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.
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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59.3% Yes, supporting people is important!
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26.2% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.5% ... It is complicated
Poll: Do you have a go-to adverse-weather checklist for your family? ☔⚠️
As reported in the Press, the same low-pressure system that lashed the North Island over the weekend is now making its way south, bringing heavy rain and strong winds with it. It’s a soggy start to the week for many of us.
With more wild weather on the cards, we’re curious: do you have a go-to adverse-weather checklist for your family? Or are you more of a “grab the torches and hope for the best” household?
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48.4% Yes - we like to be prepared
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41.9% Nah
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9.7% This is on my to-do list!
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
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