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We've seen the devastation of flood waters, yet the Government backed down on plans to protect wetlands (which help soak up heavy rain) after they received complaints by property developers.
Are you confident we're making the right decisions to protect us from future disasters? … View moreWe've seen the devastation of flood waters, yet the Government backed down on plans to protect wetlands (which help soak up heavy rain) after they received complaints by property developers.
Are you confident we're making the right decisions to protect us from future disasters? Let's discuss!
Share your thoughts in the comments below - add NFP if you don't want these shared in the We Say You Say column of your local paper.
Pressure is mounting on the city council to come out against Christchurch Airport’s “senseless” plans to build a new airport in Central Otago.
Eleven academics from across New Zealand have formed a group to oppose the airport’s proposal to build a “world-class sustainable airport” in… View morePressure is mounting on the city council to come out against Christchurch Airport’s “senseless” plans to build a new airport in Central Otago.
Eleven academics from across New Zealand have formed a group to oppose the airport’s proposal to build a “world-class sustainable airport” in Tarras – about 90km from Queenstown.
The council owns a 75% stake in the airport, with the other 25% owned by the Government.
Three of those academics spoke at Wednesday’s Christchurch City Council meeting and urged the council not to continue supporting the project. The Tarras development was a vanity project that would cripple Christchurch’s economy, they said.
Christchurch Airport project director Michael Singleton said New Zealand was geographically isolated and high-quality air connectivity would always be an important driver of social and economic wellbeing.
“Doing nothing in the face of a well-documented and fast-approaching infrastructure deficit and changing climate jeopardises the long-term ability of communities to maintain or improve their standard of living," he said.
Read the full story here and tell us your thoughts in the comments below.
From reporter Debbie Jamieson:
Queenstown and Wānaka developers have signalled overwhelming opposition to a plan which would force them to contribute to community housing.
The Queenstown Lakes District is in the midst of a housing crisis with desperately-needed workers and families leaving … View moreFrom reporter Debbie Jamieson:
Queenstown and Wānaka developers have signalled overwhelming opposition to a plan which would force them to contribute to community housing.
The Queenstown Lakes District is in the midst of a housing crisis with desperately-needed workers and families leaving town because they cannot find suitable accommodation.
To increase the supply of affordable housing the Queenstown Lakes District Council is proposing to require most new residential subdivisions and developments to pay a financial contribution of 5%.
It would be collected by the council and provided to Queenstown Lakes Community Housing Trust (QLCHT) or another community housing provider.
Known as “inclusionary zoning”, it has already been used on a voluntary basis by the council with developments such as Jacks Point and Shotover Country contributing.
Under the Housing Accords and Special Housing Areas Act developers were required to pay contributions of up to 12.5% in the district. The Act has since been repealed.
About half of the 181 submissions received on the district plan change proposal were from developers opposing the rules.
Many of the submissions are duplicates from law firms or planners, representing the likes of Wānaka developers Infinity Investment Group and film developers Silverlight Studios, Glendhu Station Properties Ltd, Henley Downs Land Holdings, and the Jacks Point developers.
They argue the plan is unlawful and unreasonable and will not increase affordability.
Centuria Property Holdco Ltd, the group behind the $1 billion fast-tracked Lakeview/Taumata development in central Queenstown, is also opposed.
Developers Winton want it to be rejected claiming the proposal is outside the scope of the council’s role under the Resource Management Act and that council evidence is flawed.
Many individuals stood alongside the developers, concerned the proposal would lead to the cost of land rising.
“We struggled to afford our current property and with the continuing cost of living crisis cannot afford an additional levy to now pay for someone else's property too,” Robert Haydon, of Wānaka, wrote.
Christoffel Beukman, of Wānaka, said the proposal would result in a downgrading of housing stock and value and lead to an increase in antisocial and criminal behaviour.
It would make the area attractive to people who would otherwise not be able to afford housing in the district, she said.
Many saw it as another tax, or disagreed on principle.
Queenstown man Tony Strain said it was the worst of all the “dumb ideas” the council had come up with.
