Canterbury council raises concerns over ageing roads, bridges
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
A North Canterbury council has raised its concerns over its ageing road network and bridges with the NZ Transport Agency - but so far there is solution.
Hurunui mayor Marie Black said she and chief executive Hamish Dobbie had a positive meeting recently with NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) director regional relationships James Caygill.
‘‘Many councils don’t have the same dynamics with unsealed roads like we do, so he was interested in how we are managing that,’’ Black said.
The Hurunui District Council recently failed to get a 184% funding increase approved to improve its for roading assets.
While the transport agency increased the council’s funding in the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme, it said Hurunui’s funding bid was too costly.
‘‘Our bid was realistic from our perspective,’’ Black said.
‘‘Our community is supporting a much higher level of investment and that didn’t go unnoticed by NZTA.’’
The council estimated it needed about $3 million a year to replace its ageing bridges. Around one-third of the district’s 286 bridges needs to be replaced over the next 30 years.
Dobbie said he was optimistic Caygill had taken on board the council’s concern, but there was "no solutions."
‘‘NZTA is grappling with the same problem. When a bridge comes due for replacement it is considered on a business case basis.’’
Dobbie said there was discussion around the possible impacts on traffic in Amberley when the Woodend Bypass is built.
The council has already raised safety concerns about Carters Rd in Amberley (State Highway 1). There are fears the bypass cause traffic to get from Christchurch to Amberley quicker.
‘‘We haven’t been given a solution, but we put across our perspective that we want people to be able to cross the road safely in Amberley,’’ Dobbie said.
‘‘We are not saying we need to be the owners of the solution, but there needs to be a solution.’’
Possible solutions could include installing traffic lights or a pedestrian underpass, he said.
An NZTA spokesperson said the agency was continuing to work with the council on solutions for Carters Rd.
It is also working with the Amberley Country Estate Retirement Village on the developer’s obligations to provide access to the development off SH1.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
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.
-
53.2% Yes
-
46.8% No
‘Tis the season to not get scammed ...
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
Turn Wallpaper Scraps into Beautiful Blossoms
These blossoms made from Resene wallpaper left over after decorating will mean your décor will be blooming gorgeous, no matter the season. Find out how to create your own wallpaper flowers with these easy step by step instructions.
Loading…
