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By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
While libraries around the country are facing cuts, a Canterbury council is considering expanding its main library and extending its operating hours.
Waimakariri's council is reviewing opening hours, including increasing Sunday hours, and the … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
While libraries around the country are facing cuts, a Canterbury council is considering expanding its main library and extending its operating hours.
Waimakariri's council is reviewing opening hours, including increasing Sunday hours, and the Kaiapoi, Rangiora and Oxford libraries are investing in new technologies.
This is in contrast to libraries in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, which are facing budget cuts as councils look to curb huge rates increases.
The Waimakariri District Council is proposing an average rates rise of 8.94%, while other councils are considering rates hikes of more than 10%.
Expansion plans are in the pipeline in Waimakariri's 2024-34 long-term plan to support a growing population.
The council will be consulting on whether to build a second building alongside the existing Trevor Inch Memorial Library in Rangiora, earmarked for the 2027-28 financial year.
Community and recreation manager Chris Brown said a new single-storey, 1345m2 library building would cost $16.8 million.
A second option was constructing a two-storey building, with the library on the ground floor and office space for council staff upstairs, which would cost about $30m.
‘‘We have council staff working in leased office spaces in the town, so we need to ask the community whether they prefer us to be supporting local businesses, or bringing our staff back into a council-owned building,’’ Brown said.
Waimakariri District Libraries manager Paula Eskett said extending Sunday opening hours were first looked at pre-Covid.
At present the Rangiora and Kaiapoi libraries are open from 1pm to 4pm on Sundays.
‘‘Traditionally Sunday hours were set around church time, but community members are saying they want to be in there on Sunday mornings.’’
Staff were considering extending the weekday closing time from 5pm to 6pm, and dropping the weekly late night at 7pm.
The libraries have upgraded their self-issue kiosks to make issuing books simpler, with the new kiosks just like ‘‘supermarket self-checkouts’’.
The Rangiora Library is also trialling a new digital smart shelf, which instantly scans the books when they are returned.
New technologies are being explored to offer learning experiences.
The three libraries hosted the Antarctic Heritage Trust’s virtual reality experience, featuring Sir Edmund Hillary’s Antarctic hut, over the summer, with nearly 300 people visiting over six days.
‘‘With the virtual reality experience, we had people who were in the 70s and 90s, so we had grandparents and kids using it at the same time,’’ discovery and digital co-ordinator Ciaran Findlay said.
The library was increasing gaming and craft technologies (‘‘Makerspace’’) initiatives to provide social and learning opportunities, he said.
Mayor Dan Gordon said libraries are bustling with events, technology to explore, and spaces to work or relax, and connect with friends.
‘‘The best thing about the libraries is how well they cater for residents regardless of age or background.
‘‘Staff often see grandparents with their grandchildren, particularly in the school holidays and there is something to keep everyone amused and entertained.
‘‘This is something truly special, and it’s worth the investment to ensure these connections continue to flourish.’’
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
If you have a green thumb, just imagine what you could do with a balcony with a fantastic view like this one at Murray Halberg Village. This elevated space offers the perfect blank canvas to create a lush outdoor space without lawn maintenance or heavy lifting.
Shane Fairbairn, Landscape Manager… View moreIf you have a green thumb, just imagine what you could do with a balcony with a fantastic view like this one at Murray Halberg Village. This elevated space offers the perfect blank canvas to create a lush outdoor space without lawn maintenance or heavy lifting.
Shane Fairbairn, Landscape Manager at Ryman Healthcare, shares some tips for creating the perfect outdoor space on your patio or balcony so you can enjoy the benefits of gardening without the hassles.
First, decide on a theme. Is it cosy and bohemian, sleek and minimalist, a lush urban jungle, or something else? Your vision will guide your plant and furniture choices.
For all his tips and advice click read more.
A reminder to all those eager new dancers, that our Introductory / Beginners classes commence next Monday 4th March 2024 at 7.30pm in the Anglican Church Hall, Church Street, Rangiora.
Cost - 6 lessons for $30.
No partner required.
Soft soled shoes are best.
Bring along a water bottle.
For … View moreA reminder to all those eager new dancers, that our Introductory / Beginners classes commence next Monday 4th March 2024 at 7.30pm in the Anglican Church Hall, Church Street, Rangiora.
Cost - 6 lessons for $30.
No partner required.
Soft soled shoes are best.
Bring along a water bottle.
For more information contact Gail: 0212984712
Olive: 0275626791
Look forward to meeting you.
Just seeing if anyone has a cricut machine? If you like it or not, pros and cons
Let your community know how a small business has made a difference in your life by nominating them in the 2024 Prospa Local Business Hero awards.
