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By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Ageing bridges across North Canterbury will cost millions to replace, but councils can't afford to do the work alone.
Hurunui District Council chief executive Hamish Dobbie said his district alone has 286 bridges and culverts, with around one-third… View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Ageing bridges across North Canterbury will cost millions to replace, but councils can't afford to do the work alone.
Hurunui District Council chief executive Hamish Dobbie said his district alone has 286 bridges and culverts, with around one-third needing to replaced over the next 30 years.
‘‘We probably need about about $3 million a year just for bridges,’’ he said.
‘‘At the moment we get $200,000 a year for bridge maintenance.’’
The bridges in need of upgrades include Conway River bridge on Inland Road, estimated to cost around $20 million, to smaller bridges and culverts expected to cost less than $1 million.
The Conway River bridge replacement has been listed in the Canterbury Regional Land Transport Plan with a fourth equal priority ranking with several projects, including the Pages Road bridge in Christchurch.
But no date has been set.
The Hurunui District Council’s entire 2024/25 roading programme was $14 million, which included a $5 million Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency subsidy.
The ratepayer was footing the remaining $9 million.
‘‘As a country we need to have a mature conversation about infrastructure funding and some of those conversations will be a bit more confronting,’’ Dobbie said.
He said most of the bridges and culverts around New Zealand were built in the 1950s to 1970s, meaning they were starting to come to the end of the life.
But there has been significant underfunding in infrastructure since then, with councils left to pick up the slack, he said.
The Conway River bridge was on an important route, with oversized vehicles having to use Inland Road if they were unable to use the State Highway 1 tunnels south of Kaikōura.
‘‘It is a local bridge we fund for the benefit of the country,’’ Dobbie said.
He said he would like the ability to loan fund bridge replacement work, provided Waka Kotahi contributed its 52% share.
Waka Kotahi director regional relationships James Caygill said the agency was aware of the problem.
‘‘It is a huge challenge. Every council has bridges they want to work on.’’
He said bridge replacement was funded separately from maintenance, but it was a matter of establishing how urgent the work was.
A Waka Kotahi spokesperson said the agency managed 4751 bridges and large culverts on the country’s state highways (based on 2023 numbers).
The agency has an ‘‘end-of-life’’ bridge replacement programme, with nine state highways bridges being replaced in the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme, including two in Canterbury.
‘‘It is extremely difficult to predict the exact ‘end-of-life’ dates for a bridge for a variety of factors, and hence predictions in the 10, 20 and 30 year ranges often come with significant margins of error,’’ the spokesperson said.
Waka Kotahi has a bridge inspection process to ensure state highway bridges and culverts were inspected every two years.
‘‘In some cases this may mean placing speed or weight restrictions on some bridges, at which point operators of over-weight vehicles may have to use alternative routes better suited to them.’’
Speed and weight restrictions were only employed as a last resort, the spokesperson said.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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91-year-old Dora is a rest home resident at Ryman.
Between family gatherings, bus trips and village activities, she certainly enjoys a full life. With the many friendships she’s made, the caregivers and village staff have become an extension of her family.
Hear about Dora’s experience … View more91-year-old Dora is a rest home resident at Ryman.
Between family gatherings, bus trips and village activities, she certainly enjoys a full life. With the many friendships she’s made, the caregivers and village staff have become an extension of her family.
Hear about Dora’s experience living in a Ryman community.
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Councillors hope to complete at least some of their ambitious roading programme after belatedly adopting the Hurunui Long-Term Plan (LTP) on Monday (July 15).
The Hurunui District Council had deferred adopting the 10-year budget for the region by the … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Councillors hope to complete at least some of their ambitious roading programme after belatedly adopting the Hurunui Long-Term Plan (LTP) on Monday (July 15).
The Hurunui District Council had deferred adopting the 10-year budget for the region by the June 30 deadline, after it failed to get the level of funding it sought from Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.
But councillors accepted a recommendation from council chief executive Hamish Dobbie to stick with an average rates rise of 10.98%, so the council could at least complete some of its roading programme.
While Waka Kotahi’s overall funding had increased, Hurunui’s allocation was not enough to fund the upgrades needed to ensure the resilience of the district’s roading network, Dobbie said at a council meeting on June 25.
But Waka Kotahi's regional relationships director, James Caygill, said the Hurunui District Council’s funding request for the next three years was too costly.
He said it was almost double the council’s funding allocation for the 2021-24 period.
Councillors adopted the LTP on Monday with 10 votes in favour, while councillor Garry Jackson abstained.
