Swannanoa - Ohoka, Swannanoa

Ryman’s Walk in Wednesdays

Ryman’s Walk in Wednesdays

Ryman villages across the country are open every Wednesday in November.

B
763 days ago

Lost Dog

Bernard from Woodend

Missing from Mandeville Sports Ground on Saturday, young Schipperke dog, male, ran off after a fright. Size about 30cm at shoulder, thick black coat, erect ears and bushy tail. Last seen Sunday evening in vicinity McHarg's Road/Tram Road. Could be hiding on rural property. If seen, best not… View moreMissing from Mandeville Sports Ground on Saturday, young Schipperke dog, male, ran off after a fright. Size about 30cm at shoulder, thick black coat, erect ears and bushy tail. Last seen Sunday evening in vicinity McHarg's Road/Tram Road. Could be hiding on rural property. If seen, best not approached, but phone owner 021 618 686

Image
763 days ago

Motorcycle jacket - Ladies Size 16

Olive from Kaiapoi

Armoured Dryrider Brand. As new. Used 3 times only.
Has removable inner vest for extra warmth.
Has 2 upper zipped pockets. 2 lower pockets are velcroed.
Inner pocket on jacket and 2 inner pockets in vest.
In excellent condition

Price: $200

763 days ago

Get the day’s top news with Two Minutes of Stuff

Stuff

Satiate your news hunger with Two Minutes of Stuff, a bite-sized snack of the top stories and key issues of the day.

Two minutes is all you'll need to get up to speed on today's talking point and the biggest news of the day and stories you don't want to miss. A fully-curated … View more
Satiate your news hunger with Two Minutes of Stuff, a bite-sized snack of the top stories and key issues of the day.

Two minutes is all you'll need to get up to speed on today's talking point and the biggest news of the day and stories you don't want to miss. A fully-curated experience, with items hand-picked by Stuff staff, sent each weekday evening. Sign up for free here.
Sign Up

Image
764 days ago

For Sale

Mila from Kaiapoi

NAVMAN
MY 57 OLMT Bluetooth hands free Navman 5 inch screen, Lifetime Free Maps Built-In
Still in its original packaging, never been used.

Price: $100

766 days ago

Seeking Badminton Clubs

Drew Ann from Rangiora

Could anyone please point me in the right direction of contact details for any local social badminton clubs? Online it is hard to find information. Thank you! :-)

765 days ago

Win a Raglan Getaway

Raglan Food

We live and work right here in Whāingaroa Raglan, a really awesome neighbourhood and part of Aotearoa. Here at Raglan Food Co we’ve been lifting the vibe on plant-based eating, creating delicious dairy-free alternatives for nearly 8 years. Perhaps you’ve tried our tasty coconut yoghurts or … View moreWe live and work right here in Whāingaroa Raglan, a really awesome neighbourhood and part of Aotearoa. Here at Raglan Food Co we’ve been lifting the vibe on plant-based eating, creating delicious dairy-free alternatives for nearly 8 years. Perhaps you’ve tried our tasty coconut yoghurts or gut-loving kefir?

We want to share a slice of our paradise with you, so to win a Raglan getaway for you and three friends or family members simply head over to www.raglanfoodco.com to enter.
Find out more

Image
766 days ago

Waimakariri boss enjoys filling role

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Jeff Millward is no stranger to filling in for Waimakariri’s top job.

A familiar face at the Waimakariri District Council, Millward joined the then Rangiora Borough Council in 1985.

He was appointed acting chief executive in July, following the … View more
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Jeff Millward is no stranger to filling in for Waimakariri’s top job.

A familiar face at the Waimakariri District Council, Millward joined the then Rangiora Borough Council in 1985.

He was appointed acting chief executive in July, following the departure of Jim Harland, until a new appointment is made early next year.

It is the third time Millward has stepped into the role and he said he was enjoying his temporary assignment.

