Council briefs: Council considers economic development
By David Hill, local democracy reporter
Residents are being encouraged to have their say on the Waimakariri district’s economic development.
Councillors adopted the draft Waimakariri Economic Development Strategy for public engagement at a council meeting last week.
It will go out for consultation later this month.
Mayor Dan Gordon said the existing economic development strategy was adopted in 2013 and helped to guide the district through its earthquake recovery.
‘‘This draft strategy reflects the future growth of our district.’’
The strategy considered economic development, climate change, emissions reduction, urban development and transport growth.
■ Councillors have adopted the new Waimakariri Housing Policy 2023.
The council’s property portfolio working group will now work out how to best utilise the policy for the district, Gordon said.
That will include deciding whether to partner with the private or public sector to create quality, affordable social housing in Waimakariri.
■ The Waimakariri District Council is seeking government funding to add to its older person’s housing portfolio.
Councillors have backed a proposal from staff to apply for funding from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development’s affordable housing fund.
The council will seek $3.5 to $4 million, or 50% funding towards a proposed 20 unit housing development on council owned land, with the option of scaling up to 40 units.
The remaining 50% of the proposed $7 million to $8m development would be loan funded and paid back from rental income.
‘‘The intention is that this is not funded by ratepayers,’’ Gordon said.
‘‘The council will still be able to charge affordable rents for the new housing and has a long waiting list and latent demand for additional elderly person housing units.’’
If the funding application is successful, the site and investment options will be considered as part of the 2024-34 long-term plan process.
■ The council has increased its budget for an upgrade of Rangiora’s River Rd.
Councillors have approved an additional budget of $175,000 to allow for the full upgrade of the road.
Work is being completed on the south side of River Rd from Ashley Street to Cones Rd.
‘‘Council felt it was important to do this upgrade properly,’’ Gordon said.
‘‘This is a well utilised area by residents and it is where the Park and Ride (commuter bus service) is situated.’’
This project is estimated to cost $700,000.
■ Councillors have adopted an amended dog control bylaw.
Council staff are also exploring ways to provide after hours access to the pound for people unable to collect their dogs during normal operating hours.
■ 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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