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By David Hill, local democracy reporter
Waimakaririmayor Dan Gordon hopes to raise his council’s concerns about the planning process over the coming months.
Gordon has been appointed to a Ministerial Advisory Group — the resource management reform local government steering group — along… View moreBy David Hill, local democracy reporter
Waimakaririmayor Dan Gordon hopes to raise his council’s concerns about the planning process over the coming months.
Gordon has been appointed to a Ministerial Advisory Group — the resource management reform local government steering group — along with mayors, council chief executives and Ministry for the Environment officials.
The steering group will advise the government on the Natural and Built Environments Bill, the Spatial Planning Bill and the Climate Adaptation Bill, which were set to replace the Resource Management Act (RMA).
‘‘We will be working to make sure local government’s and our communities’ voices are heard and understood.’’
Gordon has already raised concerns with Environment Minister David Parker during last year’s Local Government Conference around the ability of developers to make private plan change requests while a council is in the process of reviewing its District Plan.
The question came to light after a private plan change request was lodged by Rolleston Industrial Developments Ltd.
The request sought to develop a new sub-division at Ohoka, while the council was still completing its Waimakariri District Plan review.
Gordon asked if there could be a moratorium placed on private plan change requests.
"I have heard back from the Minister’s office, and it is being considered as part of the RMA reforms."
He said he would raise the question again through the Ministerial Advisory Group.
*Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ on Air
From local democracy reporter David Hill:
Community efforts are helping īnanga/whitebait to flourish at Kaiapoi in North Canterbury.
The sweeping wetland surrounding the Kaiapoi River is home to īnanga/whitebait and native birds like the matuku-hūrepo/Australasian bittern.
Over the … View moreFrom local democracy reporter David Hill:
Community efforts are helping īnanga/whitebait to flourish at Kaiapoi in North Canterbury.
The sweeping wetland surrounding the Kaiapoi River is home to īnanga/whitebait and native birds like the matuku-hūrepo/Australasian bittern.
Over the last 15 years, the wetland has been steadily invaded by pest plants.
But an Environment Canterbury (ECan) led-project is attempting to set the balance back in favour of the original native plants.
“We're using targeted weeding, which means we’re leaving native undergrowth untouched and flood protection trees, where necessary, while eliminating yellow flag iris,” ECan braided river revival regional lead Greg Stanley said.
“No planting is needed as native species will flourish with space.”
Native wetland and saltmarsh communities grew beneath a canopy of planted and wilding willow trees.
Raupō, bullrush, harakeke, juncus, and carex were among the species inhabiting the area, providing sustenance and shelter for īnanga habitat.But yellow flag iris has quickly spread through the berm habitats, displacing wetland communities.
The iris infestation out competed native plants, threatening the habitat that īnanga rely on.
Without removal, the saltwater-tolerant weed was likely to outlast the willows, which were slowly dying back with saltwater intrusion and targeted removal.
“This is a really big problem,” Stanley said.
“With sea level rise, climate change, and saltwater intrusion, the conditions are moving to allow yellow flag iris to become increasingly dominant.”
Without intervention, īnanga were unlikely to survive, he said.
“Īnanga can't use yellow flag iris for laying eggs.
“The native plant species all have classic grassroots which form dense raft mats that the īnanga stick their eggs to, whereas the yellow flag iris is like a ginger root.”
Previous spawning grounds identified at the confluence of Kaiapoi River and Courtenay Stream have been increasingly choked by iris intrusion.
This has reduced the spawning ground, with little else available.
The project began in November 2021 and was now in its second season.
It was one of 23 river sites ECan was transforming throughout Waitaha/Canterbury.
The Regionwide Berm Transition Project was part-funded by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment's Kānoa – Regional Economic Development and Investment Unit.
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By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Faster broadband is being distributed to more rural North Canterbury communities, but black spots remain.
A Rural Connectivity Group (RCG) spokesperson said the group had been contracted to build 56 cell sites across Canterbury, with 42 cell sites now … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Faster broadband is being distributed to more rural North Canterbury communities, but black spots remain.
