Extension for Kaiapoi aqua sports park

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

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.