ECan seeks feedback on Ashley River access

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Environment Canterbury (ECan) plans to make a section of the Ashley Rakahuri River more accessible.

A draft masterplan has been developed for the Rangiora Reach riverside area following feedback from the community.

Key stakeholders including Ngāi Tūāhuriri, the Ashley Rakahuri Rivercare Group and the Waimakariri District Council have all contributed.

‘‘The draft masterplan has been developed to revive an area of the Ashley River/Rakahuri and to balance recreation, biodiversity and flood protection,’’ ECan’s braided river revival regional lead Greg Stanley said.

‘‘We understand how much the community values this area, so we are working with them to make sure their voice is heard.

‘‘Over the last two years, we’ve been working with Waimakariri District Council, mana whenua, the community, and landscape architects to understand what values are most important to those who live near to, and connect with, the awa.’’

Population growth has led to new forms of recreation being developed, placing pressure on the river and its ecology, he said.

The masterplan covers the area from Dunlops Rd to Beatties Rd on the north bank near Ashley, and Merton Rd to Smarts Rd on the south bank near Rangiora.

‘‘There were some non-negotiables, like ensuring the flood protection of the area was maintained, but we’ve done our best to incorporate community suggestions into the masterplan,’’ Stanley said.

‘‘The masterplan shows how we’re proposing to shape the Rangiora Reach area through landscape design, to revive the area and balance recreation, biodiversity and flood protection.’’

Feedback from the community included designing a Cones Rd area car park to improve access and increase amenities such as rubbish bins and toilets.

Improved trail network maps, shared trail signage and other directional panels have been included, along with different grades of greystone chip to show different uses for trails across the network.

Specific 4WD access on the northern side of the river has been identified.

The masterplan balances planting and flood management, by using native planting which will fold over in a flood and not hinder flow capacity.

ECan staff are also looking at ways the river can be widened without compromising flood and erosion protection.

Options include targeted extraction of vegetated berm and potential retreat of forestry blocks from the river's edge after harvesting.

Feedback on the draft masterplan is open until Monday, October 31.

Go to haveyoursay.ecan.govt.nz/rangiora-reach and fill in an online survey or visit the Waimakariri District Council service centre or the Rangiora Library.

*Public interest journalism funded through New Zealand on Air.