Eyrewell Forest, West Eyreton

710 days ago

Three Waters in sights for Waimakariri mayor

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

From local democracy reporter David Hill:

Dan Gordon is pledging to continue to fight for better Three Waters reform after winning a second term as Waimakariri mayor.

He has been re-elected with 87 percent of the vote, defeating Miles Stapylton-Smith in last Saturday’s (October 8) local … View more
From local democracy reporter David Hill:

Dan Gordon is pledging to continue to fight for better Three Waters reform after winning a second term as Waimakariri mayor.

He has been re-elected with 87 percent of the vote, defeating Miles Stapylton-Smith in last Saturday’s (October 8) local government elections.

Responding to Government reforms, and particularly the proposed Three Waters reforms, are his priorities for the new term.

‘‘In this term, I will continue to push for a better outcome on this issue for all our rate payers and residents.’’

He is also watching the proposed Resource Management Act reforms and the review of local government closely.

Managing the growth of the district, traffic congestion in Southbrook and Woodend, climate change and keeping rates rises down are other priorities.

He also plans to make himself more accessible to residents, including running ‘‘drop-in’’ sessions for residents to express their views.

Gordon will be joined by three new councillors, with Jason Goldsworthy elected in the Rangiora-Ashley ward, Brent Cairns in the Kaiapoi-Woodend ward and Tim Fulton in the Oxford-Ohoka ward.

Goldsworthy will be the youngest councillor around the table, at 29.

Seven sitting councillors, deputy mayor Neville Atkinson, Niki Mealings, Joan Ward, Paul Williams, Robbie Brine, Philip Redmond and Al Blackie were re-elected.

Kaiapoi-Woodend ward councillor Sandra Stewart was the only sitting councillor to lose her seat.

Stewart served as a councillor from 2007-10 and has served since 2016.

She was re-elected to the Kaiapoi-Tuahiwi Community Board.

She said she would continue to fulfil her portfolio commitments until the new council was sworn in and hoped to continue some of the environmental work she ‘‘pioneered’’.

‘‘We will just see how it all pans out. It will be interesting times all round with the government legislation.’’

Gordon has met with the councillors individually this week to discuss their interests before deciding on portfolios and council appointments.

No decision has been made on the appointment of a deputy mayor.

Gordon is also working with council staff to finalise arrangements for the induction of the new council later this month.

Waimakariri District Council Mayoral result:
Dan Gordon 17,935.
Miles Stapylton-Smith 2545.

■ Public interest journalism is funded by New Zealand on Air.

711 days ago

New water rules costly in Waimakariri

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

From local democracy reporter David Hill:

New drinking water rules are creating a headache for council staff.
The Waimakariri District Council approved additional funding at last week’s council meeting to allow staff to conduct more water testing of the district’s water supplies.

This … View more
From local democracy reporter David Hill:

New drinking water rules are creating a headache for council staff.
The Waimakariri District Council approved additional funding at last week’s council meeting to allow staff to conduct more water testing of the district’s water supplies.

This was in response to the new Drinking Water Quality Assurance Rules, released by water authority Taumata Arowai in May.

Water asset manager Colin Roxburgh said the required testing would cost around $286,510 for the 2022023 financial year, compared to the budgeted amount of $204,510.

The new rules take effect on November 14.

‘‘Previously the focus was on E. coli, but the new rules have a much wider range,’’ Roxburgh said.

The new rules meant all water must be treated for bacteria, either by ultra violet (UV) treatment or chlorine disinfection at the treatment plant.

Depending on the water source, testing and treatment for protozoa, iron, manganese, colour, nitrates and plumbosolvent metals may be required.

Roxburgh estimated the cost of water testing for the 2023-24 financial year would be about $350,000, which would be considered as part of the annual plan process.

He recommended the extra costs be distributed evenly across the district.

After some discussion, councillors accepted the need for the extra testing.

‘‘Unfortunately the bar has been raised so we have to do it,’’ Councillor Philip Redmond said.

‘‘It means consumers are all going to benefit from the improved water quality.’’

Councillor Paul Williams said it was ‘‘good and bad’’.

‘‘It is good that there will be more testing and monitoring, but the bad is the extra cost and considering we haven’t had any issues in the past.’’

Mayor Dan Gordon said Taumata Arowai staff were due to visit the district in late October or early November to discuss how the new rules would impact on the district.

■ Repairs from the July rain events will now cost $3.82 million, an increase on the $3.15m indicated at the September meeting.