Whether it's your super friendly barista, the bookstore that knows the exact book you need to read next or the florist with the biggest blooms … View moreLet your community know how a small business has made a difference in your life by nominating them in the 2024 Prospa Local Business Hero awards.
Whether it's your super friendly barista, the bookstore that knows the exact book you need to read next or the florist with the biggest blooms in town nominate them now and make a small business' day.
Share a few words about your favourite local now. You could help them win an incredible prize package worth $10,000.
If you’re looking for a stylish SUV that stands out from the crowd and won’t break the bank, the convention-defying Mazda MX-30 has you covered.
Featuring a unique mild hybrid engine and cutting-edge style, as well as sustainable materials that reduce environmental impact, the Mazda MX-30 is… View moreIf you’re looking for a stylish SUV that stands out from the crowd and won’t break the bank, the convention-defying Mazda MX-30 has you covered.
Featuring a unique mild hybrid engine and cutting-edge style, as well as sustainable materials that reduce environmental impact, the Mazda MX-30 is perfect for zipping around your neighbourhood.
Find out more and book a test drive at your local Mazda Dealer today.
A good looking large-leafed chocolate-brown shrub with contrasting red berries. Colour intensifies in winter. Popular hedging option for coastal and urban areas. Only around 20 left. 20-30cm high. $4 per plant
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Councils need to work with the Government to help find solutions to the housing crisis, Waimakariri deputy mayor Neville Atkinson (pictured) says.
The Waimakariri District Council has backed a Greater Christchurch Partnership Housing Action Plan, which … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Councils need to work with the Government to help find solutions to the housing crisis, Waimakariri deputy mayor Neville Atkinson (pictured) says.
The Waimakariri District Council has backed a Greater Christchurch Partnership Housing Action Plan, which recommended eight immediate actions for councils to tackle the region’s housing shortage.
Atkinson said the plan encouraged councils to investigate a range of options including making council and Crown-owned land available as leasehold land for housing, and asking banks if they would offer loans for those developments.
‘‘We will be talking to the banks to see what they can do to support people on leasehold land.
‘‘We need to look at how does local government try to influence their decisions to make it easier for people to get into homes.
‘‘And how do we work with Government and local government and whether there is the possibility of releasing some Crown land for affordable housing.’’
Atkinson said the question of what is affordable housing also needed to be defined.
The councils wanted to explore what intensification of the housing market might look like and whether it was practical.
The Labour and National parties joined forces to pass the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act in December 2021.
The legislation made medium density standards the default for large towns in high growth areas, such as Greater Christchurch.
But the National-led Government has indicated it will relax the legislation to offer more flexibility.
‘‘It is OK to say we are going to allow intensification from Kaitaia to Bluff, but there are many different things to think about along the way,’’ Atkinson said.
‘‘Every town is different and intensification on Colombo St looks a lot different from intensification on King St in Rangiora.’’
Other options included investigating ‘‘inclusionary zoning’’ to increase the supply of social and affordable rental housing.
Inclusionary zoning has been introduced in Queenstown and Waikato and is seen as ‘‘a game-changer’’.
The councils will also investigate what incentives could encourage the development of affordable housing, rebates for social housing (which are offered in Christchurch) and models like the Ōtautahi Community Housing Trust (Christchurch).
Atkinson said there has been enough talk and now is the time for action.
‘‘I want to see some changes instead of just yakking and I do believe this plan gives us the opportunity to do that.
‘‘And even within the partnership we can still be nimble to recognise the differences in each district.’’
The Greater Christchurch Partnership is a collaboration between the Christchurch City, Selwyn and Waimakariri District Councils,
Environment Canterbury, Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu and Government agencies.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Kaiapoi North School is hoping some much needed road safety improvements will finally happen.
The Waimakariri District Council has announced it will upgrade the pedestrian crossing and add in some safety features on Williams St, in front of the school, … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Kaiapoi North School is hoping some much needed road safety improvements will finally happen.
The Waimakariri District Council has announced it will upgrade the pedestrian crossing and add in some safety features on Williams St, in front of the school, later this year.
Safety improvements were also completed outside Kaiapoi High School ready for the new school year.
Kaiapoi North School principal Jason Miles said the school had been lobbying the council ‘‘for a long time’’, raising concerns about speeding motorists.
Student leaders had made presentations to the council in recent years, before Miles and board of trustees chairperson Greg Thomson met with council staff last year.
‘‘We are really excited to see the council is putting in place these changes. It really has been accident waiting to happen.
