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Scoop
18 hours ago
- Politics
- Scoop
Farmers Risk Being Cut Off As Bridge Funding Dries Up
Article – David Hill – Local Democracy Reporter Waka Kotahi has announced it will not extend a 30 June sunset clause or offer additional funding for a replacement for a quake damaged bridge at the Waiau Toa Clarence River. Clarence Valley farmers have been left high and dry following a decision not to extend a funding deadline for replacing a quake-damaged bridge north of Kaikōura. Waka Kotahi – the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) – has informed the Kaikōura District Council it will not extend the 30 June sunset clause or offering additional funding for a replacement for the Glen Alton Bridge on Waiau Toa Clarence River, which was destroyed in the 7.8 magnitude earthquake in 2016. Property owners now face an uncertain future, without year-round, all weather access to the valley. Steve and Shirley Millard have been farming in the valley for 13 years, with Mrs Millard commuting to work in Kaikōura. 'It should have been done way before now,' Steve said. 'They said they are looking at other options, but I can't see many.' The Clarence Valley is home to several properties, including forestry blocks, large hill country properties and Department of Conservation land. For now access in and out is via Waipapa Road, Wharekiri Stream and a paper road through several properties. But the Wharekiri Stream is prone to flooding in heavy rain events and can be impassable for up to two weeks. Access is by four-wheel-drive only. Kaikōura District Council chief executive Will Doughty said NZTA's decision is a major setback and left the council with few options. 'The project has had a number of complex issues and stakeholder challenges that, despite best efforts, council has not been able to fully overcome.' The NZTA board approved emergency works funding of $12.6 million from the National Land Transport Programme in 2019 to replace bridge – a 95 percent subsidy, but the project has been beset by challenges. The council initially applied to Environment Canterbury (ECan) for a resource consent to build a $13.5m bridge, 500 metres upstream from the previous bridge. But this was opposed by Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura on cultural grounds. Last year, the council asked its contractor, Contract Structures Ltd, to provide a cost estimate for building a bridge at the original site. Going to the original site will require the council to acquire land for an access road to the new bridge, a process expected to take up to 18 month. The council will leave the local share funding of around $500,000 in the 2025/26 annual plan budget while the next steps are considered, Doughty said. NZTA regional manager central and lower South Island Peter Brown said the agency advised the council in December its application for an extension would likely be declined unless it could provide evidence by 28 February the challenges it faced could be overcome. 'Despite some progress being made on key issues, there remained significant ongoing risks and a lack of a clear path forward.' The NZTA board met last month and declined an extension and a funding increase to $16.5m. 'We understand there will be disappointment over this decision for Clarence Valley residents,' Brown said. 'The prolonged delays and unresolved issues make continued investment in this project untenable.' Brown said NZTA will continue to work with the council to explore what options are available.
Scoop
a day ago
- Business
- Scoop
Farmers Risk Being Cut Off As Bridge Funding Dries Up
Clarence Valley farmers have been left high and dry following a decision not to extend a funding deadline for replacing a quake-damaged bridge north of Kaikōura. Waka Kotahi - the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) - has informed the Kaikōura District Council it will not extend the 30 June sunset clause or offering additional funding for a replacement for the Glen Alton Bridge on Waiau Toa Clarence River, which was destroyed in the 7.8 magnitude earthquake in 2016. Property owners now face an uncertain future, without year-round, all weather access to the valley. Steve and Shirley Millard have been farming in the valley for 13 years, with Mrs Millard commuting to work in Kaikōura. ''It should have been done way before now,'' Steve said. ''They said they are looking at other options, but I can't see many.'' The Clarence Valley is home to several properties, including forestry blocks, large hill country properties and Department of Conservation land. For now access in and out is via Waipapa Road, Wharekiri Stream and a paper road through several properties. But the Wharekiri Stream is prone to flooding in heavy rain events and can be impassable for up to two weeks. Access is by four-wheel-drive only. Kaikōura District Council chief executive Will Doughty said NZTA's decision is a major setback and left the council with few options. ''The project has had a number of complex issues and stakeholder challenges that, despite best efforts, council has not been able to fully overcome.'' The NZTA board approved emergency works funding of $12.6 million from the National Land Transport Programme in 2019 to replace bridge - a 95 percent subsidy, but the project has been beset by challenges. The council initially applied to Environment Canterbury (ECan) for a resource consent to build a $13.5m bridge, 500 metres upstream from the previous bridge. But this was opposed by Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura on cultural grounds. Last year, the council asked its contractor, Contract Structures Ltd, to provide a cost estimate for building a bridge at the original site. Going to the original site will require the council to acquire land for an access road to the new bridge, a process expected to take up to 18 month. The council will leave the local share funding of around $500,000 in the 2025/26 annual plan budget while the next steps are considered, Doughty said. NZTA regional manager central and lower South Island Peter Brown said the agency advised the council in December its application for an extension would likely be declined unless it could provide evidence by 28 February the challenges it faced could be overcome. ''Despite some progress being made on key issues, there remained significant ongoing risks and a lack of a clear path forward.'' The NZTA board met last month and declined an extension and a funding increase to $16.5m. ''We understand there will be disappointment over this decision for Clarence Valley residents,'' Brown said. ''The prolonged delays and unresolved issues make continued investment in this project untenable.'' Brown said NZTA will continue to work with the council to explore what options are available.
