595 days ago

Bid to save historic suspension bridge

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Feedback is being sought on options to save an historic suspension bridge near Oxford.

The Waimakariri District Council is consulting on the repair of the Wolffs Road suspension bridge at West Eyreton, which has fallen into a state of disrepair and is no longer safe for public use.

The bridge was built around 1948 for pedestrian access across the Eyre River. It has a category 2 rating with Heritage New Zealand.

The Cust and Districts Historical Records Society made a submission to the council’s 2021-31 long-term plan, which led to a site inspection and a bridge refurbishment report being prepared.

The council’s preferred option was to remove the timber superstructure, approach ramps and suspension cables, and clear vegetation.

This would leave the heritage fabric of the bridge, including the substructure and cable anchors to be refurbished, a council spokesperson said.

The cost of disestablishing the superstructure, was estimated in 2021, to cost $195,000, with ongoing maintenance costs of up to $2000 a year.

Any funding for the project would need to be sought as part of next year’s 2024-34 long-term plan or from external funding sources.

Feedback closes on Monday, April 17, at letstalk.waimakariri.govt.nz/

A report will be presented to the Oxford-Ohoka Community Board to consider making a submission to the council.

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4 hours ago

Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.

This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.

Do you think this ban is reasonable?

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Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
  • 79% Yes
    79% Complete
  • 19.9% No
    19.9% Complete
  • 1.1% Other - I'll share below
    1.1% Complete
276 votes
16 days ago

What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

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.

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16 hours ago

Think You’ve Got the Answer? Today’s Riddle Says ‘Prove It’!

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

If eleven plus two equals one, what does nine plus five equal?

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.

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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.

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