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From local democracy reporter David Hill:
Former mayors are encouraging residents to get know their local candidates.
David Ayers and Winton Dalley, who served as mayors of Waimakariri and Hurunui from 2010 to 2019, suggest voters contact candidates and ask them questions.
Several wards … View moreFrom local democracy reporter David Hill:
Former mayors are encouraging residents to get know their local candidates.
David Ayers and Winton Dalley, who served as mayors of Waimakariri and Hurunui from 2010 to 2019, suggest voters contact candidates and ask them questions.
Several wards have high numbers of candidates, with many of them unknown to voters.
Ayers encouraged people to take the time to learn about their mayoral, council, community board and regional council candidates.
‘‘It’s often said that people don’t vote because they don’t know the candidates, but you can turn that around and say ‘candidates don’t know all the voters in their ward either’.
‘‘But at a local level you can always attend meetings and you can contact candidates directly.
‘‘By listening to what they have to say, it will help you to vote for people who will look after your local community.’’
He said not all candidates understood the role local councils played, with national and global issues often confused with local democracy.
Dalley said voter apathy was a constant problem in local government elections.
‘‘There’s an apathy around today and people don’t believe they can make a difference.
'‘But somebody has to sow the seeds and ask the questions or nothing is going to happen.’’
Dalley suggested voters ask candidates if they have ‘‘a personal agenda’’.
‘‘Depending on what that agenda is, consider is it about the candidate’s priorities or the community’s priorities?
‘‘My position was always to serve the community first.
‘‘At the end of the day you are there to serve the community and not yourself or the international community.’’
Both former mayors said it was important to vote in local elections, as council decisions impacted on our daily lives.
Councillors made decisions on roads, footpaths, rubbish collection, three waters, libraries, swimming pools, parks, planting trees and town centres.
The also made decisions on managing the growth in towns like Rangiora, Kaiapoi, Woodend and Amberley, including traffic management, infrastructure and planning for housing.
Climate change and managing Civil Defence in times of crisis, such as a pandemic or earthquake, were also questions councils faced.
Legislation such as the Local Government Act, Resource Management Act and national policy statements limited a council’s decision making ability.
Pending legislation such as Three Waters, the Resource Management Act and local government reform meant a local voice was essential.
Ayers said central government imposing itself on local democracy was the norm during his 36 years in local government.
‘‘This government is not impacting on local democracy any more than any previous government.
‘‘But there is a major issue across the country for local government funding, and councils are finding that rates are not providing the income that allows them to meet the rising standards that are being required of them by both the government and local communities.’’
Dalley said local democracy was ‘‘living fairly precariously’’.
He encouraged voters to ask candidates whether they were prepared ‘‘to question those who want to rewrite democracy’’.
‘‘Because once it’s rewritten, the values of previous generations will be lost.’’
■ Waimakariri election information: waimakariri.govt.nz/your-council/local-body-elections
■ Hurunui election information: hurunui.govt.nz/council/local-body-elections/a-your-candidates
■ Kaikōura election information: kaikoura.govt.nz/local-elections-2022/
■ Environment Canterbury election information: ecan.govt.nz/about/your-council/engage-with-us/elections/
From local democracy reporter David Hill:
The speed limit on Oxford’s Main Street will remain at 50kph.
A motion to make a request to the Waka Kotahi NZ Agency (NZTA) director to reduce the speed limit from 50kph to 40kph was lost after a split vote at last week’s Waimakariri District … View moreFrom local democracy reporter David Hill:
The speed limit on Oxford’s Main Street will remain at 50kph.
A motion to make a request to the Waka Kotahi NZ Agency (NZTA) director to reduce the speed limit from 50kph to 40kph was lost after a split vote at last week’s Waimakariri District Council meeting.
The report was brought to council by the Oxford-Ohoka Community Board in response to residents’ concerns about safety, particularly for those with vision impairments.
The council had previously rejected a proposal to reduce the speed limit to 40kph as recently as December last year.
At the time council staff cited the cost of around $450,000 being needed to make the necessary infrastructure and traffic calming changes.
But the proposal was revisited following the approval of the Setting of Speed Limits Rule 2022 by Transport Minister Michael Wood, which took effect in May 2022.
During last year’s community engagement, 54% of respondents were in favour of reducing the speed limit, with 46% in favour of keeping the existing speed limit.
Mayor Dan Gordon said the council would continue ‘‘to look at methods and strategies to reduce concerns about safety in the community’’.
Councillors also voted to revoke the council’s Speed Limit Bylaw (2022), now the new Setting of Speed Limits Rule has come into force.
The new rule required all councils’ speed limit data to be migrated to a national speed limit register and removed the need for the bylaw.
The Hurunui District Council completed a thorough speed limit review two years ago.
Chief executive Hamish Dobbie did not expect any changes as a result of the new setting of speed limits rule.
