Terminally-ill social housing resident fears council will destroy her 'eco-refuge'
Lynda McKenzie has spent 16 years creating an “eco-sanctuary” at her Christchurch social housing complex.
But now she is devastated that the council could destroy her refuge – and says she is happy she won’t be around to see it chopped back.
McKenzie, who is terminally ill, has planted numerous trees around the 24-unit St Albans complex over the years, and residents now regularly see fantails, bellbirds and wood pigeons in their garden.
But last week, the property’s 24 tenants received a letter from Christchurch City Council telling them it was starting work imminently to remove some trees and heavily prune others.
What do you think should happen to McKenzie's "eco-sanctuary"?
Caring For You Like Family
91-year-old Dora is a rest home resident at Ryman.
Between family gatherings, bus trips and village activities, she certainly enjoys a full life. With the many friendships she’s made, the caregivers and village staff have become an extension of her family.
Hear about Dora’s experience living in a Ryman community.
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.
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.
Poll: What could the Christchurch City Council fund if it didn't have to pay GST on rates?
Christchurch mayor Phil Mauger says GST on rates, currently taken by central government, would be better spent locally.
The comments follow an Infometrics analysis that found over $1.1 billion of rates revenue nationwide was collected by the Government in 2022 as GST.
According to Infometrics, $88.5m of that came from Christchurch city ratepayers. It would be enough to save the Christ Church Cathedral from ruin; restore the Dux de Lux seven times over; cover both the Art Centre and Orana Wildlife Park’s request for regular public funding for over 26 years; contribute to light rail in Greater Christchurch; or get the South Library rebuild completed.
Read the full story by reporter Sinead Gill here and share your thoughts in the comments below. (Note: Subscription required. You can still read two free stories a month if you're not a ThePress.co.nz subscriber).
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20.8% Light rail
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5.6% South Library
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39.1% Orana Wildlife Park
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13.2% The Arts Centre
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3% Dux de Lux
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12.7% Christ Church Cathedral
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5.6% Something else (share your thoughts in the comments)
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