‘Healthy’ response to Waimakariri’s Long Term Plan

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Waimakariri residents have had their say on the long-term plan (LTP) and given councillors plenty to consider.

A council spokesperson said ‘‘a healthy’’ 336 submissions have been received to the 2024-34 LTP, making 1670 submission points.

The council is due to hold hearings on the submissions on May 8, from 9.30am, in the Ruataniwha Kaiapoi Civic Centre and then in the Oxford Town Hall from 3pm.

A second day of hearings will be held in the council chambers in Rangiora the following day from 1pm.

The council has signalled a rates hike of 8.94% this year, which is thought to be the lowest proposed rates rise in Canterbury.

Mayor Dan Gordon said the council was feeling the effects of the cost of living crisis, while continuing to pay off its earthquake recovery and Mainpower Stadium loans.

The district’s population is projected to grow from about 70,000 to 82,075 by 2034, based on Stats NZ’s high growth scenario.

To support that growth, the council is proposing to spend around $693 million over the next 10 years.

Managing the natural environment, flood resilience, community facilities and transport infrastructure were being consulted on.

Key projects include the proposed Rangiora eastern link road, a draft natural environment strategy, the Rangiora Library extension and expansion plans for Mainpower Oval.

Once the hearings have concluded, the council will resume its LLT deliberations on May 21 and 22, before the final adoption in June.

■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.