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By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
The Waimakariri District Council is seeking further feedback on the proposed Waimakariri District Plan.
Council staff have notified a summary of submissions to the proposed District Plan, which was first notified in September last year.
The summary … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
The Waimakariri District Council is seeking further feedback on the proposed Waimakariri District Plan.
Council staff have notified a summary of submissions to the proposed District Plan, which was first notified in September last year.
The summary of submissions includes variations notified in August in response to new medium density housing standards applying to the Greater Christchurch area.
This followed the passing of the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 in December.
This directed the council to adopt medium density housing standards for the district’s main urban areas.
The new standards allowed for up to three homes and buildings of up to three storeys to be built on some sites without a resource consent, provided certain conditions were met.
Conditions included maximum heights, setbacks from boundaries, no more more than 50% of land covered by buildings and at least 20% of the section must be landscaped with trees, grass or garden beds. Building consents would still be required.
The legislation allowed councils to identify areas deemed inappropriate for medium density housing and the submissions process was an opportunity for residents to help council staff to identify those areas. Qualifying reasons included natural hazards, lack of infrastructure and character.
The proposed District Plan, notified last year, also introduced a rural lifestyle zone in the east of the district with a four hectare minimum section and a general rural zone in the west with a 20-hectare minimum.
This was in a bid to protect the district's rural character.
The new submission process is an opportunity to comment on the submissions which have been received, but not a call for new submission points, council staff said.
The summary of submissions can be viewed on the council’s website, waimakariri.govt.nz/districtplanreview, or by visiting a council library or service centre. Submissions close at 5pm on Monday, November 21.
■ Public interest journalism funded through New Zealand on Air.
Hi Neighbours, I have 3x Gardens of Fernside tickets to sell. Fundraising for Fernside School. The event is on Sunday 20th November 2022. $30/ticket
Please contact me if you would like a ticket
Free, good clean condition must be collected before 1.30 today or arrangment made for collection at weekend. Phone 033270633 or 0210732080
Hey Neighbours, did you know that Arthritis affects more than 700,000 New Zealanders and is a leading cause of disability?
This month you could help Arthritis New Zealand by purchasing a testpot of your favourite orange.
Buy any orange Resene testpot 60 ml at your local Resene owned ColorShop… View moreHey Neighbours, did you know that Arthritis affects more than 700,000 New Zealanders and is a leading cause of disability?
This month you could help Arthritis New Zealand by purchasing a testpot of your favourite orange.
Buy any orange Resene testpot 60 ml at your local Resene owned ColorShop in November 2021 and Resene will donate $1 to Arthritis NZ! The more orange testpots you buy, the more will be donated.
Just in Time for Thanksgiving. Southern Style Cornbread is now available At Urban Revival at Silver Stream. I also have some of Greenz jams and Crunchy and Chili Chocolate Peanut Butter. We have on offer black boy peach jam, Figgy pear jam, Feijoa Ginger jam, Raspberry Rhubarb, Orange and Lemon … View moreJust in Time for Thanksgiving. Southern Style Cornbread is now available At Urban Revival at Silver Stream. I also have some of Greenz jams and Crunchy and Chili Chocolate Peanut Butter. We have on offer black boy peach jam, Figgy pear jam, Feijoa Ginger jam, Raspberry Rhubarb, Orange and Lemon Marmalade just to mention a few. Stop in tomorrow and support little and local.
From local democracy reporter David Hill:
Addressing government reform and housing are priorities for the Waimakariri council over the next three years.
Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon has created two new portfolios in government reform and housing, as the district faces a challenging three … View moreFrom local democracy reporter David Hill:
Addressing government reform and housing are priorities for the Waimakariri council over the next three years.
Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon has created two new portfolios in government reform and housing, as the district faces a challenging three years.
Gordon will take the lead in tackling government reform, while Deputy Mayor Neville Atkinson has taken on the housing portfolio.
The appointments were confirmed at the Waimakariri District Council’s first ordinary meeting on Tuesday, November 8.
With various reforms coming the council’s way, including Three Waters, the future of local government and the Resource Management Act,
Gordon says it is important the district has a strong voice.
Housing is becoming a significant issue in the district, with a growing population, rising prices, a low rental stock and a lack of affordable housing.
