Swannanoa - Ohoka news is brought to you by the team at Northern Outlook
Recent posts
Thank you for using Neighbourly
Replies have been disabled on the Northern Outlook's post titled "Speed limit on Tram Rd" so I've started a new one.
Previously, I pointed out the ‘catalyst’ for the non-complying RC application for full-accesses rights off Tram Rd to the development as being the safety … View moreReplies have been disabled on the Northern Outlook's post titled "Speed limit on Tram Rd" so I've started a new one.
Previously, I pointed out the ‘catalyst’ for the non-complying RC application for full-accesses rights off Tram Rd to the development as being the safety concerns from experts of people potentially doing U turns around the ends of the raised concrete median strip down the middle of Tram Road.
Their solution the problem is to remove the concrete median strip and replace it with a right turning lane in to the development for east bound traffic. So, instead of a concrete median strip we’ll now have other vehicles in the middle of the road waiting to turn right.
While it is true that the illegal manoeuvre the experts refer to may actually occur, by and large most drivers obey the road rules – still, the experts determine “Crashes are likely to be Common”. Another curious rationale from the experts for the illegal U turning manoeuvres is that “It appears that vehicles entering the site from the Mandeville Road cannot readily access the service station” – so, it’s the developer’s fault! Looking at the site plan I would argue the same holds true for vehicles travelling east entering via the right-hand turn off Tram Rd.
However, what the traffic safety experts do not address, in any kind of detail, is the far more likely scenario of a commuter accidentally clipping the concrete median strip as they drive past the development. To accommodate the concrete median strip the road lanes either side of the barrier are forced to diverge around the obstacle – Tram Rd is no longer straight in this section of the road.
The risk is far greater for a distracted driver to fail alter course and clip the median strip than it is for them to smash in to someone performing an illegal U turn. The argument is simply based on probabilities – there are more legal drivers than there are illegal drivers on our roads. So, instead of one vehicle being involved in crash clipping a concrete median strip we’ll have them clipping the another vehicle sitting in the middle of the road waiting to turn right to enter the development.
It’s my contention the PC33 that created the new commercial zone was deliberately designed with this flaw – i.e. left-ins and left-outs accesses off Tram Rd with concrete median strip. PC33 was designed with developer input. This theory is supported by the fact that there were actually two safety audits running concurrently – one for the lefts only plan and the other for full accesses plan. What we’re witnessing here is commonly referred to as ‘scope creep’ in the project management game. Also, a building consent was granted the developer prior to the accesses issue being resolved – contrary to the conditions of the original RC. Presumably, the accesses issue was to be deferred for as long as possible so that the PC33 and the non-complying RC decisions were less likely to be in the forefront of anyone’s minds.
So, why? Well, we only need to consider the unmanned petrol station, NPD. The lease for a petrol station is going to much higher for a site that has full access off Tram Rd as opposed to being only accessed by west bound traffic – more money for the developer. Petrol sales are also going to be higher – therefore the petrol tax take will also be higher – more money for the council. It's always about the money.
The problem is “Crashes are likely to be common”. The irony is that this whole mess was predicated on the stated desire for improved traffic safety.
Attached is a copy of the Safety Audit Report for plan A: left-in and left-out only accesses. An analysis of the Safety Audit Report for plan 2.0: full left and right accesses, will follow.
Hi. If anyone finds a street sign base (black sand filled) around the percival street Lilybrook area please let me know. Ours was taken last night. Many thanks.
Most of us appreciate by now the need to reduce, reuse and recycle, and battle with this philosophy …
A group of young people ended their year on a high when they took to the skies courtesy of Canterbur…
Hi everyone
Come out have a look at our Christmas lights at 64 Bush Street, Rangiora. We open the gates at 9:30pm for you to be able to walk around and also check out our grotto. This year we are raising money for Guide Dogs, so your donation would be greatly appreciated. You can also purchase … View moreHi everyone
Come out have a look at our Christmas lights at 64 Bush Street, Rangiora. We open the gates at 9:30pm for you to be able to walk around and also check out our grotto. This year we are raising money for Guide Dogs, so your donation would be greatly appreciated. You can also purchase a soft toy Guide Dog for $5.00 while our stock lasts.
