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By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Jeff Millward is no stranger to filling in for Waimakariri’s top job.
A familiar face at the Waimakariri District Council, Millward joined the then Rangiora Borough Council in 1985.
He was appointed acting chief executive in July, following the … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Jeff Millward is no stranger to filling in for Waimakariri’s top job.
A familiar face at the Waimakariri District Council, Millward joined the then Rangiora Borough Council in 1985.
He was appointed acting chief executive in July, following the departure of Jim Harland, until a new appointment is made early next year.
It is the third time Millward has stepped into the role and he said he was enjoying his temporary assignment.
‘‘There is a lot of pressure. You have a number of roles to fill, with reporting to the mayor and councillors and the community boards, looking after ratepayers, the business community, community groups, support groups and staff.
‘‘It is a busy environment with a lot of stakeholders and keeping them all happy is not always easy.
‘‘Getting a win, win solution is difficult when there’s different views. But it is an enjoyable - it is a great profession.’’
Millward came to Rangiora in 1985, after working for the Department of Internal Affairs, to take up the role of swimming pool manager at Dudley Park.
It was the days before the indoor aquatic centre, so in the off season Mr Millward worked in the council building.
‘‘I was looking for a change from central government, where I was working in accounts.
‘‘I had a background looking after club pools as the club captain at Papanui Swimming Club.
‘‘Council life is certainly very rewarding. Every day there will be challenges, but with local government you find people are here because they have an interest in their communities.’’
He was no stranger to the Dudley Park pool.
‘‘Ever since I was a little kid, I used to come out for swimming at Dudley Park.’’
As a competitive swimmer, Mr Millward represented New Zealand at one swim meet just prior to the 1974 Commonwealth Games.
He also represented Canterbury in swimming, water polo, athletics and school boys rugby league.
In 1986, the Rangiora Borough and County Councils amalgamated to become the Rangiora District Council and Millward worked on the project to introduce the RAPID numbering system.
Following amalgamation in 1989, Millward transferred over to the Waimakariri District Council.
He became an assistant accountant, then a financial accountant and eventually chief financial officer.
‘‘I never imagined I would be in the top job. It has had its challenges over the years, but it is a good community to work with and it has got its characters.’’
When he first joined the council staff, Millward was commuting out each day from Christchurch.
After raising his children in Kaiapoi and Rangiora, he has moved back into the city since remarrying.
‘‘In the mid-1980s I was only sharing the road with two cars and now there’s a lot more cars on the road, and we are still going through substantial growth.’’
During his time at the council the district has faced some major challenges, including flooding, fires, storm events, snow events, the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes and Covid-19.
‘‘This council has not sat on its laurels. Being a growth council, we need to prepare for the future.
‘‘And we need to prepare for AF8 (an alpine faultline magnitude 8 earthquake) and that’s something we as chief executives in Canterbury are working on.’’
In the meantime, Millward was busy trying to keep next year’s rates rise as low as possible, amid rising inflation.
■ Public interest journalism is funded by New Zealand on Air.
Yates has been guiding gardeners for quite a while now (nearly 140 years), so we’ve learned a few crafty garden tricks along the way. We’re sharing our email newsletter, packed with our special Yates blend of leading-edge horticulture and old-school garden tips, fresh every month.
Stay on … View moreYates has been guiding gardeners for quite a while now (nearly 140 years), so we’ve learned a few crafty garden tricks along the way. We’re sharing our email newsletter, packed with our special Yates blend of leading-edge horticulture and old-school garden tips, fresh every month.
Stay on top of the seasonal tasks with us; whether you’re into vegies, herbs, fruit trees or houseplants, we’ll help you navigate your way to a gorgeous and luxuriant garden. Click through to get our timely advice on feeding, watering, weeding and how to nip your garden problems in the bud!
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Bureaucracy has led to confusion over whether new housing rules apply to Woodend and Pegasus.
New housing rules were announced by the Government in October last year, setting medium density residential standards (MDRS) as the default position for towns … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Bureaucracy has led to confusion over whether new housing rules apply to Woodend and Pegasus.
