Mayor calls for roading action
By David Hill, local Democracy Reporter
Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon is calling for action on major roading projects in the district.
Gordon has welcomed the National Party’s pledge to deliver the promised Woodend Bypass, while he would like to see the proposed Rangiora eastern link road included in this year’s National Land Transport Programme.
Last week the National Party unveiled a $24 billion transport package, which included the Woodend Bypass as ‘‘a road of national significance’’.
The Woodend Bypass has been in the pipeline for decades, but has been stalled as Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency has focused on other transport priorities.
‘‘The Woodend Pegasus area is growing rapidly and already there is over 20,000 vehicles passing through here every day,’’ Gordon said.
‘‘It’s simply not safe for residents, business owners and school children to have to contend with heavy vehicles and traffic at this level.
‘‘Woodend is a community divided by State Highway 1. It is a growing community and residents feel divided by this dangerous stretch of road.’’
The proposed bypass route would turn east at Pine Acres, north of Kaiapoi, bypassing Woodend before rejoining the existing SH1 at the Pegasus roundabout.
Gordon said the council would continue to advocate strongly for investment from Waka Kotahi for other projects in the district.
‘‘There are many pressing road developments such as a replacement of Skew Bridge in east Kaiapoi as well as an eastern Rangiora link road that are required to accommodate a growing population.’’
He said the district was facing significant growth and these infrastructure projects were needed to support planned housing developments.
The eastern link road would provide another link between SH1 and Rangiora, and help ease pressure on the Southbrook business area.
‘‘We are pushing for Waka Kotahi to listen to councils like Waimakariri and invest where the need is.’’
At last week’s council meeting, councillors requested staff include the Rangiora eastern link road in the draft National Land Transport Programme.
‘‘We felt it was important that the Rangiora eastern link be included in the draft programme for a funding partnership with Waka Kotahi," Gordon said.
‘‘At the end of the day if it’s not in there, it can’t be considered.’’
The council would seek $375,000 for the 2024-25 financial year, $2.7 million in 2025-26 and a further $325,000 in 2026-27.
The entire project was expected to cost $35 million.
Land for the eastern link road has been designated in the proposed Waimakariri District Plan.
For now the project was in the programme for construction in 2035.
■ Public interest journalism funded through New Zealand on Air.
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.
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
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.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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84.6% Yes
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13.9% No
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1.4% Other - I'll share below
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