The big projects set to transform Kaikōura
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Kaikōura is on the brink of significant growth as several projects come to fruition for the tourist town.
The Kaikōura District Council is awaiting a decision on a proposed business park, a housing development is about to take off and planning is continuing on a commercial development at Wakatu Quay.
Council chief executive Will Doughty said a decision from a council-appointed commissioner was due soon on a private plan change to develop the Kaikōura Business Park to the south of the town.
More than 100 submissions were received, but no hearing was required, leaving Doughty optimistic of a positive outcome.
‘‘It will be great to see that operational. It has been a long time in the making, as the seed of an idea was first conceived of about 10 or 15 years ago.’’
Kaikōura Business Park Ltd is proposing to build a business park on a 21.6 hectare site on the corner of Inland Kaikōura Rd and State Highway 1.
The proposed development would bring light industrial businesses together in one location, taking some pressure off Beach Rd.
Doughty said the council has made progress on the infrastructure to allow for housing in the Vicarage Views subdivision, off Ludstone Rd, which received a resource consent last year.
The seven hectare, 83-home development is part of a $7.8 million funding agreement for Kaikōura from Kāinga Ora’s Infrastructure Acceleration Fund.
It is expected to provide homes qualifying for the Government’s First Home Grant House Price Cap ($700,000) and provide some much needed older person’s housing units.
The council has been working on roading, footpaths and a cycleway to connect Vicarage Views with local schools, the town centre and the Ocean Ridge sub-division, to the south of Kaikōura.
Stage two of the proposed project was the rezoning of parts of the Ocean Ridge subdivision, to the south of the town, to allow for more housing.
The council has also received interest from another developer interested in providing older person’s accommodation in the town.
Kaikōura has an ageing population with 33% of the town’s population expected to be over the age of 65 within 10 years.
‘‘There is definitely a need for older person’s housing or an aged care facility,’’ Doughty said.
Work is under way on the detailed design for the proposed Wakatu Quay commercial development, and is expected to be completed in June, he said.
The project has been made possible thanks to a $9.8m grant from the Provincial Growth Fund awarded in 2019.
As the lead developer, the council will make provision to borrow up to $800,000 in this year’s 2024-34 Long-Term Plan.
The development is expected to have a seafood theme, with a mix of hospitality, local artists, fishing and tourism businesses.
The council is also continuing to work on its Spatial Plan to make provision for future growth, as part of its District Plan review, with a draft plan expected to be ready for consultation later this year.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
The perfect treat this Mother's Day
This Mother's Day treat yourself or a loved one with the ultimate Sunday self-care gift.
Purchase a discounted subscription to Sunday Star-Times before 12 May, and receive a FREE Antipodes Maya Hyaluronic 72-Hour Hydration Serum worth $56*. Find out more below.
Gifting a subscription? Add a personalised e-card to your order to make your gift even more special. Offer ends next week so don’t miss out! T&Cs apply, promo code must be applied.
Kaikōura council makes key appointment, recruitment challenges remain
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Key appointments have been made at Kaikōura's council, but there are still gaps to fill as it struggles to find staff.
Staff recruitment has been a headache for the Kaikōura District Council in recent years, but chief executive Will Doughty says he has finally appointed a new building control manager.
The council has had vacancies in its building department for more than two years.
‘‘We are consistently chasing our tail looking to get some replacements and we have had good support from contractors and other councils in the building space.
‘‘But it is good to get a full-time role based here.’’
Doughty said other Canterbury councils have been providing support with building inspections and consenting over the last two years, particularly the Hurunui District Council.
Glen Vaughan will be moving from the Central Otago District Council to be the new building control manager in Kaikōura, starting on July 1.
A new building administrator and a new emergency management officer have also been appointed.
But the position of building control officer remains vacant after more than two years, while there is also a vacancy for a part-time customer services officer.
Despite the lack of permanent building staff based in Kaikōura, the council has received a favourable accreditation assessment from International Accreditation New Zealand (IANZ).
‘‘It is a credit to the team that we have no significant non-compliances and seven general non-compliances,’’ Doughty said.
‘‘This is an outstanding result.’’
Should the council address the general non-compliance issues by July it will be classified as a ‘‘low risk’’ building control authority, with the next assessment due in 2026.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Poll: Would you want an unconventional funeral?
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.
-
83.6% Yes
-
14.2% No
-
2.3% Other - I'll share below!
Loading…
