Mayor hails Waimakariri council's annual plan with average rates rise of 4.5%
From local democracy reporter David Hill:
Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon has praised the efforts of staff after the Waimakariri District Council confirmed “one of the lowest rates rises in the country”.
Councillors voted to adopt the 2022-23 annual plan at a council meeting on Tuesday, with an average rates rise of 4.5%.
“It’s been a large piece of work because of the current economic situation,” Gordon said.
The annual plan largely followed on from last year’s 2021-31 long-term plan (LTP), with some adjustments to reflect the challenging economic environment, he said.
Economic indicators suggest the Waimakariri district is performing well, despite the impacts of Covid-19 and global economic uncertainty.
The prospect of nearly 900 new houses being built this year provides some optimism going forward, Gordon said.
“We wanted to ensure that we were going to be able to deliver on everything that we planned and to not end up with a case of over promising and under delivering.
“I’m very confident that we can provide the very high level of service that our ratepayers expect, while ensuring that we are not overspending at this crucial time.”
This year’s annual plan features upgrades to drinking water plants, increased funding for the proposed mixed use community hub in Kaiapoi, upgrades to the Rangiora Airfield and funding to protect significant natural areas.
Capital works are not forgotten, with increased funding allocated towards the Kaiapoi storm water and flooding improvements and upgrades to roading infrastructure.
Deputy mayor Neville Atkinson said this year’s annual plan deliberations had been “the most honest we’ve ever been with ourselves with what we can and can’t deliver”.
“We have change from government coming, we have the non-supply of materials, and we have inflation.
“The earthquakes were a difficult time, but it was pretty specific to Canterbury, but this (Covid-19) has impacted on the whole country.
“We are in for an incredibly rough two years, so I think this annual plan is a great achievement.”
Cr Paul Williams raised concern that the percentages of rates funding allocated to roading appeared to be lower than funding for the libraries, parks and swimming pools.
Gordon said it was a subject that needed further debate, but he noted the feedback from residents indicated the council was heading in the right direction.
“We get constant feedback at how much people value our libraries and pools, so I’m comfortable with the rates resolution.”
Last year the council considered climate change in the LTP for the first time.
Gordon said this year’s annual plan was underpinned by a conscious effort to enhance wellbeing, the environment and sustainability in a growing district.
“People told us they are happy with our advocacy around Three Waters and our commitment to balancing growth and optimism with economic uncertainty.”
Rangiora after-hours clinic faces more delays
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
The wait continues for a promised North Canterbury after hours healthcare facility.
Work is yet to begin on the proposed new Rangiora Medical Centre at the Rangiora Health Hub on Ashley St, which was first proposed more than five years ago.
The Waimakariri District Council granted a resource consent for the project in 2022, while the building consent is still being processed.
A council spokesperson said the application was on hold while some civil construction details are resolved by the applicants’ consultants.
‘‘We hope to be able to grant the consent in the very near future.’’
The Ministry of Health entered into an agreement with South Link Health Group in 2021 to build the after hours facility, following a petition being presented to the former Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) two years earlier.
South Link Health Group is a network of 26 medical practises, and is responsible for funding and constructing the new facility.
It will include full radiology services (ultrasound, CT and MRI scans), GP services, a pharmacy, and urgent after hours healthcare.
A spokesperson for South Link Health said in December work was expected to begin on the site in March, with the medical centre on track to open in the first half of 2025.
In the meantime, limited after hours healthcare is available at Durham Health, Rangiora, and the Amberley Medical Centre, and at local pharmacies.
Residents can ring 111 in an emergency, contact their GP to speak to a triage nurse, call Healthline 0800 611116 for free advice from a nurse, or arrange online video consultations with a doctor (for a charge).
The after hours triage service is delivered by Whakarongarou and operates in North Canterbury, with access to a St John paramedic if a face to face assessment is required.
A rural after hours service, Ka Ora Telecare, offers phone or video consultations with a doctor. Go to kaora.co.nz/app/services/sub-services/3. The Pegasus 24 Hour Surgery in Christchurch is also available.
■ Public interest journalism funded through New Zealand on Air.
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