Oxford speed limit change rejected
From local democracy reporter David Hill:
The speed limit on Oxford’s Main Street will remain at 50kph.
A motion to make a request to the Waka Kotahi NZ Agency (NZTA) director to reduce the speed limit from 50kph to 40kph was lost after a split vote at last week’s Waimakariri District Council meeting.
The report was brought to council by the Oxford-Ohoka Community Board in response to residents’ concerns about safety, particularly for those with vision impairments.
The council had previously rejected a proposal to reduce the speed limit to 40kph as recently as December last year.
At the time council staff cited the cost of around $450,000 being needed to make the necessary infrastructure and traffic calming changes.
But the proposal was revisited following the approval of the Setting of Speed Limits Rule 2022 by Transport Minister Michael Wood, which took effect in May 2022.
During last year’s community engagement, 54% of respondents were in favour of reducing the speed limit, with 46% in favour of keeping the existing speed limit.
Mayor Dan Gordon said the council would continue ‘‘to look at methods and strategies to reduce concerns about safety in the community’’.
Councillors also voted to revoke the council’s Speed Limit Bylaw (2022), now the new Setting of Speed Limits Rule has come into force.
The new rule required all councils’ speed limit data to be migrated to a national speed limit register and removed the need for the bylaw.
The Hurunui District Council completed a thorough speed limit review two years ago.
Chief executive Hamish Dobbie did not expect any changes as a result of the new setting of speed limits rule.
‘‘We consulted widely, on 1600km of roads in our district and it was not only about speed, but also about safety.
‘‘We have a good relationship with NZTA and we continue to have discussions on whether our speed limits are appropriate.’’
Dobbie said the speed limit for southern entrance to Amberley was the subject of ongoing discussions, and the new rule would simplify the process in the future.
Poll: As a customer, what do you think about automation?
The Press investigates the growing reliance on your unpaid labour.
Automation (or the “unpaid shift”) is often described as efficient ... but it tends to benefit employers more than consumers.
We want to know: What do you think about automation?
Are you for, or against?
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9.3% For. Self-service is less frustrating and convenient.
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43.6% I want to be able to choose.
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47.1% Against. I want to deal with people.
Poll: Would you take a 1.5-hour hike for a shop? 🌿🐦
Canterbury, you have a hidden treasure right on your doorstep ... though it does come with a 1.5-hour walk up the stunning Rakaia Gorge Walkway.
Along the trail you’ll find The Fantail Shop showcasing small artworks by local artisans. Even better, every purchase supports the Fantail Trust, helping protect and restore biodiversity on the north bank of the gorge.
So we’re curious: would you take a 1.5-hour hike for a shop? (And for local biodiversity, of course 🌿)
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32.2% Yes!
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67.8% No thank you.
Musicians Wanted
‘Rangiora Bells’ is seeking musicians to join the handbell choir. We are a friendly group of handbell ringers who enjoy making music and entertaining at community groups.
If you would like to come and have a go at ringing handbells, please come along to one of our practice sessions. No commitment necessary if you decide that this is not for you.
An ability to read basic music notation preferred.
Practice days – Thursdays 1pm – 2.30pm
(beginning 19th February 2026)
In the lounge at Trinity Methodist Church
176 King Street
Rangiora
Clare Dolheguy
Phone 027 583 7504
claredoll6@gmail.com
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