Latest news with #LongTermPlan
Scoop
3 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
‘Easy Win': ECan To Push For Rangiora To Rolleston Commuter Train
Article – David Hill – Local Democracy Reporter Environment Canterbury has voted unanimously to lobby KiwiRail for a passenger rail service from Rangiora to Rolleston. The idea of a commuter train taking passengers from Rangiora and Rolleston into Christchurch is gathering steam, but not everyone is on board. Environment Canterbury (ECan) voted to approach KiwiRail to assist in preparing a business case for a Rangiora to Rolleston passenger rail service. Councillor Joe Davies moved the motion, which was passed unanimously by councillors at a meeting on Tuesday. He said a Rangiora to Rolleston service would be ''an easy win'', compared to the proposed mass rapid transit rail service in Christchurch, as the infrastructure is already in place. ''We can't wait 20 or 30 years, we need it in five to 10 years. ''There's a corridor already in place so there would be significantly lower set up costs compared to the mass rapid transit proposal and this is an opportunity to link Rangiora and Rolleston to the city.'' The proposed route covers 54.7km and links Rolleston and Rangiora with central Christchurch and serves 13 stations. As housing developments have grown, so has the commuting time to the city. Cr Davies said once the service was in place, a mass rapid transit service could be built off it. The service could easily be extended to link with towns like Amberley, Ashburton and Timaru, and into Otago and Southland using existing rail infrastructure. ''Greater Christchurch is the population centre so that's where it needs to start,'' Cr Davies said. Under the proposal, chairperson Craig Pauling, deputy chair Deon Swiggs and Cr Davies will meet with other councils to prepare a position statement before meeting with KiwiRail's board in September. ECan would fund the business case and has set aside funding in year four of the 2024/34 Long Term Plan for a possible rail project. Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon said he is interested in the idea. ''We regularly get submissions from residents who like the idea of rail from Rangiora to Christchurch. ''I will be interested to hear the response from KiwiRail.'' KiwiRail executive general manager passenger, Tracey Goodall, said there is a clear process for considering the viability of passenger rail. ''It starts with the local councils, who understand their communities' public transport needs best, and talking to Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency. ''KiwiRail is happy to provide rail expertise into any business case, including rolling stock (carriage) availability and costs.'' Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey said previous reports have indicated commuter rail on the main trunk line is unworkable due the Addington station not being close to where the majority of people work these days and the lack of a passing lane to accommodate freight. ''Rather than coming up with pie in the sky motions, ECan should focus on reducing rates which have rapidly increased – putting more pressure on ratepayers in a cost-of-living crisis.'' Rail Minister Winston Peters is overseas and unavailable for comment. Opposition transport spokesperson Tangi Utikere said Labour supports the use of rail as ''an environmentally friendly'' option for passengers and freight. ''If a business case provided strong rationale Labour would be open to supporting passenger rail from Rangiora to Rolleston.'' Longtime rail advocate John McCaskey said the service could easily be extended into the Hurunui district. ''Count the number of people travelling in a car on their own. If they could park up at Waipara and take the train you would be on to a winner. ''Waipara is sitting there waiting to be used with the infrastructure and the terminus, and we have the feeder lines from Hawarden and Scargill – everything is still there.'' Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger said he supported looking into any public transport options that would assist the region as it continues to grow. Selwyn Mayor Sam Broughton backed any conversation that advances the potential for a Mass Rapid Transit solution connecting Rolleston, Rangiora and Christchurch City. 'It is important that all MRT options, including rail and other transport modalities, be thoroughly weighed against each other in terms of costs, benefits, and long-term viability. The work on this is currently underway with the Greater Christchurch Partnership (GCP). 'I look forward to Canterbury Regional Council coming back to GCP members with options and intel they gain through their kōrero with KiwiRail. This will help inform our wider thinking about public transport in the region.'