Otago Daily Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Canterbury leaders weigh in on bypass toll
Canterbury council leaders have mixed views on the possibility of a toll on the new $1 billion Woodend Bypass in Canterbury. Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey said a toll would be imposed on the bypass, if it is recommended by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (NZTA). ''The Government has said, if NZTA recommends it, we will impose a toll,'' Mr Doocey said. ''We need to look at alternative ways of funding projects like this.'' Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon said he had reservations about a toll on the bypass, but Hurunui District Council chief executive Hamish Dobbie said a toll made sense. "Tolls make sense in other parts of the country, but we aren't used to them down here," Mr Gordon said. Mr Gordon said he made his views known to NZTA board chairperson Simon Bridges when he visited the region earlier this year. Mr Dobbie said it paid to take a longer term view, an opinion shared by Hurunui Mayor Marie Black. "I've always thought the value of the bypass is further north," Mrs Black said. "The Christchurch Northern Corridor has made a big difference for Hurunui residents in getting into Christchurch and to the airport quicker, so I think the Hurunui people will get the benefit of the bypass." Mr Doocey and NZTA staff visited a geotech drill site next to the Cam River State Highway 1 bridge, north Kaiapoi, on Friday, May 30. The 9km stretch of road will provide an extension to the Belfast to Pegasus Motorway and is expected to cost close to $1 billion, around half of Canterbury's $1.8 billion roading budget in the 2024/27 National Land Transport Programme. Mr Doocey, who has been an advocate for the project, said he is excited to see the drilling under way. "It is the next step in building the long overdue bypass.'' NZTA has contracted Tonkin & Taylor for the design and consenting preparation, while Aurecon has been sub-contracted to complete geotech drilling down to 20 metres. Mr Doocey said he was fascinated to see soil samples from different levels, which represents thousands of years of geological history. Tonkin & Taylor project director Chris Perks said the drilling is giving the engineers an understanding of what they are dealing with underground. ''We have the planning, but this allows us to know if any tweaks are required.'' The Cam River SH1 bridge will be strengthened and widened as part of the project, so staff will factor in the size and seismic engineering, Mr Perks said. NZTA regional manager system design Richard Osborne said he is pleased with the progress of the geotech work, which will be completed over the next few months. ''This is looking at how far we need to dig the piles into the ground. ''It is all on track, but you never know what is going to happen when you start digging.'' The first sod turning is expected to happen next year. Mr Osborne said the design includes two flyovers at either end of the bypass, at Pine Acres, north of Kaiapoi, and to replace the Pegasus Roundabout at Ravenswood. Automobile Association Canterbury / West Coast council member Alan Turner said he is pleased to see work progressing. ''I'm chuffed. After spending all that time researching and talking to MPs and NZTA, it was good to see just prior to the election that both main parties committed to the project. ''That was very satisfying. It will obviously be another two to three years before we really see something happening, but it is a start and that's the critical thing.'' Waimakariri Deputy Mayor Neville Atkinson said the Woodend Bypass is an important project for the Waimakariri district. ''It just shows that when we work together with central Government we can achieve things and it will provide a boost to the local economy.'' By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter ■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Scoop
22-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
2025 Budget Provides Welcome Relief For Older Ratepayers
Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) says that yesterday's Budget 2025 announcement of changes to the rates rebate scheme is a win for the community – particularly older people struggling to afford rates. 'This was always expected to be a tight budget due to the current economic conditions, so we're pleased to see the Government has opted to ease the financial pressure on older New Zealanders – many of whom are facing a cost-of-living crisis,' says LGNZ acting chief executive Scott Necklen. 'LGNZ has been advocating for the income threshold for rates rebate eligibility to be raised for low-and fixed-income property owners for some time. As a further step we'd like to see the Government investigate options for data sharing between councils, Internal Affairs and MSD to proactively identify households that qualify for a rates rebate, rather than waiting for people to apply. 'But an expanded rebate and new abatement threshold for SuperGold card holders is a great start.' Scott Necklen says that local and central government are in full agreement that rates cannot keep rising at the level they have been, and that many councils need more funding levers to address pressing infrastructure needs. 'Rates are – and will continue to be – councils' main source of income, and play a vital role in councils being able to meet their community's infrastructure needs. 