Last ditch bid for fast tracking ‘out of control’ hedge removal
From local democracy reporter Adam Burns:
Maintenance of an “out of control” hedge at could cost ratepayers in a small North Canterbury village tens of thousands of dollars over the next couple of years, despite plans for it to be cut down.
But there are hopes the axing of the shadowy shrub can be fast tracked, following suggestions its removal was at least another two years away.
Plans for the macrocarpa shelterbelt hedge, which stands between 6 and 8 metres high on Waikuku Beach’s Parks Ave, continue to cause headaches for the small beach town community, including funding avenues for the hedge’s swift removal.
A report was tabled at the Woodend-Sefton Community Board meeting a fortnight ago, which recommended the hedge be removed.
However, it was initially proposed the project be considered for inclusion in the Waimakariri District Council’s 2024 long-term plan, with costs for the removal of the hedge and replanting estimated to be about $105,000.
The hedge could also absorb ongoing maintenance costs “at health and safety levels” until it was removed in 2024-25, according to the report.
Maintenance of the hedge costs the council about $20,000 for the first trim, followed by a further cost of “between $10,000 and $15,000 every 18 months”.
During a public deputation at the April 11 meeting, Waikuku Beach resident Jo Kane fumed at the proposed time frames following what she described as some drawn out deliberations with council staff on the matter.
“This was never the expectation from anyone in the community,” she said.
“This is a longstanding and unsustainable maintenance issue, and it really galls me that for the next three years you will have to trim this hedge back off the road.
“I feel really let down when I saw that piece of the report [indicating 2024].
“It needs to be gone, sooner rather than later.”
The removal of the hedge was later approved, but the community board agreed to amend its previous recommendation, in order for a last ditch request to go to the council for funding through this year’s annual plan.
Several concerns around the hedge were raised by residents during community consultation a year ago.
Ongoing maintenance costs, a lack of sunlight leaving ice and moss on the road, a desire for landscape views to be restored, and concerns the hedge was a fire risk were raised by those wanting it gone.
Other community members, favouring its retention, believed the hedge offered privacy and was a good windbreak for homeowners.
Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.
Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.
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64% Yes
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33.5% No
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2.5% Other - I'll share below
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Paddy Gower seeks ‘bloody great Cantab’
The Kiwi journalist drilling deep into the country’s biggest issues is on a mission to find the local greats.
Paddy Gower is looking for the Good Kiwi in every region to feature in his show, The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour.
To nominate a Good Kiwi, email reporters@press.co.nz with the name and a description of why your nominee should win. You an also share the local issues you think Paddy needs to tackle in the comments below.
It could be the woman whose knitting circle has made 3800 items for victims of domestic violence, the guy running the length of Aotearoa for mental health, or the woman with terminal cancer who spends her time campaigning to raise awareness and save lives.
“Basically I am looking for ... a bloody great Cantab who just gets on and gets things done. The criteria is somebody who has a positive attitude and makes the community a better place," Gower said.
“I will give this person the 'Big Ups' they deserve, and the community can celebrate them with me.”
A Good Kiwi will feature in each of Gower’s live shows in 14 centres through November and December. He will name the Cantabrian Good Kiwi at his Christchurch show on the evening of Friday, November 22, at St Margaret’s College.
The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour is a sort of book tour, sort of stand-up comedy, some journalistic yarns and memoir, and some motivational speaking - with a fair bit of local in each show.
Gower also wants to know about topics of interest in the region.
“I’m ... going to be taking on a big issue facing Canterbury and offering up solutions.”
A stinky suburb, a neighbourhood needing a round-about or a cathedral in disrepair - “I will make your views count”, he said.
“I'm touring the nation to spread positivity, optimism and good vibes.”
*For tickets to the The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour visit paddygower.co.nz
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