Scoop
3 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
‘Easy Win': ECan To Push For Rangiora To Rolleston Commuter Train
The idea of a commuter train taking passengers from Rangiora and Rolleston into Christchurch is gathering steam, but not everyone is on board. Environment Canterbury (ECan) voted to approach KiwiRail to assist in preparing a business case for a Rangiora to Rolleston passenger rail service. Councillor Joe Davies moved the motion, which was passed unanimously by councillors at a meeting on Tuesday. He said a Rangiora to Rolleston service would be ''an easy win'', compared to the proposed mass rapid transit rail service in Christchurch, as the infrastructure is already in place. ''We can't wait 20 or 30 years, we need it in five to 10 years. ''There's a corridor already in place so there would be significantly lower set up costs compared to the mass rapid transit proposal and this is an opportunity to link Rangiora and Rolleston to the city.'' The proposed route covers 54.7km and links Rolleston and Rangiora with central Christchurch and serves 13 stations. As housing developments have grown, so has the commuting time to the city. Cr Davies said once the service was in place, a mass rapid transit service could be built off it. The service could easily be extended to link with towns like Amberley, Ashburton and Timaru, and into Otago and Southland using existing rail infrastructure. ''Greater Christchurch is the population centre so that's where it needs to start,'' Cr Davies said. Under the proposal, chairperson Craig Pauling, deputy chair Deon Swiggs and Cr Davies will meet with other councils to prepare a position statement before meeting with KiwiRail's board in September. ECan would fund the business case and has set aside funding in year four of the 2024/34 Long Term Plan for a possible rail project. Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon said he is interested in the idea. ''We regularly get submissions from residents who like the idea of rail from Rangiora to Christchurch. ''I will be interested to hear the response from KiwiRail.'' KiwiRail executive general manager passenger, Tracey Goodall, said there is a clear process for considering the viability of passenger rail. ''It starts with the local councils, who understand their communities' public transport needs best, and talking to Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency. ''KiwiRail is happy to provide rail expertise into any business case, including rolling stock (carriage) availability and costs.'' Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey said previous reports have indicated commuter rail on the main trunk line is unworkable due the Addington station not being close to where the majority of people work these days and the lack of a passing lane to accommodate freight. ''Rather than coming up with pie in the sky motions, ECan should focus on reducing rates which have rapidly increased - putting more pressure on ratepayers in a cost-of-living crisis.'' Rail Minister Winston Peters is overseas and unavailable for comment. Opposition transport spokesperson Tangi Utikere said Labour supports the use of rail as ''an environmentally friendly'' option for passengers and freight. ''If a business case provided strong rationale Labour would be open to supporting passenger rail from Rangiora to Rolleston.'' Longtime rail advocate John McCaskey said the service could easily be extended into the Hurunui district. ''Count the number of people travelling in a car on their own. If they could park up at Waipara and take the train you would be on to a winner. ''Waipara is sitting there waiting to be used with the infrastructure and the terminus, and we have the feeder lines from Hawarden and Scargill - everything is still there.'' Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger said he supported looking into any public transport options that would assist the region as it continues to grow. Selwyn Mayor Sam Broughton backed any conversation that advances the potential for a Mass Rapid Transit solution connecting Rolleston, Rangiora and Christchurch City. "It is important that all MRT options, including rail and other transport modalities, be thoroughly weighed against each other in terms of costs, benefits, and long-term viability. The work on this is currently underway with the Greater Christchurch Partnership (GCP). "I look forward to Canterbury Regional Council coming back to GCP members with options and intel they gain through their kōrero with KiwiRail. This will help inform our wider thinking about public transport in the region." LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Scoop
3 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
Rates Rise Trimmed To 5.8% For Canterbury Ratepayers
