Last ditch bid for fast tracking ‘out of control’ hedge removal
From local democracy reporter Adam Burns:
Maintenance of an “out of control” hedge at could cost ratepayers in a small North Canterbury village tens of thousands of dollars over the next couple of years, despite plans for it to be cut down.
But there are hopes the axing of the shadowy shrub can be fast tracked, following suggestions its removal was at least another two years away.
Plans for the macrocarpa shelterbelt hedge, which stands between 6 and 8 metres high on Waikuku Beach’s Parks Ave, continue to cause headaches for the small beach town community, including funding avenues for the hedge’s swift removal.
A report was tabled at the Woodend-Sefton Community Board meeting a fortnight ago, which recommended the hedge be removed.
However, it was initially proposed the project be considered for inclusion in the Waimakariri District Council’s 2024 long-term plan, with costs for the removal of the hedge and replanting estimated to be about $105,000.
The hedge could also absorb ongoing maintenance costs “at health and safety levels” until it was removed in 2024-25, according to the report.
Maintenance of the hedge costs the council about $20,000 for the first trim, followed by a further cost of “between $10,000 and $15,000 every 18 months”.
During a public deputation at the April 11 meeting, Waikuku Beach resident Jo Kane fumed at the proposed time frames following what she described as some drawn out deliberations with council staff on the matter.
“This was never the expectation from anyone in the community,” she said.
“This is a longstanding and unsustainable maintenance issue, and it really galls me that for the next three years you will have to trim this hedge back off the road.
“I feel really let down when I saw that piece of the report [indicating 2024].
“It needs to be gone, sooner rather than later.”
The removal of the hedge was later approved, but the community board agreed to amend its previous recommendation, in order for a last ditch request to go to the council for funding through this year’s annual plan.
Several concerns around the hedge were raised by residents during community consultation a year ago.
Ongoing maintenance costs, a lack of sunlight leaving ice and moss on the road, a desire for landscape views to be restored, and concerns the hedge was a fire risk were raised by those wanting it gone.
Other community members, favouring its retention, believed the hedge offered privacy and was a good windbreak for homeowners.
Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut
This Wednesday, we're having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with John Bracewell from Crewcut.
John Bracewell, former Black Caps coach turned Franchisee Development Manager and currently the face of Crewcut’s #Movember campaign, knows a thing or two about keeping the grass looking sharp—whether it’s on a cricket pitch or in your backyard!
As a seasoned Crewcut franchisee, John is excited to answer your lawn and gardening questions. After years of perfecting the greens on the field, he's ready to share tips on how to knock your garden out of the park. Let's just say he’s as passionate about lush lawns as he is about a good game of cricket!
John is happy to answer questions about lawn mowing, tree/hedge trimming, tidying your garden, ride on mowing, you name it! He'll be online on Wednesday, 27th of November to answer them all.
Share your question below now ⬇️
Riddle Alert! Who’s Up for Some Brain-Busting Fun?
4-letter word, always done tomorrow,
We’re out of tea, the ultimate sorrow!
Without the eye, you owe me some money,
No sugar no nectar no sweetness no honey,
4-letter word, if by chance you choose,
You can never win, you can only lose!
What is the 4-letter word?
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Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
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82.5% Yes
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14.9% No
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2.6% Other - I'll share below
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