Gordon also announced appointments to various committees, with each councillor allocated portfolios and set to take a turn chairing a council committee over the next three years.
‘‘We have been running a portfolio system for a number of years,’’ he says.
‘‘When I first come on to the council there was effectively an A and B team, but I think this is a much fairer system and I note other councils, including Christchurch, are looking at it.’’
The appointment of former mayor David Ayers as the Waimakariri and Hurunui representative to the Canterbury Museum Trust Board was
also confirmed.
Ayers is the board chairperson and has an important role to play in the museum’s ongoing redevelopment, Gordon says.
Councillor remuneration for the coming year was also confirmed.
Mayor Gordon’s salary is $146,838, while there is a remuneration pool of $555,247 for the 10 councillors.
Deputy mayor Atkinson’s salary is $69,373 and the nine councillors will each receive $53,986.
■ Waimakariri District Council committees:
Hearings Committee: Cr Neville Atkinson, Cr Al Blackie, Cr Robbie Brine, Cr Brent Cairns, Cr Tim Fulton, Cr Jason Goldsworthy, Cr Niki
Mealings, Cr Philip Redmond, Cr Joan Ward and Cr Paul Williams.
Chief Executive Review Committee: Mayor Dan Gordon, Cr Atkinson, Cr Redmond and Cr Ward.
Mahi Tahi Joint Development Committee: Mr Gordon, Cr Atkinson and Cr Mealings.
Audit and Risk Committee: Cr Atkinson, Cr Fulton, Cr Goldsworthy, Cr Ward and Cr Williams.
Community and Recreation Committee: Cr Blackie, Cr Brine, Cr Cairns, Cr Mealings and Cr Redmond.
District Planning and Regulation Committee: Cr Atkinson, Cr Blackie, Cr Cairns, Cr Fulton and Cr Goldsworthy.
Utilities and Roading Committee: Cr Brine, Cr Mealings, Cr Redmond, Cr Ward and Cr Williams.
Appointments:
Greater Christchurch Partnership: Mr Gordon, Cr Atkinson and Cr Mealings.
Canterbury Museum Trust Board: David Ayers.
District Licencing Committee: Commissioners Cr Atkinson (Chair), Jim Gerard (Deputy Chair), Wendy Doody, Cr Redmond and Cr Williams until review in mid-2024
Mayor Gordon - Canterbury Civil Defence Emergency Management Group (CDEM Group), Greater Christchurch Public Transport Joint Committee, Canterbury Regional Land Transport Committee, Enterprise North Canterbury Trust Board.
Cr Blackie - Te Kohaka o Tuhaitara Trust.
Cr Brine - Canterbury Waste Joint Committee, Canterbury Regional Landfill Joint Committee.
Cr Fulton - Waimakariri Water Zone Committee.
Portfolios:
Mayor Gordon - Iwi Relationships, Government Reform, Greater Christchurch Partnership, Transport.
Cr Atkinson - Property and Housing, International Relationships.
Cr Blackie - Arts and Culture, Greenspace (Parks, Reserves and Sports Grounds).
Cr Brine - Solid Waste, Community Facilities (including Aquatic Centres, Multi-use Sports Stadium, Libraries/Service Centres, Town Halls
and Museums).
Cr Cairns - Community Development and Wellbeing, Business, Promotion and Town Centres.
Cr Fulton - District Planning.
Cr Goldsworthy - Civil Defence and Regulation.
Cr Mealings - Climate Change and Sustainability.
Cr Redmond - Roading.
Cr Ward - Audit, Risk, Annual/Long Term Plans, Communications and Customer Service.
Cr Williams - Drainage and Stockwater and Three Waters (Drinking Water, Sewer and Stormwater).
■ Public interest journalism is funded by New Zealand on Air.
I have strawberry plants for sale. $2, $3 and $4 each. Minimum $10 sale.
I also have excellent raspberry plants and a few thornless blackberries ($15-$20 per plant).
I'm happy to give you some planting and growing tips if you need them.
Message here to organise a pickup - Rangiora.… View moreI have strawberry plants for sale. $2, $3 and $4 each. Minimum $10 sale.
I also have excellent raspberry plants and a few thornless blackberries ($15-$20 per plant).
I'm happy to give you some planting and growing tips if you need them.