Canterbury ratepayers are set to get some relief, with the regional council slashing its proposed average rate rise to 5.8 percent. Environment Canterbury consulted on an average rate rise of 9.9 percent, after signalling a rates hike of 15.5 percent in last year's 2024/34 Long Term Plan. But staff found further savings, following cuts to public transport funding, allowing councillors to endorse a revised rate rise of 5.8 percent during annual plan deliberations on Tuesday, May 28. The council has been under pressure from Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency to increase bus fares, with less funding available for public transport. Chairperson Craig Pauling said the annual plan had produced a good outcome for the region. ''I was pleased with council's detailed and good-spirited debate, and our consistent focus on strategic outcomes for Waitaha. ''We don't always get the things we want, and some of the decisions we had to make were unfortunately the result of changing government policies and investment priorities. ''But I feel we've landed in a good place for the region.'' Pauling said public transport, river resilience and biodiversity remained priorities for the council, despite the pressures of the economic climate and changing government policy. The council was forced to rethink its investment in public transport due to reduced funding from central government. As signalled in the consultation, bus fares will increase, with the flat fare trial coming to an end in February next year. Standard adult fares will increase from $2 to $3 from July, with increases for child fares, total mobility card holders and community service card holders. A two-zone fare structure in be introduced in February, with Waimakariri and Selwyn bus users paying $3 to travel within their own own district and $4 to travel into Christchurch. A proposed two-year trial to establish a third zone linking Darfield, Kirwee and West Melton with Rolleston was dropped following submissions. Councillor John Sunckell proposed the council go ahead with the trial, funding $150,000 a year from reserves to reduce the targeted rate. But staff noted it was not eligible for NZTA funding and proposed investigating further support for the Malvern Community Vehicle Trust. The council will meet again on June 25 to adopt the annual plan.
Scoop
3 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
Stratford District Council Rates Increase For 2025/26 Stays On Track From Long Term Plan Forecast
Stratford District Council (SDC) has adopted its Annual Plan 2025/26 with an average rates increase of 6.9%. Chief Executive Sven Hanne says, 'After a period of significant project delivery, as well as significant cost increases across most of our operations as a result of record-high inflation, things are now starting to look a bit more settled, and this is apparent in our annual planning for 2025/26.' 'While there are still some unders and overs in the individual budgets, we're pleased to have been able to maintain the overall rates increase for this Annual Plan at 6.9% as originally forecast in year 2 of the Long Term Plan 2024-2034,' says Sven. The Long Term Plan 2024-34 adopted a streamlined approach to the delivery of council services, in recognition of the strained economic environment and a significant reduction in external funding available to council. The Annual Plan 2025/26 realises that vision, with the next 12 months focused on maintaining existing infrastructure and continuing to replace assets when they come to the end of their life. 'It's about being realistic and prioritising our core service areas,' says Sven. 'Two notable exceptions from this will be the upgrade of Prospero Place, Stratford's town square, and the extension of Council's residential subdivision,' he says. The Prospero Place project has been a few years in the making and is now in full flight with draft plans being share with the community this month, and work expected to begin before the end of the calendar year. The residential subdvision is a continuation of the previous council subdivision off Pembroke Road with 2025/26 focused on preparing the site for the delivery of infrastructure, such as roading, water and wastewater. Progressing the outcome of the Local Water Done Well reforms will also be a key area of attention for SDC staff and elected members alike. Both options being consulted on in May 2025 will require additional work across the 2025/26 year, with financial investment from the following year, 2026/27. Outside of Local Water Done Well, SDC is awaiting the outcomes of the Resource Management Act and changes to the Building Act. These are likely to have a big influence on the way all councils operate in the regulatory space, setting a new direction for the delivery of consenting and building services. As part of the Annual Plan adoption, minor changes were made to the Fees and Charges Schedule across building services, parking, solid waste, and sale and supply of alcohol. The full Fees & Charges schedule is available here. Mayor Neil Volzke says, 'We have a lot to be proud of here, in the Stratford district, and we want to keep that feeling alive. Elected Members will continue to work hard to maintain a balanced and realistic approach that manages the needs and wants of our community against our financial performance. Finding that sweet spot, that we believe will result in positive outcomes for the whole community, is what democracy is all about.' The Annual Plan 2025/26 will come into effect from 1 July 2025. View the full plan online here: How much rates you pay can depend on a number of things like: The value of your property The services your property receives (water supply, wastewater or solid waste collection) How many dwellings are on the property View our sample rates on page 14 and 15 of the Annual Plan 2025/26.
