Mandeville Shops
Hello, been a while - hope you're all good. Couple of news worthy events that's being kept on the down-low that you may be interested in.
Firstly, our very own Oxford-Ohoka Community Board has allowed for the proposed 80kph limit on Tram Rd in Mandeville to go to 'public consultation' (who do these people represent?). Don't worry if you never knew that, that's the whole idea - the decision will be formalised on the 24th - even though this is against the conditions as set down by the Commissioner in granting the resource consent to Apollo Projects.
The reason that this is really, really dodgy is because there's now talk of it ultimately going to 70kph so that the business precinct can get both a left turn in/out AND a right turn in/out on to Tram Rd. That was NOT part of the plan that was originally submitted. So, the non-notified RC approval process WAS a sham, this cannot be disputed (at rate payer expense) - not only was there an environmental impact (meaning it had to be a publicly notified consent application) but the actual plan it was based on was a fraud. Oh, and guess what - rate payers will be subsidising the road changes - again quite contrary to the Commissioner's conditions.
Enjoy those takeaways people - because you'll be paying for them twice, once over the counter and the other through your rates. To keep up on this crazy follow: www.facebook.com... and comment - curious to know how many others out there think this ain't how we do things here. If you're of the "oh, it'll be amazing and can't wait" or “but, its progress” brigade - please ignore this post as we already have your script, ok.
And the other tit-bit of news is that there is now yet another vacancy – the Thai takeaways is no more and also, NPD are holding off on consent application until the traffic stuff is sorted (ie Tram Rd access). And, the Property Manager is actually our new grocer too (!) – they couldn’t secure an anchor tenant - ouch.
On a personal note – I’ve had my second root canal work done today (so I ain’t happy) – the dentist called me ‘brave’ (lol) - and this ‘Village’ fiasco is WAY more painful.
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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85.1% Yes
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13.8% No
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1% Other - I'll share below
Heritage gem or dangerous burden? Bowling club’s dilemma with historic pavilion
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
A Rangiora sports club is frustrated with the increasing maintenance and insurance costs of its 113-year-old pavilion, which can't be demolished due to its historic importance.
The Rangiora Bowling Club approached the Waimakariri District Council last year for help, but was yet to find a satisfactory solution for the pavilion.
It is registered with Heritage New Zealand and listed in the Waimakariri District Plan, leaving the club with few options.
The club’s ex-president Norman Hewett said the pavilion on Good St, north of the town centre, is unsafe and no longer fit for purpose.
Hewett said the council has been supportive and Heritage New Zealand has offered advice, but no funding.
‘‘Everybody thinks the building is worth preserving, but there is a cost and it shouldn’t be put on the bowling club.
‘‘As far as we are concerned it is not fit for purpose and we want to know how we can get round that.
‘‘We want to know what the community thinks and if they want to retain it, are they willing to pay for it?’’
The club has formed a sub-committee to explore what options are available.
Sub-committee member Rodger Wilton said the club has been unable to find any record that the club had a say when the building was given heritage status.
Built in 1911, the pavilion served the Rangiora Bowling, Tennis and Croquet Club, which originally shared the site.
It cost 945 pounds and was opened on October 28, 1911.
The three clubs purchased 1.25 acres on the corner of Blackett and Good streets in April 1905, but later parted company, with tennis and croquet moving to new sites.
While no quotes have been sought, Hewett believed it would cost more than $1 million to bring the pavilion up to code.
Ideally the club would like to demolish the pavilion so it can upgrade its main building and remain on site.
The stairwell was non-compliant and there was no wheelchair access, meaning the club was unable to use the upstairs facilities.
There are loose tiles on the roof which need replacing.
An attached building behind the pavilion is sufficient to meet the needs of the 140 members and for hosting the largest bowls tournament in North Canterbury, Hewett said.
He said the club is open to all options, including a land swap or selling to a developer with the expertise to restore the pavilion.
Waimakariri District Council community and recreation manager Chris Brown said the council is working through various opportunities with the bowling club as part of a feasibility study.
‘‘There are a lot of options to consider. Each have various financial, social and operational implications.’’
Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga said it had ‘‘expressed support for the adaptive reuse of the building and supported the club’s intention to investigate options for the pavilion and the associated land parcel’’.
The Rangiora Bowling Club is keen to hear the views of the community. Email rangiorabowling@gmail.com.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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