‘‘We consulted widely, on 1600km of roads in our district and it was not only about speed, but also about safety.
‘‘We have a good relationship with NZTA and we continue to have discussions on whether our speed limits are appropriate.’’
Dobbie said the speed limit for southern entrance to Amberley was the subject of ongoing discussions, and the new rule would simplify the process in the future.
Kia ora Christchurch......or shall I say, Ōtautahi?
You've likely already heard, but this week is Māori Language Week - Te Wiki o te Reo Māori - and we'd like nothing more than to encourage your kōrero with some kai.
We have some delicious Whittaker's tiakarete (chocolate) … View moreKia ora Christchurch......or shall I say, Ōtautahi?
You've likely already heard, but this week is Māori Language Week - Te Wiki o te Reo Māori - and we'd like nothing more than to encourage your kōrero with some kai.
We have some delicious Whittaker's tiakarete (chocolate) to give away, so whether it's naming the days of the week, sharing your pepeha, or just a cheery kia ora - it's all about giving it a go.
Share any kōrero or kupu in the comments below to be in to win. Kia kaha, Ōtautahi!
Saturday September 24th in Rangiora.
Book Now - www.eventfinda.co.nz...
At Planty Affair you’ll find everything from full-sized indoor plants to cuttings, planters, pots, botanical art, jewellery and more! This year's event features The Plant Project and a myriad of other stallholders … View moreSaturday September 24th in Rangiora.
Book Now - www.eventfinda.co.nz...
At Planty Affair you’ll find everything from full-sized indoor plants to cuttings, planters, pots, botanical art, jewellery and more! This year's event features The Plant Project and a myriad of other stallholders selling all things indoor-plant related. We also have a fabulous new venue, all indoors so no worries about the weather.
With your printed ticket, you'll be granted access before we open to the public - so you won't want to miss this opportunity!
There's limited ticket entry in two time slots: 9am-11am $10pp & 11am-1pm $5pp. Under 12yrs free.
Book at - www.eventfinda.co.nz...
From 1pm-3pm we're open to the public with a gold-coin entry at the door.
Please bring cash for purchases, although some stallholders may have Eftpos available.
An ATM will be onsite for any top-ups. There’s limited parking onsite, but plenty down East Belt.
Look forward to seeing you there!
This is my family secrets recipe for Southern homestyle Cornbread. For years I made this for my Kiwi friends and everyone who tastes it wants the recipe. Well my friends would go to the store and purchase the wrong ingredients and wonder why it tastes like dirt. So I packaged the key ingredients … View moreThis is my family secrets recipe for Southern homestyle Cornbread. For years I made this for my Kiwi friends and everyone who tastes it wants the recipe. Well my friends would go to the store and purchase the wrong ingredients and wonder why it tastes like dirt. So I packaged the key ingredients into a mix, It is Almost fool proof. Available at The riverside collect and launching at the Chch Food Show this weekend. Stop by for a taste.
Become part of our online community for over 60s, and get to know others who appreciate that the good times are just getting started!
PLUS — To celebrate the launch of our new Facebook group, Better Than Ever - each new member will go in the draw to WIN an iPad!
There's still time to sign up for this month's great offer. Our subscribers pay less than retail buyers, and this month, new subscribers also get a $25 voucher for Awapuni Nurseries. Pick from their amazing range of plants, and have them delivered straight to your door with their … View moreThere's still time to sign up for this month's great offer. Our subscribers pay less than retail buyers, and this month, new subscribers also get a $25 voucher for Awapuni Nurseries. Pick from their amazing range of plants, and have them delivered straight to your door with their nationwide delivery. $25 voucher valid from Sept 1-25, 2022.
What are you going to plant in your garden for summer?
Have you planted Dahlia before? IF not, it's a good time to start now.
Dahlia is stunning flower, and with their bold colors and many different shapes / types they will make a spectacular display in your garden.
I still have some … View moreWhat are you going to plant in your garden for summer?
Have you planted Dahlia before? IF not, it's a good time to start now.
Dahlia is stunning flower, and with their bold colors and many different shapes / types they will make a spectacular display in your garden.
I still have some tubers available for purchase. I
I don't have enough space in garden to plant them all.
$8 per tuber
$15 - $20 for a clump of several tubers (only available in some types)
Pick up in Rangiora
Happy to post them to your address too (with extra cost)
From local democracy reporter David Hill:
The clean up is under way in North Canterbury after the wettest July on record.
The Hurunui district received more than double its normal July rainfall, while the Waimakariri district was pounded with four times the July average.
Hurunui District … View moreFrom local democracy reporter David Hill:
The clean up is under way in North Canterbury after the wettest July on record.
The Hurunui district received more than double its normal July rainfall, while the Waimakariri district was pounded with four times the July average.
Hurunui District Council chief executive Hamish Dobbie said the rain had an impact on the roading network and clean up work was ongoing.
