Swannanoa - Ohoka news is brought to you by the team at Northern Outlook
Recent posts
Thank you for using Neighbourly
From reporter Tatiana Gibbs:
“It’s really hard to find a park,” is a sentence business owners Miles and Tracey Ashley believe they hear from every second customer.
The pair owns The Feed Shack – a pet supplies store – in Rangiora’s central township and are worried they could be … View moreFrom reporter Tatiana Gibbs:
“It’s really hard to find a park,” is a sentence business owners Miles and Tracey Ashley believe they hear from every second customer.
The pair owns The Feed Shack – a pet supplies store – in Rangiora’s central township and are worried they could be “out of business within weeks” because only a handful of car parks are available to customers.
Between the parking situation and roadworks to improve water infrastructure, put down new paving, and install street furniture and lighting, the Ashleys say their store is barely accessible.
The three-month revamp has wiped out 90% of their usual trade, but the couple said it’s only been the tip of the iceberg, because the car parking spots meant for customers have been taken up by staff and employees in the CBD area for years.
“If a customer can't park within a reasonable distance... they’ll go elsewhere,” Miles said
Their pet store has been on Good St since 2019, and early into their ownership Miles noticed a significant number of the free two-hour parking spots on their road and neighbouring Blake St were taken up by the same cars each time.
He has since worked out that they're used by nearby workers.
“I can point out cars that are employees from the New World, or employees from a café, [and] they're not there just some of the time. They’re there virtually five days a week, all day, in a two-hour car park consistently.”
Tracey said they drive into work and park a 5-10 minute walk away from the store to not be “a part of the problem”, and “allow customers the potential to get out of their vehicle to spend”.
But when she gets to work before opening time at 9am, the “bulk” of the car parks have already been taken before potential customers get a chance, which she said puts “tremendous stress” on their ability to get people in the door.
More than three years on and multiple emails asking for more regular ticketing patrolling later, it’s only gotten worse, said Miles, because “the enforcement actions from the council were abysmal”.
Responses to their emails informed them the Waimakariri District Council enforcement staff have the entire wider region to cover.
“Where's the action if it’s a priority?” Tracey said. “No results in three years is just failure.”
The Waimakiriri District Council said there are 96 limited time zone car parks available on Blake St, that adjoins Good St, and regular monitoring suggests that there haven’t been any changes to the number of notices issued in this car park recently.
“Several complaints were raised about over stayers at the Blake St car park in 2020, which resulted in increased monitoring, and all nearby businesses were informed about the use of the car park at the time,” a council spokesperson said.
Tracey said it was only a “short term improvement” then, and has remained an ongoing issue.
“They’re not ticketing enough to turn over those car parks meant for customers.”
The pair urge employees in the area to abide by parking zone limits, claiming each car park unusable is potentially thousands of revenue for the township’s central businesses lost.
“Simply car parking just isn't available and now there's shops on the street struggling,” Miles said.
Further roadworks on Blake St have “reduced” on street parking while a water main is replaced, which is expected to be finished by the end of the month, the council said.
We can see you're paying a lot for your broadband each month (we'll have some helpful advice on that soon)! Now let's shine the spot light on Power! The other BIG bill Kiwis are juggling.
We know usage can fluctuate quite a bit meaning so would your bill but to keep it simple, … View moreWe can see you're paying a lot for your broadband each month (we'll have some helpful advice on that soon)! Now let's shine the spot light on Power! The other BIG bill Kiwis are juggling.
We know usage can fluctuate quite a bit meaning so would your bill but to keep it simple, how much does your power bill usually come to?
Know the friendliest barista around? Does your mechanic always go the extra mile? Got a lawn-mowing legend? Hairdresser hero?
Give your favourite local business the recognition they deserve by nominating them in the 2023 Prospa Local Business Hero awards.
There's been hundreds of … View moreKnow the friendliest barista around? Does your mechanic always go the extra mile? Got a lawn-mowing legend? Hairdresser hero?
Give your favourite local business the recognition they deserve by nominating them in the 2023 Prospa Local Business Hero awards.
There's been hundreds of incredible entries already but don't forget to nominate your local this week. The recognition will make their day (and they're in with a chance to win a $10,000 package!).
