Let's think big picture, infrastructure and the Long Term Plan
Let's think big picture and the Long Term Plan. “This year’s severe weather events really exposed the lack of resilience in our transportation network,” says Infrastructure Committee Chairman Simon Reid. "At the same time, economic conditions are tough and the costs of developing infrastructure have increased dramatically. These factors are shaping our thinking as we prepare the infrastructure budgets for the next 10 years as part of our 2024-2034 Long Term Plan."
🚗 On roading
“Our immediate focus is to invest in renewals and get our infrastructure where it needs to be. We need to get some basics right, like roadside drainage, shaping unsealed roads and making sure our facilities are weather tight. “Tackling outstanding road repairs from the last year will remain a big focus. With plans to fix the most complex slips locked in for the next 2-3 years, work is ramping up already this summer. “We have made significant progress, but some repair work will take time and building more resilient infrastructure is a major focus on for this Long Term Plan,” he said.
📈 Planning for growth
“There’s an opportunity now to make sure we plan well for growth and support development led by others. This includes the Hospital redevelopment and the Whangārei to Ruakākā expressway/rail network, Kāinga Ora housing developments and other significant private developments. “We also need to think about our communities’ growing sport and recreation needs. We’ll be identifying the location and scope of our future Sports Hub to take pressure off existing facilities such as Kensington. “Bream Bay and Northern areas are under growth pressure and some key investments will be required to absorb the growth of these communities now and in future,” said Cr Reid.
🌧 Climate resilience
“We need more focus on our coastal and other communities affected by recent weather events. In this LTP we’ll look at how we protect our City Centre as well as working through resilience plans within different catchments. Our new Coastal Policy will be aimed at working with communities to find sustainable solutions."
🛴 City centre
“In addition to flood protection, a key challenge is to keep our City Centre accessible for everyone. As we see vacant sites developed, we need sufficient parking in the right areas and to implement some of the improvements signalled in our City Centre Plan. In parallel to this, we’ll continue to improve roads to support vehicles and buses that take more passengers. Completing cycle connections will help us achieve the full benefits of our shared path network. Finally, while we won’t be able to do everything, completing key city centre projects, will allow us to connect our Town Basin and city centre together vibrantly to promote economic growth of our City. Affordability is going to be a major consideration as we consult with our wider community in early 2024."
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: 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? 🤔
-
72.5% We work hard, we deserve a break!
-
16.4% Hmm, maybe?
-
11.1% Yes!
SUNDAY XMAS MARKETS AT REYBURN HOUSE
Xmas Markets @ Reyburn House, Town Basin, Whangārei
Get into the festive spirit and join us for two special Christmas Markets at the stunning Reyburn House grounds! Discover unique gifts, handmade crafts, art, delicious treats with over 30 stalls, and plenty of Christmas cheer — perfect for those last-minute presents or a relaxed day out with the whānau.
What: Market Dates & Times
Date: Sunday 14 December 2025 — 9:00am – 2:00pm
Date: Sunday 21 December 2025 — 10:00am – 3:00pm
What to Expect:
- Quality creative handmade arts & crafts
- Delicious Christmas goodies
- Festive atmosphere by the waterfront
- Support local makers & creators
Bring the family, enjoy the sunshine, browse the stalls, and soak up the Christmas vibes right here at the Town Basin. Don't miss your chance to shop local and celebrate the season!
See you at the markets! Support Local
#thewhangareicraftsmarket #reyburnhouse #whangareievents #whangareiloveithere
Loading…