New housing rules were announced by the Government in October last year, setting medium density residential standards (MDRS) as the default position for towns in high growth areas, such as Greater Christchurch.
The Waimakariri District Council (WDC) notified variations to the proposed District Plan in August to apply the MDRS to Rangiora, Kaiapoi and Woodend / Pegasus.
But in an email to Local Democracy Reporting last month, Environment Minister David Parker said, based on advice from the Ministry for the Environment, the MDRS apply to Rangiora and Kaiapoi.
‘‘The MDRS does not apply to Woodend and Pegasus as the population of these settlements is less than 10,000.’’
Waimakariri District Council development planning manager Matt Bacon said the confusion came down to how the ‘area’ of Woodend was defined.
The Canterbury Regional Policy Statement identifies Woodend, Pegasus and Ravenswood as one urban area rather than separate towns.
‘‘This is why the MDRS were applied to Woodend/Pegasus/Ravenswood, although this is still subject to the submissions and hearings process,’’ Bacon said.
Adding to the confusion, the National Policy Statement (NPS) on Urban Development sets the criteria as a population in excess 10,000 residents for towns in high growth areas.
But the legislation, which gave effect to the NPS, set the criteria as: ‘‘an area predominantly urban in character that the 2018 census recorded as having a residential population of more than 5000’’.
At the time of the 2018 census, Woodend had a population of 2784 and Pegasus 2637 - a combined population of more than 5000.
The legislation, the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 was backed by both Labour and National.
But a lack of consultation meant councils were ‘‘blindsided’’ and the Waimakariri District Council made a submission against the legislation.
Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey said he was surprised by the council’s position.
‘‘It’s quite contradictory for the council to say they oppose the legislation on one level because they don’t agree with it, but then seek to enforce some of the most punitive measures.’’
Doocey said central government never intended Woodend, Ravenswood and Pegasus to be treated as one urban area when applying the MDRS.
‘‘These towns individually don’t reach the population threshold, but with the council taking the interpretation to link those towns together it will have the unintended consequence of the intensification being focused on Woodend.’’
Covenants set in place when Pegasus was first established would likely prevent the new standards being applied in the township, he said.
Doocey encouraged the council to take the environment minister’s advice and not apply to the standards to Woodend and Pegasus.
The new standards allow for up to three homes and buildings of up to three storeys to be built on some sites without a resource consent, provided conditions are met.
Conditions include maximum heights, setbacks from boundaries, no 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 will still be required.
■ Public interest journalism is funded by New Zealand on Air.
We have two 13 month old Toggenburg/British Alpine does for sale.
Both are humanized and will respond to petting and food.
$300 for both of them as selling as a pair, they are in the Oxford area.
Turn your old hardback books into beautiful decorative pieces using Resene testpots.
Find out how to create your own.
Same Event, Same Venue, different date, 30 November to 3 December.
Plenty to see and do, eat, buy and try.
From Agri machinery, to new innovations, career opportunities and competitions.
We want to celebrate the sector that is relentlessly hard-working, at the forefront of world-leading … View moreSame Event, Same Venue, different date, 30 November to 3 December.
Plenty to see and do, eat, buy and try.
From Agri machinery, to new innovations, career opportunities and competitions.
We want to celebrate the sector that is relentlessly hard-working, at the forefront of world-leading technologies, and economically critical to our country.
The largest agricultural event in the Southern Hemisphere.
Bringing town and country together over four days
The ultimate opportunity for agribusiness networking throughout the primary sector value chain.
Got to www.fieldays.co.nz to buy tickets.
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Heavy machinery is out in force to repair damaged infrastructure across the Waimakariri district following the July rain events.
The Waimakariri District Council’s repair bill has escalated to more than $4 million as staff and contractors repair … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Heavy machinery is out in force to repair damaged infrastructure across the Waimakariri district following the July rain events.
The Waimakariri District Council’s repair bill has escalated to more than $4 million as staff and contractors repair underground services, roads, bridges, culverts, slips and washouts from overland flow.