Share a few words about your favourite local now.
Your home is your sanctuary, and that’s why Ryman villages are designed to be safe havens.
We’ve prepared for adverse events, so you don’t have to.
Your safety and your family’s peace of mind are our priority. Every Ryman village has staff available 24/7 and backup generators for … View moreYour home is your sanctuary, and that’s why Ryman villages are designed to be safe havens.
We’ve prepared for adverse events, so you don’t have to.
Your safety and your family’s peace of mind are our priority. Every Ryman village has staff available 24/7 and backup generators for emergencies. If something happens, you’re in safe hands.
We’ll take care of everything and make sure that you have what you need.
If you or a loved one are over 70, Ryman has a range of options from emergency accommodation through to townhouses or apartments available to purchase.
I don't seem to be able to make a comment on the broadband poll.
My husband had a very pertinent question.
For how long does the lower price plan last? The reason I ask is because it has always been a short term contract and then you have to pay full price again usually at 12 months. … View moreI don't seem to be able to make a comment on the broadband poll.
My husband had a very pertinent question.
For how long does the lower price plan last? The reason I ask is because it has always been a short term contract and then you have to pay full price again usually at 12 months. Considering the amount of use it gets ie: news, email, movies, youtube etc. you really need a consistently low price as pensioners are on the minimum wage and our pay increase was just below the cost of inflation.
Why is the Government trying to rush new RMA legislation through before the election? What’s happened to democracy? It’s sad that unelected people will have a say on new planning proposals without the right of appeal. Why aren’t people kicking up a fuss about it? Are we so complacent that all… View moreWhy is the Government trying to rush new RMA legislation through before the election? What’s happened to democracy? It’s sad that unelected people will have a say on new planning proposals without the right of appeal. Why aren’t people kicking up a fuss about it? Are we so complacent that all we want to is sit at home and watch the telly? Wake up NZ
Internet is something we need these days for work, study, keeping in touch with loved ones or just to watch a movie! It's another bill to manage right?!
With the cost of living rising, we want to know how much your broadband bill is setting you back each month?
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 jerusalem artichoke recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by March 26, 2023. Every published recipe wins a copy of the May issue of NZ … View moreEvery month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are still on the hunt for amazing and inventive jerusalem artichoke recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by March 26, 2023. Every published recipe wins a copy of the May issue of NZ Gardener.
From local democracy reporter David Hill:
Rangiora High School principal Bruce Kearney is hailing a return to ‘‘normality’’.
After three years of Covid-19 disruption, schools are able to get back to doing the things they used to do - like field trips, school camps, sports, school … View moreFrom local democracy reporter David Hill:
Rangiora High School principal Bruce Kearney is hailing a return to ‘‘normality’’.
After three years of Covid-19 disruption, schools are able to get back to doing the things they used to do - like field trips, school camps, sports, school assemblies and parent-teacher interviews.
‘‘We are re-focusing away from wellbeing and getting back into teaching and learning,’’ Kearney said.
‘‘For three years we were focused on whether teachers were well enough to come to school and whether students were well enough to learn.
‘‘We were literally sitting in school and thinking, ‘crikey, are we going to be able to open tomorrow’.’’
The ever present threat of staff and student illness and government interventions now seemed to be in the past, he said.
Participation numbers in sport was high and Rangiora Pasefika students had joined forces with Kaiapoi High School to compete in Polyfest.
Rangiora High School now had 50 international students from seven countries, with its international programme back in full swing.
‘‘I’m not saying Covid has gone, but we are changing the way we deal with it,’’ Kearney said.
‘‘And we are seeing the change with our young people.
‘‘They are far more optimistic, which is important because they have so much going on in their lives like social media and facing climate change.
‘‘If you ask the kids what they want, it is sports tournaments, school balls and stage competitions like ShowQuest and the Sheilah Winn Shakespeare Festival.’’
All of these things are back in 2023, while a school production was also planned.
For the vast majority of young people, school was the only time they got to experience those things, Kearney said.
The school was also busy conducting a review of its teaching and learning and its large open learning space, the Rakahuri building.