Jackson said he could not support increasing staffing costs above the level of inflation, while he found the proposals for the development of the Queen Mary Heritage Reserve in Hanmer Springs did not meet the ‘‘standard of rigor’’ in financial management expected.
Mayor Marie Black said she was pleased with the LTP process.
‘‘This is a piece of work we have been involved in for a very long time, as elected members, in partnership with our staff and with our community.
‘‘We tried something a little bit different by going out as elected members and engaging directly with our community and on reflection I think it was a good decision.’’
The council had consulted on a proposed average rates rise of 12.37%, before instructing staff to go through the budgets with a fine tooth comb.
The staffing allocation was pruned back from 155.41 to 150.05 full-time equivalents and the councillors’ mileage allowance also had a trim.
But the pain is expected to continue, with a 14.49% rates hike predicted for the 2025-26 financial year.
The council consulted on investment in roading, the development of the Queen Mary Historic Reserve and rating for stormwater activities.
Provision has also been made to replenish the coastal bund at Amberley Beach.
A bund is a type of embankment which protects against the sea.
Amberley Beach ratepayers will be levied $303.56 a year, an increase from $258.83 a year, which was requested by the residents’ group.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
A North Canterbury Mayor is calling for a Civil Defence levy to help councils respond to severe weather and natural disasters.
Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon raised the idea of a levy based on the Earthquake Commission model with Local Government Minister… View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
A North Canterbury Mayor is calling for a Civil Defence levy to help councils respond to severe weather and natural disasters.
Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon raised the idea of a levy based on the Earthquake Commission model with Local Government Minister Simeon Brown, during his visit to Rangiora last week.
The levy would likely be charged with insurance premiums, but nothing has been resolved at this stage.
Gordon was joined by fellow mayors Marie Black (Hurunui) and Craig Mackle (Kaikōura) and Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey.
The Government is preparing new legislation to update the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act (2002).
The Waimakariri District Council has spent $10 million of unbudgeted expenditure over the last years due to severe weather events hitting the district.
‘‘I outlined to Minister Brown my desire to see a levy in place for Civil Defence emergencies, similar to that of the Earthquake Commission model,’’ Gordon said.
‘‘This would help alleviate some of the huge costs faced by local authorities in the wake of extreme weather events and natural disasters.’’
Gordon said the idea had previously been raised with Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency and Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell.
A recent Canterbury Civil Defence and Emergency Management committee meeting found the region’s mayors were wary of new legislation introducing centralised control in an emergency.
‘‘We have a very good system in Canterbury,’’ Gordon said.
‘‘The system we operate isn’t broken, but there are things which may be beneficial to other parts of the country.’’
He said Canterbury had shown resilience in its response to earthquakes, weather events, fire and drought.
Black said the latest flood events in Hawke’s Bay showed the importance of good communication between councils.
‘‘Often it is the district council which bares the brunt of support for its community in a natural disaster, as we are more in touch with our community.
‘‘Your own neighbourhood is the cavalry coming to support you, it is not about waiting for the cavalry to arrive.’’
The 7.8 magnitude earthquake in 2016 reinforced how important local systems were in an emergency, Hurunui District Council chief executive Hamish Dobbie said.
While there was good support from Christchurch and Waimakariri following the earthquake, it was local people who stood up and organised stuff.
‘‘When people talk about large-scale events, like if the alpine faultline goes off, you know support is going to go to Christchurch, but it may not come out to the rural areas.
‘‘So it is all very well having centralised systems. We all need to be masters of our own destiny.’’
Local Government Minister Simeon Brown said the Government was open to new ideas on how local government "can better deliver for the communities they serve, and I have passed their views onto officials".
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Cricket is set to find a new home in Amberley's Eastern Reserve, as the council plans to develop the area, including a potential play area, pump track and tennis courts.
The Hurunui District Council is revamping its reserves management plan, which … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Cricket is set to find a new home in Amberley's Eastern Reserve, as the council plans to develop the area, including a potential play area, pump track and tennis courts.
The Hurunui District Council is revamping its reserves management plan, which helps shape how large green spaces are used in the region.
Council chief executive Hamish Dobbie said the new Eastern Reserve in Amberley, also known as the village green, attracted interest among the submissions on the plan.
Cricket is proposed to be the main sport at the four hectare Eastern Reserve, leaving the Amberley Domain as the main football ground.
An area has been set aside for other sports and it will include a children’s play area and a pump track.
There was potential for tennis courts, croquet and various other sports, as well as a modest sports pavilion.
Mayor Marie Black said the development of the Eastern Reserve was an opportunity to ‘‘bring our community together’’.
