Waimakariri mayor seeks clarity on major roading projects
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
More clarity is needed around Waimakariri’s roading projects, mayor Dan Gordon says.
Gordon said he hoped to get clarity on the status of the proposed Woodend safety improvements, now that the two major political parties are promising to build the Woodend Bypass on State Highway 1.
"It is good to get some certainty around the Woodend Bypass, but we also need to ensure the safety aspects are addressed as well."
The Labour-led Government announced in August that the Woodend Bypass was included in the Government Policy Statement and was set to be included in the National Land Transport Plan 2024-27.
The National Party has also confirmed it would build the Woodend Bypass, if elected.
The Woodend safety improvements were announced in December as part of a $35 million package.
But the proposals did not include an underpass at the Pegasus roundabout for pedestrians and cyclists, which Gordon has been advocating for.
He was also seeking clarity on $19 million of funding Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency had set aside for Lineside Rd, linking Kaiapoi with Rangiora.
The council was also pushing to get a proposed eastern Rangiora link road and a replacement of Skew Bridge in west Kaiapoi included in the National Land Transport Plan.
The eastern link road would provide another link between SH1 and Rangiora, and help ease pressure on the Southbrook business area.
Gordon said the council was exploring different funding options, including the Local Government Infrastructure Financing and Funding (IFF) works programme, in a bid to speed up these projects.
"For a growth council like ours, these projects are very important to address traffic congestion. We need solutions and we need funding.
"We would rather not have to fund it all ourselves upfront because it is a burden on ratepayers."
The council last week approved funding of $1.2m to upgrade the Island and Ohoka roads intersection at Silverstream, Kaiapoi.
The funding is subject to confirmation of a 51% funding share from Waka Kotahi.
The Moving Forward: Waimakariri Integrated Transport Strategy 2035+ has also been approved by the council for consultation.
It will be open for consultation until October 1.
■ Public interest journalism funded through New Zealand on Air.
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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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72.7% We work hard, we deserve a break!
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16.2% Hmm, maybe?
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11.1% Yes!
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90.3% Yes
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9.7% No
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.
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