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From local democracy reporter David Hill:
A Christchurch-based community trust has reached out to address social housing gaps in the wider region, including Waimakariri.
The Waimakariri District Council earlier this month expressed its support to the Otautahi Community Housing Trust in … View moreFrom local democracy reporter David Hill:
A Christchurch-based community trust has reached out to address social housing gaps in the wider region, including Waimakariri.
The Waimakariri District Council earlier this month expressed its support to the Otautahi Community Housing Trust in setting up a sister trust to support housing initiatives outside of Christchurch.
The trust is one of the largest social housing providers in the country, with 2400 housing units on its books.
As the existing trust is contracted to the Christchurch City Council, a new trust would need to be created to operate in other Canterbury districts, including Waimakariri.
Waimakariri District Council strategic projects general manager Simon Markham said the approach to the council followed the establishment of a Waimakariri social housing group last year.
The group was established amid rising house prices and high rents, a growing social housing waiting list and a growing population in the district.
‘‘The need in this space is very difficult to determine because many are not on the waiting list,’’ Markham said.
‘‘What we do know is the Ministry of Social Development’s waiting list in this district is around 100 households and it’s increased by 100% in the last 12 months.’’
With limited social housing available in the district, many were forced into camping grounds or into social housing in Christchurch.
The council owned 100 older person’s housing units, Kainga Ora owned more than 100 units in the district and there were around 20 to 30 other units run by other community housing providers including Vision West.
Waimakariri had one of the highest rates of home ownership in the country, but rental housing stocks were low, Markham said.
Nearly 1000 houses were lost in the Kaiapoi red zone following the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes, with a significant proportion of those homes being rentals.
A number of landlords had also taken the opportunity to ‘‘cash up’’ after the earthquakes, reducing the district’s rental housing, Markham said.
Few new builds now were rentals.
With the district’s ageing and rapidly growing population, the situation would likely get worse if it was not addressed, Markham said.
‘‘We have a long term strategic need because of our ageing population, with more and more households heading into retirement who are not in home ownership or do not have enough equity.’’
He said an independent community trust would be able to apply for income-related housing subsidies, which were not available to the council.
■ Public interest journalism is funded by New Zealand on Air.
From local democracy reporter David Hill:
The future of Woodend and Pegasus is set to be high on the agenda after next month’s local government elections.
Work has begun to review the Woodend-Pegasus Area Strategy and Waimakariri District Council staff plan to engage with the new … View moreFrom local democracy reporter David Hill:
The future of Woodend and Pegasus is set to be high on the agenda after next month’s local government elections.
Work has begun to review the Woodend-Pegasus Area Strategy and Waimakariri District Council staff plan to engage with the new Woodend-Sefton Community Board before the end of the year.
Strategy, engagement and economic development manager Simon Hart says the existing strategy was adopted in 2013 and had a lifespan of 10 years.
Staff have been busy reviewing the outcomes of the existing strategy, and considering the rapid growth of the area.
‘‘From a timing perspective, we are mindful of the upcoming local body elections in October.
‘‘We have consciously held off launching into the more significant parts of the review until the new council and Woodend-Sefton Community Board is in place.’’
He anticipated the reviewed strategy would consider key issues such as transport and connectivity, ongoing population/residential growth, key activity areas for community facilities, businesses and community services.
The council previously signalled the review would take place in the 2023-24 financial year.
But the Woodend-Sefton Community Board pushed for the review to happen sooner.
‘‘There’s exciting times ahead for the area and it means a plan can be developed to help give some direction for the future,’’ board chairperson Shona Powell says.
‘‘Bringing it forward slightly was needed given the rapid growth this area has experienced and to provide some vision.
‘‘A lot has happened in the area since then (2013), it is growing significantly and rapidly and work on reviewing and formulating a new strategy needs to be a priority.’’
The 2013 strategy identified the need for a Pegasus roundabout, Gladstone Park redevelopment and a Gladstone Road cycle/walkway, which have been completed.
The board was also continuing to advocate for safe pedestrian and cycle access between Woodend, Ravenswood and Pegasus.
Powell said the revised strategy would need to consider population and commercial growth.
‘‘This would help with the direction going forward and would help co-ordinate everything including community facilities, youth spaces, roading, greenspace and business areas.
‘‘This is the third largest urban area in the district and perhaps because it doesn’t have the ‘traditional’ town centre, it can get overlooked.’’
The council anticipated opening up a revised strategy for public consultation next year.
Simple stripes create stunning results with these great craft ideas. Brighten up some old napkins (or plain new ones) with eye-catching designs inspired by traditional patterns using Resene paint. Plus paint your own height chart and Ti rakau.
Find out how to create your own.
From local democracy reporter David Hill:
Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey admits opposing a private plan change for a proposed North Canterbury residential development was not an easy
decision.
Doocey has expressed his opposition to a proposed development at Ohoka, near Rangiora, despite the … View moreFrom local democracy reporter David Hill:
Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey admits opposing a private plan change for a proposed North Canterbury residential development was not an easy
decision.
