1218 days ago

Consent sought for quarry in North Canterbury River

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

From local democracy reporter David Hill:

A quarry to excavate gravel could be established at Okuku River, north of Rangiora.

Environment Canterbury (ECan) has confirmed it has received a resource consent application from Darwin Earthworks Ltd to excavate gravel from the Okuku River bed, to install temporary culverts and to disturb the river bed.

A permit to discharge contaminants to air, as a result of excavation works, has also been sought.

Darwin Earthworks Ltd is the landowner of the property at 216 Riverside Rd.

The application says the company plans to use the material for further local development and construction activities.

An ECan spokesperson said the council is conducting an assessment of the project’s environmental effects.

If those effects were considered to be ‘‘more than minor’’, the resource consent would be publicly notified, as required under Section 95A of the Resource Management Act.

‘‘When we make a decision on a resource consent, we consider the effects on the natural environment and how the activity will affect other people's use and enjoyment of the environment,’’ the spokesperson said.

ECan is awaiting expert advice on the consent proposals before making ‘‘a notification assessment’’.

■ Public interest journalism funded through New Zealand on Air.

More messages from your neighbours
1 day ago

Poll: Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

First introduced in New Zealand in 1927 with the passing of the Summer Time Act, it's what we know as 'Daylight Saving' and this year it ends on the first Sunday in April.

While we do get to sleep in this time around, some people would like to scrap the clock tinkering for good.

And why? Some evidence suggests the time changes are bad for our health as they mess with sleep patterns leading to short-term fatigue and affecting mood. Meanwhile the hour change is frustrating for farmers and a nightmare for getting the littlies to sleep. But what's your take?

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Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️
  • 40.3% Yes - get rid of the clock changes
    40.3% Complete
  • 57.8% No, I enjoy it
    57.8% Complete
  • 1.9% Other - I'll share below
    1.9% Complete
1109 votes
4 hours ago

Loud explosions rangiora

Diane from Rangiora

Did anyone else get woken around 7 ish by a very loud sound that shook my house?

7 hours ago

Alan and Hazel Kerr share Senior New Zealander of the Year Award 2026

Charles Upham Retirement Village

Dr Alan and Hazel Kerr describe themselves as ‘just ordinary old Kiwis’, despite being named as the 2026 Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealanders of the Year Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau.

The amazing couple prompted a standing ovation at a star-studded Auckland event which recognised their tireless efforts, with Alan travelling to and from Gaza and the West Bank 40 times to help children over 20 years, and Hazel travelling 20 times.

Click read more to find out more.

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