“Why should landowners and developers subsidise the tourist industry which has been built on low wages and will benefit the most from cheap housing?” he said
Some were concerned that small landowners would have to contribute also.
However, the Queenstown Lakes Community Housing Trust has submitted that exemptions be put in place for already existing lots where only one residential unit was to be erected, or less than three lots created.
The trust had more than 800 households on the trust’s waiting list, in an area where the median house price in September was 15.6 times the median household income, compared to 8.1 times nationally.
Former mayor Jim Boult was among a handful of supporters for the plan.
He said Queenstown could be like other tourism towns around the world where most workers were commuters.
However, it was an inclusive community where the children of billionaires attended school alongside the children of supermarket workers, he said.
The inclusionary zoning tool was vital if the community was to make housing at least reasonably affordable for most, he said.
He acknowledged there was an offset to others buying property, but said it had not proven an inhibiting factor under HAASHA legislation.
The plan was supported by other housing trusts from around New Zealand.
The affordability of everyday items just keeps increasing!
If it’s not the petrol prices, it’s the cost of food, insurance or rates and let’s not get started on mortgage interest costs!
Home loan interest rates don't stay the same for long these days and it’s causing many … View moreThe affordability of everyday items just keeps increasing!
If it’s not the petrol prices, it’s the cost of food, insurance or rates and let’s not get started on mortgage interest costs!
Home loan interest rates don't stay the same for long these days and it’s causing many households to feel stressed out. Could you be saving thousands of dollars a year? If you don't check, you don't know.
Get a FREE mortgage health check through Money Compare and find out. If you could save money, why wouldn’t you right?!
Dear neighbours,
Last year, Jane Horne and partner Simon Bartholomew's Mondrian-inspired cube took the title of Resene Shed of the Year. Now, we're on the hunt for this years winner! Send us photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever storage spaces, cute chicken … View moreDear neighbours,
Last year, Jane Horne and partner Simon Bartholomew's Mondrian-inspired cube took the title of Resene Shed of the Year. Now, we're on the hunt for this years winner! Send us photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever storage spaces, cute chicken coops and potty potting sheds to win amazing prizes worth more than $2000. The Resene Shed of the Year 2023 winners will be announced in the April issue of NZ Gardener.
Cyclone Gabrielle has had a devastating impact on hundreds of thousands of Kiwis. As the long clean up begins and support becomes more and more needed, Stuff is calling for readers to support the Red Cross and Mayoral Relief Funds in areas where a local state of emergency has been declared. … View moreCyclone Gabrielle has had a devastating impact on hundreds of thousands of Kiwis. As the long clean up begins and support becomes more and more needed, Stuff is calling for readers to support the Red Cross and Mayoral Relief Funds in areas where a local state of emergency has been declared. We'd love your support. You can donate here.
Dear neighbours,
Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are still on the hunt for amazing and inventive taro recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by Feb 26, 2023. Every published recipe wins a copy of the April issue of NZ … View moreDear neighbours,
Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are still on the hunt for amazing and inventive taro recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by Feb 26, 2023. Every published recipe wins a copy of the April issue of NZ Gardener.
It’s easy to transform a plain wicker chair into something special with Resene Colorwood natural wood stain.
Find out how to transform your furniture with our easy advice.
Your home is your sanctuary where you can relax, rejuvenate, and entertain family and friends.
That’s why Ryman villages are designed to be safe havens. We’ve prepared for adverse events, so you don’t have to.
Your safety and your family’s peace of mind are our top priority, no… View moreYour home is your sanctuary where you can relax, rejuvenate, and entertain family and friends.
That’s why Ryman villages are designed to be safe havens. We’ve prepared for adverse events, so you don’t have to.
Your safety and your family’s peace of mind are our top priority, no matter what the weather. Every Ryman village has staff available 24/7 and backup generators for emergencies.
We all hope we never have to experience a natural disaster or other emergency. But if it happens, we’ll take care of everything and make sure that you have what you need.
