Have a say on Canterbury’s future
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Now is an important time to have a say about Canterbury’s future, says Environment Canterbury councillor Grant Edge.
The North Canterbury councillor is encouraging Waimakariri, Hurunui and Kaikōura residents to share their views as the regional council begins a review of the Canterbury Regional Policy Statement (RPS).
The RPS is expected to be notified by December next year, and Environment Canterbury is seeking public feedback.
It will ultimately form part of an Integrated Plan for Canterbury, being merged with the Coastal Environment Plan and the Canterbury Land and Water Regional Plan.
"The whole integrated planning process is quite exciting," Edge says.
"And it is coming about at a time of new legislation with the RMA (Resource Management Act) reforms."
Merging the three plans into one would simplify the process and "give people more certainty for land use", he said.
The RPS set the framework for local councils when preparing District Plans.
Under the proposed RMA reform legislation, District Plans may soon be replaced by Regional Plans, making it important local voices were heard, he says.
"We seem to duplicate things a lot, so I’m hoping in the end it will lead to the regional council, district councils and the government working more closely together.
"With climate change impacts and adaptation, a new way of funding is needed within the regional space, because it will become unaffordable through rates alone.
"So the best way is having government around the table and listening, with local people contributing."
The Greater Christchurch Partnership provides an example of how this could work, with local and central government, and treaty partners sitting around the table and negotiating to find a consensus.
Edge praised the Hurunui District Council for "forward thinking" in developing a coastal adaptation plan in partnership with the Amberley Beach community.
It is believed to be the first of its kind in the country.
"We recently had the hottest day on average, two days in a row, for the planet," he said.
"Eventually we are going to get to the point where we are going to have to act quickly."
The RPS engagement is focusing on six topics including water, land, climate change, air, the coast and the built environment.
Environment Canterbury developed its first RPS in the 1990s and it was last reviewed in 2013.
"I encourage people to really get involved in tackling these environmental issues," Edge said.
"Because once these things are formed, it will shape the way we act and protect our environment for years to come."
Feedback closes on August 27 and can be made at ecan.govt.nz/ourfuture or call 0800 326636.
■ Public interest journalism funded through New Zealand on Air.
Secure your homes over summer
Police are reminding people to keep their homes secure during the summer months.
Inspector Glenda Barnaby, Christchurch Area Prevention manager, says daytime burglaries are just as common as nightime burglaries.
“Burglaries can be committed at any time of the day, and coming into warmer months there is more opportunity for thieves."
"Although a majority of burglaries involve forced entry through windows and doors, we are starting to see more incidents at insecure premises. Police deal with cases where burglaries are committed in broad daylight, sometimes even while the victim is at home. Good weather means open doors and windows, which makes homes more vulnerable to burglars.”
Inspector Barnaby says there’s a few things people can do to reduce their changes of a burglary being committed.
⚠️ If you’re going outside for gardening, relaxing in the sun, or working in the garage, take a moment to lock your doors and secure your windows first.
⚠️ Do the same at night when you go to bed - keep your doors and windows secure and close your curtains. Fitting window stays means you can get a breeze coming through, while keeping your windows secure.
⚠️ Get to know your neighbours - let them know if you’re going away and look out for one another.”
If you see any suspicious activity, people or vehicles in your neighbourhood, don't hesitate to contact Police.
If you witness or suspect any illegal activity, please call 111 if it is happening now, or make a report through 105 either online or over the phone, if it is after the fact.
Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.
Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔
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72.5% We work hard, we deserve a break!
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16.4% Hmm, maybe?
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11.1% Yes!
Poll: Pedestrian access is being extended to the Ōtakaro Avon River - good idea?
Pedestrian access from one of Christchurch’s favourite streets is being extended all the way to the Ōtakaro Avon River. This new 12m-wide pathway will give you a direct, easy route from the street to the river promenade ... perfect for a stroll, a coffee run, or just soaking up the riverside vibes.
We want to know: In your view, what makes a city people-friendly?
What else should our urban areas be doing to support better community connections?
Curious about the full plans? You can check them out here.
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90.5% Yes
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9.5% No
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