‘‘There is a lot of pressure. You have a number of roles to fill, with reporting to the mayor and councillors and the community boards, looking after ratepayers, the business community, community groups, support groups and staff.

‘‘It is a busy environment with a lot of stakeholders and keeping them all happy is not always easy.

‘‘Getting a win, win solution is difficult when there’s different views. But it is an enjoyable - it is a great profession.’’

Millward came to Rangiora in 1985, after working for the Department of Internal Affairs, to take up the role of swimming pool manager at Dudley Park.

It was the days before the indoor aquatic centre, so in the off season Mr Millward worked in the council building.

‘‘I was looking for a change from central government, where I was working in accounts.

‘‘I had a background looking after club pools as the club captain at Papanui Swimming Club.

‘‘Council life is certainly very rewarding. Every day there will be challenges, but with local government you find people are here because they have an interest in their communities.’’

He was no stranger to the Dudley Park pool.

‘‘Ever since I was a little kid, I used to come out for swimming at Dudley Park.’’

As a competitive swimmer, Mr Millward represented New Zealand at one swim meet just prior to the 1974 Commonwealth Games.

He also represented Canterbury in swimming, water polo, athletics and school boys rugby league.

In 1986, the Rangiora Borough and County Councils amalgamated to become the Rangiora District Council and Millward worked on the project to introduce the RAPID numbering system.

Following amalgamation in 1989, Millward transferred over to the Waimakariri District Council.

He became an assistant accountant, then a financial accountant and eventually chief financial officer.

‘‘I never imagined I would be in the top job. It has had its challenges over the years, but it is a good community to work with and it has got its characters.’’

When he first joined the council staff, Millward was commuting out each day from Christchurch.

After raising his children in Kaiapoi and Rangiora, he has moved back into the city since remarrying.

‘‘In the mid-1980s I was only sharing the road with two cars and now there’s a lot more cars on the road, and we are still going through substantial growth.’’

During his time at the council the district has faced some major challenges, including flooding, fires, storm events, snow events, the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes and Covid-19.

‘‘This council has not sat on its laurels. Being a growth council, we need to prepare for the future.

‘‘And we need to prepare for AF8 (an alpine faultline magnitude 8 earthquake) and that’s something we as chief executives in Canterbury are working on.’’

In the meantime, Millward was busy trying to keep next year’s rates rise as low as possible, amid rising inflation.

■ Public interest journalism is funded by New Zealand on Air.

Image
766 days ago

Inbox Inspiration for Sowing & Growing

Yates

Yates has been guiding gardeners for quite a while now (nearly 140 years), so we’ve learned a few crafty garden tricks along the way. We’re sharing our email newsletter, packed with our special Yates blend of leading-edge horticulture and old-school garden tips, fresh every month.

Stay on … View more
Yates has been guiding gardeners for quite a while now (nearly 140 years), so we’ve learned a few crafty garden tricks along the way. We’re sharing our email newsletter, packed with our special Yates blend of leading-edge horticulture and old-school garden tips, fresh every month.

Stay on top of the seasonal tasks with us; whether you’re into vegies, herbs, fruit trees or houseplants, we’ll help you navigate your way to a gorgeous and luxuriant garden. Click through to get our timely advice on feeding, watering, weeding and how to nip your garden problems in the bud!
Find out more

Image
767 days ago

Confusion over housing rules

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Bureaucracy has led to confusion over whether new housing rules apply to Woodend and Pegasus.

New housing rules were announced by the Government in October last year, setting medium density residential standards (MDRS) as the default position for towns … View more
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Bureaucracy has led to confusion over whether new housing rules apply to Woodend and Pegasus.

New housing rules were announced by the Government in October last year, setting medium density residential standards (MDRS) as the default position for towns in high growth areas, such as Greater Christchurch.

The Waimakariri District Council (WDC) notified variations to the proposed District Plan in August to apply the MDRS to Rangiora, Kaiapoi and Woodend / Pegasus.

