New targeted rate mooted for flood-prone Canterbury river
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Some Waimakariri residents may be charged a future targeted rate to help fund flood protection work on a North Canterbury river.
Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon says he is open to an Environment Canterbury (ECan) proposal for an Ashley/Rakahuri River rate to protect Rangiora against flooding.
He said it was time to consider funding river resilience ‘‘on a more equitable basis’’, including co-funding from the Government.
‘‘I look forward to discussing more with ECan what exactly is being proposed and how that would look.
‘‘I think we can all agree that what we have in place currently is not broad enough to cover all of the issues and it is timely to review.’’
There were river rating areas in place for the upper Ashley River, but not for the lower reaches, making it difficult for the two councils to fund river resilience work.
ECan and other regional councils have been advocating for central Government support for river resilience projects for several years.
It led to the ‘Before the Deluge' report, which was released just before Cyclone Gabrielle struck parts of the North Island last year.
The Government recently made funding available as part of its new regional infrastructure fund in Budget 2024.
ECan acting chairperson Craig Pauling said the council had asked for $38 million and so far has received $9.5m.
The initial funding would help with three projects, including upgrades to critical and aged flood management infrastructure across the region to make it more resilient to the changing climate.
Further work on the Rangitata flood resilience programme and projects in South Canterbury will also be funded.
Pauling said the council’s priority was building up the strength of its various catchments, with many of them not already rated.
‘‘It helps us to get on and get it sorted and get those rivers more resilient and communities protected.
‘‘Otherwise it will take us a generation to do it.’’
A targeted rate was introduced for the Selwyn district as part of Environment Canterbury’s 2024-34 Long Term Plan and now the council is looking at other rivers, including the Ashley River.
Pauling said he was hopeful of receiving more funding, with a further $100m still to be allocated.
ECan has also called for a braided river definition to be included in the Government’s legislation to replace the Resource Management Act.
‘‘Because there hasn’t been a definition we have had all sorts of issues come up and it is part of our wider river resilience work,’’ Pauling said.
‘‘The current definition in the RMA is based on a river, but what is a river?
‘‘Some rivers don’t move much, but braided rivers are different and change path a lot and so there needs to be an understanding of where the natural system is.’’
Braided rivers were defined in the previous Labour Government’s Natural and Built Environments Act, which has since been repealed by the National-led Government.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ 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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72.8% We work hard, we deserve a break!
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16.1% Hmm, maybe?
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11.2% Yes!
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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90% Yes
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10% 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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