‘‘We have an ageing demographic, but it is not just older people.
‘‘But older [people] love to walk across and see little kids playing cricket.’’
Submitters noted the Amberley Cricket Club had played cricket at the Amberley Domain since the 1890s, but it had not been played for several years due to the overlapping season with football.
It meant children were travelling to Sefton and Rangiora to play cricket.
Submitters hoped a new cricket ground in the Eastern Reserve would revive interest in the game in the town.
The council received nearly 200 submissions during its consultation, which coincided with the Long Term Plan submissions process.
After two days of hearings and deliberations last week, Dobbie said the process had been adjourned until August 6.
‘‘There is a lot of complexity in our reserves and how they work,’’ he said.
The Reserves Management Plan was adopted by the council in 2012, with the review beginning last year.
‘‘It is about setting a template. It is just a parcel of land at the moment," Dobbie said.
‘‘There is growth in the town and new people come in and they might have a different view about how things should operate.
‘‘Communities change.’’
Submitters also advocated for outdoor areas for light exercise and fellowship for the growing elderly population.
Other submissions addressed other reserves in Cheviot, Hanmer Springs, Glenmark, Omihi, Leithfield, Waipara and other parts of the district.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Motorists could be paying a toll to drive a new bypass on State Highway 1, in North Canterbury, once it's complete.
Meanwhile, planned safety improvements to the area have been canned for now, as officials review the planned work as part of the … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Motorists could be paying a toll to drive a new bypass on State Highway 1, in North Canterbury, once it's complete.
Meanwhile, planned safety improvements to the area have been canned for now, as officials review the planned work as part of the Woodend Bypass design.
The Government is considering a proposal for its promised roads of national significance to be partially funded by a toll.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) said the Woodend Bypass has been confirmed as one of the first five roads of national significance and that a safety review will be undertaken.
Associate Transport Minister Matt Doocey said the Government has backed recommendations by NZTA to introduce tolls in its Government Policy Statement on Land Transport.
‘‘As a Government, we are open to a wide range of funding tools to ensure we are able to deliver the roads that will allow kiwis and freight to get to where they want to go quickly and safely.’’
Safety improvements for Woodend’s Main North Rd were announced in December 2022, as part of a $35 million funding package for State Highway 1 between Saltwater Creek and Cam River, with work due to begin this year.
NZTA had previously advised the safety improvements were on hold, pending the revised policy statement on Land Transport.
Doocey said it made sense to have another look at the work programme.
‘‘When you look at the Woodend safety improvement programme, it was in response to Labour cancelling the bypass, so it is right to relook at that programme in the context of the new motorway.’’
The former Government included the Woodend Bypass in its policy statement on Land Transport announced in August 2023.
Funding was also announced in December 2022 for a $6 million project, including cycleways linking Kaiapoi, Woodend and Pegasus, as part of NZTA’s Transport Choices Programme.
But the programme was axed last December by the new Government.
Doocey said the proposed cycleways and an under-pass at the Pegasus roundabout would be considered as part of the final bypass design.
‘‘When you look at the Christchurch Northern Corridor, the (Christchurch to Kaiapoi) cycleway was an important part of it, so I think it would make sense to consider the cycleways and an underpass as part of the bypass design.’’
Woodend-Sefton Community Board chairperson Shona Powell said she welcomed news about the bypass, but the safety improvements were needed now.
‘‘It will take several years to build the bypass. It is just getting frustrating.’’
Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon said he had been seeking clarity about the promised safety improvements without success.
But he welcomed Doocey’s comments that the cycleway and under-pass would be considered as part of the final design.
‘‘It makes total sense to construct this as part of the works and I know the community would be thrilled to have these included.
‘‘This is an incredibly important project for our district and I am delighted by the depth of consideration the Government is giving to it.’’
He would also like to see a cycleway clip-on added to the State Highway 1 bridge over the Ashley-Rakahuri River.
The council has been planning the Kaiapoi to Woodend and Woodend to Pegasus cycleways for several years, along with a Rangiora (Southbrook) cycleway.
Proposed safety improvements had included road widening, wider centrelines and safety barriers, and reducing the speed to 60kph at the Pegasus roundabout, which would have become one lane with raised safety platforms.
Traffic lights were also proposed at the Rangiora-Woodend Rd intersection, roundabouts at the Woodend Beach Rd and Williams St intersections and a crossing refuge for people using bus stops near Pineacres.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
North Canterbury’s three councils have thrown their weight behind a plan to tackle climate change.
The Waimakariri, Hurunui and Kaikōura councils have endorsed the Canterbury Mayoral Forum’s draft climate partnership plan.