Doocey has expressed his opposition to a proposed development at Ohoka, near Rangiora, despite the developer being a member of his extended family.
The Waimakariri District Council has received about 630 submissions in response to the 850 section development proposed by Rolleston Industrial Developments Ltd.
The company is part of Carter Group, and is run by Doocey’s cousin Tim Carter.
‘‘Some people felt I had a conflict of interest, but I was upfront from the beginning and I felt that I had a job to do as the local MP to listen to people’s concerns,’’ Doocey said.
‘‘In a way, with Carter Group being a prominent company in Canterbury, it was inevitable this issue would potentially arise.
‘‘I feel at times people did make personal attacks because of my family connection with the developer which I feel was uncalled for.
‘‘I can’t be responsible for what people do in my extended family - they have to be responsible for their own decisions.’’
Despite the family connection, Doocey said he decided, after hearing the concerns of residents, the proposed developed would be bad for the community.
He cited the loss of productive soils, the risk of flooding and transport issues among his reasons for opposing the development.
‘‘In New Zealand the loss of productive soils is a major issue and this plan change would lead to the loss of productive soils.’’
A new National Policy Statement on productive land was released by by the Government on Sunday, September 18.
Doocey said several residents in Ohoka, Silverstream and south Kaiapoi had raised concerns about flooding, which were highlighted in the recent heavy rain events.
Transport was another issue highlighted by residents, with Tram Rd already under pressure from congestion.
Doocey said he had written to Environment Minister David Parker and raised questions in Parliament in response to residents’ concerns.
He also disputed the developer’s assessment the proposed development was consistent with the National Policy Statement on urban development.
Under the NPS, housing developments were allowed in urban environments which had existing or planned public transport services.
‘‘Ohoka is neither urban nor serviced by public transport,’’ Doocey said.
‘‘I’m supportive of green fields development in areas in close proximity to planned urban development areas with links to existing infrastructure such as roading and three waters.’’
North Canterbury-based Labour List MP Dan Rosewarne said he had also been contact by concerned residents and had raised questions with Government ministers.
‘‘I’ve been quite surprised at the backlash,’’ he said.
‘‘The feedback I’ve had from the Ministers is that it’s examples like this,that’s why we’re looking at the RMA (Resource Management Act).
"We need to make it a bit more consistent so we can get better co-ordination with future developments.’’
■ A Waimakariri District Council spokesperson said submissions were being processed, with a summary to be prepared for a further submission period of 10 days before hearings were held.
No date has been set for a second submission period or for hearings, which will be heard by independent commissioners.
■ Public interest journalism is funded by New Zealand on Air.
From local democracy reporter David Hill:
Woodend residents say a cycle way linking the town with Kaiapoi is urgently needed for the community.
Woodend Community Association chairperson Doug Weathey said the proposed cycle ways linking Kaiapoi and Pegasus with Woodend should be a top … View moreFrom local democracy reporter David Hill:
Woodend residents say a cycle way linking the town with Kaiapoi is urgently needed for the community.
Woodend Community Association chairperson Doug Weathey said the proposed cycle ways linking Kaiapoi and Pegasus with Woodend should be a top priority.
He was speaking at the Waimakariri District Council’s meeting earlier this month in response to the council’s walking and cycling network plan.
The proposed Woodend to Kaiapoi cycle way would follow Sandhill Road, continuing parallel to State Highway 1 to Pine Acres, before following Williams St into Kaiapoi.
It was listed as priority two in the council’s draft walking and cycling network plan, while the Pegasus to Woodend cycle way was priority three.
Weathey said the Woodend to Kaiapoi cycle way would complete the circuit, with the Passchendaele Pathway (Kaiapoi to Rangiora) and the Rangiora to Woodend Pathway.
‘‘It would be a very nice circuit around the eastern part of the district and it would bring a lot of people into the area.’’
Woodend-Sefton Community Board chairperson Shona Powell also addressed the council meeting and said the two cycle ways were needed to offer a safe route for cyclists.
She said one primary school pupil had attended the drop in sessions to say he wanted to cycle from Woodend to Kaiapoi High School when he was older.
‘‘We have been asking for these cycle ways since 2018 and it’s no longer a nice to have.’’
Kaiapoi High School principal Jason Reid, a keen cyclist, said the proposed Woodend to Kaiapoi cycle way was ‘‘a fantastic idea’’.
‘‘Cycle ways like this are extremely valuable because they give young people options and it keeps them off the main road.
‘‘Environmentally it means you don’t have to have a vehicle that burns through fossil fuels and it’s good for fitness and wellbeing.’’
Kaiapoi Promotions Association chairperson Martin Pinkham served on the walking and cycling network working party which helped develop the network plan and was pleased to see it finally coming to life.
He said a Woodend to Kaiapoi cycle way was a high priority and was surprised it was only listed as priority two.
But he did have concerns about it following Williams Street into Kaiapoi as a less busy road would be a safer option.
