New rowing precinct for Kaiapoi River
From local democracy reporter David Hill:
Work could begin later this year to develop a rowing precinct at Kaiapoi’s Murphy Park.
The Kaiapoi-Tuahiwi Community Board has approved a plan presented by Waimakariri District Council staff and asked staff to seek more funding as part of the 2023-24 annual plan process.
Implementation project manager Duncan Roxborough said once the funding is secured, staff would begin constructing the launch facility on the Kaiapoi River, at the Murphy Park site, over the summer.
Earthworks and landscaping upgrades would be completed once the Kaiapoi Croquet Club has relocated to the Kaiapoi Community Hub.
A new esplanade walk way around the edge of Murphy Park is also proposed.
St Margaret’s College (Christchurch) and Union Rowing Clubs have used the Kaiapoi river as a base since the earthquakes.
In 2018, they asked the council about creating a permanent rowing base on the river.
Storage facilities for the two clubs’ skiffs, and parking will also be developed.
A budget of $510,000 was set aside for the project in the 2021-31 long-term plan. The council has since received a $360,608 quote to build a 32-metre by 3-metre pontoon, with two gangways. This means a revised budget of about $720,000 is needed, leaving a budget shortfall of $210,000.
Staff hoped to find $160,000 by reallocating funding in the annual plan, with the rowing clubs to find the remaining $50,000.
The pontoon and facilities would be available for use by the wider community, as well as the rowing clubs, Roxborough said.
Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.
Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.
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64.2% Yes
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33.4% No
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2.4% Other - I'll share below
Paddy Gower seeks ‘bloody great Cantab’
The Kiwi journalist drilling deep into the country’s biggest issues is on a mission to find the local greats.
Paddy Gower is looking for the Good Kiwi in every region to feature in his show, The F@#$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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