Canterbury towns face big population rises. Are there enough houses?
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Rapid population growth in some North Canterbury towns could lead to future housing shortages, a new report warns.
The proposed Waimakariri District Plan, which is expected to take effect later this year, is set to open up more than 330 hectares of land for housing in Rangiora and Kaiapoi, allowing for up to 20,000 new homes.
A report by consultancy firm Formative Ltd assessed the capacity for growth in the Waimakariri towns of Rangiora, Kaiapoi, Woodend, Ravenswood and Pegasus over the next 30 years.
The district’s population of 70,000 could balloon out to 100,000 over the next 30 years, based on StatsNZ’s high growth scenario.
Based on a formula of 2.6 people per house, nearly 12,000 new houses will be needed.
‘‘This means there is sufficient capacity within the urban environment to meet expected demand for both the medium and long term,’’ the report says.
However, the report’s authors warned the situation in Kaiapoi ‘‘should be monitored’’.
‘‘If growth continues at or exceeds the high projection, the council may need to provide more capacity.’’
Rapid growth in Woodend, Ravenswood and Pegasus means the area is likely to face a shortage of housing supply by about 2037, so it will need to be monitored, the report says.
But the report’s authors suggest the shortfall could be accommodated in Rangiora and Kaiapoi.
The council faced criticism last year following a private change request from Rolleston Industrial Developments Ltd to rezone 156ha at Ohoka, near Rangiora, to build 850 houses.
In their recommendation to decline the request, the independent commissioners criticised the council for not making enough provision for housing growth.
The latest report predicted there would be demand for 4970 new houses in the main towns over the next decade and 11,700 over the next 30 years, based on the high growth scenario.
Kaiapoi’s population of more than 13,000 is expected to grow by 52% over the next 30 years, creating demand for about 2900 new houses.
About 97ha in east and north Kaiapoi has been earmarked for growth in the proposed District Plan, including land that was red zoned after the 2010 and 2011 Canterbury earthquakes.
Any development would be subject to planning rules, taking into consideration flood risk and other variables, a council spokesperson said.
Rangiora’s population is approaching 20,000 and is expected to grow by 36% by 2053, requiring about 2960 new houses.
Under existing planning, there is capacity for 2450 new houses, with the proposed District Plan set to open up 235ha in northeast, southeast and southwest Rangiora.
Ongoing growth was also projected in Oxford and in the district’s rural communities.
The council will seek another report once the new District Plan is in place.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
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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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