842 days ago

End in sight for Riccarton Rd roadworks, after five years and $49 million

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

More than five years after contractors first started ripping up Christchurch’s busy Riccarton Rd, the city council says no more work is planned along the 3.2-kilometre stretch.

Since September 2016, the council has spent about $49 million refurbishing and modernising the street, which stretches from Hagley Park to Church Corner.

The work has added bus and cycle lanes, made safety improvements to intersections, and replaced scores of old wastewater and water pipes that had reached the end of their usable life.

The final phase of work involves laying new pipes under a 1.7km stretch of Riccarton Rd between Matipo St and Hansons Lane.

The city council's infrastructure, planning and regulatory services general manager, Jane Davis, said this phase would be completed by the end of February.

It would take until the end of March to complete most projects in surrounding streets, she added.

“[After this], we do not have any roadworks or major maintenance planned for Riccarton Rd,” Davis said, though she pointed out that, as with any road, unplanned work could arise.

More messages from your neighbours
7 hours ago

Open Christchurch - celebration of architectural excellence

The Team from Citizens Advice Christchurch Area

With 50 open buildings, 4 guided walks, 3 landscapes, 3 special events and over 40 activities (from expert talks and tours to workshops), Open Christchurch 2024 is a celebration of our architecture.

On 4 & 5 May, experience many of the city’s best buildings and spaces from the inside, for free. Discover new spaces or get up close to buildings you love.

35 out of the 50 buildings do not require advance bookings – you can just turn up on the day.

Check out the link under 'Read More' for a link to the website.

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2 days ago

Poll: What could the Christchurch City Council fund if it didn't have to pay GST on rates?

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

Christchurch mayor Phil Mauger says GST on rates, currently taken by central government, would be better spent locally.

The comments follow an Infometrics analysis that found over $1.1 billion of rates revenue nationwide was collected by the Government in 2022 as GST.

According to Infometrics, $88.5m of that came from Christchurch city ratepayers. It would be enough to save the Christ Church Cathedral from ruin; restore the Dux de Lux seven times over; cover both the Art Centre and Orana Wildlife Park’s request for regular public funding for over 26 years; contribute to light rail in Greater Christchurch; or get the South Library rebuild completed.

Read the full story by reporter Sinead Gill here and share your thoughts in the comments below. (Note: Subscription required. You can still read two free stories a month if you're not a ThePress.co.nz subscriber).

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What could the Christchurch City Council fund if it didn't have to pay GST on rates?
  • 21.3% Light rail
    21.3% Complete
  • 4.5% South Library
    4.5% Complete
  • 40.4% Orana Wildlife Park
    40.4% Complete
  • 11.2% The Arts Centre
    11.2% Complete
  • 4.5% Dux de Lux
    4.5% Complete
  • 12.4% Christ Church Cathedral
    12.4% Complete
  • 5.6% Something else (share your thoughts in the comments)
    5.6% Complete
89 votes
4 days ago

Poll: Would you want an unconventional funeral?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Funerals can cost as much as $22,000 and the planning can be stressful especially at a time when loved ones are grieving. Some New Zealanders are re-imagining funerals by making their own coffin or having a relaxed ceremony at home. Would you want a less traditional funeral? Share your thoughts 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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Would you want an unconventional funeral?
  • 83.6% Yes
    83.6% Complete
  • 14.1% No
    14.1% Complete
  • 2.3% Other - I'll share below!
    2.3% Complete
1774 votes