Public interest journalism funded through New Zealand on Air.
Black Friday is around the corner, and we'd love to know what's on your shopping list this year as the season of amazing deals kicks off!
The shops are sporting tinsel and lights and our calendar's are already filling up with Christmas events. But is it too early to decorate your home?
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the We Say You Say column of your local paper.
Final days to get your tickets for a chance to win this brand new, fully furnished home in the Coromandel’s beautiful Whitianga. Worth over $1 million and featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms and an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area, this home is waiting to be lived in and loved by its… View moreFinal days to get your tickets for a chance to win this brand new, fully furnished home in the Coromandel’s beautiful Whitianga. Worth over $1 million and featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms and an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area, this home is waiting to be lived in and loved by its new owners.
Make this property your permanent residence, a holiday home, rent it or even sell it – it could be all yours!
Be in to win by purchasing your tickets today – just $15 each.
It’s that time of year when we rummage in the garage for Christmas decorations and camping gear but instead find random items we forgot we owned. Perhaps it’s finally time to get rid of those and make some cash? Or pick up something you need?
The Great Neighbourly (online!) Garage Sale is … View moreIt’s that time of year when we rummage in the garage for Christmas decorations and camping gear but instead find random items we forgot we owned. Perhaps it’s finally time to get rid of those and make some cash? Or pick up something you need?
The Great Neighbourly (online!) Garage Sale is this Saturday and we can't wait! The site will be brimming with both gently-loved goods and potential Christmas gifts.
To take part, simply upload a photo of your item(s) to Neighbourly’s Market section before Saturday. Make sure you come back on Saturday to browse the treasures listed from other members around your neighbourhood.
What's the most amazing deal you've discovered on our website, and how much money did you save?
Share your great finds with us for a chance to WIN a $200 Prezzy card and keep your shopping spree going!
CLICK below to enter! Don't wait too long to participate; entry ends on … View moreWhat's the most amazing deal you've discovered on our website, and how much money did you save?
Share your great finds with us for a chance to WIN a $200 Prezzy card and keep your shopping spree going!
CLICK below to enter! Don't wait too long to participate; entry ends on 29/11!
Check out our Black Friday deal HERE: www.nzcompare.com...
Nov 25/26 & Dec 2/3rd
The inaugural Arts Canterbury Open Studios will see more than 80 artists across 57 locations from Geraldine to Cheviot, Banks Peninsula to Sheffield and Oxford opening their doors for this exciting event.
Visit artists at their studios - see where they work, … View moreNov 25/26 & Dec 2/3rd
The inaugural Arts Canterbury Open Studios will see more than 80 artists across 57 locations from Geraldine to Cheviot, Banks Peninsula to Sheffield and Oxford opening their doors for this exciting event.
Visit artists at their studios - see where they work, experience a unique insight into their day to day creative processes, enjoy demos and the opportunity to speak with them about their experiences as an artist.
Discover artists living in your own neighbourhood or plan a trip further afield to explore the creative community that is thriving throughout Canterbury.
Choosing the right care centre is an important decision. To help you, we’ve put together The Ryman Care Guide to highlight the care, kindness and comfort that our care centres provide.
At Ryman villages, we offer comprehensive care options customised to suit your needs.
Our assisted living… View moreChoosing the right care centre is an important decision. To help you, we’ve put together The Ryman Care Guide to highlight the care, kindness and comfort that our care centres provide.
At Ryman villages, we offer comprehensive care options customised to suit your needs.
Our assisted living apartments are in the heart of the village and include amenities like housekeeping and chef-prepared meals to make life easier.
Our villages all offer rest home care, and most also offer hospital and specialist dementia care.
You can relax, knowing if your needs change, we can continue looking after you.
Discover the kindness and comfort of Ryman care, request your free copy today.
Light Up Diwali! We had over 340 incredible responses from all you Diwali enthusiasts who shared your power-saving tips for a chance to WIN $150 towards your power bills!
Now, the moment you've been waiting for – did you emerge as the lucky winner? CLICK below to find out!
Didn't… View moreLight Up Diwali! We had over 340 incredible responses from all you Diwali enthusiasts who shared your power-saving tips for a chance to WIN $150 towards your power bills!
Now, the moment you've been waiting for – did you emerge as the lucky winner? CLICK below to find out!
Didn't WIN this time? Don't worry! Stay connected with NZ Compare to keep informed about future competitions, deals, and tips!
We're here to brighten up your Diwali and your budget! CLICK HERE to discover more: www.powercompare.co.nz...
Embracing adventure is made easy with our lock-and-leave-style living. We keep your home secure and well-maintained while you take off to explore what brings you joy.
Premila and Ebbie love the freedom of their Ryman lifestyle. The pair take off on holiday whenever they want and return home to … View moreEmbracing adventure is made easy with our lock-and-leave-style living. We keep your home secure and well-maintained while you take off to explore what brings you joy.
Premila and Ebbie love the freedom of their Ryman lifestyle. The pair take off on holiday whenever they want and return home to freshly mowed lawns, watered gardens, clean windows, and a safe village.
Discover more about the freedom of living in a Ryman village.
The Great NZ Pet Election has launched and we’re on the hunt for NZ’s best pet!
Pick up a copy of The Press to find out how to nominate your companion then check back every day to see if they are selected as a daily winner! All daily winners will receive a $50 pet store voucher and will … View moreThe Great NZ Pet Election has launched and we’re on the hunt for NZ’s best pet!
Pick up a copy of The Press to find out how to nominate your companion then check back every day to see if they are selected as a daily winner! All daily winners will receive a $50 pet store voucher and will qualify towards the grand pet election prize of a $1,000 pet store voucher. Find out more here.
Let the great NZ Pet Election begin!
The team at The Press
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