A Rural Connectivity Group (RCG) spokesperson said the group had been contracted to build 56 cell sites across Canterbury, with 42 cell sites now live and another 14 planned for this year.
She said 12 rural North Canterbury communities have been connected as part of phase two of the government’s Rural Broadband Initiative (RBI2).
But gaps remained at Oxford, Glentui and Clarkville.
A further five Hurunui communities - Marble Point, Molesworth Station, Poplars Station in the Lewis Pass, Poplars Ridge and Port Robinson - were expected to be connected with cell sites this year as part of an RBI2 expansion programme, if the funding can be secured from Crown Infrastructure Partners.
Seven cell sites have been connected in Hurunui communities over the last three years including Domett, Inland Road, Lyford, Lyford South, Mt Grey, Pyramid Valley and Teviotdale.
In Kaikōura new cell sites were providing coverage to Mangamaunu Beach and the highway as well as the rural area west of the township.
New connections at Okuku, The Pines Beach and Eyrewell were live last year in the Waimakariri district.
‘‘This is a significant investment under the government’s RBI2 and Mobile Black Spot Fund programme in Canterbury providing 4G wireless broadband and 4G voice, data and text services from Spark, Vodafone and 2degrees,’’ the RCG spokesperson said.
‘‘These cell sites will provide connectivity to around 4280 rural households and businesses, improve connectivity on the roads and connectivity at popular visitor destinations.’’
Amuri.Net was connecting ultrafast fibre broadband to residents in the Ohoka/Mandeville area under an initiative announced last year by Digital Economy and Communications Minister David Clark, during a visit to the district.
In December the government announced it was on track to see 99.8% of New Zealanders receiving improved broadband speeds by the end of this year.
In the Lifting Connectivity in Aotearoa report, the Government stated its long-term goal was for every rural and remote New Zealander to be connected to high speed broadband by 2032.
More than $2.5 billion has been invested in improving digital connectivity to date from government and private sector contributions.
Federated Farmers telecommunications spokesperson Richard McIntyre said the report was ‘‘ambitious, but admirable’’.
‘‘The report lifts the discussion from having to justify whether something should be done to one of ‘let’s get on and do it’.
‘‘While it’s going to take a lot more investment on top of the money already announced, we applaud the commitments made to longer term rural connectivity solutions.’’
A Spark spokesperson said the company was continuing to work closely with the RCG on the planned projects.
‘‘Spark upgraded one of the two Kaikōura sites prior to Christmas with 5G technology and we will be continuing with 5G expansions on the existing Spark sites in the area over the coming months.’’
*Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air
Dear neighbours,
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Kia ora
MAOTA TRUST is currently seeking volunteers for board of trustees, we have treasurer position vacant and other board members vacancies.
If you have some free time, maybe you are retired and looking at wanting to fill in some of your day by wanting to help a great little organisation, then … View moreKia ora
MAOTA TRUST is currently seeking volunteers for board of trustees, we have treasurer position vacant and other board members vacancies.
If you have some free time, maybe you are retired and looking at wanting to fill in some of your day by wanting to help a great little organisation, then email aotearoamaota@gmail.com or ph 03 3234513 anytime.
Kind regards
Deborah Russell
Founder/Chairman/Trustee
MAHI AROHANUI o TAMARIKI AOTEAROA
CHARITABLE TRUST
Registered with charities services CC60435
By local democracy reporter David Hill:
A rates rise of under 6% is on the cards after the Waimakariri District Council’s annual plan deliberations last week.
The council pared back a projected 6.9% rise as they endeavoured to ease the impact on people’s pockets.
Councillors voted to … View moreBy local democracy reporter David Hill:
A rates rise of under 6% is on the cards after the Waimakariri District Council’s annual plan deliberations last week.
The council pared back a projected 6.9% rise as they endeavoured to ease the impact on people’s pockets.
Councillors voted to defer funding depreciation for asset replacement, and to spread out earthquake loan repayments to keep its average rates rise at 5.97%.