Message here to organise a pickup - Rangiora. Will exchange mobile numbers before pickup.
This sale is for raspberry plants. $15 and $20 each.
All plants have been transplanted from existing Clutha, Heritage and Lewis varieties. They produce awesome raspberries.
Concerned about growing Raspberries?
If you are concerned re how to grow raspberries and keep them contained - fear … View moreThis sale is for raspberry plants. $15 and $20 each.
All plants have been transplanted from existing Clutha, Heritage and Lewis varieties. They produce awesome raspberries.
Concerned about growing Raspberries?
If you are concerned re how to grow raspberries and keep them contained - fear not! It's not difficult to achieve. I’m happy to explain how to keep them under control and give you a 1-page ‘How To’ sheet.
I also have strawberry plants ($2-$3-$4 each) and a few thornless blackberry plants ($10-$15-$20 each)
For combined purchases: Spend $50 and get $55 worth; Spend $100 and get $120 worth.
Pick up in Rangiora. However, for an $80+ purchase, I'm open to delivering them myself within 30min of Rangiora for an extra $10-$15 - depending on location.
Will exchange mobile numbers before pickup.
For only $15 a ticket, you can win a brand-new home in Whitianga valued at over $1.2 million. Built to perfection by Jennian Homes, this three-bedroom, two-bathroom home is spacious, open-planned and comes fully-furnished!
Make it your permanent residence, a holiday home, a rental or sell it … View moreFor only $15 a ticket, you can win a brand-new home in Whitianga valued at over $1.2 million. Built to perfection by Jennian Homes, this three-bedroom, two-bathroom home is spacious, open-planned and comes fully-furnished!
Make it your permanent residence, a holiday home, a rental or sell it – it could be all yours for only $15! Be in to win by purchasing a ticket today.
Every week, locals are being nominated for a Nice Neighbour Award and we think there's likely someone in your life who is worthy.
Whether it's someone who has been there in a time of need, has helped your family, or who regularly volunteers their time in their community - we'd love… View moreEvery week, locals are being nominated for a Nice Neighbour Award and we think there's likely someone in your life who is worthy.
Whether it's someone who has been there in a time of need, has helped your family, or who regularly volunteers their time in their community - we'd love to hear about them.
If your neighbour is picked as this week's Nice Neighbour, you’ll both receive a $25 Prezzy® card plus your special neighbour will feature in community newspapers around New Zealand as an inspiration to us all.
Let us know who should be recognised for their good deeds by nominating now.
Sony cyber-shot camera DSC-W610 in original box with instruction booklet. 360° sweep panorama, 26mm wide-angle lens (35mm format). 4x optical zoom Sony lens. 2.7" LCD screen. 14.1mega pixels. Lithium battery, battery charger & power cord. Sony memory stick duo adaptor MSAC-M2. Dedicated … View moreSony cyber-shot camera DSC-W610 in original box with instruction booklet. 360° sweep panorama, 26mm wide-angle lens (35mm format). 4x optical zoom Sony lens. 2.7" LCD screen. 14.1mega pixels. Lithium battery, battery charger & power cord. Sony memory stick duo adaptor MSAC-M2. Dedicated USB cable to transfer photos. Camera strap. Carrying case. Contact Briony on 02108437041. Pick up Kaiapoi.
Single room available in friendly home. Quiet street near Elephant Park. Own cooking and washing. Non smoker. $170pw includes power, internet, landline, shared tv. Share with one other. Available Friday 11th Nov.
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
High inflation and difficulty finding staff has hit business confidence in North Canterbury.
The latest North Canterbury Business Opinion Survey, released by Enterprise North Canterbury (ENC), shows local business confidence has slumped to net -12% … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
High inflation and difficulty finding staff has hit business confidence in North Canterbury.
The latest North Canterbury Business Opinion Survey, released by Enterprise North Canterbury (ENC), shows local business confidence has slumped to net -12% optimism.
While this figure compares well to the national statistics of net -42% optimism, it is a notable decrease from the last survey in April, which showed a net +4% optimism.
ENC business support manager Miles Dalton said the slump in confidence was no surprise.
‘‘It is definitely tough times in North Canterbury at the moment with almost all indicators showing the difficulties businesses are experiencing.
‘‘North Canterbury does appear to be cushioned from the worst of world-wide influences, with our results more positive than New Zealand as a whole.
