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From local democracy David Hill:
Work could begin on a larger aqua sports park in Kaiapoi in 2024.
The WHoW Charitable Trust is seeking a two-year extension to the memorandum of understanding it signed with the Waimakariri District
Council in August 2020, as it looks to expand its sport park … View moreFrom local democracy David Hill:
Work could begin on a larger aqua sports park in Kaiapoi in 2024.
The WHoW Charitable Trust is seeking a two-year extension to the memorandum of understanding it signed with the Waimakariri District
Council in August 2020, as it looks to expand its sport park concept beyond its temporary aqua play park.
Trust vice-chairperson Jason Mill said the project is largely on track, despite the challenges of Covid-19.
‘‘When we first started out, 2024 was always our target so we are still on track to get a shovel in the ground by then.’’
The memorandum of understanding set aside land in the former red zone to the north of Kaiapoi River, while the trust undertook market research, water testing and a feasibility study for the project.
The trust was also granted a three-year license to occupy last year to operate an aqua play park on Courtenay Lake to the south of the river from October to April, with Kaikanui Aqualand NZ running the operation on behalf of the trust.
Despite the wet summer and a delay in getting under way, Mill said there were 15,000 paying customers to the play park from all over New Zealand.
‘‘We brought 25,000 people including spectators into Kaiapoi, so it gives us some confidence that it will work. We now have two more seasons to up our game.
‘‘We might pull 30,000 to 40,000 people, so we have been talking to Enterprise North Canterbury to see how we can get people to spend more time in Kaiapoi and support other businesses.’’
Now that the council has completed work on a stormwater main to north of the river, the trust has been able to begin hydrology tests on the proposed site of the larger aqua sports park, Mill said.
He said the land will need to be remediated and he estimated it could cost $40 million to construct the first stage.
Stage one is likely to incorporate the inflatable park, cable boarding and a small surf park, possibly with some kayaking.
The longer term project will cost upwards of $80m.
The money is expected to come from investors and proceeds from the aqua play park.
Waimakariri District Council community and recreation manager Chris Brown said a report was being prepared for councillors to consider.
‘‘The two years has gone pretty quick and I think everyone would agree it hasn’t been the easiest two years.
‘‘We need to look at it in more detail and consider what do they still need to provide us with, what is the critical path we need to follow and how long they might need.’’
Deputy mayor Neville Atkinson said the play park had proven itself and he was looking forward to seeing the report from council staff.
Residents had raised concerns about being able to access the area around the lake for recreation, water quality, impacts on wildlife and the presence of crowds of people.
‘‘There were some legitimate concerns raised, but through good management the trust has been able to put people’s minds at ease,’’ Atkinson said.
‘‘And if this last summer is a small picture of what the future will look like then we obviously need to have a look at the big picture. It has the potential to benefit everybody.’’
The trust had been successful in meeting its own community objectives and raising goodwill, including planting trees, offering learning opportunities and giving away free passes to local school children.
Councillors were due to discuss the aqua sports park proposal this week.
It’s easy to create this simple planter using a couple of terracotta pots and some Resene testpots.
Find out how to create your own.
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By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
A group of Amberley residents are thrilled their street name will remain the same.
The Hurunui District Council voted last week to rescind a November 25 decision to change the name of Rosewood Drive to Hilton Drive by seven votes to three.
Resident Brian … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
A group of Amberley residents are thrilled their street name will remain the same.
The Hurunui District Council voted last week to rescind a November 25 decision to change the name of Rosewood Drive to Hilton Drive by seven votes to three.
Resident Brian Gill said the decision was a relief to his neighbours, who were faced with the prospect of having a new street name and number.
‘‘At the end of the day democracy was the winner, but we would hope that there is some learning for the council administration that they don’t go roughshod without consulting with the community.
‘‘From our perspective, they had to be held accountable for making their recommendations.’’
He said residents only found out about the name change when they received a letter from the council dated April 29.
‘‘Five months after they had made the decision, they made a letterbox drop advising that from July 1 it will be renamed and this is your new number.’’
The decision impacted on 11 houses and the Little Oaks Preschool.
The residents launched a petition that was presented to Hurunui mayor Marie Black.
They met with Black and council staff on May 11 to air their concerns, before making a deputation to a council meeting on June 2.
‘‘This is an example of local democracy in action,’’ Black said.
‘‘We heard from the people and I thank them for having the courage to come and ask us to reconsider.’’
The council says staff contacted residents of Pound St, Hilton Drive and Rosewood Drive in November, and received responses from 37 properties in person, by phone, email and via SurveyMonkey.
The name Rosewood comes from the name of a nearby farm.
Rosewood Drive was chosen as a temporary name for a link road when stage 3 of the Oakfields subdivision was approved by the council in 2015.
The developer had proposed Hilton Drive South, but the council resolved that the name was similar to the name of an existing road and didn’t align with council policy.
Rosewood Drive runs off Amberley Beach Rd and the intention is for it to eventually link up with Hilton Drive and Pound St.
Residents celebrated the decision by having dinner together at the Railway Tavern in Amberley on June 30.
‘‘We are a fairly tight knit community in the street,’’ Gill said.