Two competitions have been running on the sidelines of the usual Neighbourly activity and what better time to announce the lucky and well deserving winners than the week before Christmas!
- We joined forces with Electric Kiwi in order to hunt for a truly Awesome Neighbour. And we did just that,… View moreTwo competitions have been running on the sidelines of the usual Neighbourly activity and what better time to announce the lucky and well deserving winners than the week before Christmas!
- We joined forces with Electric Kiwi in order to hunt for a truly Awesome Neighbour. And we did just that, infact we found 4 incredible Neighbourly neighbours. Click here to see who won an Awesome Neighbour prize and read their Awesome story!
- We also teamed up with SuperValue to run the Christmas Survival Guide challenge. We asked Neighbourly members to tell us their Christmas Survival tip, click here to find out whose tip came out on top, to be selected to win a $100 SuperValue voucher.
GARAGE SALE tomorrow 23rd December starting at 7.30am
44 Kotare Avenue, Rangiora
De cluttering - something for everyone. Bedding, cushions, kitchenware, clothing, furniture etc etc
With NZ's largest range of golf equipment, golf balls, golf shoes, accessories, apparel and more... Golf Warehouse has got everything you need to get the most enjoyment out of your game this summer. Drop into one of our stores or visit us online and get free shipping with orders over $100.
Wasps are a serious problem for people on picnics, but their effects on native insect populations are devastating. Last summer we embarked on an ambitious project to make a dent in the wasp population in the Nelson region. We fundraised and were able to lay 390km of bait lines in some of the … View moreWasps are a serious problem for people on picnics, but their effects on native insect populations are devastating. Last summer we embarked on an ambitious project to make a dent in the wasp population in the Nelson region. We fundraised and were able to lay 390km of bait lines in some of the region's most popular recreational areas, effectively making 10,000 hectares wasp free.
This summer we are delighted to announce we are expanding the programme to other parts of the country which are also affected by high wasp numbers. Vespex is laid in bait stations in late January and February when wasps change to a protein-based diet. It is of low toxicity and safe for bees. Results from last summer showed it has a 95%-99% success rate.
While a small amount of work is Government funded, we're going to raise more funds to get as many areas baited as possible, and we need your help. Go to our Popshop page to contribute to a wasp-free region
So join us in the battle. The more we raise the more areas we can cover.
Kia ora NZ Communities!
We've not been on Neighbourly much lately, but that will soon change!
We have a lot of exciting plans for 2018, including new workshops and new online presences.
If you'd like to know what we've been up to this year, take a look at our 2017 … View moreKia ora NZ Communities!
We've not been on Neighbourly much lately, but that will soon change!
We have a lot of exciting plans for 2018, including new workshops and new online presences.
If you'd like to know what we've been up to this year, take a look at our 2017 highlights: inspiringcommunities.org.nz....
Meri Kirihimete, Aotearoa! We look forward to working with and supporting you in 2018.
The IC team
We would like to thank you for all your support over the past year and wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas & best wishes for the New Year!
A wastewater disposal project will go ahead in Hanmer Springs after a successful application to the …
Hi everyone. You may or may not have seen an article in the North Canterbury news a few months ago regarding this album coming out before Christmas. Well happy to say it's out now and I've been getting some amazing feedback from people who have purchased so far. If you would like to … View moreHi everyone. You may or may not have seen an article in the North Canterbury news a few months ago regarding this album coming out before Christmas. Well happy to say it's out now and I've been getting some amazing feedback from people who have purchased so far. If you would like to secure a copy, please contact me, sharonmillermusic@xtra.co.nz or leave me a message here.
Our favourite thing about Christmas is the wonderful Christmas COLOURS that pop up as Santa's arrival approaches. Greens reds and golds dotted around town remind us that it's so easy to put a little colour into someone else's Christmas...
Remember to stay safe these holidays … View moreOur favourite thing about Christmas is the wonderful Christmas COLOURS that pop up as Santa's arrival approaches. Greens reds and golds dotted around town remind us that it's so easy to put a little colour into someone else's Christmas...
Remember to stay safe these holidays whether you're out of town or or staying at home. Merry Christmas!
- From the colourful Elves at Resene
© Neighbourly 2026
Loading…
