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Just in Time for Thanksgiving. Southern Style Cornbread is now available At Urban Revival at Silver Stream. I also have some of Greenz jams and Crunchy and Chili Chocolate Peanut Butter. We have on offer black boy peach jam, Figgy pear jam, Feijoa Ginger jam, Raspberry Rhubarb, Orange and Lemon … View moreJust in Time for Thanksgiving. Southern Style Cornbread is now available At Urban Revival at Silver Stream. I also have some of Greenz jams and Crunchy and Chili Chocolate Peanut Butter. We have on offer black boy peach jam, Figgy pear jam, Feijoa Ginger jam, Raspberry Rhubarb, Orange and Lemon Marmalade just to mention a few. Stop in tomorrow and support little and local.
From local democracy reporter David Hill:
Addressing government reform and housing are priorities for the Waimakariri council over the next three years.
Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon has created two new portfolios in government reform and housing, as the district faces a challenging three … View moreFrom local democracy reporter David Hill:
Addressing government reform and housing are priorities for the Waimakariri council over the next three years.
Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon has created two new portfolios in government reform and housing, as the district faces a challenging three years.
Gordon will take the lead in tackling government reform, while Deputy Mayor Neville Atkinson has taken on the housing portfolio.
The appointments were confirmed at the Waimakariri District Council’s first ordinary meeting on Tuesday, November 8.
With various reforms coming the council’s way, including Three Waters, the future of local government and the Resource Management Act,
Gordon says it is important the district has a strong voice.
Housing is becoming a significant issue in the district, with a growing population, rising prices, a low rental stock and a lack of affordable housing.
Gordon also announced appointments to various committees, with each councillor allocated portfolios and set to take a turn chairing a council committee over the next three years.
‘‘We have been running a portfolio system for a number of years,’’ he says.
‘‘When I first come on to the council there was effectively an A and B team, but I think this is a much fairer system and I note other councils, including Christchurch, are looking at it.’’
The appointment of former mayor David Ayers as the Waimakariri and Hurunui representative to the Canterbury Museum Trust Board was
also confirmed.
Ayers is the board chairperson and has an important role to play in the museum’s ongoing redevelopment, Gordon says.
Councillor remuneration for the coming year was also confirmed.
Mayor Gordon’s salary is $146,838, while there is a remuneration pool of $555,247 for the 10 councillors.
Deputy mayor Atkinson’s salary is $69,373 and the nine councillors will each receive $53,986.
■ Waimakariri District Council committees:
Hearings Committee: Cr Neville Atkinson, Cr Al Blackie, Cr Robbie Brine, Cr Brent Cairns, Cr Tim Fulton, Cr Jason Goldsworthy, Cr Niki
Mealings, Cr Philip Redmond, Cr Joan Ward and Cr Paul Williams.
Chief Executive Review Committee: Mayor Dan Gordon, Cr Atkinson, Cr Redmond and Cr Ward.
Mahi Tahi Joint Development Committee: Mr Gordon, Cr Atkinson and Cr Mealings.
Audit and Risk Committee: Cr Atkinson, Cr Fulton, Cr Goldsworthy, Cr Ward and Cr Williams.
Community and Recreation Committee: Cr Blackie, Cr Brine, Cr Cairns, Cr Mealings and Cr Redmond.
District Planning and Regulation Committee: Cr Atkinson, Cr Blackie, Cr Cairns, Cr Fulton and Cr Goldsworthy.
Utilities and Roading Committee: Cr Brine, Cr Mealings, Cr Redmond, Cr Ward and Cr Williams.
Appointments:
Greater Christchurch Partnership: Mr Gordon, Cr Atkinson and Cr Mealings.
Canterbury Museum Trust Board: David Ayers.
District Licencing Committee: Commissioners Cr Atkinson (Chair), Jim Gerard (Deputy Chair), Wendy Doody, Cr Redmond and Cr Williams until review in mid-2024
Mayor Gordon - Canterbury Civil Defence Emergency Management Group (CDEM Group), Greater Christchurch Public Transport Joint Committee, Canterbury Regional Land Transport Committee, Enterprise North Canterbury Trust Board.
Cr Blackie - Te Kohaka o Tuhaitara Trust.
Cr Brine - Canterbury Waste Joint Committee, Canterbury Regional Landfill Joint Committee.
Cr Fulton - Waimakariri Water Zone Committee.
Portfolios:
Mayor Gordon - Iwi Relationships, Government Reform, Greater Christchurch Partnership, Transport.
Cr Atkinson - Property and Housing, International Relationships.
Cr Blackie - Arts and Culture, Greenspace (Parks, Reserves and Sports Grounds).
Cr Brine - Solid Waste, Community Facilities (including Aquatic Centres, Multi-use Sports Stadium, Libraries/Service Centres, Town Halls
and Museums).
