Mayor promotes trackless trams
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Trackless trams could be an option for improving connections with Christchurch in the future, Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon says.
Connections with the central city, transport, housing and commercial developments are just some of things being considered as part of the Huihui Mai Greater Christchurch Partnership consultation.
With the population of the Greater Christchurch area expected to pass 700,000 by 2051, and 1 million over the ensuing decades, an
efficient and sustainable transport system was essential, Gordon said.
"An idea I’m quite attracted to is trackless trams, which don’t need a track. Brisbane has them and they are quite common overseas.
"How we connect our district into the city centre is important."
Providing more housing choices and attracting business opportunities, particularly in the city centre and town centres was another factor, he said.
But one question that was not on the agenda was creating a "Super City", Gordon said.
"There is a conversation which comes up about super cities, but there is no desire within the partnership members for a super city
because we are working very well between us.
"We are at a size where we are sustainable, but we are all part of a bigger picture, which is the Greater Christchurch area, so it is
important that we work together for our shared future."
The Greater Christchurch Partnership is a collaboration between the Christchurch City, and Selwyn and Waimakariri District Councils, and Environment Canterbury.
Other members included Ngāi Tahu, Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency, Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand and two Government Ministers.
Public consultation on Huihui Mai closes on Sunday, March 26.
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
.
Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
-
84.6% Yes
-
13.9% No
-
1.5% Other - I'll share below
Got a Minute? Prove You’re the Smartest Neighbour!
What is it that when given one, you’ll have either two or none?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.