But in an email to Local Democracy Reporting last month, Environment Minister David Parker said, based on advice from the Ministry for the Environment, the MDRS apply to Rangiora and Kaiapoi.

‘‘The MDRS does not apply to Woodend and Pegasus as the population of these settlements is less than 10,000.’’

Waimakariri District Council development planning manager Matt Bacon said the confusion came down to how the ‘area’ of Woodend was defined.

The Canterbury Regional Policy Statement identifies Woodend, Pegasus and Ravenswood as one urban area rather than separate towns.

‘‘This is why the MDRS were applied to Woodend/Pegasus/Ravenswood, although this is still subject to the submissions and hearings process,’’ Bacon said.

Adding to the confusion, the National Policy Statement (NPS) on Urban Development sets the criteria as a population in excess 10,000 residents for towns in high growth areas.

But the legislation, which gave effect to the NPS, set the criteria as: ‘‘an area predominantly urban in character that the 2018 census recorded as having a residential population of more than 5000’’.

At the time of the 2018 census, Woodend had a population of 2784 and Pegasus 2637 - a combined population of more than 5000.

The legislation, the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 was backed by both Labour and National.

But a lack of consultation meant councils were ‘‘blindsided’’ and the Waimakariri District Council made a submission against the legislation.

Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey said he was surprised by the council’s position.

‘‘It’s quite contradictory for the council to say they oppose the legislation on one level because they don’t agree with it, but then seek to enforce some of the most punitive measures.’’

Doocey said central government never intended Woodend, Ravenswood and Pegasus to be treated as one urban area when applying the MDRS.

‘‘These towns individually don’t reach the population threshold, but with the council taking the interpretation to link those towns together it will have the unintended consequence of the intensification being focused on Woodend.’’

Covenants set in place when Pegasus was first established would likely prevent the new standards being applied in the township, he said.

Doocey encouraged the council to take the environment minister’s advice and not apply to the standards to Woodend and Pegasus.

The new standards allow for up to three homes and buildings of up to three storeys to be built on some sites without a resource consent, provided conditions are met.

Conditions include maximum heights, setbacks from boundaries, no more than 50% of land covered by buildings and at least 20% of the section must be landscaped with trees, grass or garden beds.

Building consents will still be required.

■ Public interest journalism is funded by New Zealand on Air.

Image
767 days ago

Milking goats

Bevan from Oxford

We have two 13 month old Toggenburg/British Alpine does for sale.
Both are humanized and will respond to petting and food.
$300 for both of them as selling as a pair, they are in the Oxford area.

Price: $300

767 days ago

Same Same but Different

Fieldays

Same Event, Same Venue, different date, 30 November to 3 December.

Plenty to see and do, eat, buy and try.

From Agri machinery, to new innovations, career opportunities and competitions.

We want to celebrate the sector that is relentlessly hard-working, at the forefront of world-leading … View more
Same Event, Same Venue, different date, 30 November to 3 December.

Plenty to see and do, eat, buy and try.

From Agri machinery, to new innovations, career opportunities and competitions.

We want to celebrate the sector that is relentlessly hard-working, at the forefront of world-leading technologies, and economically critical to our country.

The largest agricultural event in the Southern Hemisphere.

Bringing town and country together over four days

The ultimate opportunity for agribusiness networking throughout the primary sector value chain.

Got to www.fieldays.co.nz to buy tickets.
Know more

Image
768 days ago

Waimakariri flood repair bill more than $4m

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Heavy machinery is out in force to repair damaged infrastructure across the Waimakariri district following the July rain events.

The Waimakariri District Council’s repair bill has escalated to more than $4 million as staff and contractors repair … View more
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Heavy machinery is out in force to repair damaged infrastructure across the Waimakariri district following the July rain events.

