Extension for Kaiapoi aqua sports park
From local democracy reporter David Hill:
Kaiapoi’s proposed aqua sports park is a step closer after the Waimakariri District Council agreed in principle to extend its
memorandum of understanding by up to three years.
It means the WHoW Charitable Trust will have another three years to develop its plan for surf wave, whitewater and cable wakeboard facilities alongside its inflatable play park in the Kaiapoi east regeneration area, to the north of Kaiapoi River.
A revised agreement will now be negotiated between the council and the trust until August 2025, before being brought back to the council for final approval.
The original agreement was signed in August 2020 and was due to expire this month.
‘‘The last two years have been particularly challenging in developing plans for large recreational facilities requiring significant funding under Covid restrictions and difficult economic conditions,’’ acting chief executive Jeff Millward says.
‘‘The council was, however, impressed with the WHoW Trust’s commitment to the concept and the district through progressing the Aqualand NZ project in Courtenay Lake, which successfully trialled at a small scale elements proposed for the Aquasports Park.’’
The trust launched its temporary aqua play park, operated by Kaikanui Aqualand NZ, on Courtenay Lake, to the south of Kaiapoi River, in November under a three-year license to occupy agreement with the council.
Councillors also considered an alternative proposal from the Kaiapoi East Residents’ Association (KERA) for an alternative use of the land.
KERA made a deputation to the Kaiapoi-Tuahiwi Community Board last month requesting a licence to occupy the land to plant the area with pockets of forest, fruit orchards and vegetable patches, as well as creating walk ways and picnic and play areas.
While they resolved not to pursue KERA’s proposal for a license to occupy, councillors requested staff to engage with the residents to identify opportunities for the association to progress its objectives in east Kaiapoi.
Poll: Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️
First introduced in New Zealand in 1927 with the passing of the Summer Time Act, it's what we know as 'Daylight Saving' and this year it ends on the first Sunday in April.
While we do get to sleep in this time around, some people would like to scrap the clock tinkering for good.
And why? Some evidence suggests the time changes are bad for our health as they mess with sleep patterns leading to short-term fatigue and affecting mood. Meanwhile the hour change is frustrating for farmers and a nightmare for getting the littlies to sleep. But what's your take?
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40.8% Yes - get rid of the clock changes
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57.4% No, I enjoy it
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1.8% Other - I'll share below
Poll: 🪰 Should the city invest money into researching the new Bypass Plan, or should we prioritise fixing the existing infrastructure?
As reported in the Press, the debate over the Bromley odour continues. Recently, a Bypass Plan has been proposed as a potential solution - this involves pumping sewage into the sea. However, official technical, scientific, and environmental reports on this plan and how it may impact the Canterbury region aren't finished yet.
Before we get the final word from the consultants, we want to know what the community thinks about the allocation of rates and resources.
We want to know: Should the city invest money into researching the new Bypass Plan, or should we prioritise fixing and upgrading the existing infrastructure?
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7.8% Research the Bypass
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84.4% Fix Existing Infrastructure
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7.8% Undecided/Need more info
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