Kearney said a report was due to come out at the end of the term.
A second review was being conducted of the school farm, with a stocktake of the farm being completed this term.
The stocktake would help to inform some recommendations of what the farm could become in the future.
Kearney said the farm had shearing sheds which were not being used for shearing, so it opened up the possibility of offering a shearing course.
Alternatively, the school may decide not to have animals on the farm.
‘‘We are facing some pressure as residential housing is starting to close in on us and people buying properties on our fence line may not want to go to sleep at night to the noise of farm animals.
"But I will not be the principal who sells the farm.’’
Can anybody who has lost a loved one in the UK ,where they able to watch the funeral ?Talking to somebody in the UK did not think they streamed funerals.
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Waimakariri’s councillors have vented their frustration at the speed of implementing new smoking and vaping legislation.
Councillors agreed to make a submission on proposals for the new smoked tobacco regulatory regime at Tuesday’s (March 7) council… View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Waimakariri’s councillors have vented their frustration at the speed of implementing new smoking and vaping legislation.
Councillors agreed to make a submission on proposals for the new smoked tobacco regulatory regime at Tuesday’s (March 7) council meeting.
But expressed frustration at the timeframe for submissions, which prevented the council from consulting with the community.
Councils have until March 15 to submit on proposals for implementing the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products (Smoked Tobacco) Amendment Act, which came into force in January.
The legislation is set to make sweeping changes, including reducing the number of retail stores selling tobacco from 6000 to 600 nationwide.
This would mean reducing from 30 to seven tobacco retailers in Waimakariri’s urban areas, with a handful of other retailers in ‘‘rural areas’’.
But the legislation did not restrict the number of outlets selling vape products.
Several councillors expressed concern about how this would impact on small businesses, already struggling in the present economic climate.
Deputy mayor Neville Atkinson expressed his dismay at a policy ‘‘picking six winners and losers’’.
He suggested the retailers able to sell cigarettes would reap the benefits, while others would struggle.
But he noted the long term impact of banning smoking in pubs had been positive.
‘‘When they stopped smoking in hotels they said they were all going to close, but how many hotels have we got now?’’
Councillor Tim Fulton said councillors ‘‘owe it to our kids’’ to make a submission.
He suggested a ‘‘sinking lid policy’’ on tobacco retailers, similar to reducing gaming machines, would be fairer than a mandatory reduction in retailers.
Councillor Philip Redmond said it was ‘‘a waste of time’’ reducing the number of tobacco retailers.
‘‘You either have it or you don’t.
‘‘It is like drink driving, it has taken a long time for people to finally get the message.’’
Councillor Niki Mealings said smokefree legislation had been in the pipeline for decades.
‘‘If your business is dependent on selling cigarettes to survive, then you need to relook at your business model because you’ve had 23 years to prepare for this.’’
But she was concerned about the lack of regulation around vaping and particularly the targeting of young people who had no history of smoking tobacco.
‘‘Social service agencies are asking what are councils doing about vape shops and the answer is nothing because we don’t have the tools, so we need to do something about it.’’
She noted the legislation did have clauses to make vape products less attractive.
Redmond said vaping was the ‘‘elephant in the room’’, as it needed to be restricted and regulated.
‘‘The government needs to protect our youth because it has already become trendy.’’
Atkinson said while the government had made it illegal to sell vape to under-18s, ‘‘who is enforcing it?’’
■ Public interest journalism funded through New Zealand on Air.
We're all mostly familiar with Kate Sheppard's role in the women's suffrage movement (and her face on the $10 note) and you've likely heard of the bold, Jean Batten. But who else should not be forgotten? Tell us why!
Let's celebrate Women's History month as well as … View moreWe're all mostly familiar with Kate Sheppard's role in the women's suffrage movement (and her face on the $10 note) and you've likely heard of the bold, Jean Batten. But who else should not be forgotten? Tell us why!
Let's celebrate Women's History month as well as International Women's Day (this Wednesday) by sharing some of the lesser-known, inspiring women who've played a part in New Zealand's history.
Share your thoughts below for the We Say You Say column of the local paper - write NFP if you wish your comments to be excluded.
© Neighbourly 2024
Loading…
