New rowing precinct for Kaiapoi River
From local democracy reporter David Hill:
Work could begin later this year to develop a rowing precinct at Kaiapoi’s Murphy Park.
The Kaiapoi-Tuahiwi Community Board has approved a plan presented by Waimakariri District Council staff and asked staff to seek more funding as part of the 2023-24 annual plan process.
Implementation project manager Duncan Roxborough said once the funding is secured, staff would begin constructing the launch facility on the Kaiapoi River, at the Murphy Park site, over the summer.
Earthworks and landscaping upgrades would be completed once the Kaiapoi Croquet Club has relocated to the Kaiapoi Community Hub.
A new esplanade walk way around the edge of Murphy Park is also proposed.
St Margaret’s College (Christchurch) and Union Rowing Clubs have used the Kaiapoi river as a base since the earthquakes.
In 2018, they asked the council about creating a permanent rowing base on the river.
Storage facilities for the two clubs’ skiffs, and parking will also be developed.
A budget of $510,000 was set aside for the project in the 2021-31 long-term plan. The council has since received a $360,608 quote to build a 32-metre by 3-metre pontoon, with two gangways. This means a revised budget of about $720,000 is needed, leaving a budget shortfall of $210,000.
Staff hoped to find $160,000 by reallocating funding in the annual plan, with the rowing clubs to find the remaining $50,000.
The pontoon and facilities would be available for use by the wider community, as well as the rowing clubs, Roxborough said.
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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42.9% Yes - we like to be prepared
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46.4% Nah
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10.7% This is on my to-do list!
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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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