In a report to last month’s council meeting, utilities and roading general manager Gerard Cleary said staff have been busy responding to 685 drainage service requests and 130 sewer service requests.
‘‘Some are resulting in works which are able to be completed this year and others are able to be addressed by existing capital works projects or are the landowner’s responsibility.’’
The council hopes to secure nearly $1 million from Waka Kotahi NZ Agency towards roading repairs expected to total $1.94 million.
Some of the repair work is being shared with Environment Canterbury (ECan), with the council looking to loan fund the bulk of the repair bill.
Emergency repairs are also being made to urban stormwater across the district, at an estimated cost of $615,000.
The bulk of the urban stormwater work is in Kaiapoi. This includes installing temporary pumps for the Dudley, Feldwick and McIntosh drains, and deployed to McDougal Place, Cridland Street West and Trousselot Park as needed, at an estimated cost of $185,000.
Cleary said drains in rural drainage areas had generally functioned well.
Repairs are being made to scouring of bridges, slumps and slips on Lees Valley Rd costing $250,000, and a culvert on Okuku Pass Rd costing $20,000.
Council staff are working with Environment Canterbury (ECan) for repairs at Silverstream, costing $50,000.
Unsealed roads are being re-metalled from scour and washing out of fines at an estimated cost of $580,000. Repair work following a bank collapse at Ohoka Stream is expected to cost $10,000.
Other works include drain scour repairs with a retaining wall at Upper Sefton Rd ($100,000) and reinstatement of river fords ($80,000).
Repairs to a culvert and upgrading pipe work on Main North Rd is expected to cost $100,000, while fixing a collapsed culvert on Old North Rd will cost $40,000 and a culvert upgrade at Wolffs Rd will cost $80,000.
A new drain at Kaiapoi Urupa will cost about $60,000.
Work to mitigate additional runoff at Ashley Gorge Road and upgrades to a culvert access way at Vicenza Drive will each cost $50,000.
The council’s contribution to repairs at the Okuku River, in conjunction with ECan, is expected to be $25,000.
Scoping includes river training works and bank protection works totalling $50,000.
Sewer repairs will cost $340,000.
This includes work to upgrade the pipe work and manholes at Kairaki sewer, costing $100,000.
Modifications to reduce the inflow the Kings Avenue wastewater will cost $50,000, with work to reduce inflow and infiltration at the Mandeville septic tanks will cost $100,000.
The Tuahiwi and Fernside waste water systems require work to reduce inflow and infiltration from private laterals costing $50,000.
A further $40,000 is needed for inflow and infiltration property inspection work at Woodend Beach and Waikuku Beach.
■ Public interest journalism is funded by New Zealand on Air.
Retirement is an exciting time, filled with possibilities. Our fixed fee guarantee is one of the ways we provide financial certainty. Ryman residents love it as it helps them reduce rising living costs and surprise expenses.
Enjoy the quality amenities at every Ryman village and splurge a little… View moreRetirement is an exciting time, filled with possibilities. Our fixed fee guarantee is one of the ways we provide financial certainty. Ryman residents love it as it helps them reduce rising living costs and surprise expenses.
Enjoy the quality amenities at every Ryman village and splurge a little on yourself if you feel like it! Take up that hobby you’ve dreamed of or plan a holiday somewhere warm.
It’s easy to live life your way when you have freedom to do the things you enjoy. It’s another example of how we’re pioneering retirement living.
Is there anybody wanting some extra cash to remove some rubbish from our home ,some old concrete etc probably about 8-10 hrs ..We are about to list our home and are moving into a house bus so busy times . Any recommendations welcome thanks
Winstec /BETA saddle. 2010s
cari system instead, no stuffing or filling. Saddle tree is in excellent condition.
Seat 17' , currently 'red 'gullet plate installed, in this interchangeable saddle .
Synthetic tan brown saddle.
Come with a waterproof saddle cover and spare screws.… View moreWinstec /BETA saddle. 2010s
cari system instead, no stuffing or filling. Saddle tree is in excellent condition.
