Views sought on Shirley Community Reserve
Residents are being asked to share their vision for the future of the Shirley Community Reserve - including whether a community hub should be created, the recreation faciltiies developed, or the site left as it is.
The reserve at 10 Shirley Rd was previously home to the Shirley Community Centre, which hosted various organisations and projects.
The centre was damaged in the Canterbury earthquakes and demolished in 2012. The reserve was then fitted with facilities including a basketball court, playground, pump track and a large green space.
In 2020, feedback from 58 public submitters was split between replacing the old community centre and developing the area into an open green space.
In 2021, the council approved $3 million of funding to rebuild of the Shirley Community Centre and requested an updated feasibility study.
Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board chairperson Emma Norrish said the board wanted to "develop a meaningful, dynamic, and fun space for everyone, so that the reserve becomes a destination of choice for the community".
The community is being asked their opinion on three options for the reserve.
The options are:
- A recreation space with a full basketball court, renewed playground, planting, a picnic and BBQ area, a community garden and a walkway.
- Creating a community hub that's open to partnerships with local organisations.
- Leaving the space as it is.
Visit the council's website to have your say.
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Have you seen Rowena?
Police are urgently appealing for sightings of Rowena, 39, reported missing from Christchurch.
She was reported missing to Police on 22 October 2025, and was last seen on 14 August 2025. Rowena hasn’t been in contact with her children and her family are worried for her safety.
Police investigating her disappearance have identified her as being in Auckland, Tauranga and Christchurch in the recent months prior to her missing person report being made.
If you have seen Rowena, or have any information regarding her whereabouts, please contact us immediately.
You can contact us via 105 either over the phone or online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report” and referencing file number 251022/9026.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
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