Kaiapoi board backs speed limit change
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
The speed limit on Kaiapoi’s Smith Street will be reduced to accommodate the growing Waimak Junction Business Park.
The Kaiapoi-Tuahiwi Community Board backed a proposal this week to reduce the speed limit from 80kph to 50kph on the small stretch of road between the southbound motorway on-ramp and the existing 50kph sign, 90 metres to the east.
Waimakariri District Council roading and transportation manager Joanne McBride said the speed limit change was needed to improve safety.
The Waimak Junction Business Park is expanding, with the planned opening of a Countdown supermarket, alongside Placemakers, Bunnings, Mitre 10, Briscoes and other retailers, expected to significantly increase traffic volumes.
But board members questioned why the speed limit was not being reduced from Revells Rd, including the Smith St motorway overbridge, which was under the jurisdiction of Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.
Deputy mayor Neville Atkinson said the overbridge section of the road, with four entry points, was more dangerous and suggested ‘‘piecemeal’’ changes to speed limits were confusing for motorists.
‘‘I don’t see the sense in changing this two or three times. It is just nonsensical. We need to change it all at once.’’
McBride said council staff had approached Waka Kotahi, but the agency had no plans to reduce the speed limit on the section of Smith Street under its jurisdiction.
‘‘The traffic signals are going in and we have time constraints with the development proceeding, so we need to get it done now.’’
Developer Jedd Pearce said the speed limit reduction on Smith St was long overdue.
He said the Countdown supermarket build, the largest development on the site, was expected to completed in late October.
‘‘It is going to be good for Kaiapoi and create a lot of employment.
‘‘I’m really looking forward to seeing it finished. We’re trying to catch up with Rangiora.’’
Council staff completed consultation in November and found there was 52 percent support from respondents for the speed limit change, with 48% opposed.
Board chairperson Jackie Watson backed the speed limit change.
‘‘I think it is time that we had this speed limit change.
‘‘I have spoken to quite a few people who didn’t even know it was coming, but they said when they try to come out of Tunas St sometimes it is impossible.’’
Waka Kotahi regional relationships director James Caygill said his organisation worked closely with other road controlling authorities when speed limits were being reviewed.
‘‘We will continue to consider how road controlling authorities are intending to treat local roads connecting with state highways as the State Highway Speed Management Plan is developed and do our best, where possible, to ensure those plans remain aligned.’’
Poll: Should drivers retake the theory test every 10 years?
Drivers get where they need to go, but sometimes it seems that we are all abiding by different road rules (for example, the varying ways drivers indicate around a roundabout).
Do you think drivers should be required to take a quick driving theory test every 10 years?
Vote in the poll and share any road rules that you've seen bent! 😱
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48% Yes
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50.1% No
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1.9% Other - I'll share below
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I am lighter than air, but a hundred people cannot lift me. What am I?
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Hero
“I was born and raised in war. To be honest, those are not good memories.
I really like Iran, and I really miss it, but I couldn’t be myself there. Even though my family didn’t like my decision, I left Iran. I promised myself that I would do whatever I can for all communities, especially for the kids, so they do not have the same experience I had.
I studied software engineering in Iran and left in 2006. I went to Malaysia and stayed in Kuala Lumpur for seven years. I was admitted to Lincoln University to do my PhD here, but unfortunately, I couldn’t afford the expenses. I requested a scholarship, but they told me I had to be there for six months first. So, I stayed in Malaysia and did my PhD in network security. In December 2013, I came to New Zealand with a work visa.
It took me a while to connect with the Iranian community here. I volunteered with the Multicultural Council, SPCA, and community patrol, and I established the Christchurch Iranian Society in 2017. Before that, I started working on Radio Toranj, the only Farsi-language radio show in New Zealand.
One of the reasons I started organizing cultural events was to showcase Iranian culture. I wanted to show people that we have delicious food, colorful dresses, traditional customs, and our own instruments. My hope was to show people that we are not what you see in the media.
I am working to involve all the communities that celebrate Nowruz, the Persian New Year, in the Nowruz festival in March 2025. We want to share this celebration not only with our community but with the public as well. It’s better when it’s shared.
I remember the first time someone from Dunedin called me and asked, Hero, can you help? Something happened, and they keep declining Iranian visa applications. When I heard that, I felt insulted. We are still human, so how can they do that?
Through this journey, I’ve learned a lot. Every single day, people with different cases call me, and I try to share my knowledge and guide them as much as I can.
I have received several awards, including the Christchurch Civic Award and an Award of Recognition for my contributions to the community during the pandemic. In 2021, I established Canterbury Kia Ora Academy, a charitable trust. Through this charity, I can help other communities as well, not just the Iranian community.”
- Hero
View more stories, or nominate someone: @humansofchch
www.humansofchch.org......
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