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By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Waimakariri election candidates sparred over the issues of crime, healthcare and the economy during a meeting at Pegasus.
Matt Doocey (National), Dan Rosewarne (Labour) and Gordon Malcolm (Democracy NZ) were quizzed by the local residents' … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Waimakariri election candidates sparred over the issues of crime, healthcare and the economy during a meeting at Pegasus.
Matt Doocey (National), Dan Rosewarne (Labour) and Gordon Malcolm (Democracy NZ) were quizzed by the local residents' association in front of a crowd of 80 at Pegasus Bay School on Wednesday evening.
Doocey said National planned to amend the Sentencing Act to ensure offenders served their time in prison.
"Too often people commit crimes and go through the courts, but they can get a number of discounts and then end up going into home detention.
"Judges will only be able to discount up to 40% of sentences."
Malcolm said police were under "huge pressure" and needed more resourcing so they could be more visible on the frontline.
Meanwhile, Rosewarne presented police data showing robberies had reduced in the Waimakariri district, reflecting national trends.
"I have regular meetings with the local police district commander and he said police were getting tired of opposition parties using law and order.
"They are worried about the hysteria it is creating. Crime is not out of control."
Labour has promised to recruit 300 more police to reduce the pressure, while also providing more mental health resourcing.
On the health front, Doocey said the Waimakariri district needed after hours healthcare to support the growing population.
"The PHOs (primary health organisation) requirement for after hours care is compliant if you live within a 40-minute drive.
"But that doesn’t take into account housing density, so we have advocated for high growth areas like Rangiora and Kaiapoi."
There was a shortage of GPs, but National is proposing to open a third medical school targeted at recruiting GPS for rural and provincial areas.
Malcolm said faster training pathways were needed for nurses and medical school quotas for GPs needed to be increased.
Rosewarne said there was a global shortage of nurses.
"The opposition parties seem to forget we have just had a global pandemic where 100,000 medical professionals around the world died during Covid," he said.
"The United Kingdom, Europe and the United States are all screaming out for nurses, but the world is playing catch up due to Covid."
Labour is investing in health infrastructure, has abolished prescription charges and is promising free dental care for under 30s, he said.
The cost of living also came up in the meeting.
Doocey said the government needed to get on top of inflation and interest rates with "prudent financial discipline".
Debt had risen from $5 billion to $100b over the last six years and was now 43% of GDP, he said.
However, Rosewarne said the latest credit rating from Standard & Poors showed New Zealand was in a strong economic position with "a modest level of debt" compared to other countries.
Inflation was coming down, wages were rising and more New Zealanders were in employment than ever before, he said.
■ Public interest journalism funded through New Zealand on Air.
Lighten and brighten a dull, old wooden floor with Resene Colorwood Whitewash.
Find out how to get the whitewashed look in your home with this easy project.
Dear neighbours, we're looking forward to spring and summer, and strawberries! Well, right now particularly we are looking for strawberry recipes for the magazine. Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by September 17, 2023. Every published recipe wins a copy of the November issue of… View moreDear neighbours, we're looking forward to spring and summer, and strawberries! Well, right now particularly we are looking for strawberry recipes for the magazine. Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by September 17, 2023. Every published recipe wins a copy of the November issue of NZ Gardener.
Firewood X 4mtr: Free delivery within Rangiora other areaz by arrangement. There is 10mtrz of dry old man pine from 80 year old treez. The firewood is wet on the outside due to the amount of rain we have had over the last six weekz. Ph/Text 022 0956381 John. Price: $450 Old Man Pine
Price: $450
In conjunction with All Things Wedding North Canterbury, the historic Ashley Church will be open to visitors on Sunday 24 September between 11 am and 2 pm. 39 Canterbury St. Light refreshments will be available too. Free entry.
Gold coin entry to the main event at Bramble Grove in Kaiapoi, will… View moreIn conjunction with All Things Wedding North Canterbury, the historic Ashley Church will be open to visitors on Sunday 24 September between 11 am and 2 pm. 39 Canterbury St. Light refreshments will be available too. Free entry.
Gold coin entry to the main event at Bramble Grove in Kaiapoi, will be donated to our church roof restoration fund! A big thank you to Kineta Booker of North Canterbury Weddings for making this gesture as well as organising the wedding fair - All Things Wedding North Canterbury.
Morning Everyone!
Our regional Young Farmers is hosting a free Health and Wellbeing Event next Thursday!
We have got some awesome speakers coming along to share their stories and give us some tips on how to best manage our health and wellbeing!
Our number one aim is to get farmers off the … View moreMorning Everyone!
Our regional Young Farmers is hosting a free Health and Wellbeing Event next Thursday!
We have got some awesome speakers coming along to share their stories and give us some tips on how to best manage our health and wellbeing!
