New Ravenswood town centre approved
From local democracy reporter David Hill:
The Waimakariri District Council has approved a town centre for Ravenswood.
The council on Tuesday voted to pass private plan change 30 (PC30), amending the district plan to create a business zone, or town centre, in the North Canterbury town.
Ravenswood Developments Ltd lodged the request, which was originally notified by the council in October 2020, to create a key activity area with 35,000sqm of gross floor area.
After the application was declined by independent commissioners in November 2021, Ravenswood Developments Ltd appealed to the Environment Court, where the matter was resolved through mediation with the council.
The revised plan has a gross floor area of 25,500sqm.
‘‘This has been a long process,’’ mayor Dan Gordon said.
‘‘We were opposed to the initial scale of the development, because we wanted to ensure the Kaiapoi and Rangiora business centres were not compromised. There was agreement through mediation.
‘‘We have seen Harvey Norman and other large retailers being attracted to Ravenswood, so this gives our residents more choices and reduces the need for people to travel into Christchurch.’’
Development planning manager Matt Bacon said the changes had been accounted for in the proposed Waimakariri District Plan.
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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46.7% Yes - we like to be prepared
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43.3% Nah
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10% 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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