North Canterbury public housing supply set to grow
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Kāinga Ora is redeveloping some of its properties in Kaiapoi and Rangiora to meet a growing demand for social housing in the Waimakariri district.
A recent report prepared for the Waimakariri and Hurunui District Councils highlighted a lack of adequate emergency and transitional housing and the difficulties of getting on Kāinga Ora’s waiting list.
Kāinga Ora Canterbury regional director Liz Krause said increasing the number of homes on sites in Kaiapoi and Rangiora meant more people could stay in their local area, close to transport options, schools, shops and other amenities.
‘‘When planning for new homes to be built, we carefully consider the designs so they work well and provide the best outcomes for the people and whānau who will live there, as well as the wider community.’’
Since the Canterbury earthquakes in 2010 and 2011, Kāinga Ora has built 73 new homes in the Waimakariri district.
New projects were under way Kaiapoi and Rangiora to meet the growing demand.
Two large sites in Princess Place and Williams St in Kaiapoi were being redeveloped, with seven large, older houses being replaced with 21 warm and dry homes.
The redevelopment of five sites in Church, Lindon and Tyler streets in Rangiora will lead to another 22 new homes built.
‘‘The brand new homes will replace older homes and be far better suited to the modern lifestyles of our customers,’’ Krause said.
‘‘All of these new homes will come with their own off-street parking and 15 will meet full universal design standards, meaning they can be adapted to be accessible for people of all abilities, at any stage of life.’’
Demolition of the existing buildings, site preparations and construction have begun for some properties, while the majority of the homes are expected to be completed by the third quarter of next year.
‘‘As we progress these redevelopments, we will keep neighbours, the local community and key stakeholders informed with updates on progress,’’ Krause said.
‘‘We’re really looking forward to construction starting and delivering these brand new homes to the Waimakariri community.’’
■ Public interest journalism funded through New Zealand on Air.
Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
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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72.9% We work hard, we deserve a break!
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16.1% Hmm, maybe?
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11% Yes!
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.
Poll: Pedestrian access is being extended to the Ōtakaro Avon River - good idea?
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.
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91% Yes
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9% No
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