‘‘It wasn’t so much about the flooding, it was the amount of rain.
‘‘It has certainly caused some issues and our staff and contractors are busy with some patch up work until they can resolve the issues.
‘‘We had abnormal rainfall across the district. Cheviot normally gets 80mm in July and it had over 200mm.’’
Staff were still investigating what emergency funding the council might be eligible for.
In the meantime, Dobbie called for patience as staff worked on repairs as quickly as possible.
The Waimakariri District Council approved $3.15 million in funding at last week’s council meeting to assist with the clean up costs and flood works.
Mayor Dan Gordon said the council had a dedicated flood team working on repairs and responding to service requests.
‘‘We are continuing to work with staff to monitor the adequacy of our maintenance contracts.
‘‘There is also the $22m jointly funded, by council and the Government through its Shovel Ready Project fund, work in Kaiapoi on drainage and flood mitigation works.
‘‘This remains a high priority issue for the council.’’
Across the district there were reports of surface flooding on roads, drains being near capacity and a small number of properties had flood waters enter their homes.
The council received more than 1650 calls resulting in 800 requests for support or additional infrastructure during July.
‘‘Although we try, it is impossible to get someone to every single service request on the night,’’ a council spokesperson said.
‘‘That is why, with a triage system in place we can respond first to where we are needed most and work our way down.
Since July, council staff have been processing the 685 drainage and 130 sewer service requests.
This has included on-site visits, discussions with property owners, looking at council infrastructure and putting in place improvements.
Council staff were already working through about 1400 service requests from the May 2021, December 2021 and February 2022 rain events.
A flood team has been established to continue working through these requests, the council spokesperson said.
‘‘It is anticipated that it will take the team at least six months to work through these investigations.
‘‘Normally people can expect a response to service request from council staff within weeks of them contacting us.
‘‘At the moment, depending on the prioritisation of the issue, it may be several months before staff can meet on site with property owners as part of our investigations.’’
Condolence books have been set up in Hurunui and Waimakariri following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
Mayors of both districts have also expressed their condolences after the Queen died last week, aged 96.
“After 70 years of service, we acknowledge the Queen's unwavering commitment … View moreCondolence books have been set up in Hurunui and Waimakariri following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
Mayors of both districts have also expressed their condolences after the Queen died last week, aged 96.
“After 70 years of service, we acknowledge the Queen's unwavering commitment to us all as the longest reigning monarch,” Hurunui mayor Marie Black said.
“She was a true symbol of stability with an incredible devotion to her duties, family and faith. May she rest in peace.
The flag at the council offices in Amberley and the flag at the Hanmer Library/Service Centre were lowered to half-mast to honour the Queen and her outstanding service.
Books of condolence were made available at all libraries and service centres across the district from Monday.
Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon acknowledged the Queen’s “remarkable service and devotion”.
“As the longest reigning monarch, she had a strong sense of duty and dedicated her whole life to her throne and the service of her people.”
The flag at the Rangiora Service Centre and the Ruataniwha Kaiapoi Civic Centre were lowered to half-mast last week.
Books of condolence were made available at Waimakariri council libraries from Monday.
Hi Neighbours, we are on the move and selling our home officee furniture, as its too big to take with us.
Desk 1800 x 1000, Credenza 2 door & mobile 3 drawer cabinet.
Really good condition, dark woodgrain melteca
Offers are welcome, buyer does need to collect by the 23rd... thanks!
I feel so blessed to live in Christchurch, surrounded by beauty. The great outdoors fuels me. But you don't have to hike and fly from summits, a brisk walk, play some footie, throw a ball, whatever makes you happy, Keep moving!
Locally grown in Rangiora.
Spray free.
This season 2022.
Hand picked and packed.
They taste good too 😁
●Whole in the shell
… View moreLocally grown in Rangiora.
Spray free.
This season 2022.
Hand picked and packed.
They taste good too 😁
●Whole in the shell
1kg bag - $10
500gm bag - $5●
☆Message me to Buy now .. OR
☆Order yours now and collect from the Rangiora Market on Thursday afternoon 3pm - 7pm. On East Belt
When they're gone they're gone.....!
(Till next season. ) 🙂 Don't miss out. DM now
Flags across the city are being lowered to half-mast as Christchurch joins the rest of the Commonwealth in mourning the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
The Queen, the world’s longest serving monarch, died on Friday morning at Balmoral, Scotland, at the age of 96.
In Christchurch, which the … View moreFlags across the city are being lowered to half-mast as Christchurch joins the rest of the Commonwealth in mourning the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
The Queen, the world’s longest serving monarch, died on Friday morning at Balmoral, Scotland, at the age of 96.
In Christchurch, which the Queen visited nine times during her reign, flags are being flown at half-mast and condolence books are being opened at civic centres.
Mayor Lianne Dalziel said the Royal Family had been ardent supporters of the city, for which its residents would “always be grateful”.
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