Our number one aim is to get farmers off the farm and out of the tractors to come down and have a chat, meet someone new and learn some skills as we know the huge impact being in the agriculture industry has on your wellbeing and health!
There will be a free BBQ!
So if this sounds like something you or your friends could benefit from, head along to the link below and RSVP! (this is just for catering purposes) We encourage everyone to bring a friend along!
And would love everyone to share this out amongst their friends/family and community!
Any questions feel free to message me or the Tasman Young Farmers Region facebook and we will reply as soon as possible
Link to RSVP: events.humanitix.com...
Location: Southbrook Rugby Club Rooms, Rangiora
Time: 7pm Start (come earlier to socialise and meet someone new)
Doors will open 6:30pm
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Families could be moving into Rangiora’s newest subdivision in March.
Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon and Housing Minister Dr Megan Woods checked the progress of the Bellgrove subdivision in east Rangiora on Tuesday.
Mike Greer Homes North Canterbury … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Families could be moving into Rangiora’s newest subdivision in March.
Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon and Housing Minister Dr Megan Woods checked the progress of the Bellgrove subdivision in east Rangiora on Tuesday.
Mike Greer Homes North Canterbury director Mike Flutey told those gathered he expected to be breaking dirt on 15 homes in the next six weeks.
"We are hoping to have the roof and windows on the first homes by Christmas and we should see the first residents moving in by March or April."
The subdivision was fast-tracked under the government’s Covid legislation, before receiving $5.7 million from Kāinga Ora’s Infrastructure Acceleration Fund in October last year.
The 98-hectare site is expected to deliver 1300 new homes, with around half expected to be sold for less than the government’s $750,000 affordable housing cap.
Gordon said the new subdivision was badly needed, with Waimakariri’s population expected to grow from 70,000 to 100,000 by 2050.
"We have all been impressed to see the progress and the quality of the work.
"It is great to hear that sections will be available to build on this side of Christmas."
Woods and Gordon saw some of the infrastructure, including a stormwater retention pond and upgrades to Kippenberger Ave, up close during the visit.
"New Zealand simply does not have enough housing for it to be affordable and available to everyone who needs a home," Woods said.
"Programmes like the Infrastructure Acceleration Fund are deliberately targeted to grow affordable housing supply and see land get the critical infrastructure that will lay the foundations for development."
Bellgrove Rangiora project manager and director Paul McGowan said the stormwater had been built to withstand a one-in-200 year flood event.
He said 65% of the sections had been pre-sold, mostly to building firms.
The infrastructure was completed by Rangiora-based contractors, with Dormer Construction completing the earthworks and drainage, and BG Contracting the roading and services.
BG Contracting owner Stephen Rattray said 50 people were employed on the site between the two companies.
"I live here and it is a great story to hear with Rangiora getting ahead again and with some scale."
Flutey said enquiries for house and land packages had returned to pre-Covid levels, which was unusually high in the lead up to a general election.
He expected houses to sell from $589,000, for two bedroom units on a small section, up to homes of well over $1m.
"We have the ability to sell well over 50% of the homes for under the $750,000 price cap, but that depends on what the buyer wants."
Flutey said the homes were designed with floor levels of 400mm to 500mm of freeboard above the flood level.
"In a one-in-200 year flood event there should be no flooding through the houses."
■ Public interest journalism funded through New Zealand on Air.
We can all generally agree that noise from loud music or parties in the early hours of Sunday is a no-no. But when is it okay to fire up the power tools, leaf blower or lawn mower on a Sunday morning?
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the We Say You Say… View moreWe can all generally agree that noise from loud music or parties in the early hours of Sunday is a no-no. But when is it okay to fire up the power tools, leaf blower or lawn mower on a Sunday morning?
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the We Say You Say column of your local paper.
Lower speeds can saves lives and prevent serious injury. Reducing the speed vehicles travel makes a major difference in a crash. People make mistakes on our roads, and those mistakes shouldn’t cost our neighbours, whānau or pets their lives.
We're asking for … View moreLower speeds can saves lives and prevent serious injury. Reducing the speed vehicles travel makes a major difference in a crash. People make mistakes on our roads, and those mistakes shouldn’t cost our neighbours, whānau or pets their lives.
We're asking for feedback on a Draft Safer Speed Plan which sets out a three-year implementation plan and 10-year vision for safe speed areas in Christchurch and Banks Peninsula.
To read the plan and give feedback by 25 October visit our website.
We've randomly drawn five lucky members to win our $100 Prezzy® cards - you can use these anywhere. Congratulations to:
Margaret Ewers of Richmond
Barbara Meurk of Feilding
Mustafa Arshad of Mount Roskill
Jared Welsh of Greymouth
Teresa Newman of Northwood
Winners, you can … View moreWe've randomly drawn five lucky members to win our $100 Prezzy® cards - you can use these anywhere. Congratulations to:
Margaret Ewers of Richmond
Barbara Meurk of Feilding
Mustafa Arshad of Mount Roskill
Jared Welsh of Greymouth
Teresa Newman of Northwood
Winners, you can claim your prize here before the 26th of September. Enjoy!