Otago Daily Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Push for Rangiora-Rolleston commuter train
The idea of a commuter train taking passengers from Rangiora and Rolleston into Christchurch is gathering steam, but not everyone is on board. Environment Canterbury (ECan) voted to approach KiwiRail to assist in preparing a business case for a Rangiora to Rolleston passenger rail service. Councillor Joe Davies moved the motion, which was passed unanimously by councillors at a meeting on Tuesday. He said a Rangiora to Rolleston service would be ''an easy win'', compared to the proposed mass rapid transit rail service in Christchurch, as the infrastructure is already in place. ''We can't wait 20 or 30 years, we need it in five to 10 years. ''There's a corridor already in place so there would be significantly lower set up costs compared to the mass rapid transit proposal and this is an opportunity to link Rangiora and Rolleston to the city.'' The proposed route covers 54.7km and links Rolleston and Rangiora with central Christchurch and serves 13 stations. As housing developments have grown, so has the commuting time to the city. Cr Davies said once the service was in place, a mass rapid transit service could be built off it. The service could easily be extended to link with towns like Amberley, Ashburton and Timaru, and into Otago and Southland using existing rail infrastructure. ''Greater Christchurch is the population centre so that's where it needs to start,'' Cr Davies said. Under the proposal, chairperson Craig Pauling, deputy chair Deon Swiggs and Cr Davies will meet with other councils to prepare a position statement before meeting with KiwiRail's board in September. ECan would fund the business case and has set aside funding in year four of the 2024/34 Long Term Plan for a possible rail project. Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon said he is interested in the idea. ''We regularly get submissions from residents who like the idea of rail from Rangiora to Christchurch. ''I will be interested to hear the response from KiwiRail.'' KiwiRail executive general manager passenger, Tracey Goodall, said there is a clear process for considering the viability of passenger rail. ''It starts with the local councils, who understand their communities' public transport needs best, and talking to Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency. ''KiwiRail is happy to provide rail expertise into any business case, including rolling stock (carriage) availability and costs.'' Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey said previous reports have indicated commuter rail on the main trunk line is unworkable due the Addington station not being close to where the majority of people work these days and the lack of a passing lane to accommodate freight. ''Rather than coming up with pie in the sky motions, ECan should focus on reducing rates which have rapidly increased - putting more pressure on ratepayers in a cost-of-living crisis.'' Rail Minister Winston Peters is overseas and unavailable for comment. Opposition transport spokesperson Tangi Utikere said Labour supports the use of rail as ''an environmentally friendly'' option for passengers and freight. ''If a business case provided strong rationale Labour would be open to supporting passenger rail from Rangiora to Rolleston.'' Longtime rail advocate John McCaskey said the service could easily be extended into the Hurunui district. ''Count the number of people travelling in a car on their own. If they could park up at Waipara and take the train you would be on to a winner. ''Waipara is sitting there waiting to be used with the infrastructure and the terminus, and we have the feeder lines from Hawarden and Scargill - everything is still there.'' Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger said he supported looking into any public transport options that would assist the region as it continues to grow. Selwyn Mayor Sam Broughton backed any conversation that advances the potential for a Mass Rapid Transit solution connecting Rolleston, Rangiora and Christchurch City. "It is important that all MRT options, including rail and other transport modalities, be thoroughly weighed against each other in terms of costs, benefits, and long-term viability. The work on this is currently underway with the Greater Christchurch Partnership (GCP). "I look forward to Canterbury Regional Council coming back to GCP members with options and intel they gain through their kōrero with KiwiRail. This will help inform our wider thinking about public transport in the region." By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter ■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