Seat 17' , currently 'red 'gullet plate installed, in this interchangeable saddle .
Synthetic tan brown saddle.
Come with a waterproof saddle cover and spare screws.
Asking 800.00 ONO
Delivery at buyer expense
no time waster pls
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 basil recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by Oct 21, 2022. Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition … 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 basil recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by Oct 21, 2022. Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Vegetable Growing Made Easy.
COME ALONG TO A SMALL,FUN,FITNESS AND BALANCE CLASS WITH A FRIENDLY GROUP OF LADIES AND A SOCIAL COFFEE AFTERWARDS😊ALL FITNESS LEVELS WELCOME
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CALL RUTHIE ON 021350617
Looking for and on behalf,
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Any interest PM me All materials supplied just labor required.
Hi All, I'm looking for a rental within North Canterbury area. 1 bedroom, self-contained. If anyone knows of anything, please contact me, either on here or on the number below.
Thank-you :)
Julia - 020 4102 9571
From local democracy reporter David Hill:
A housing development in Rangiora is set to burst into life thanks to Government investment.
A new sub-division in northeast Rangiora will receive $5.7 million for transport and three waters projects from Kainga Ora’s Infrastructure Acceleration … View moreFrom local democracy reporter David Hill:
A housing development in Rangiora is set to burst into life thanks to Government investment.
A new sub-division in northeast Rangiora will receive $5.7 million for transport and three waters projects from Kainga Ora’s Infrastructure Acceleration Fund (IAF).
The Bellgrove subdivision is expected to unlock around 1300 affordable homes and the infrastructure will help open up other housing options in the area.
Rangiora is one of eight towns and cities to get a share of $192m from tranche two of the IAF funding announced by Housing Minister Megan Woods on Thursday, October 13.
Waimakariri District Council acting chief executive Jeff Millward says the funding will allow the development to get under way sooner than would otherwise have been possible.
‘‘It makes a big difference to get that funding and accelerate that development. It’s quite an exciting development.’’
Affordable housing has become a major issue in the district in recent years, with the council working on a housing policy statement.
‘‘It’s about how do we provide quality housing at an affordable value, and this development will help low income and first home buyers, right through to people who have been in the market for a long time,’’ Millward said.
The Bellgrove subdivision was fast-tracked under the Government’s Covid-19 Recovery Fasttrack Consenting Act 2020.
Without the fast-track approval, the development would have been held up by the council’s District Plan process.
Bellgrove Rangiora project manager and director Paul McGowan says the infrastructure over the entire development was expected to cost $70 to $80 million across five stage.
‘‘This funding will help us to get the infrastructure required for stage one, which will ultimately open up the whole area.
‘‘I look at Waimakariri district compared to Selwyn and the amount of growth has minimal. It seems [Waimakariri] has been constrained, so this will really give it a lift.’’
Work is already under way to establish drainage and clear trees around the Bellgrove homestead, which will remain at the centre of the sub-division due to its category two status with Heritage New Zealand.
Sections are selling for as small as 200m2 up to 1100m2.
Ray White Rangiora manager Stuart Morris says affordable housing on the smaller sections could cost about $650,000 to $750,000.
It will likely be in duplex or townhouse style, similar to housing in Ravenswood and Pegasus.
‘‘It does mean a small, new home, but it seems to be where we are heading.
‘‘The trends is more for first home buyers to save for a bit longer, and go all in and buy brand new, with small, easy care options.
‘‘There seems to be less appetite for ‘doer-up’ houses.’’
Waimakariri-based Labour List MP Dan Rosewarne says the announcement is ‘‘fantastic news for Rangiora’’.
‘‘It’s another great example of how local and central government can deliver for our community and all New Zealanders.
‘‘This Government infrastructure funding will help the council and developers make sure critical infrastructure like pipes, roads and wastewater connections, are in place, so that thousands more homes can be built and communities can thrive.’’
■ Public interest journalism funded through New Zealand on Air.
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