Last ditch bid for fast tracking ‘out of control’ hedge removal
From local democracy reporter Adam Burns:
Maintenance of an “out of control” hedge at could cost ratepayers in a small North Canterbury village tens of thousands of dollars over the next couple of years, despite plans for it to be cut down.
But there are hopes the axing of the shadowy shrub can be fast tracked, following suggestions its removal was at least another two years away.
Plans for the macrocarpa shelterbelt hedge, which stands between 6 and 8 metres high on Waikuku Beach’s Parks Ave, continue to cause headaches for the small beach town community, including funding avenues for the hedge’s swift removal.
A report was tabled at the Woodend-Sefton Community Board meeting a fortnight ago, which recommended the hedge be removed.
However, it was initially proposed the project be considered for inclusion in the Waimakariri District Council’s 2024 long-term plan, with costs for the removal of the hedge and replanting estimated to be about $105,000.
The hedge could also absorb ongoing maintenance costs “at health and safety levels” until it was removed in 2024-25, according to the report.
Maintenance of the hedge costs the council about $20,000 for the first trim, followed by a further cost of “between $10,000 and $15,000 every 18 months”.
During a public deputation at the April 11 meeting, Waikuku Beach resident Jo Kane fumed at the proposed time frames following what she described as some drawn out deliberations with council staff on the matter.
“This was never the expectation from anyone in the community,” she said.
“This is a longstanding and unsustainable maintenance issue, and it really galls me that for the next three years you will have to trim this hedge back off the road.
“I feel really let down when I saw that piece of the report [indicating 2024].
“It needs to be gone, sooner rather than later.”
The removal of the hedge was later approved, but the community board agreed to amend its previous recommendation, in order for a last ditch request to go to the council for funding through this year’s annual plan.
Several concerns around the hedge were raised by residents during community consultation a year ago.
Ongoing maintenance costs, a lack of sunlight leaving ice and moss on the road, a desire for landscape views to be restored, and concerns the hedge was a fire risk were raised by those wanting it gone.
Other community members, favouring its retention, believed the hedge offered privacy and was a good windbreak for homeowners.
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The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
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Heritage gem or dangerous burden? Bowling club’s dilemma with historic pavilion
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
A Rangiora sports club is frustrated with the increasing maintenance and insurance costs of its 113-year-old pavilion, which can't be demolished due to its historic importance.
The Rangiora Bowling Club approached the Waimakariri District Council last year for help, but was yet to find a satisfactory solution for the pavilion.
It is registered with Heritage New Zealand and listed in the Waimakariri District Plan, leaving the club with few options.
The club’s ex-president Norman Hewett said the pavilion on Good St, north of the town centre, is unsafe and no longer fit for purpose.
Hewett said the council has been supportive and Heritage New Zealand has offered advice, but no funding.
‘‘Everybody thinks the building is worth preserving, but there is a cost and it shouldn’t be put on the bowling club.
‘‘As far as we are concerned it is not fit for purpose and we want to know how we can get round that.
‘‘We want to know what the community thinks and if they want to retain it, are they willing to pay for it?’’
The club has formed a sub-committee to explore what options are available.
Sub-committee member Rodger Wilton said the club has been unable to find any record that the club had a say when the building was given heritage status.
Built in 1911, the pavilion served the Rangiora Bowling, Tennis and Croquet Club, which originally shared the site.
It cost 945 pounds and was opened on October 28, 1911.
The three clubs purchased 1.25 acres on the corner of Blackett and Good streets in April 1905, but later parted company, with tennis and croquet moving to new sites.
While no quotes have been sought, Hewett believed it would cost more than $1 million to bring the pavilion up to code.
Ideally the club would like to demolish the pavilion so it can upgrade its main building and remain on site.
The stairwell was non-compliant and there was no wheelchair access, meaning the club was unable to use the upstairs facilities.
There are loose tiles on the roof which need replacing.
An attached building behind the pavilion is sufficient to meet the needs of the 140 members and for hosting the largest bowls tournament in North Canterbury, Hewett said.
He said the club is open to all options, including a land swap or selling to a developer with the expertise to restore the pavilion.
Waimakariri District Council community and recreation manager Chris Brown said the council is working through various opportunities with the bowling club as part of a feasibility study.
‘‘There are a lot of options to consider. Each have various financial, social and operational implications.’’
Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga said it had ‘‘expressed support for the adaptive reuse of the building and supported the club’s intention to investigate options for the pavilion and the associated land parcel’’.
The Rangiora Bowling Club is keen to hear the views of the community. Email rangiorabowling@gmail.com.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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