Real estate agent wants better roads for North Canterbury
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
North Canterbury's growing housing market needs greater infrastructure support, a real estate manager says.
Bayleys Rangiora and Hanmer Springs manager Ross Ditmer said the Woodend Bypass, the proposed Rangiora Eastern Link Rd and the Skew Bridge upgrade (west Kaiapoi) are vital to the region’s prosperity.
‘‘We’ve got Rangiora opening up, with the Bellgrove subdivision underway, but we need that road treatment.
‘‘It is chicken and egg stuff. We’ve got to future proof it otherwise it is going to become a nightmare.
‘‘The Woodend Bypass is huge, and for Amberley it will make it easier and more attractive to commute to Christchurch for work.’’
The Government has promised to build the Woodend Bypass, which would divert highway traffic away from the Canterbury township.
Stats NZ's high growth scenario suggested Waimakariri could grow from 70,000 to 100,000 over the next 30 years, with the bulk of the growth expected in Rangiora and Kaiapoi.
The proposed Waimakariri District Plan, which is expected to take effect later this year, is set to open up 200 hectares of land for housing in Rangiora and 97ha in Kaiapoi.
Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon said the Eastern Link Rd and Skew Bridge upgrade will be included in the 2024-34 long-term plan.
The Eastern Link Road has been designated in the Waimakariri District Plan and the council has applied to Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) to share the $37.9 million bill.
‘‘We will be giving ratepayers the choice if they want us to get on and fund it without NZTA funding, or whether we should wait,’’ Gordon said.
Without NZTA funding, the full amount would be loan funded and cost ratepayers $30.67 per property per year, over approximately 30 years, compared to $15.03 with the subsidy.
The Skew Bridge upgrade is estimated to cost $11 million price tag and would cost ratepayers about $10 per year without NZTA funding, Gordon said.
‘‘The bridge is at the end of its life and it will make a huge difference to our community when it is upgraded and it will help address congestion.’’
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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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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84.7% Yes
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13.9% No
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1.4% 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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