Cr Cairns - Community Development and Wellbeing, Business, Promotion and Town Centres.
Cr Fulton - District Planning.
Cr Goldsworthy - Civil Defence and Regulation.
Cr Mealings - Climate Change and Sustainability.
Cr Redmond - Roading.
Cr Ward - Audit, Risk, Annual/Long Term Plans, Communications and Customer Service.
Cr Williams - Drainage and Stockwater and Three Waters (Drinking Water, Sewer and Stormwater).
■ Public interest journalism is funded by New Zealand on Air.
I have strawberry plants for sale. $2, $3 and $4 each. Minimum $10 sale.
I also have excellent raspberry plants and a few thornless blackberries ($15-$20 per plant).
I'm happy to give you some planting and growing tips if you need them.
Message here to organise a pickup - Rangiora.… View moreI have strawberry plants for sale. $2, $3 and $4 each. Minimum $10 sale.
I also have excellent raspberry plants and a few thornless blackberries ($15-$20 per plant).
I'm happy to give you some planting and growing tips if you need them.
Message here to organise a pickup - Rangiora. Will exchange mobile numbers before pickup.
This sale is for raspberry plants. $15 and $20 each.
All plants have been transplanted from existing Clutha, Heritage and Lewis varieties. They produce awesome raspberries.
Concerned about growing Raspberries?
If you are concerned re how to grow raspberries and keep them contained - fear … View moreThis sale is for raspberry plants. $15 and $20 each.
All plants have been transplanted from existing Clutha, Heritage and Lewis varieties. They produce awesome raspberries.
Concerned about growing Raspberries?
If you are concerned re how to grow raspberries and keep them contained - fear not! It's not difficult to achieve. I’m happy to explain how to keep them under control and give you a 1-page ‘How To’ sheet.
I also have strawberry plants ($2-$3-$4 each) and a few thornless blackberry plants ($10-$15-$20 each)
For combined purchases: Spend $50 and get $55 worth; Spend $100 and get $120 worth.
Pick up in Rangiora. However, for an $80+ purchase, I'm open to delivering them myself within 30min of Rangiora for an extra $10-$15 - depending on location.
Will exchange mobile numbers before pickup.
For only $15 a ticket, you can win a brand-new home in Whitianga valued at over $1.2 million. Built to perfection by Jennian Homes, this three-bedroom, two-bathroom home is spacious, open-planned and comes fully-furnished!
Make it your permanent residence, a holiday home, a rental or sell it … View moreFor only $15 a ticket, you can win a brand-new home in Whitianga valued at over $1.2 million. Built to perfection by Jennian Homes, this three-bedroom, two-bathroom home is spacious, open-planned and comes fully-furnished!
Make it your permanent residence, a holiday home, a rental or sell it – it could be all yours for only $15! Be in to win by purchasing a ticket today.
Every week, locals are being nominated for a Nice Neighbour Award and we think there's likely someone in your life who is worthy.
Whether it's someone who has been there in a time of need, has helped your family, or who regularly volunteers their time in their community - we'd love… View moreEvery week, locals are being nominated for a Nice Neighbour Award and we think there's likely someone in your life who is worthy.
Whether it's someone who has been there in a time of need, has helped your family, or who regularly volunteers their time in their community - we'd love to hear about them.
If your neighbour is picked as this week's Nice Neighbour, you’ll both receive a $25 Prezzy® card plus your special neighbour will feature in community newspapers around New Zealand as an inspiration to us all.
Let us know who should be recognised for their good deeds by nominating now.
Sony cyber-shot camera DSC-W610 in original box with instruction booklet. 360° sweep panorama, 26mm wide-angle lens (35mm format). 4x optical zoom Sony lens. 2.7" LCD screen. 14.1mega pixels. Lithium battery, battery charger & power cord. Sony memory stick duo adaptor MSAC-M2. Dedicated … View moreSony cyber-shot camera DSC-W610 in original box with instruction booklet. 360° sweep panorama, 26mm wide-angle lens (35mm format). 4x optical zoom Sony lens. 2.7" LCD screen. 14.1mega pixels. Lithium battery, battery charger & power cord. Sony memory stick duo adaptor MSAC-M2. Dedicated USB cable to transfer photos. Camera strap. Carrying case. Contact Briony on 02108437041. Pick up Kaiapoi.
Single room available in friendly home. Quiet street near Elephant Park. Own cooking and washing. Non smoker. $170pw includes power, internet, landline, shared tv. Share with one other. Available Friday 11th Nov.
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
High inflation and difficulty finding staff has hit business confidence in North Canterbury.
The latest North Canterbury Business Opinion Survey, released by Enterprise North Canterbury (ENC), shows local business confidence has slumped to net -12% … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
High inflation and difficulty finding staff has hit business confidence in North Canterbury.