'It's a welcome relief to see the Government implicitly acknowledging that rates rises are inevitable due to the growing pressure on local government, especially in the face of councils' rising insurance costs, inflation and infrastructure needs. Advertisement - scroll to continue reading 'We acknowledge that Government has already added some tools in our toolkit - such as moving from development contributions to development levies. New tools like this help keep rates at bay. But we need to keep working with the Government on more incentives for councils, so that ratepayers are not disincentivised by housing and wider economic growth,' says Scott Necklen. Scott Necklen also acknowledged several other budget outcomes that will have an effect on local government: Regional Deals: 'While regional deals have been touted by the Government as something that will help unlock funding and resource opportunities to support councils to improve roads, infrastructure and housing in their regions, it's disappointing to see that no funding is available to invest in the initiatives agreed as part of any future deals. If regional deals are to replicate the success of city deals overseas, they will need dedicated government funding.' Transport: 'While it's great to see increased investment in rail and ferry initiatives, we also know there's a real need for widespread investment in our aging transport network. We're disappointed to see some reductions in transport funding. These costs will instead be covered by the National Land Transport Programme (NLTP), which creates additional pressure on the fund and on the transport network. Without additional tools or further funding, as a country we'll have to make tough choices soon around where we defer maintenance and leave it up to future generations.' Recovery works: 'We're happy to see the Government commit extra funding to complete recovery works on local roads affected by the 2023 North Island weather events, as these communities continue to get back on their feet following widespread damage to their roading infrastructure.' Funding to support local journalism: 'We're pleased to see the Government recognises the key role that local journalism plays in telling local stories, while raising transparency and awareness around community issues. This is particularly important for local elections later this year.' LGNZ champions, connects and supports local government. We represent the national interest of councils across New Zealand to deliver more of what matters in their communities. LGNZ is involved in policy, reforms, programmes, and advocacy as well as providing advice, consultancy and training to councils and their staff.
Scoop
22-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Public Transport Woes For Canterbury's Big Growth Areas
It is back to the drawing board on proposed bus services in the Selwyn district as Canterbury's regional council struggles with growing demand and limited funds, chairperson Craig Pauling says. Residents have expressed the need for more public transport in housing growth areas, including Selwyn in Canterbury, but submissions to ECan's 2025/26 annual plan indicated Selwyn residents did not want to pay the proposed targeted rate for it. Meanwhile, nearly $1 billion of Government transport funds has been allocated to a single project, the Woodend Bypass, while just $220m was allocated to public transport. The council also has been under pressure from NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi to increase bus fares, amid a growing demand and a reduction in public transport funding in the 2024/27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP). ECan confirmed last month it will increase the standard adult fare from $2 to $3 in the Greater Christchurch area from July 1. Child and youth fares, and charges for community service and total mobility card holders will also increase. In the annual plan, ECan proposed moving to a two-zone or three-zone fare structure from February next year. Under the proposal, Waimakariri bus users would pay $3 to travel within the Waimakariri district and $4 to travel into Christchurch. The third zone, if adopted, would apply in the Selwyn district to support population growth. Environment Canterbury is proposing an average rates rise of 9.9 percent. The regional council is due to resume its annual plan deliberations on Tuesday, May 27, after receiving more than 740 submissions. The Selwyn District Council received a large number of submissions in last year's Long Term Plan calling for more bus services. But Mr Pauling said without Government funding, it is difficult for the council to fund an extension of bus services to Darfield, Kirwee and West Melton. With Selwyn residents not keen on paying increased targeted rates to establish a third zone, the council will need to look at other option. There is also interest in extending services to Ashburton and Amberley. Before NZTA Waka Kotahi funding could be approved, ECan needed to provide a business case, which could include a trial, and this took time and money. The 2024/27 NLTP allocated $1.8 billion to the Canterbury region, around 5% of the nationwide budget, even though Canterbury is around 13% of the population. The inclusion of proposed housing developments in Waimakariri and Selwyn in the Government's Fast-track Approvals Act could pose a headache for ECan, if these are approved, deputy chairperson Deon Swiggs said. Several proposed developments, such as Ohoka, near Kaiapoi, were outside the designated urban areas in the Greater Christchurch Spatial Plan, which was adopted last year. ''When you get out of sync development, we don't have the planning in place to respond,'' Mr Swiggs said. Bus patronage has returned to pre-earthquake levels, but ECan is struggling to rebuild its bus fleet. Electric buses have been added to the core routes, including the Orbiter, number 3 (Airport to Sumner) and number 7 (Queenspark to Halswell) bus routes to increase bus frequency. ECan is proposing to invest in the number 1 (Rangiora to Cashmere) and number 5 (Rolleston to New Brighton) bus routes, if it gets support from NZTA. LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
