Future of Kaiapoi aqua sports park to be decided
From local democracy reporter David Hill:
The Waimakariri District Council will vote on Tuesday, August 2, on whether to extend an agreement to develop a proposed aqua sports park in Kaiapoi.
Two options will be on the table after the Kaiapoi East Residents’ Association (KERA) presented an alternative option to the WHoW Charitable Trust’s proposed aqua sports park to a Kaiapoi-Tuahiwi Community Board meeting last week.
Community and recreation manager Chris Brown said a report had been prepared outlining the choice between extending the memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the trust for a further two years or allowing KERA to develop a community space on the site.
The MOU was signed between the council and the trust in August 2020 for two years, with the option of a two year extension, to develop an aqua sports park concept in the Kaiapoi east regeneration area to the north of Kaiapoi River.
A separate three-year license to occupy agreement was signed last year allowing the trust to operate an aqua play park in Lake Courtenay, to the south of the river.
Brown said there was no reason why both proposals could not be accommodated.
KERA chairperson Michelle MacWilliams proposed turning the site into a native regenerating forest with picnic areas, walkways and areas for free activities such as petanque.
‘‘We have reached out to business owners and many of them are on their knees. We don’t want them to have to wait for another three years for something that might not happen.
‘‘We are looking at something that will bring benefit in the spring. It will bring people in and it’s free, so people can spend their money in the stores.’’
MacWilliams said the proposal had support from Ryman Healthcare and other potential funders.
The Kaiapoi-Tuahiwi Community granted KERA permission last year to establish a pocket forest around the perimeter of the site.
Brown said should councillors decide to extend the MOU with the WHoW Charitable Trust, he would reach out to KERA.
Options for how the two organisations could work together and how KERA’s ideas could be accommodated on the site and on other council reserve land would be discussed.
‘‘There are some environmental regeneration projects already under way, such as the Honda Forest, and we’ve been developing dog parks and walk ways, but there’s always room for more,’’ Brown said.
‘‘The council just needs to look at the proposals and make a decision for what’s going to be the best four economic, social, environmental and cultural wellbeing for the district and long term what’s going to be the best for Kaiapoi.’’
When asked at last week’s community board meeting whether KERA would be willing to work with the trust, MacWilliams gave an emphatic ‘‘No!’’.
Canterbury’s Woodend Bypass route confirmed
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
The route of the proposed Woodend Bypass in Canterbury has been confirmed - and it might look familiar to locals.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) says it has decided the stick with the route which was first designated nine years ago.
Engineers reviewed the route after the Government gave them the green light in July to push ahead with plans.
The 9km stretch of road will provide an extension to the Christchurch northern corridor, otherwise known as the Belfast to Pegasus Motorway.
Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey has advocated for the project for several years and said he is thrilled at the latest announcements.
‘‘Many residents across the Waimakariri and further afield will be in no doubt about my passion for this project.
‘‘For far too long now, elderly residents of Woodend have missed medical appointments as they refuse to cross the main road due to safety concerns, and school children have run the gauntlet of getting to and from school.
‘‘Business owners have also suffered because customers refuse to stop on the main road due to traffic.’’
Waimakariri deputy mayor Neville Atkinson said it will be welcome news for local residents.
‘‘It has been a long time coming and the council has always been supportive of this project, so we are delighted that it is moving forward at the pace it is.’’
Last week, Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced plans to build an overpass to replace the Pegasus roundabout and provide better access for Pegasus, Ravenswood and Woodend residents.
He said NZTA will release a request for tender for detailed design and construction supervision this week.
The first stage of early works will likely begin in early 2026 with preparation for road widening to four lanes between Lineside Rd and Cam River, while the main physical works are expected to begin later in 2026.
An NZTA spokesperson said it is too soon for concept drawings to show what the Pegasus interchange will look like.
‘‘We’ll be able to share these as the designs progress during this next phase.’’
Details of how environmental challenges, such as two shingle pit lakes which have been created over the last decade, will be overcome have yet to be released.
Final costs have yet to be determined, but it is believed it will cost hundreds of millions of dollars.
The Woodend Bypass is one of the Government's first five roads of national significance.
The Government is considering roads of national significance to be partially funded by a toll.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.
This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.
Do you think this ban is reasonable?
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0% Yes
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0% No
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0% Other - I'll share below
Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
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82.1% Yes
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15.1% No
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2.7% Other - I'll share below
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