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Hurunui has always been a ‘‘welcoming community to live, work and play’’, mayor Marie Black said.
The Hurunui District Council is one of eight councils in the latest intake of councils to join Immigration New Zealand’s Welcoming Communities … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Hurunui has always been a ‘‘welcoming community to live, work and play’’, mayor Marie Black said.
The Hurunui District Council is one of eight councils in the latest intake of councils to join Immigration New Zealand’s Welcoming Communities programme.
‘‘It’s really cool. It’s something new and it sits nicely within our strategic direction,’’ Black says.
‘‘There’s plenty of employment available in our district and it’s about attracting and retaining people across all sectors, whether it be rural professionals, veterinary services, GPs, qualified technicians, engineers and workers for our hospitality sector.’’
Immigration New Zealand says there are now 26 councils taking part in the Welcoming Communities programme, including 14 in the South Island.
The programme was first established as a pilot in 2017, involving 10 councils including the Ashburton District Council.
Black said the programme would enhance efforts to ‘‘embrace newcomers into our community and support that integration’’.
‘‘A culturally rich community brings fresh perspective and vibrance that is incredibly valued.
‘‘It is important to us that our community is supportive, welcoming, and feels like home to all newcomers who choose to stay.’’
Migrant workers were particularly important to the vibrancy of the rural and tourism sectors, she said.
Immigration New Zealand refugee and migrant services general manager Fiona Whiteridge said the Welcoming Communities programme aimed to build strong and integrated communities to help newcomers feel included, so everyone could thrive.
‘‘We are grateful for the enthusiasm shown and the desire from councils around the country to be part of such an important initiative that began five years ago."
Whiteridge said Welcoming Communities supported councils and their communities to create welcoming environments for newcomers, especially recent migrants, former refugees and international students.
Immigration New Zealand provided funding, resources, accreditation, best practice information, networking opportunities, programme evaluation and guidance to participating councils.
Have you read our June Seniors newsletter? In this issue we discuss the Older Workers Employment Action Plan, Budget 2022 and hear from Equal Employment Commissioner Saunoamaali'i Karanina Sumeo. Read it here now: bit.ly...
The chilly, gum boot wearing, kettle on, soup season has moved into town! Don’t get stung by your winter power bill neighbours, start shopping around now - even if you’re on a contract.
We asked neighbours why they’re not switching power providers and found out for many it feels a bit … View moreThe chilly, gum boot wearing, kettle on, soup season has moved into town! Don’t get stung by your winter power bill neighbours, start shopping around now - even if you’re on a contract.
We asked neighbours why they’re not switching power providers and found out for many it feels a bit baffling with so many options and not enough help. Read why Kiwis aren’t switching and the easy steps to get your power sorted before bill shock hits.
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We’re here to help you compare, save and smile!
Help Kiwis in need this winter by giving through the Trade Me Kindness Store. Trade Me has teamed up with three awesome Kiwi charities - KidsCan, RainbowYOUTH and Women’s Refuge. The Kindness Store’s virtual shelves are stocked with small things that make a big difference to the Kiwis these … View moreHelp Kiwis in need this winter by giving through the Trade Me Kindness Store. Trade Me has teamed up with three awesome Kiwi charities - KidsCan, RainbowYOUTH and Women’s Refuge. The Kindness Store’s virtual shelves are stocked with small things that make a big difference to the Kiwis these charities help.
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It’s time to sell your home, and you’ve decided to stage the place yourself for potential buyers. That’s an excellent choice – not only does staging tend to facilitate sales, but it can increase the amount of money you get for your property. In fact, some professional stagers estimate that … View moreIt’s time to sell your home, and you’ve decided to stage the place yourself for potential buyers. That’s an excellent choice – not only does staging tend to facilitate sales, but it can increase the amount of money you get for your property. In fact, some professional stagers estimate that their services boost their clients’ bottom line by up to 10%.
Read more 🕵
Rangiora Players are looking for some props for their next production.
We are looking for some props and wonder if anyone out there may be able to help?
The most unusual one we are trying to borrow is a standing Male mannequin.
It will not be hurt during the production and will stand … View moreRangiora Players are looking for some props for their next production.
We are looking for some props and wonder if anyone out there may be able to help?
The most unusual one we are trying to borrow is a standing Male mannequin.
It will not be hurt during the production and will stand centre stage!.
We are also looking for a galvanised rubbish bin and rocking chair, of the Granny Clampett style.
Enviro Painters Ltd are a professional and friendly company that prides itself on customer satisfaction.
We specialise in all aspects of painting and decorating be it your new home or renovation interior or exterior.
All staff are Trade Qualified and i have over 27 years in the trade giving you … View moreEnviro Painters Ltd are a professional and friendly company that prides itself on customer satisfaction.
We specialise in all aspects of painting and decorating be it your new home or renovation interior or exterior.
All staff are Trade Qualified and i have over 27 years in the trade giving you peace of mind that you will be dealing with a professional. We service all of North Canterbury and Christchurch.
I Look forward to meeting you onsite to discuss your project.
021 226 8476
Enviropainterltd.co.nz
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