‘‘And New Zealand appears to be coping better than most of the world.’’
Dalton puts it down to the strength of the local agriculture and construction sectors and less reliance on international tourism.
But the increasing cost of doing business is having an effect on businesses in the Waimakariri and Hurunui districts.
Eighty per cent of survey respondents recorded an increase in business costs over the last six months, with 80% also seeing rises in the six months before that.
Dalton said these increases were only partly reflected at the till.
‘‘North Canterbury businesses are feeling the pressure of growing inflation.
‘‘This is only partially reflected in selling prices, indicating businesses are wearing a lot of this cost in order to keep their prices competitive.
‘‘As a result, businesses are seeing decreasing profit levels.’’
Profitability has dropped 21% in North Canterbury in the last six months, despite an increase in sales, while 30% of businesses expect further profit decreases in the coming half-year.
Finding staff continues to be a headache for local businesses, with statistics showing it is harder to find staff now than at any other time since the survey began in 2013.
‘‘Businesses are reporting it is harder to find both skilled and unskilled staff than ever before,’’ Dalton said.
‘‘The main reason is simply that there is a supply shortage of suitable applicants. The current immigration policy settings and unaffordable wage rates new staff are expecting are also adding to staffing issues.’’
Despite these difficulties, the number of people employed in North Canterbury continued to grow this year, with net 13% of employers reporting an increase in staff numbers.
The North Canterbury Business Opinion Survey is compiled by Enterprise North Canterbury, the economic development arm of the Waimakariri and Hurunui district councils, every six months. To view the full survey visit: enterprisenorthcanterbury.co.nz/invest/surveys-and-reports.
■ Public interest journalism funded through New Zealand on Air.
From local democracy reporter David Hill:
North Canterbury’s three councils have no plans to introduce fluoride into drinking supplies.
The issue of fluoridation has been hotting up around the country since the passing of the Health (Fluoridation of Drinking Water) Act 2021.
The new … View moreFrom local democracy reporter David Hill:
North Canterbury’s three councils have no plans to introduce fluoride into drinking supplies.
The issue of fluoridation has been hotting up around the country since the passing of the Health (Fluoridation of Drinking Water) Act 2021.
The new legislation gives the director-general of health the power to direct councils to fluoridate drinking water supplies, but no directive has been issued to the Kaikōura, Hurunui or Waimakariri councils so far.
All three councils said it was unlikely any fluoridation will be introduced before July 2024, when it is proposed the new Three Waters entities would become operative.
Former director-general of health Dr Ashley Bloomfield wrote to councils in December last year to confirm fluoridation of supplies serving more than 500 people would be required under the Act.
Information on the costs and timeframes for introducing fluoridation was requested and directives were subsequently issued to several councils.
But no directives have been received by the three North Canterbury councils to date.
A Kaikōura District Council spokesperson said fluoridation would only apply to the urban supply, as the other schemes served less than 250 people each.
“The council does not have any provision for capital or operational costs of fluoridation in our current long term or annual plans.
“Our understanding is there will be no requirements for Kaikōura District Council ahead of the current proposed creation of the regional three waters entities in July 2024.”
It was estimated it would cost $150,000 to upgrade the Kaikōura urban supply and $20,000 per year in operating costs.
The total annual operating cost for all eight of Kaikōura’s drinking water supplies was around $700,000, so introducing fluoridation would have a major impact on rates if no national funding was available.
Hurunui District Council chief executive Hamish Dobbie said the council had not discussed the issue nor formed “a view” on fluoridation.
“If officers were asked, we would put together a paper to discuss the pros and cons.
“It [fluoridation] has been a very difficult issue for local government in the past.”
Mayor Marie Black feared fluoridation could become yet another “unfunded mandate”, with central government “imposing its will” and leaving ratepayers to bear the cost.
A Waimakariri District Council spokesperson said there was no desire to introduce fluoridation into Waimakariri’s water supplies.
“We have not received any such directive, and don’t know if or when the next batch of councils will be instructed to install fluoridation equipment.
“We don’t fluoridate any supplies but if and when we get a directive to do so, there will still be a long lead in time to allow us to budget for this work and construct the necessary upgrades.”
*Local Democracy Reporting is Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air
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