Roading manager Joanne McBride said staff were continuing to work through co-funding arrangements with Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.

It was estimated roading repairs would cost $1.94m, with the Waka Kotahi share expected to be close to $1m, with the remaining balance loan funded.

Deputy Mayor Neville Atkinson said Kaiapoi was once again faced with an ‘‘unfair burden’’ as the ‘‘receiving area’’ for flood waters, so the council needed to rethink how costs were shared across the district.

■ Public interest journalism is funded by New Zealand on Air.

711 days ago

Have you got a great recipe for nasturtium?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Dear neighbours,

Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are now on the hunt for nasturtium recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by Oct 16, 2022. Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Vegetable Growing Made… View more
Dear neighbours,

Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are now on the hunt for nasturtium recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by Oct 16, 2022. Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Vegetable Growing Made Easy.

Image
711 days ago

What's New Zealand's coolest suburb?

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

The Auckland inner-city suburb of Kingsland has been named one of the world’s ‘coolest’ neighbourhoods in the annual survey from Time Out.

The UK media outlet received thousands of contributions from around the world and compiled the top 51 alongside local writers and editors. Kingsland … View more
The Auckland inner-city suburb of Kingsland has been named one of the world’s ‘coolest’ neighbourhoods in the annual survey from Time Out.

The UK media outlet received thousands of contributions from around the world and compiled the top 51 alongside local writers and editors. Kingsland came in 43rd and was praised for its quirky shops and eclectic food scene.

Read more here.

But is it really the best ‘burb in the country? Tell us what your top pick is and why in the comments below.

711 days ago

Climate and fresh water focus for regional councillors

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

From local democracy reporter David Hill:

Climate change and fresh water regulations loom as priorities for North Canterbury’s regional councillors.

Incumbent Environment Canterbury councillors Claire McKay and Grant Edge were re-elected in the North Canterbury/Ōpukepuke Constituency in … View more
From local democracy reporter David Hill:

Climate change and fresh water regulations loom as priorities for North Canterbury’s regional councillors.

Incumbent Environment Canterbury councillors Claire McKay and Grant Edge were re-elected in the North Canterbury/Ōpukepuke Constituency in Saturday’s election.

Both said working on the new integrated plan, which needed to be operative in 2024, would be the major issue of the next council term.

The new plan will integrate the government’s National Policy Statement on freshwater with the regional policy statement, the coastal environmental plan and the Canterbury Land and Water Regional Plan.

‘‘It’s critical that we involve the community in that discussion and partner with Ngāi Tahu as Mana Whenua,’’ McKay said.

She said a priority would be having discussions with councils around how to mitigate and adapt to climate change.

‘‘We’ve got to start talking now.

‘‘We can’t wait for something to happen and then in 10 years time think that we should have done something sooner.

‘‘We’ve got to have some alignment around who is going to pay and where we can live and work.’’

She said the recent flood events had shown the need to think about farming close to rivers and water ways.

Edge said climate change was top of the agenda and ‘‘how communities deal with storm events and flooding’’ in the future.

Urban development and transport were other priorities, particularly with planning related to meeting emissions targets.

‘‘For me one of the big issues will be taking a closer look at solutions for catchments around rivers and land use activity.

‘‘I think we can be a bit smarter about how we deal with those issues.’’

The 16 ECan councillors will be sworn in at the inaugural meeting on October 27, when the chairperson and deputy chairperson will be elected.

Two Ngāi Tahu councillors will be among those councillors, following the passing of the Canterbury Regional Council (Ngāi Tahu Representation) Bill in Parliament in August.

Edge said the inclusion of the Ngāi Tahu councillors with full voting rights was ‘‘a maturing of democracy’’ and a recognition of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

The Ngāi Tahu appointees are Iaean Cranwell (Kāti Irakehu, Kāti Kurī, Kāti Makō) and Tutehounuku ‘‘Nuk’’ Korako (Ngāi Tūāhuriri, Ngāti Wheke).

Cranwell has previously served as a government appointed ECan councillor and in the last term was a Tumu Taiao Mana Whenua expert.

Korako is a former National List MP.

■ Environment Canterbury North Canterbury/Ōpukepuke Constituency (two vacancies):
Claire McKay 12,232.
Grant Edge 10,524.
Shaun Lissington 8427.
Rachel Vaughan 8284.

■ Public interest journalism is funded by New Zealand on Air.