‘‘We need to get people into North Canterbury and we’ve got to give them options.
‘‘What I’m pleased about is that we finally have a cycling network plan as it sets a guide for the next 20 years, even if we may disagree with what is given priority.’’
The council has completed its consultation on the draft walking and cycling network plan and councillors were due to adopt it at the October council meeting.
The last of the potted tulips and Dutch iris in flower now. Prices range from $3 to $10 per pot. $3 from every pot sold will go the the Cancer Society. Pickup is at 20 Cassino street Rangiora Phone 03 745 91 48
From local democracy reporter David Hill:
North Canterbury’s mayors are keen for more discussions on passenger rail.
The issue of passenger rail was discussed at a Canterbury Regional Transport Committee meeting last week, as the region’s mayors considered the Government’s enquiry into … View moreFrom local democracy reporter David Hill:
North Canterbury’s mayors are keen for more discussions on passenger rail.
The issue of passenger rail was discussed at a Canterbury Regional Transport Committee meeting last week, as the region’s mayors considered the Government’s enquiry into the future of inter-regional passenger rail.
Light rail has long been touted to meet a growing commuter transport demand in the Greater Christchurch area, to ease congestion and reduce transport emissions.
Meanwhile, the Coastal Pacific rail service is set to make a return on September 29, after two years of Covid-19 disruption.
Hurunui mayor Marie Black said she would welcome a Greater Christchurch light rail service being extended to Amberley and Waipara.
‘‘We struggle to have a public bus system due to our low population, so we would like to be considered - but it’s got to stack up financially.’’
The benefits of taking the train instead of the car for the 40 minute journey into Christchurch included catching up on work, checking emails or reading a book, as well as the environmental benefits.
But Black said it would take a change in mindset.
Kaikōura was well outside the area being considered for a Greater Christchurch light rail service.
But mayor Craig Mackle said there were potential benefits for the tourist town from a more regular rail service.
He welcomed the return of the Coastal Pacific service and he said the popularity of chartered trains for the Kaikoura Cup race day showed what was possible.
‘‘It’s a hard one, because there is the risk it would be sitting dormant most of the time, but people love coming to Kaikōura and who doesn’t enjoy a good train ride.’’
Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon has long been a fan of trains and buses and was a regular user of the park and ride express bus from Rangiora for meetings in the city.
He said there was support for subsidised inter-city passenger and on-demand services, affordable electric vehicles and financial incentives to work from home, to help reduce emissions.
North Canterbury-based Labour List MP Dan Rosewarne sits on Parliament’s transport and infrastructure committee and said a Greater Christchurch light rail service would bring benefits to the region.
He envisaged a service linking central Christchurch with Amberley, Rangiora and Kaiapoi in the north and travelling as far south as Ashburton.
‘‘They always talk about rail in Wellington, but it’s important to get Canterbury and North Canterbury moving too.
‘‘Once that stadium is built, alongside the convention centre and the rest of the central city is rebuilt, it will be like another Wellington.’’
Submissions for the Government’s inter-regional passenger rail enquiry close on October 6.
Dear neighbours,
Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are now on the hunt for new potato recipes, so send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by Sept 25, 2022.
Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Vegetable … View moreDear neighbours,
Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are now on the hunt for new potato recipes, so send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by Sept 25, 2022.
Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Vegetable Growing Made Easy.
I am looking for recommendations for someone to clear up a few gorse bushes from my property. They have grown up so my neighbour can see them.
Come down to the Ashley River/Rakahuri on Saturday 24 September at 10am and join us in planting seedings.
What: Community planting day
When: Saturday 24 September, approximately 10am - 1pm
Where: The area between the primary and secondary stopbanks west of Cones Road – Ashley … View moreCome down to the Ashley River/Rakahuri on Saturday 24 September at 10am and join us in planting seedings.
What: Community planting day
When: Saturday 24 September, approximately 10am - 1pm
Where: The area between the primary and secondary stopbanks west of Cones Road – Ashley River/Rakahuri.
RSVP: Not required, but feel free to join the event on Facebook.
Things to bring: Please bring your own shovel, gloves, water bottle, sturdy shoes, hat, sunscreen, warm clothing etc.
Read all the details on the Environment Canterbury website.
This work is part of the Rangiora Reach Masterplan, which is a collaborative project between Environment Canterbury and Waimakariri District Council.
Sell 2 x new sheets of 2.4 x 1.2 gib. Transport marks only so as new.
Left over from project $60 for both sheets
Location Cones Rd
www.stuff.co.nz...
Getting to know the candidates. Informative article.
Vintage Sears Binoculars Model 6281 7x50m extra wide angle. Case is ok, lid may need restitching or replaced. Pick up in Rangiora - needs to go surplus to our needs
This beautiful large casserole dish with lid has no chips, or any visual marks etc. As you will see I paid $52 back about 40 years ago. Surplus to our needs - The potter was J Ing from Nelson. Pick up only in Rangiora - surplus to our needs
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