The latest North Canterbury Business Opinion Survey, released by Enterprise North Canterbury (ENC), shows local business confidence has slumped to net -12% optimism.
While this figure compares well to the national statistics of net -42% optimism, it is a notable decrease from the last survey in April, which showed a net +4% optimism.
ENC business support manager Miles Dalton said the slump in confidence was no surprise.
‘‘It is definitely tough times in North Canterbury at the moment with almost all indicators showing the difficulties businesses are experiencing.
‘‘North Canterbury does appear to be cushioned from the worst of world-wide influences, with our results more positive than New Zealand as a whole.
‘‘And New Zealand appears to be coping better than most of the world.’’
Dalton puts it down to the strength of the local agriculture and construction sectors and less reliance on international tourism.
But the increasing cost of doing business is having an effect on businesses in the Waimakariri and Hurunui districts.
Eighty per cent of survey respondents recorded an increase in business costs over the last six months, with 80% also seeing rises in the six months before that.
Dalton said these increases were only partly reflected at the till.
‘‘North Canterbury businesses are feeling the pressure of growing inflation.
‘‘This is only partially reflected in selling prices, indicating businesses are wearing a lot of this cost in order to keep their prices competitive.
‘‘As a result, businesses are seeing decreasing profit levels.’’
Profitability has dropped 21% in North Canterbury in the last six months, despite an increase in sales, while 30% of businesses expect further profit decreases in the coming half-year.
Finding staff continues to be a headache for local businesses, with statistics showing it is harder to find staff now than at any other time since the survey began in 2013.
‘‘Businesses are reporting it is harder to find both skilled and unskilled staff than ever before,’’ Dalton said.
‘‘The main reason is simply that there is a supply shortage of suitable applicants. The current immigration policy settings and unaffordable wage rates new staff are expecting are also adding to staffing issues.’’
Despite these difficulties, the number of people employed in North Canterbury continued to grow this year, with net 13% of employers reporting an increase in staff numbers.
The North Canterbury Business Opinion Survey is compiled by Enterprise North Canterbury, the economic development arm of the Waimakariri and Hurunui district councils, every six months. To view the full survey visit: enterprisenorthcanterbury.co.nz/invest/surveys-and-reports.
■ Public interest journalism funded through New Zealand on Air.
From local democracy reporter David Hill:
North Canterbury’s three councils have no plans to introduce fluoride into drinking supplies.
The issue of fluoridation has been hotting up around the country since the passing of the Health (Fluoridation of Drinking Water) Act 2021.
The new … View moreFrom local democracy reporter David Hill:
North Canterbury’s three councils have no plans to introduce fluoride into drinking supplies.
The issue of fluoridation has been hotting up around the country since the passing of the Health (Fluoridation of Drinking Water) Act 2021.
The new legislation gives the director-general of health the power to direct councils to fluoridate drinking water supplies, but no directive has been issued to the Kaikōura, Hurunui or Waimakariri councils so far.
All three councils said it was unlikely any fluoridation will be introduced before July 2024, when it is proposed the new Three Waters entities would become operative.
Former director-general of health Dr Ashley Bloomfield wrote to councils in December last year to confirm fluoridation of supplies serving more than 500 people would be required under the Act.
Information on the costs and timeframes for introducing fluoridation was requested and directives were subsequently issued to several councils.
But no directives have been received by the three North Canterbury councils to date.
A Kaikōura District Council spokesperson said fluoridation would only apply to the urban supply, as the other schemes served less than 250 people each.
“The council does not have any provision for capital or operational costs of fluoridation in our current long term or annual plans.
“Our understanding is there will be no requirements for Kaikōura District Council ahead of the current proposed creation of the regional three waters entities in July 2024.”
It was estimated it would cost $150,000 to upgrade the Kaikōura urban supply and $20,000 per year in operating costs.
The total annual operating cost for all eight of Kaikōura’s drinking water supplies was around $700,000, so introducing fluoridation would have a major impact on rates if no national funding was available.
Hurunui District Council chief executive Hamish Dobbie said the council had not discussed the issue nor formed “a view” on fluoridation.
“If officers were asked, we would put together a paper to discuss the pros and cons.
“It [fluoridation] has been a very difficult issue for local government in the past.”
Mayor Marie Black feared fluoridation could become yet another “unfunded mandate”, with central government “imposing its will” and leaving ratepayers to bear the cost.
A Waimakariri District Council spokesperson said there was no desire to introduce fluoridation into Waimakariri’s water supplies.
“We have not received any such directive, and don’t know if or when the next batch of councils will be instructed to install fluoridation equipment.
“We don’t fluoridate any supplies but if and when we get a directive to do so, there will still be a long lead in time to allow us to budget for this work and construct the necessary upgrades.”
