320 days ago

Waka Kotahi - 'sabotaging growth' after it opposes massive housing development

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Otago News

A growing Central Otago town may be denied a 500 section development, after Waka Kotahi cited concerns over climate change and the lack of public transport.

But that position has angered outspoken Otago Regional Council councillor, Michael Laws, who lives in Cromwell.

‘’Waka Kotahi are sabotaging growth in Central Otago and the likes,’’ he said on Thursday, the same day as submissions to the Central Otago District Council closed.

‘’This is something that will benefit our entire region.’’

About 10km west of Cromwell, company Fulton Hogan plans to rezone about 118ha of a former quarry into a 90ha residential area, including a 5ha business park and 22ha industrial area.

But a major road block for that development is the position taken by Waka Kotahi, which partly funds public transport in Queenstown and Dunedin – but not in Central Otago – one of the fastest-growing regions in the country.

Read the full story from reporters Joanne Naish and Hamish McNeilly here (subscription required).

More messages from your neighbours
2 days ago

Poll: Is it still rude to wear a hat inside?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Times have changed and perhaps so has our societal rules around taking off hats when indoors. What are your thoughts?

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Is it still rude to wear a hat inside?
  • 73.5% Yes, take them off indoors
    73.5% Complete
  • 25.3% No, it's not anymore
    25.3% Complete
  • 1.2% Other - I'll share below
    1.2% Complete
2128 votes
11 hours ago

Here's a mystery at your doorstep: Solve this riddle neighbours!

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

What cannot talk but will always reply when spoken to?

Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below 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.

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1 day ago

Let's go to the movies...

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Congratulations to these winners who've each won a $50 cinema gift card:

Nicole Macpherson from Cambridge

Amy Smith from Rotorua

Lauchlan Young from Meadowbank

John Harris from Christchurch

Pauline Castle from Thorndon

Get in touch here before the 2nd of July, winners!

We have prize draws every Tuesday so make sure you come back every week and check whether you're a winner.

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