The Waimakariri District Council’s repair bill has escalated to more than $4 million as staff and contractors repair underground services, roads, bridges, culverts, slips and washouts from overland flow.

In a report to last month’s council meeting, utilities and roading general manager Gerard Cleary said staff have been busy responding to 685 drainage service requests and 130 sewer service requests.

‘‘Some are resulting in works which are able to be completed this year and others are able to be addressed by existing capital works projects or are the landowner’s responsibility.’’

The council hopes to secure nearly $1 million from Waka Kotahi NZ Agency towards roading repairs expected to total $1.94 million.

Some of the repair work is being shared with Environment Canterbury (ECan), with the council looking to loan fund the bulk of the repair bill.

Emergency repairs are also being made to urban stormwater across the district, at an estimated cost of $615,000.

The bulk of the urban stormwater work is in Kaiapoi. This includes installing temporary pumps for the Dudley, Feldwick and McIntosh drains, and deployed to McDougal Place, Cridland Street West and Trousselot Park as needed, at an estimated cost of $185,000.

Cleary said drains in rural drainage areas had generally functioned well.

Repairs are being made to scouring of bridges, slumps and slips on Lees Valley Rd costing $250,000, and a culvert on Okuku Pass Rd costing $20,000.

Council staff are working with Environment Canterbury (ECan) for repairs at Silverstream, costing $50,000.

Unsealed roads are being re-metalled from scour and washing out of fines at an estimated cost of $580,000. Repair work following a bank collapse at Ohoka Stream is expected to cost $10,000.

Other works include drain scour repairs with a retaining wall at Upper Sefton Rd ($100,000) and reinstatement of river fords ($80,000).

Repairs to a culvert and upgrading pipe work on Main North Rd is expected to cost $100,000, while fixing a collapsed culvert on Old North Rd will cost $40,000 and a culvert upgrade at Wolffs Rd will cost $80,000.

A new drain at Kaiapoi Urupa will cost about $60,000.

Work to mitigate additional runoff at Ashley Gorge Road and upgrades to a culvert access way at Vicenza Drive will each cost $50,000.

The council’s contribution to repairs at the Okuku River, in conjunction with ECan, is expected to be $25,000.

Scoping includes river training works and bank protection works totalling $50,000.

Sewer repairs will cost $340,000.

This includes work to upgrade the pipe work and manholes at Kairaki sewer, costing $100,000.

Modifications to reduce the inflow the Kings Avenue wastewater will cost $50,000, with work to reduce inflow and infiltration at the Mandeville septic tanks will cost $100,000.

The Tuahiwi and Fernside waste water systems require work to reduce inflow and infiltration from private laterals costing $50,000.

A further $40,000 is needed for inflow and infiltration property inspection work at Woodend Beach and Waikuku Beach.

■ Public interest journalism is funded by New Zealand on Air.

768 days ago

Your base weekly fee is fixed

Ryman Healthcare

Retirement is an exciting time, filled with possibilities. Our fixed fee guarantee is one of the ways we provide financial certainty. Ryman residents love it as it helps them reduce rising living costs and surprise expenses.

Enjoy the quality amenities at every Ryman village and splurge a little… View more
Retirement is an exciting time, filled with possibilities. Our fixed fee guarantee is one of the ways we provide financial certainty. Ryman residents love it as it helps them reduce rising living costs and surprise expenses.

Enjoy the quality amenities at every Ryman village and splurge a little on yourself if you feel like it! Take up that hobby you’ve dreamed of or plan a holiday somewhere warm.

It’s easy to live life your way when you have freedom to do the things you enjoy. It’s another example of how we’re pioneering retirement living.
Find out more

Image
770 days ago

Looking for a person too help clean up our yard

Stephen from Kaiapoi

Is there anybody wanting some extra cash to remove some rubbish from our home ,some old concrete etc probably about 8-10 hrs ..We are about to list our home and are moving into a house bus so busy times . Any recommendations welcome thanks

Top