Tidying up the house? Don't forget to tidy up your bills too!
Is your broadband contract or power contract expiring soon? Now's the perfect time to COMPARE and SWITCH your broadband and power plans for a fresh start. Save money this Spring!
As Daylight Savings starts this Sunday, … View moreTidying up the house? Don't forget to tidy up your bills too!
Is your broadband contract or power contract expiring soon? Now's the perfect time to COMPARE and SWITCH your broadband and power plans for a fresh start. Save money this Spring!
As Daylight Savings starts this Sunday, remember to set your clocks before bedtime.
Kia ora koutou, It’s Natalie here from Whakaata Māori (formerly Māori TV) and I’m excited to tell you about this fabulous new TV show called "West Coasters".
It's an intimate documentary series that gives us a peek into the lives of a Māori community here in the rugged Te… View moreKia ora koutou, It’s Natalie here from Whakaata Māori (formerly Māori TV) and I’m excited to tell you about this fabulous new TV show called "West Coasters".
It's an intimate documentary series that gives us a peek into the lives of a Māori community here in the rugged Te Tai ō Poutini region of the South Island. What sets it apart is its authenticity, showcasing their deep connection to the land and their dreams for the future. The Arahura River, flowing through their ancestral lands with its revered pounamu, plays a central role. It's a show that'll truly move you – don't miss it !
West Coasters – Mane Monday 7.30pm on Whakaata Māori or streaming on Māori+
We’re so excited to let you know that the NZ House & Garden Tours are back for another sell-out summer. ☀️
In 2024, we're visiting Queenstown (16 & 17 February), Christchurch (23 & 24 February), Whanganui (15 & 16 March) and Tauranga (22 & 23 March).
Whether … View moreWe’re so excited to let you know that the NZ House & Garden Tours are back for another sell-out summer. ☀️
In 2024, we're visiting Queenstown (16 & 17 February), Christchurch (23 & 24 February), Whanganui (15 & 16 March) and Tauranga (22 & 23 March).
Whether you’re a design enthusiast or just want to take a peek inside some of New Zealand's most beautiful homes, join us for a day of inspiration and fun. It’s the perfect excuse for you to gather a group of friends and make a day ... or weekend of it. These tours proudly support Breast Cancer Foundation NZ.
🚨 Tickets are on sale now! Purchase your tickets here.
By David Hill local democracy reporter
North Canterbury’s three councils are sticking with first past the post (FPP) for local government elections.
The Hurunui and Kaikōura District Councils are in the midst of representation reviews, but have decided to stick with their voting system, … View moreBy David Hill local democracy reporter
North Canterbury’s three councils are sticking with first past the post (FPP) for local government elections.
The Hurunui and Kaikōura District Councils are in the midst of representation reviews, but have decided to stick with their voting system, FPP, rather than the single transferable vote (STV) system.
Hurunui mayor Marie Black said the council has accepted a recommendation from its working group to stay with FPP for the 2025 and 2028 local government elections.
“There was a great deal of discussion on the merits of first past the post and STV.
“STV is a very different system and it was felt first past the post was familiar and changing systems may lead to a decrease in voter turnout.”
Under FPP, voters simply vote for their preferred candidate, whereas under STV voters rank the candidates in order of preference.
Discussions are continuing on a Māori ward being established in the Hurunui district.
Black said the council was actively seeking the views of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tūāhuriri and Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura.
“It is important we canvas those views and make a decision based on the evidence.”
Speaking at a Kaikōura District Council meeting earlier this month, corporate services senior manager Peter Kearney said there were pros and cons with both systems.
“First past the post is well understood, but the Future for Local Government Report has stated a preference for STV.
“The data suggests it (STV) is slightly fairer, but people find it harder to understand and there can be a later release of the end result.”
Councillors voted to stick with FPP for the 2025 and 2028 elections.
Councillor Robby Roche said FPP “fits our community”, while councillor Kevin Heays said “simple is best”.
The council is continuing to engage with Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura on the question of a Māori ward.
The Waimakariri District Council decided to stay with FPP at its May council meeting, mayor Dan Gordon said.
The councils have until September 19 to issue a public notice on the preferred voting option.
Voters have until February 21 to request a poll on the electoral system, if 5% of registered voters in the district sign a petition.
The Waimakariri council consulted with Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tūāhuriri on the question of a Māori ward during the last representation review in 2021.
At the time rūnanga indicated it was satisfied with the existing hapū and council relationship.
* Local Democracy Reporting is Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air
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