Ashley braided river strategy engagement soon
By David Hill, local democracy reporter
Environment Canterbury plans to consult on its Ashley River strategy later this year.
North Canterbury zone manager Andrew Arps says the Rakahuri/Ashley River Braided River Strategy is an important piece of work.
It will be one of the first out of the blocks, along with a Rangitata River strategy, he said.
"We are working through reach by reach to see how it all works together as an over-arching plan.
"ECan is writing the strategy, but it is a multi agency, community approach, which is why the consultation process is important."
The regional council consulted on its masterplan for the Rangiora Reach, at Cones Road, Rangiora, last year, which will be incorporated into the overall strategy.
Some initiatives were already under way, including woody weeds clearance work at the Ashley River Gorge and Okuku River.
The consultation process would identify more work which was needed.
The recent experience of Cyclone Gabrielle in the North Island had highlighted the dangers of forestry "slash", Arps said.
"The forestry down here and the terrain is at a different scale, but there are things we need to look at.
"It is a different environment, but there are also risks which is why the clearance of the willows is important work.
"As has been highlighted, we are likely to see more of these events in the future so we need to be as best prepared as we can be."
But the biggest barrier was funding and the council would need more central government support to tackle the problem to prevent a repeat of what was seen in the North Island.
Braided river revival regional lead Greg Stanley said the strategy would provide an action plan for organisations to work together to restore ecological and riparian corridors, and to re-connect people with the river.
"Community input will be essential to shaping a strategy that helps meet the vision for the people who live, work and play along the river."
The strategy was being co-drafted with Mahaanui Kurataiao Ltd to ensure mana whenua input, Stanley said.
An initial draft strategy had been prepared to engage with local community groups which had indicated suggestions for improvement.
For more information, go to www.ecan.govt.nz...
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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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