E-scooter agreement extended in Waimakariri
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Pink Flamingo Scooters will continue zipping through towns like Rangiora and Kaiapoi.
The Wellington-based company has been confirmed as Waimakariri district’s e-scooter provider for another three years.
Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon said the community has been overwhelmingly positive since the e-scooters were first introduced in 2020.
‘‘There has not been much negative feedback and Flamingo has been proactive in engaging with the council.
‘‘E-Scooter companies could have come here anyway, but because Flamingo has chosen to work with us we have been able to get a better outcome for the community.’’
An online survey found two-thirds of respondents supported extending the agreement for the pink scooters to be available in the district.
Gordon said the scooters provided another mode of transport when people were travelling short distances.
‘‘It is a tangible way we can enable innovation that gets people out of cars and reduces emissions.
‘‘I have used them myself and they are fun to use. It is a fun way of getting around.’’
Flamingo Scooters chief executive Jacksen Love said user surveys found that 73% of users said the scooters made it easier for them to not own or use a motor vehicle.
The company has been operating in Waimakariri since December 2020.
A no-ride zone on High St, between Durham St and the BNZ corner, is enforced by geo-fencing, and the scooters are equipped with GPS trackers making them easier to locate.
‘‘The scooters are looked after and promptly picked up and returned to places where they will be used,’’ Gordon said.
Love said scooter use was monitored and Flamingo Scooters had the ability to terminate rides or suspend accounts of those who misuse the scooters.
There are 150 e-scooters available on the streets in the Waimakariri district and Flamingo Scooters has a licence to operate up to 200.
Local people are contracted to look after the e-scooters.
A report prepared by council staff said there were about 85,000 rides on e-scooters over the last 21 months, mostly in Rangiora.
The scooters were also available in Kaiapoi, Woodend and Pegasus, while users also rode them along the Passchendaele Pathway between Kaiapoi and Rangiora.
Council staff have referred 26 complaints to Flamingo for scooters blocking pathways, while the company has received 60 complaints from the public over the last 21 months.
There have been 18 minor crashes over the same period, all due to rider error, the report said.
The agreement between the council and Flamingo Scooters sees the council paid an 8 cent levy for each ride, which is set aside for e-scooter infrastructure.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Lack of investment remains a concern – ECan councillors
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
A lack of investment remains a concern as Environment Canterbury backs the region’s transport plan.
The regional council voted to adopt the 2024-34 Canterbury Regional Land Transport Plan at a council meeting on Tuesday afternoon.
But councillors expressed concerns at a perceived lack of funding from central Government and a potential funding shortfall.
The Canterbury Regional Transport Committee, comprising the region’s 10 mayors, gave its approval to the plan at a meeting on April 18.
Councillor Deon Swiggs said the there had been under-investment in transport and infrastructure in the South Island for too long.
‘‘It is a relatively good plan, but we need to get on top of the funding because we are getting behind in Canterbury and in the entire South Island.’’
He was also concerned at the lack of a timeframe set out for the implementation of the proposed mass rapid transport for Greater Christchurch.
Environment Canterbury principal strategy advisor Clare Pattison said the regional transport plan set out priorities for transport in the region.
But the timings would ultimately be set by Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency and the regional council.
She said the council could refer questions back to the regional transport committee if there were concerns.
Councillor Grant Edge said if the council did not adopt the plan by the June deadline, it would put at risk funding for Canterbury’s roading projects.
Councillor Vicky Southworth said funding was issue which ‘‘continues to be raised’’.
‘‘Hopefully something changes, but we have to put our best foot forward and hope we get the support.’’
The plan proposed an investment of $10.8 billion over 10 years, which would double the region’s transport investment.
But it will require a $4.6b contribution from central Government.
Key projects include the proposed Woodend Bypass and a second Ashburton bridge.
The plan also includes public transport improvements for Greater Christchurch, which are dependent on Government support.
It will now be submitted to Waka Kotahi to be included in the National Land Transport Plan.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Share your New Zealand music memories...
It's NZ Music Month and New Zealand really has some beautiful songs from artists that we call our own.
Whether it's April Sun in Cuba, Don't Forget your Roots, or How Bizarre or Bic Runga's 'Sway' - songs have a way of unlocking memories and evoking old feelings.
In honour of NZ Music Month, share a New Zealand song or artist that is special to you and explain why.
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The Tova Show
Hello! Are you a …
- A student/young professional renting
- A young family, renting or owning
- An older New Zealander/retiree/pensioner
We’re reaching out from the Tova show, the flagship weekly politics podcast on Stuff, as we prepare for our budget coverage and how it’s affecting Kiwis - we’d love to hear from you.
We need a few people who are available the week before the budget (Wednesday 22nd/Thursday 23rd May) and on the day of the announcement (Thursday 30th May).
Please email tova@stuff.co.nz or comment below if you’d like to share your perspective with us. We give you our commitment to treat your experience with sensitivity and care.
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