It's been a tough few weeks for our communities, including our small businesses. To help small businesses keep connected with their neighbours, we’re offering Neighbourly Premium Business Listings FREE for three months. You’ll feature in the local business directory, plus be able to engage… View moreIt's been a tough few weeks for our communities, including our small businesses. To help small businesses keep connected with their neighbours, we’re offering Neighbourly Premium Business Listings FREE for three months. You’ll feature in the local business directory, plus be able to engage with neighbours to ask for help, share new operating hours, move damaged stock, or simply give thanks for recent support. T&Cs apply.
If your answer is yes (or even a maybe), send us photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever storage spaces, cute chicken coops and potty potting sheds to win amazing prizes worth more than $2000. The Resene Shed of the Year 2023 winners will be announced in the April issue of … View moreIf your answer is yes (or even a maybe), send us photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever storage spaces, cute chicken coops and potty potting sheds to win amazing prizes worth more than $2000. The Resene Shed of the Year 2023 winners will be announced in the April issue of NZ Gardener.
Enjoy all the upsides of living independently in a Ryman village. Easy living, security, plus a huge bonus – the support of a vibrant village community.
Your fixed base weekly fee includes rates, window cleaning, gardening and exterior maintenance, which leaves you more time and energy to … View moreEnjoy all the upsides of living independently in a Ryman village. Easy living, security, plus a huge bonus – the support of a vibrant village community.
Your fixed base weekly fee includes rates, window cleaning, gardening and exterior maintenance, which leaves you more time and energy to enjoy a fulfilled village lifestyle. Relax with a book, invite friends over for dinner, or simply put your feet up. You'll love coming home to such easy living.
Lots of Cool themes and designs, come in and choose your favourites ✨ $8 each
From reporter Hamish McNeilly:
A potential u-turn over Dunedin’s George St makeover has been stopped in its tracks.
A report to the Dunedin City Council’s Infrastructure Services Committee noted incorporating flexibility – from the current one-way proposal to a two-way – would result … View moreFrom reporter Hamish McNeilly:
A potential u-turn over Dunedin’s George St makeover has been stopped in its tracks.
A report to the Dunedin City Council’s Infrastructure Services Committee noted incorporating flexibility – from the current one-way proposal to a two-way – would result in increased costs of potentially up to $1m a month.
It comes after mayor Jules Radich called for “a mid-project review” late last year, as he was sceptical about the value of a more pedestrian-friendly space and wanted to “minimise future expense if modification is deemed necessary”.
The report to council found any changes could involve the removal of planter beds, relocation of signals, and a change to kerbs to separate vehicles from passengers.
Any change could also result in “reputational risk” for the council, the report noted.
Work on the retail quarter began in October 2021, with work completed on Frederick St, London St and the ‘Farmers Block’ of George St.
Meanwhile, work has begun on the ‘Golden Block’ of George St – the main retail shopping block of Dunedin.
The forecast spend for the George St upgrade, which is set to be completed in early 2024, was $51m, including $23m for Three Waters upgrades.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi was contributing $12m for work above ground.
The committee heard debate on how much it would cost to end that contract, to which council chief executive Sandy Graham replied it "would be costly".
Radich said the council’s report, which includes options for flexibility for the project, was "insufficient".
The majority of the redeveloped George St was designed to be a one-way shared space.
Josh von Pein, council project manager of major projects, said: “The work was a complex project complicated by what was encountered during excavation.
“We have known knowns and known unknowns.”
Councillor Jim O’Malley, the committee’s chairperson, noted 60% of the work had been completed, with delays costing up to $5m depending on how long those delays continued.
He noted the council’s argument was the same argument it was making against the Ministry of Health over potential cuts to the redeveloped Dunedin Hospital.
The project had already been debated and costed, and it was not financially prudent to call for changes now, O’Malley said.
Councillor David Benson-Pope said the efforts of some councillors, including the mayor, to delay the project were “appalling”.
He urged councillors to support staff and “get on” with the project.
Radich noted it was “critically important” for the council to have all the facts in front of them, given the scale of the project, and incorporating flexibility was not a major cost in the overall plan.
However, a request for an updated report that provides further information on the contract break costs, a 10km two-way option, minimal change from current design, pedestrianisation and a “do-nothing” option by February 28, was lost 9-8.
That meant the project was likely to continue as planned.
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