D
712 days ago

Strawberry Plants - Sweet and Juicy Crops

Dee from Rangiora

$2 each pot
6 for $10 ( buy 5 pots, get 1 free)

Pick up Flaxton Road, Rangiora

Price: $2

Image
712 days ago

Ryman residents aren’t defined by dementia

Ryman Healthcare

Through Ryman’s bespoke model of dementia care, myRyman Life, our villages aim to challenge perspectives on dementia and to create inclusive communities where staff receive cutting-edge training, families can feel reassured, and residents can thrive.

At Ryman villages our focus is on … View more
Through Ryman’s bespoke model of dementia care, myRyman Life, our villages aim to challenge perspectives on dementia and to create inclusive communities where staff receive cutting-edge training, families can feel reassured, and residents can thrive.

At Ryman villages our focus is on experience-based care rather than processes, enabling residents to live in the moment and to feel kindness, love and security.

Most of all, Ryman residents living with dementia are supported to continue doing the things that bring them joy so they can live fulfilled lives.
Learn more

Image
714 days ago

Old Carpet For Garden Mulch

David from Rangiora

I am looking for any carpet to use as a base layer to mulch my gardens. Happy to pick up and save on dump fees. Please message me with your phone number or email. Thanks, Dave

713 days ago

Market Day

Sonya from Rangiora

Community Market Day.5th November 10am til 2pm at 112 Swannanoa Road Fernside. Come and enjoy the fun or have a stall. All Welcome. Call Sonya 0275294594 to book you space. See you there.

Price: $10

714 days ago

MISSING FROM CHAPMAN PLACE KAIAPOI

Matthew from Kaiapoi

Please keep an eye out for my dog, he is a White male American bulldog with patches on his face
Please if you see him or have seen him please contact me ASAP Just want him home and safe first time he’s ever escaped
Phone or text 022 194 9336 PLEASE

715 days ago

Get decorating and $ave with Resene.

Resene

Now’s a great time to get your painting, staining and wallpapering jobs underway.

Get 25% off Resene premium paints, wood stains, primers and sealers, wallpaper, decorating accessories and cleaning products!

Discounts off the normal retail price at your local Resene owned ColorShop and … View more
Now’s a great time to get your painting, staining and wallpapering jobs underway.

Get 25% off Resene premium paints, wood stains, primers and sealers, wallpaper, decorating accessories and cleaning products!

Discounts off the normal retail price at your local Resene owned ColorShop and participating reseller until 31 October 2022. Paint offers are also available at Mitre 10 MEGA and selected Mitre 10 stores. Excludes WallPrint, decals, Crown, trade and industrial products, PaintWise levy and account sales.

Visit your local Resene ColorShop or reseller and enjoy these great savings.
Find out more

Image
717 days ago

Garden trellis

The Team from Resene ColorShop Rangiora

Mark the entrance to your special spot in the garden with Resene Lumbersider. Find out how to create your own.

Image
718 days ago

E BIKE Foldable - Used but in new condition

Howie from Rangiora

Light carbon fibre frame - 17.5kgs with battery
Low mileage - 455kms
Battery - 36V 313WH 8.7AH
Very efficient dual hydraulic brakes
20 inch wheels
Variable Shimano 7 speed gear system and 5 power assist settings and clear LCD display
Adjustable handle bar and seat heights
Carrier included … View more
Light carbon fibre frame - 17.5kgs with battery
Low mileage - 455kms
Battery - 36V 313WH 8.7AH
Very efficient dual hydraulic brakes
20 inch wheels
Variable Shimano 7 speed gear system and 5 power assist settings and clear LCD display
Adjustable handle bar and seat heights
Carrier included for light items - 10kgs max
Easy to fold and stores in a small area

Price: $1,295

718 days ago

Market Day

Sonya from Rangiora

Stall holders welcome. NOVEMBER 5TH 10AM TIL 2PM. Bring your goods to our second market. Crafts, gifts, food all welcome. Just $10 per stall. The 1st market was a great success so let's make this one bigger and better. Swans Nest Fernside. Call Sonya on 027294594 to book your site .

718 days ago

Do you have great recipes for basil and nasturtium?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Dear neighbours,

Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are now on the hunt for nasturtium recipes and also basil recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by Oct 16, 2022. Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition… View more
Dear neighbours,

Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are now on the hunt for nasturtium recipes and also basil recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by Oct 16, 2022. Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Vegetable Growing Made Easy.

Image
Top