588 days ago

‘Healthy’ response to Waimakariri’s Long Term Plan

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Waimakariri residents have had their say on the long-term plan (LTP) and given councillors plenty to consider.

A council spokesperson said ‘‘a healthy’’ 336 submissions have been received to the 2024-34 LTP, making 1670 submission points.

The council is due to hold hearings on the submissions on May 8, from 9.30am, in the Ruataniwha Kaiapoi Civic Centre and then in the Oxford Town Hall from 3pm.

A second day of hearings will be held in the council chambers in Rangiora the following day from 1pm.

The council has signalled a rates hike of 8.94% this year, which is thought to be the lowest proposed rates rise in Canterbury.

Mayor Dan Gordon said the council was feeling the effects of the cost of living crisis, while continuing to pay off its earthquake recovery and Mainpower Stadium loans.

The district’s population is projected to grow from about 70,000 to 82,075 by 2034, based on Stats NZ’s high growth scenario.

To support that growth, the council is proposing to spend around $693 million over the next 10 years.

Managing the natural environment, flood resilience, community facilities and transport infrastructure were being consulted on.

Key projects include the proposed Rangiora eastern link road, a draft natural environment strategy, the Rangiora Library extension and expansion plans for Mainpower Oval.

Once the hearings have concluded, the council will resume its LLT deliberations on May 21 and 22, before the final adoption in June.

■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

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More messages from your neighbours
6 days ago

Poll: Pedestrian access is being extended to the Ōtakaro Avon River - good idea?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

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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Pedestrian access is being extended to the Ōtakaro Avon River - good idea?
  • 90.2% Yes
    90.2% Complete
  • 9.8% No
    9.8% Complete
82 votes
3 days ago

Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

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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Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
  • 72.3% We work hard, we deserve a break!
    72.3% Complete
  • 16.5% Hmm, maybe?
    16.5% Complete
  • 11.2% Yes!
    11.2% Complete
600 votes
1 day ago

Brain Teaser of the Day 🧠✨ Can You Solve It? 🤔💬

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

How many balls of string does it take to reach the moon?

(Peter from Carterton kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Peter!)

Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!

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