It was higher than the 4.2% signalled in the 2021-31 long-term plan, but reflected the economic realities, with inflation at 7.2%, mayor Dan Gordon said.
“We think it is a fairly responsible position to present to our community.
“There is always an impact, so that is why there is a careful balance.”
Gordon said feedback indicated ratepayers wanted the council to stick to its work programme, especially when it came to roading.
The council faced a shortfall in Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency funding, because, while it was inflation adjusted, it did not cover all of the rising costs.
“We don’t want to fall behind with our roading programme, especially with the number of weather events we are getting,” Gordon said.
“And we will be having strong conversations with Waka Kotahi, with our partner councils to see what can be done.”
The council also planned to write to Transport Minister Michael Wood.
Planning was under way to expand the district’s cycling network, following a $6 million grant which was announced in December and needed to be spent by June 2024.
Further community feedback on cycleways projects will be sought later this year.
The council decided to bring forward its ultraviolet treatment programme for the district’s drinking water schemes to enhance its case for chlorine exemptions.
“While we are going through the chlorine exemption process, what we are picking up from Taumata Arowai is having some extra barrier in place is a requirement,” Gordon said.
“Anything we can do to keep our community protected we will do and we know the strong desire from our community to be chlorine free.”
The council is due meet again on February 28 to adopt the draft annual plan ahead of consultation from March 10 to April 17.
The council is proposing to consult on investment, the costs of keeping urban water supplies chlorine free, stormwater updates, contract inflation, and depreciation and earthquake funding.
The consultation document would also provide information on government reforms, climate change and sustainability, community facilities, rubbish and recycling, Canterbury Museum and the Christchurch stadium.
By David Hill, local democracy reporter
North Canterbury’s Mayors have extended an invitation to the Local Government Minister Kieran McAnulty to return to the region to learn more about the issues it faces.
The mayors were responding to the announcement by Prime Minister Chris Hipkins, who… View moreBy David Hill, local democracy reporter
North Canterbury’s Mayors have extended an invitation to the Local Government Minister Kieran McAnulty to return to the region to learn more about the issues it faces.
The mayors were responding to the announcement by Prime Minister Chris Hipkins, who put the brakes on some of the government’s reform programme.
This included asking McAnulty to report back on how to refine the Three Waters reforms.
McAnulty visited all three North Canterbury districts during his time as Associate Local Government Minister.
Hurunui mayor Marie Black said she would ‘‘always welcome’’ McAnulty back to have "a look and feel of our district and the services we need", such as roading and Three Waters.
"He comes from a small district like our own, so he does have an understanding of rural issues, we hope it transfers into his thinking and decision making."
She acknowledged the need to focus on the cost of living, but she was keen to see more detail of the government’s ‘‘re-focusing’’ of its priorities.
Kaikōura mayor Craig Mackle said he would ‘‘wait and see’’ what comes of Hipkins’ announcement.
"It looks like he is saying and doing the right things, but I would like to know more - a lot more.
"I am grateful for the pause, but too often we have had this and then they have powered ahead and done what they wanted to do."
Mackle said he would welcome McAnulty back to learn more about the district’s challenges.
Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon put out a joint statement with Communities 4 Local Democracy (C4LD) chairperson Helen Worboys, re-enforcing their organisation’s position.
"All councils want the best outcomes for Three Waters in Aotearoa New Zealand, and we welcome the renewed opportunity for the Government to work with local councils on that solution."
The two mayors said C4LD had put together a "common sense" proposal which would deliver on the Government's objectives, while preserving the local voice and respecting property rights.
"We are confident that there's a way through this issue that every Kiwi would support, and we're keen to work in partnership with Government to get there."
Comment was also sought from Ngāi Tahu.
*Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ on Air
Cyclone Gabrielle has had a devastating impact on hundreds of thousands of Kiwis. As the long clean up begins and support becomes more and more needed, Stuff is calling for readers to support the Red Cross and Mayoral Relief Funds in areas where a local state of emergency has been declared. … View moreCyclone Gabrielle has had a devastating impact on hundreds of thousands of Kiwis. As the long clean up begins and support becomes more and more needed, Stuff is calling for readers to support the Red Cross and Mayoral Relief Funds in areas where a local state of emergency has been declared. We'd love your support. You can donate here.
