343 days ago

Amberley Beach golf course access investigated amid coastal erosion threat

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

By local democracy reporter David Hill:

Slow progress is being made in efforts to secure access to the Amberley Beach golf course in Canterbury (see attached map), which is under threat from coastal erosion.

About 50 golfers attended a Hurunui District Council meeting in August calling on the council to extend Griersons Ave to secure access to the Amberley Beach Golf Club’s clubhouse.

The golf course faces the threat of coastal erosion, along with access to mahinga kai (natural resources) areas in the Waimaiaia Reserve and the Waipara River mouth.

The council agreed to investigate extending Griersons Ave through the narrowest part of a wetland, against the advice in a report to the August meeting, written by council chief executive Hamish Dobbie.

He proposed linking Webbs and Hursley Terrace roads with Golf Links Rd from the northern end, which would secure access to the golf course but not the clubhouse.

Council staff have been working with Environment Canterbury to consider the available consenting options.

‘‘Some progress is being made, but it is slow,’’ he said.

Both options would secure access to the golf course for the next 30 years.

Environment Canterbury consents planning manager Aurora Grant confirmed pre-consent application discussions were continuing.

Amberley Beach is one of several North Canterbury beach communities facing threats from erosion, coastal flooding and sea level rise.

No solution is in sight for Motunau Beach residents facing the threat of erosion.

The council has been working with two property owners at Motunau Beach, with homes perched precariously close to the cliff edge.

Dobbie said there was a long legal process under the Building Act to follow before a resolution could be found.

A geotech report was completed last year and discussions were continuing to ensure lives were not being put at risk, he said.

Efforts to restore a coastal road north of Cheviot, which was claimed by the sea last year, are progressing.

The council agreed to a KiwiRail plan in August to co-fund the rebuild of Claverley Rd in the Hundalees, north of the Conway River, which is 40km south of Kaikōura.

Dobbie said council staff had further conversations with KiwiRail last week about the reinforcement of the road.

The project is expected to cost up to $520,000 and will restore access to three households, which have been relying on four-wheel-drive access.

The road also provides access to archaeological sites of importance to local mana whenua, while the rail network is also under threat from erosion.

Nape Nape Rd at Blythe River, south of the Hurunui River, has been subject to slips following heavy rain events and coastal erosion over the last five years.

Councillors called on staff in September to prepare a strategy to provide guidance on how to respond to these situations.

It is expected to be considered as part of the long-term plan process in the coming weeks.

The council has also been working on coastal adaptation plans with five beach communities over the last four years.

Three plans have been adopted for Amberley Beach, Leithfield Beach and Motunau Beach.

■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

Image
More messages from your neighbours
15 hours ago

🎭 Riddle Me This… Can You Guess? 🎭

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

What time did the two cars crash?

Do you think you know the answer to our riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm.

Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.

Image
1 day ago

Casey

The Team from Humans of Christchurch Ōtautahi

“I wasn't aware of it when I was going through it, or growing up in that environment, you just think it's your normal until you get out of it. Narcissistic abuse. Have you heard of it?

I was the black sheep. I left home real young, like, 17. I went to the Salvation Army, I was homeless. I went back to my parents thinking they'd changed, or, I don't know, something will be different, but it just wasn't. I had to come to terms with reality. Now I'm estranged, I'm doing my own thing. I've had no contact in ages, it is what it is.

I'm trying to get the skills, I want to pursue music as a full time job. Even if it just pays for the basics. That's what I really want to do with my life, I need to do it, it feeds my spirit.

I learned bass guitar, electric guitar. I learned how to rap, sing and a bit of metal growl. So like, you know, the heavy vocals. It's like an outlet, if I'm going through some real heavy duty stuff, I can just fall back on the music. I always feel better.

I saw someone had an advertisement for a band, so I got their number, gave them a ring. You never know what might happen. I used to be so insecure and shy, I hid away on purpose. But these days I want to be an open book, I'm more confident in my own skin.

I might be going back to the Salvation Army. It's better than being on the streets in the elements, cold, freezing. Yeah, you get a roof over your head three meals a day. It's better than being stranded.

I was born in Christchurch, been here my whole life. I also like getting out into nature. If I had money, I'd be a nomad, just travelling with a backpack. I do like it here, but it would be a good change to see the world. Yes, this is just a tiny little island, it's a big world out there.”

Image
4 hours ago

Poll: Is this the most Kiwiana pie you've heard of?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

This Kiwiana pie consists of Watties spaghetti and colby cheese in pastry. Is this our most iconic 'Kiwi' pie?

Share your thoughts below!

Image
Is this the most Kiwiana pie you've heard of?
  • 12.9% Yes!
    12.9% Complete
  • 87.1% No, I can think of something else!
    87.1% Complete
62 votes