638 days ago

Extension for Kaiapoi aqua sports park

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

From local democracy reporter David Hill:

Kaiapoi’s proposed aqua sports park is a step closer after the Waimakariri District Council agreed in principle to extend its
memorandum of understanding by up to three years.

It means the WHoW Charitable Trust will have another three years to develop its plan for surf wave, whitewater and cable wakeboard facilities alongside its inflatable play park in the Kaiapoi east regeneration area, to the north of Kaiapoi River.

A revised agreement will now be negotiated between the council and the trust until August 2025, before being brought back to the council for final approval.

The original agreement was signed in August 2020 and was due to expire this month.

‘‘The last two years have been particularly challenging in developing plans for large recreational facilities requiring significant funding under Covid restrictions and difficult economic conditions,’’ acting chief executive Jeff Millward says.

‘‘The council was, however, impressed with the WHoW Trust’s commitment to the concept and the district through progressing the Aqualand NZ project in Courtenay Lake, which successfully trialled at a small scale elements proposed for the Aquasports Park.’’

The trust launched its temporary aqua play park, operated by Kaikanui Aqualand NZ, on Courtenay Lake, to the south of Kaiapoi River, in November under a three-year license to occupy agreement with the council.

Councillors also considered an alternative proposal from the Kaiapoi East Residents’ Association (KERA) for an alternative use of the land.

KERA made a deputation to the Kaiapoi-Tuahiwi Community Board last month requesting a licence to occupy the land to plant the area with pockets of forest, fruit orchards and vegetable patches, as well as creating walk ways and picnic and play areas.

While they resolved not to pursue KERA’s proposal for a license to occupy, councillors requested staff to engage with the residents to identify opportunities for the association to progress its objectives in east Kaiapoi.

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More messages from your neighbours
3 days ago

And the 2024 Prospa Local Business Hero is...

Prospa

A huge congratulations to mother and son duo, Mary and Sam Danielson from The Puketapu Hotel.

The votes for all finalists have been tallied and they have been chosen by Neighbourly members across the country as the Prospa Local Business Hero of 2024.

The Puketapu Hotel was nominated by a local called Margaret and the nomination reads:
'On Feb 14, 2023, Cyclone Gabrielle flooded many of the rural areas. Puketapu Hotel went under perhaps half a meter of water. However, immediately Mary Danielson and her son, Sam Danielson, along with their loyal staff pulled it together to cook copious amounts of food that without electricity would have been wasted. Throughout the years many of us have been treated with a pub gathering where we can reconnect and a free meal. At Christmas there was Santa, games, gifts for kids, donated patchwork for adults, an ice cream truck and lots of camaraderie.
This February on the cyclone anniversary, they again pulled out the stops to give hundreds of us a special night. We are all tired of the cyclone cleanup and they understood that it was needed.'

Such a deserving business and team, well done Mary and Sam. And thank you to all those who voted!

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2 days ago

Poll: What is the smallest size hearing device Triton Hearing offer?

Triton Hearing

Some kiwis think hearing devices are big and ugly.

What if we told you technology has advanced substantially and they’re available in all shapes, colours, and sizes?

Go in the draw to win* a $40 MTA voucher when you share your answer to the
question below. Give it a go!

*T&C’s apply – must be over 18.
Find out more

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What is the smallest size hearing device Triton Hearing offer?
  • 88% a) The size of a pea
    88% Complete
  • 4.6% b) The size of a AAA battery
    4.6% Complete
  • 7.4% c) The size of a $2 coin
    7.4% Complete
326 votes
5 days ago

The Tova Show

Jen from Stuff

Hello! Are you a …
- A student/young professional renting
- A young family, renting or owning
- An older New Zealander/retiree/pensioner

We’re reaching out from the Tova show, the flagship weekly politics podcast on Stuff, as we prepare for our budget coverage and how it’s affecting Kiwis - we’d love to hear from you.

We need a few people who are available the week before the budget (Wednesday 22nd/Thursday 23rd May) and on the day of the announcement (Thursday 30th May).

Please email tova@stuff.co.nz or comment below if you’d like to share your perspective with us. We give you our commitment to treat your experience with sensitivity and care.

Type NFP if you don't wish your comments to be used.

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