Waimakariri mayor Dan … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
North Canterbury’s three councils have thrown their weight behind a plan to tackle climate change.
The Waimakariri, Hurunui and Kaikōura councils have endorsed the Canterbury Mayoral Forum’s draft climate partnership plan.
Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon, who chairs the mayoral forum’s climate action reference group, said by working together larger councils could help the smaller councils.
‘‘Climate change doesn’t recognise territorial boundaries, so we need something that works across Canterbury.
‘‘Christchurch is further ahead, which is fantastic, and in Waimakariri we are developing our work programme.’’
The Waimakariri District Council adopted its natural environment strategy at a council meeting last week, after completing its consultation alongside the long-term plan.
The 30-year strategy aims to protect the district’s natural ecosystems and its special indigenous biodiversity.
Gordon said the mayors hoped to officially launch the Canterbury Climate Partnership Plan later this year and he planned to invite Climate Change Minister Simon Watts.
‘‘I have raised with the Minister about attending a public launch to provide some inspiration of what can be done in other regions.’’
The plan sets out 10 climate actions to help the 11 Canterbury councils prepare for ‘‘a sustainable future’’.
The actions included understanding climate risks and improving resilience, reducing emissions, adaptation planning, nature-based solutions, education and advocacy, supporting papatipu rūnanga, integrating climate change considerations into council processes, identifying co-funding opportunities, monitoring and evaluation, and implementation.
Hurunui mayor Marie Black said her council had endorsed the plan in principle.
The Hurunui District Council was represented on the climate action reference group by Councillor Dave Hislop, a dairy farmer.
‘‘Dave brings a pragmatic approach and he is grounded in farming principles,’’ Black said.
Hislop and other rural councillors had questioned aspects of the plan and science behind it, before giving their support, chief executive Hamish Dobbie said.
‘‘I think it has been through a robust process and councillors of all persuasions have been involved.
‘‘We might not 100% agree with everything, but it is important Canterbury stands together and is seen to be working together.
‘‘There is a desire for us to thrive and do well and loom large in the consciousness of the Government and the Canterbury Climate Partnership Plan is just one of those things which we are working on collectively.’’
Kaikōura District Council chief executive Will Doughty said his council had endorsed the plan and budgeted for its contribution over the next three years in its long-term plan.
‘‘We believe it is a great initiative to be looking at the issues from a wider regional perspective.
‘‘We are very keen to see some tangible outcomes from the climate actions.’’
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
For only $15 a ticket, you could be in to win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home located in gorgeous Mangawhai, worth almost $1.4 million dollars.
Featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms and an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area, this home is waiting to be loved by its new … View moreFor only $15 a ticket, you could be in to win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home located in gorgeous Mangawhai, worth almost $1.4 million dollars.
Featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms and an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area, this home is waiting to be loved by its new owner.
Make this coastal property your permanent residence, a holiday home, a rental, or you can simply sell it!
Get your tickets today at heartlottery.org.nz.
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
A North Canterbury council’s bid for road funding has been rejected as too costly by the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA).
The Hurunui District Council requested to almost double its funding for the next three years, compared to the period 2021-24, NZTA … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
A North Canterbury council’s bid for road funding has been rejected as too costly by the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA).
The Hurunui District Council requested to almost double its funding for the next three years, compared to the period 2021-24, NZTA director regional relationships director James Caygill said.
He said the council’s funding bid sought an increase of 184% from the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme.
‘‘This increase was amongst the highest sought nationally.’’
About the country, councils put in bids totalling $6.5 billion for the 2024-27 period, up 42% on the previous three year period, Caygill said.
‘‘The total bid put forward nationally was unaffordable to the National Land Transport Programme, making it difficult to honour everyone’s bid.’’
Caygill said the agency had approved Hurunui’s request for an increase of nearly 50% in its funding for road resealing, and it ‘‘should be adequate to maintain and renew its network’’.
But at a council meeting on June 25, council chief executive Hamish Dobbie described NZTA's response as ‘‘under-whelming’’.
‘‘It is extremely disappointing given the amount of work we put into getting our roading programme together and it looks like they (NZTA) didn’t even look at it.’’
NZTA’s overall funding had increased, but Hurunui’s allocation was not enough to fund the upgrades needed to ensure the resilience of the district’s roading network, he said.
But funding for increased resilience works and other improvements were assessed separately under the ‘‘Local Road Improvements Activity Class’’, and funding information had yet to be released.
The council has deferred the adoption of its long-term plan until July 15.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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