Real estate agent wants better roads for North Canterbury
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
North Canterbury's growing housing market needs greater infrastructure support, a real estate manager says.
Bayleys Rangiora and Hanmer Springs manager Ross Ditmer said the Woodend Bypass, the proposed Rangiora Eastern Link Rd and the Skew Bridge upgrade (west Kaiapoi) are vital to the region’s prosperity.
‘‘We’ve got Rangiora opening up, with the Bellgrove subdivision underway, but we need that road treatment.
‘‘It is chicken and egg stuff. We’ve got to future proof it otherwise it is going to become a nightmare.
‘‘The Woodend Bypass is huge, and for Amberley it will make it easier and more attractive to commute to Christchurch for work.’’
The Government has promised to build the Woodend Bypass, which would divert highway traffic away from the Canterbury township.
Stats NZ's high growth scenario suggested Waimakariri could grow from 70,000 to 100,000 over the next 30 years, with the bulk of the growth expected in Rangiora and Kaiapoi.
The proposed Waimakariri District Plan, which is expected to take effect later this year, is set to open up 200 hectares of land for housing in Rangiora and 97ha in Kaiapoi.
Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon said the Eastern Link Rd and Skew Bridge upgrade will be included in the 2024-34 long-term plan.
The Eastern Link Road has been designated in the Waimakariri District Plan and the council has applied to Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) to share the $37.9 million bill.
‘‘We will be giving ratepayers the choice if they want us to get on and fund it without NZTA funding, or whether we should wait,’’ Gordon said.
Without NZTA funding, the full amount would be loan funded and cost ratepayers $30.67 per property per year, over approximately 30 years, compared to $15.03 with the subsidy.
The Skew Bridge upgrade is estimated to cost $11 million price tag and would cost ratepayers about $10 per year without NZTA funding, Gordon said.
‘‘The bridge is at the end of its life and it will make a huge difference to our community when it is upgraded and it will help address congestion.’’
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Poll: Have you ever been bullied?
People associate bullying with children in schools, but it can actually stretch beyond childhood to workplaces or neighbourhoods.
This Friday is Pink Shirt Day, which began in Canada in 2007 when two students took a stand against homophobic bullying after a new student was harassed for wearing pink. People across the globe are now encouraged to wear pink on this day to take a stand against bullying and promote inclusivity.
Have you or your whānau ever experienced bullying? Share your thoughts on Pink Shirt Day below.
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.
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0% Yes
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0% No
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0% Other - I'll share below
And the 2024 Prospa Local Business Hero is...
A huge congratulations to mother and son duo, Mary and Sam Danielson from The Puketapu Hotel.
The votes for all finalists have been tallied and they have been chosen by Neighbourly members across the country as the Prospa Local Business Hero of 2024.
The Puketapu Hotel was nominated by a local called Margaret and the nomination reads:
'On Feb 14, 2023, Cyclone Gabrielle flooded many of the rural areas. Puketapu Hotel went under perhaps half a meter of water. However, immediately Mary Danielson and her son, Sam Danielson, along with their loyal staff pulled it together to cook copious amounts of food that without electricity would have been wasted. Throughout the years many of us have been treated with a pub gathering where we can reconnect and a free meal. At Christmas there was Santa, games, gifts for kids, donated patchwork for adults, an ice cream truck and lots of camaraderie.
This February on the cyclone anniversary, they again pulled out the stops to give hundreds of us a special night. We are all tired of the cyclone cleanup and they understood that it was needed.'
Such a deserving business and team, well done Mary and Sam. And thank you to all those who voted!
Poll: What is the smallest size hearing device Triton Hearing offer?
Some kiwis think hearing devices are big and ugly.
What if we told you technology has advanced substantially and they’re available in all shapes, colours, and sizes?
Go in the draw to win* a $40 MTA voucher when you share your answer to the
question below. Give it a go!
*T&C’s apply – must be over 18.
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87.7% a) The size of a pea
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4.8% b) The size of a AAA battery
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7.5% c) The size of a $2 coin
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