‘‘The behaviour of some drivers is really concerning and it is not just at the beginning and end of the day, because we have children walking to the Kaiapoi Aquatic Centre for swimming or to the domain for sports.
‘‘And it is a safety issue for other members of the community too.’’
A council spokesperson said the safety improvements would be made in two stages, with the first stage due to be completed mid-year and stage two by the end of the year.
Work will include installing speed cushion pads to force cars to slow down as they approach the crossing, improvements to the kerb and line marking.
Stage two will involve raising of the footpath on the eastern side of the crossing to make it accessible to wheelchairs and push chairs.
Kaiapoi High School principal Jason Reid said staff were pleased to begin the year with a new pedestrian crossing and safety improvements next to the school’s main entrance on Ohoka Road.
‘‘It was a significant concern for the school and we have really appreciated the effort of the council and the contractors to get the work done for the new school year,’’ Reid said.
He said staff were out in force during the first week of school to ensure students and the public understood the new environment.
The council spokesperson said too many motorists were exceeding the 40kph speed limit (during school hours).
Work has been completed to reduce traffic speeds, while a new pedestrian crossing and concrete refuge islands added, and the painted median widened in a bid to improve pedestrian safety.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Good sized plants. Looks like buxus when grown but grows at twice the speed. Tiny oval dark green leaves. Plant in full sun or semi shade. Ideal plant to shape into balls cones etc perfect for planting now $3.50 per plant
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Conservationists say Canterbury’s coastline has been neglected for too long and it's time for a "complete overhaul" of the regional council's plan to protect the marine environment.
Te Korowai o Te Tai ō Marokura, an organisation … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Conservationists say Canterbury’s coastline has been neglected for too long and it's time for a "complete overhaul" of the regional council's plan to protect the marine environment.
Te Korowai o Te Tai ō Marokura, an organisation that protects Kaikōura’s marine environment and fisheries, has been advocating for an updated environmental plan for some time.
Secretary Gina Solomon said the council’s focus on freshwater has seen it ‘‘neglect’’ the marine environment.
‘‘It needs a complete overhaul and I don’t think Canterbury is doing much in the biosecurity or invasive species space.’’
Her comments come after Environment Canterbury voted last week to look into what was needed to review the Canterbury Regional Coastal Environment Plan.
The plan was adopted in 2005 and aims to promote the sustainable management of the Canterbury coast.
Councillor Genevieve Robinson, who put forward the motion to review the plan, said it no longer reflected the direction or intent of the New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement, which guides local authorities on managing the coastal environment.
Kaikōura Zone Committee chairperson Ted Howard, a conservationist with 30 years experience in commercial fishing, said a review was long overdue.
‘‘It has been on and off the books for a while and it has been delayed three times since I’ve been involved.’’
Greenpeace Aotearoa oceans campaigner Ellie Hooper said regional coastal plans played an important part in protecting the health of ocean systems.
New Zealand’s coastlines faced risks from pollution, sedimentation and ‘‘destructive fishing’’.
‘‘In New Zealand and around the world, we are in an ocean crisis with species being pushed to the brink due to human activities.’’
Polling by Greenpeace showed New Zealanders were concerned about the impacts fishing on the ocean.
She said commercial fishing was endangering Hector’s dolphins, seabirds, fur seals and corals.
‘‘You’ve got the direct impacts of fishing, things that are caught in the process that aren’t the target, and then you’ve got the impacts of commercial fishing taking so much fish out of the water that creatures like fur seals are unable to feed themselves.
‘‘It is abhorrent.’’
Department of Conservation (DOC) marine species manager Malene Felsing said regional coastal plans are important tools for managing the coastal and marine environment, and DOC would be happy to help with any review process.
DOC has created a management plan to reduce the threats to Hector’s and Māui dolphins.
Fisheries New Zealand fisheries management director Emma Taylor said marine mammals and seabirds were ‘‘precious taonga to New Zealand’’.
The agency worked closely with local councils, DOC, the fishing industry, iwi, and local communities to look after the country’s coastlines.
The South Island Hector’s Dolphin Bycatch Reduction Plan has been developed and outlines regulatory and voluntary measures designed to reduce the Hectors’ dolphin bycatch towards zero.
Measures include restrictions on fishing, with about 17,650sqkm of South Island coastline closed to set netting.
About 6988sqkm of trawl measures are also in place, Taylor said.
‘‘This includes the Canterbury coastline, which has a set-netting ban out to at least four nautical miles, and up to 19 nautical miles at Pegasus Bay.’’
Robinson’s motion called for the ban to be extended to six nautical miles, or just over 11km from the coastline.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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