New rowing precinct for Kaiapoi River

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

From local democracy reporter David Hill:

Work could begin later this year to develop a rowing precinct at Kaiapoi’s Murphy Park.

The Kaiapoi-Tuahiwi Community Board has approved a plan presented by Waimakariri District Council staff and asked staff to seek more funding as part of the 2023-24 annual plan process.

Implementation project manager Duncan Roxborough said once the funding is secured, staff would begin constructing the launch facility on the Kaiapoi River, at the Murphy Park site, over the summer.

Earthworks and landscaping upgrades would be completed once the Kaiapoi Croquet Club has relocated to the Kaiapoi Community Hub.

A new esplanade walk way around the edge of Murphy Park is also proposed.

St Margaret’s College (Christchurch) and Union Rowing Clubs have used the Kaiapoi river as a base since the earthquakes.

In 2018, they asked the council about creating a permanent rowing base on the river.

Storage facilities for the two clubs’ skiffs, and parking will also be developed.

A budget of $510,000 was set aside for the project in the 2021-31 long-term plan. The council has since received a $360,608 quote to build a 32-metre by 3-metre pontoon, with two gangways. This means a revised budget of about $720,000 is needed, leaving a budget shortfall of $210,000.

Staff hoped to find $160,000 by reallocating funding in the annual plan, with the rowing clubs to find the remaining $50,000.

The pontoon and facilities would be available for use by the wider community, as well as the rowing clubs, Roxborough said.