Real estate agent wants better roads for North Canterbury
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
North Canterbury's growing housing market needs greater infrastructure support, a real estate manager says.
Bayleys Rangiora and Hanmer Springs manager Ross Ditmer said the Woodend Bypass, the proposed Rangiora Eastern Link Rd and the Skew Bridge upgrade (west Kaiapoi) are vital to the region’s prosperity.
‘‘We’ve got Rangiora opening up, with the Bellgrove subdivision underway, but we need that road treatment.
‘‘It is chicken and egg stuff. We’ve got to future proof it otherwise it is going to become a nightmare.
‘‘The Woodend Bypass is huge, and for Amberley it will make it easier and more attractive to commute to Christchurch for work.’’
The Government has promised to build the Woodend Bypass, which would divert highway traffic away from the Canterbury township.
Stats NZ's high growth scenario suggested Waimakariri could grow from 70,000 to 100,000 over the next 30 years, with the bulk of the growth expected in Rangiora and Kaiapoi.
The proposed Waimakariri District Plan, which is expected to take effect later this year, is set to open up 200 hectares of land for housing in Rangiora and 97ha in Kaiapoi.
Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon said the Eastern Link Rd and Skew Bridge upgrade will be included in the 2024-34 long-term plan.
The Eastern Link Road has been designated in the Waimakariri District Plan and the council has applied to Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) to share the $37.9 million bill.
‘‘We will be giving ratepayers the choice if they want us to get on and fund it without NZTA funding, or whether we should wait,’’ Gordon said.
Without NZTA funding, the full amount would be loan funded and cost ratepayers $30.67 per property per year, over approximately 30 years, compared to $15.03 with the subsidy.
The Skew Bridge upgrade is estimated to cost $11 million price tag and would cost ratepayers about $10 per year without NZTA funding, Gordon said.
‘‘The bridge is at the end of its life and it will make a huge difference to our community when it is upgraded and it will help address congestion.’’
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut
This Wednesday, we're having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with John Bracewell from Crewcut.
John Bracewell, former Black Caps coach turned Franchisee Development Manager and currently the face of Crewcut’s #Movember campaign, knows a thing or two about keeping the grass looking sharp—whether it’s on a cricket pitch or in your backyard!
As a seasoned Crewcut franchisee, John is excited to answer your lawn and gardening questions. After years of perfecting the greens on the field, he's ready to share tips on how to knock your garden out of the park. Let's just say he’s as passionate about lush lawns as he is about a good game of cricket!
John is happy to answer questions about lawn mowing, tree/hedge trimming, tidying your garden, ride on mowing, you name it! He'll be online on Wednesday, 27th of November to answer them all.
Share your question below now ⬇️
Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄
From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.
What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?
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4.6% Second half of November
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43.6% 1st December
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17.5% A week before Christmas
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33.2% Whenever you wish
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1.1% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite tomato recipe?
Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.
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