From local democracy reporter David Hill:
A proposed proposed landfill near Oxford in North Canterbury could create problems with noise and traffic and have a negative ecological impact, concerned residents say.
About 400 submissions were received in response to resource consent applications … View moreFrom local democracy reporter David Hill:
A proposed proposed landfill near Oxford in North Canterbury could create problems with noise and traffic and have a negative ecological impact, concerned residents say.
About 400 submissions were received in response to resource consent applications lodged last year by Woodstock Quarries with Environment Canterbury (ECan), and a land use consent with the Waimakariri District Council, to develop a landfill at 513 Trig Rd, View Hill, northwest of Oxford.
The company was proposing to expand an existing hard rock quarry and to establish and operate a new solid waste management and disposal facility for the disposal of construction and demolition waste, contaminated soils and special wastes.
A joint hearing to consider the consent application, and the 400 submissions, was due to be held in late March by ECan and the Waimakariri District Council.
ECan councillor Claire McKay said staff were still working through the submissions, but traffic, noise, amenity and recreational values, and ecological impact were dominant themes.
“Residents have the opportunity to further present their concerns as part of an upcoming hearing.”
The hearing will be held before a panel of independent commissioners, and will include evidence and viewpoints presented by the applicant, submitters, and reporting officers.
Once the hearing is completed, the commissioners will have 15 working days to make and announce their decision.
Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon said the council respected the process surrounding resource consents, but did not endorse the landfill application.
“Council provided funding to the Oxford-Ohoka Community Board so they could make a detailed submission opposing the landfill.
“I believe Kate Valley was created to take this type of material and it is our view there is no requirement for another site in Oxford.”
ECan is also processing a resource consent application from Darwin Earthworks Ltd to extract gravel from the Okuku River.
“We need to take the time to fully understand the potential environmental effect of this resource consent application,” council consents planning manager Aurora Grant said.
“We want the best outcome for the environment and the community.”
No decision has been made on whether to notify the Okuku River application.
By David Hill, local democracy reporter
Kaiapoi Borough School is hoping a new modular building design will speed up the the process of acquiring new classrooms.
After ending last year at close to capacity, principal Hayden van Lent is hoping to have two new classrooms in time for term four.
… View moreBy David Hill, local democracy reporter
Kaiapoi Borough School is hoping a new modular building design will speed up the the process of acquiring new classrooms.
After ending last year at close to capacity, principal Hayden van Lent is hoping to have two new classrooms in time for term four.
The new classrooms were being built in Nelson and were due to be trucked down to Kaiapoi by September.
"It’s exciting. Our school is growing," van Lent said.
"Last year we were close to capacity and the Ministry [of Education] recognised that and is moving quickly to ensure we can cater for the extra numbers.
"The modular design is a quicker design, so we have been pencilled in for further classrooms as the roll grows."
The school ended last year with 400 pupils, he said.
All of the classroom spaces were occupied in term four last year, with just the staffroom, hall and library available for use.
The school began the new school year with 375 pupils and was expected to keep growing due to the growth of the Silverstream sub-division.
The roll was just 301 back in July 2021.
The modular design or offsite manufactured buildings is a new method being utilised by the Ministry of Education to speed up the building process and minimise disruption for schools.
The new buildings can be used for roll growth, building replacement and emergency response.
As the buildings were built offsite, there was minimal disruption for the school.
The builders simply came in and laid the foundations before transporting the new buildings to the school.
Van Lent said while there was a standard design, the school had some options around its preferences for the interior layout.
"The process has been great and it means we can continue to focus on the most important thing, which is teaching and learning and giving our tamariki the best outcomes."
* Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ on Air
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 taro recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by Feb 26, 2023. Every published recipe wins a copy of the April issue of NZ … 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 taro recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by Feb 26, 2023. Every published recipe wins a copy of the April issue of NZ Gardener.
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