195 days ago

Moving on…

Shirish Paranjape from Community Board member, Fendalton-Waimairi-Harewood C.Board

I will be stepping down from the Fendalton-Waimairi-Harewood Community Board at the end of June 2025.

I am moving to Sydney as a work opportunity has presented itself; which also allows him to reconnect with daughters and a grandson living there.

I will retire from the Board effective 1st July 2025.

I have really enjoyed serving my community locally since 2016 on the Community Board, it has allowed me to support local groups and work with my colleagues to get good outcomes for our Community.

It did not feel right to continue serving on the Board in a paid capacity when from July I will no longer be in Christchurch.

I have raised this with my local Councillor Sam MacDonald who shares the view that now is the right time. It is my understanding that he will be recommending to the Community Board not to fill my spot given there would be a period July - October for the remainder of this term. This is allowed for under the Local Government Act and also means no cost to ratepayers.

MacDonald says "I have really enjoyed working with Shirish as a local community Board member, he has constantly been approachable to local residents and has assisted me enormously with local Board issues. I am thrilled Shirish can reconnect with his family in Australia, and it makes sense to not fill the Board seat given elections are just around the corner."

It has been a privilege to represent the people of Waimairi for three terms. I will always cherish these memories.

Needless to say, I will continue to follow the local government elections and other matters with keen interest.

Ma te wa.

More messages from your neighbours
5 days ago

Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.

We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?

Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.

Image
Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
  • 53.1% Yes
    53.1% Complete
  • 46.9% No
    46.9% Complete
1633 votes
21 hours ago

‘Tis the season to not get scammed ...

The Team from New Zealand Police

As Christmas gift shopping moves increasingly online, scammers are ramping up their activity across the country.

Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit is seeing more and more people fall victim to scams and other fraudulent activity, particularly on Facebook Marketplace.

There are a few ways to avoid the scams and keep yourself safe doing online trades this holiday season, says Southern District Service Delivery Manager Senior Sergeant Dalton.
🔒 “A good first step when looking to purchase something on Marketplace is to check when the seller’s Facebook profile was created. If it’s very recent, there is a higher risk that they have just created this account for a one-off fake item.”
🔒 Another important step is to make sure the seller’s profile name and bank account name match up. “We’re seeing a lot of scammers claiming their bank account name is different because it belongs to their partner or family member - that’s a huge red flag."
🔒 “When you’re selling, never trust a screenshot anyone sends you showing that payment has been made. Check your own bank account to make sure a payment has gone through."
🔒 “Quite frankly, it’s best for all parties to agree to pay, or be paid, for items in cash and in-person. Ideally in a public place with CCTV coverage."
🔒 "If you’re buying a car, check Carjam.co.nz to see if it’s stolen or if there’s money owed on it.”

A reminder: Suspicious activity can be reported on 105

Image
1 day ago

Poll: Pedestrian access is being extended to the Ōtakaro Avon River - good idea?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

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.

Image
Pedestrian access is being extended to the Ōtakaro Avon River - good idea?
  • 91.2% Yes
    91.2% Complete
  • 8.8% No
    8.8% Complete
34 votes