*Local Democracy Reporting is Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air
Hiya, does anyone know of any robberies in Rangiora township that have happened recently? Only asking as I have had a questionable interaction with someone.
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Public feedback on proposed planning rules and the Ohoka private plan change application is keeping Waimakariri council staff busy.
Staff say they have received more submissions than expected.
The new Waimakariri District Plan was notified last year,… View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Public feedback on proposed planning rules and the Ohoka private plan change application is keeping Waimakariri council staff busy.
Staff say they have received more submissions than expected.
The new Waimakariri District Plan was notified last year, but the council was required to notify two variations in August for housing intensification and financial contributions.
This followed the passing of the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 in December.
This directed the council to adopt medium density housing standards for the district’s main urban areas.
Submissions closed last month.
Staff are compiling a summary of submissions, including summaries of submissions on the two variations, and were due to email submitters by the end of this month.
The council will likely call for further submissions next month.
Staff are also busy processing around 630 submissions for the proposed Ohoka private plan change (Plan Change 31) by Rolleston Industrial Developments Ltd.
The developer is proposing to build an 850 house sub-division and a commercial area next to the small, rural village of Ohoka, near Rangiora.
The next step will be to notify a prepared summary of submissions and then allow a further 10 days for submissions.
‘‘This is a change to the existing operative plan.
‘‘The summary of submissions on this private plan change are notified separately,’’ a council spokesperson said.
An independent commissioner(s) will hear the application, but it will be some time before commissioners are appointed, the spokesperson said.
‘‘Until we are aware of the full range of submitters and further submitters, the council cannot engage commissioners as they will need to be in a position to fully consider any conflicts of interest that may arise.’’
The implications of the recently announced National Policy Statement on Highly Productive Land are also being considered.
The new NPS requires developers to demonstrate land they wish to develop does not contain ‘‘highly productive soil’’.
‘‘Given this is a relatively recent National Policy Statement we have not yet considered a view on how this may impact both the District Plan Review and Plan Change 31,’’ the council spokesperson said.
■ Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
A growing need in the community for food parcels is ‘‘deeply concerning’’, but not surprising, says Waimakariri deputy mayor Neville Atkinson.
The Community Wellbeing North Canterbury Trust’s Kaiapoi food bank has given out 1585 food parcels … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
A growing need in the community for food parcels is ‘‘deeply concerning’’, but not surprising, says Waimakariri deputy mayor Neville Atkinson.
The Community Wellbeing North Canterbury Trust’s Kaiapoi food bank has given out 1585 food parcels so far this year, compared to last year’s total of 548.
‘‘It shows how tough it is for families and it is not just those on low wages, it is getting into the medium income earners as well,’’ Atkinson said.
‘‘Inflation is so high and prices are ridiculous, so the country needs to take stock of where it is.
‘‘Unfortunately it has been bubbling away for quite a while, as wages haven’t been keeping up with inflation, but there is no easy solution.’’
Atkinson said the region’s welfare teams were working hard behind the scenes to support families in need, but they urgently needed help.
The Kaiapoi food bank is run by Kaiapoi Community Support, a division of Community Wellbeing North Canterbury Trust, and is housed in the Waimakariri District Council-owned Kaiapoi Community Centre.
Trust manager Deirdre Ryan said her organisation had been facing funding gaps as it struggled to meet a growing need in the community.
While the trust has government contracts to pay wages and run programmes such as Mana Ake, which works in local primary schools, and has support from the Waimakariri and Hurunui councils, it relies on community support.
‘‘We have no government contract for the food bank and all our operational stuff like cars and computers we have to fundraise for.
‘‘But some of the groups and businesses who fundraise for us haven’t been able to in the last two years due to Covid.’’
As the trust looks ahead to Christmas, it is looking to the community for support as it looks to provide its annual Christmas giving programme to support families in need.
Kaiapoi New World has stepped up to offer up to $2500 of matched funding for donations to support the food bank.
The trust has also launched a new service to support parents of secondary school students.
‘‘Parents can get free advice and support to help with wellbeing,’’ Ryan said.
‘‘It could be concerns about sleeping, eating, self-harm, anxiety, gambling, alcohol, grief, loss or change and we can give advice on how to navigate mental health services.’’
Parents can contact Wellbeing on 03 310 6375 to make an appointment either in person or by video call.
The trust supports families throughout the Waimakariri and Hurunui districts.
■ The 4th annual Kaiapoi River Wellbeing Walk is being held on Saturday, November 12, meeting at the Kaiapoi Food Forest at 10am.
The event is being held to raise awareness and funds to support Community Wellbeing North Canterbury. Go to Walk for the Planet on Facebook for more information.
■ Public interest journalism funded through New Zealand on Air.
Personalise your tree this year with adorable homemade woodland characters. Use Resene testpots to create these four cuties. Find out how to create your own.
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