How does Christchurch City Council assess the health of its trees it is responsible for? We use industry best practice for assessing and managing our trees. The Council has a regular maintenance programme for managing its trees which includes an assessment of tree health. When assessing the health of an individual tree, the Council has an…
Author: CCC
Activities in Christchurch to avoid the winter blues
He Puna Taimoana – New Brighton Hot Pools Relax and unwind at the New Brighton Hot Pools! Located just 15 minutes from central city, there’s something for everyone at He Puna Taimoana – from family fun to full relaxation and rejuvenation. Enjoy the stunning ocean views while soaking in five luxurious hot pools. Step into…
Public briefing on increased rates rise
Watch the briefing here. Consultation on the Council’s Draft Annual Plan 2023/24, which proposed an overall average rates increase of 5.68%, ran across March and April. Based on this public feedback, and some new developments which will affect the Council’s spending in the coming year, the new proposed rates increase is 7.88%. Chief Executive Dawn…
Timelapse showcases wetland construction from the ground up
The timelapse from April 2021 to February 2023 taken by contractors Grounds and Services Limited shows a section of Quarry Road Stream in the foreground, with Hoon Hay Basin in the background. Christchurch City Council Acting Head of Three Waters Brent Smith says the next stage of the 109-hectare network of basins and wetlands is…
Survey opens on Park Terrace changes
Christchurch City Council has recently reduced northbound traffic on Park Terrace to one lane and added a separated cycleway so is now looking for feedback on how the changes work for all road users. “The works were installed under a Temporary Traffic Management Plan, however staff will present a report to the Waipapa/Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board…
Christchurch's chlorine roll-out to begin this week
On 9 May Government water regulator Taumata Arowai advised that it intends to decline Christchurch City Council’s first chlorine exemption applications. Chlorine timing Brooklands-Kainga introduced later this week – suburbs impacted Brooklands, Kainga, Spencerville Parklands and Rawhiti introduced week 5 June – suburbs impacted Aranui, Avondale, Bexley, Burwood, Marshland, Mairehau, Parklands, Queespark, New Brighton, North…
First look at the concept design for a new South Library and Service Centre
Damaged in the 2010/2011 earthquakes, the popular community facility has been made safe to occupy with temporary strengthening, but the Council is considering a rebuild that will future-proof the facility for decades to come. Even setting aside the earthquake damage, the South Library and Service Centre building opened in 2003 and is due for an…
Extra time for Responsible Dog Owners to pay registration
Christchurch City Council is sending dog registration reminders out to all dog owners at the same time this year. The annual registration reminder contains a customer number and payment reference needed to process payment. Dog owners with RDO status, who are eligible for a reduced rate, usually receive their reminders in May, with a due…
Library Matariki events to shine a light on Puaka
The Māori New Year is traditionally marked by the rising of the star cluster Matariki. Christchurch City Libraries Kaitakawaenga, Māori Services, Maatakiwi Wakefield says this year, the star Puaka will share focus alongside Matariki in the Christchurch City Libraries’ celebration. “Puaka plays a special role in the South Island, rising three days before the Matariki…
New look for Mobile Library service
“Over recent years the Mobile Library has seen a decline in patronage,” says Christchurch City Council Head of Libraries and Information, Carolyn Robertson. “Our staff have engaged closely with our Mobile Library users and we think a hybrid model is the best way forward to ensure all customers can continue to have free and equitable…
Street trees to grow urban canopy in inner east
The decision to approve the plantings was made by the Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board with funding set aside over two years from the 2022/23 draft Annual Plan. It’s part of a development plan to gradually ‘green the east’ with more trees and walkways, nature play areas, pocket parks and spaces that encourage biodiversity. Hereford Street…
Funding increase for Halswell road extension
Christchurch City Councillors approved the extra funding at last Wednesday’s meeting to cover project escalations and increased KiwiRail costs. Fulton Hogan Limited have been secured as the main contractor. The project will create an improved link from Halswell Junction Road at Foremans Road to Waterloo Road. This will improve safety and the freight network connections…
Multiple factors impact planned Christchurch cycleways
“Since the projects base estimates were established, a number of other factors have driven increased costs. These include KiwiRail interfaces, project delays, contaminated material discovery and increased infrastructure renewals due to poor conditions,” a report to Christchurch City Councillors says. Read the full Finance and Performance Committee report here. The cost of the KiwiRail component…
Residents share views on how the Council’s performing
The annual Residents Survey programme, which finds out what people think about Christchurch City Council services, shows that overall satisfaction has stabilised at 43% in 2022/23 – consistent with last year’s 42%. There have also been some improvements, and dissatisfaction has fallen from 29% to 24%. “While there’s a lot of room for improvement, we’re…
Singapore airlines adding extra summer flights direct to Christchurch
Singapore Airlines has announced a total of an extra 40 flights, flying three times a week from November 19, as well as the daily year-round service. General Manager of Aeronautical Development, Gordon Bevan, says indications suggest passengers will welcome and make good use of the extra flights three times a week. “South Islanders love this…
Contaminated soil to be removed from Edgeware site
Up until the 1960s the site operated as an informal landfill where all sorts of materials, including hazardous waste, were dumped. The contaminated material needs to be removed to ensure the long-term safety of the water supply network. “Testing of the soil that we did as part of our wellhead improvement programme has confirmed the…
Temporary alcohol ban to continue in Woolston Village
The ban was introduced by the Christchurch City Council in December after residents and businesses raised concerns about the negative impact public drinking was having in the area. The current alcohol ban has been found to be effective in creating an improved environment in Woolston Village and the Council has agreed to continue the ban…
Backyard trappers wanted around Christchurch’s red zone
A trap collection day is being held on Tuesday 23 May from 5pm by the Ōtākaro Urban Trapping Project, part of the Richmond Community Garden. “We’ve become a trapping hub for the area and are managing around 30 traps at the moment, but we’ve got a target of getting 100 in backyards by the end…
The Court Theatre on its way up
Christchurch City Council’s Head of Vertical Capital Delivery Darren Moses says this exciting step signals a new milestone in The Court Theatre’s build. “People are going to see real visual progress happening on-site now that the contractors have begun the vertical construction,” Mr Moses says. “The main construction gets underway in May with the delivery…
What's on this weekend in Ōtautahi
NZ Music Month The month of May marks New Zealand Music Month 2023! The purpose of NZ Music Month is to celebrate music from Aotearoa, and the people who make it. There’s a whole heap of epic music happening in and around Canterbury throughout May – find out more here. Christchurch Libraries are celebrating Music…
Big planting season ahead for Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor
The Council’s red zone rangers will team up with community groups and volunteers to plant tens of thousands of natives at Brooker Reserve, Chimera Crescent, Dudley Creek, Richmond Community Garden, Waikakariki-Horseshoe Lake, Dallington, Cedarwood Reserve and Amelia Rogers Reserve. Christchurch City Council’s Residential Red Zone Manager, David Little, is expecting the 2023 OARC planting season…
Next phase of Te Kaha construction about to begin
Te Kaha Project Delivery CEO, David Kennedy, says the $683 million project continues to meet its timeframes and budget, with the major concrete pours expected to be finished next month. “We are very pleased with how the project is tracking, with the major concrete pours due to finish ahead of schedule,” says Mr Kennedy. “There…
Thrills not spills on new pump track
The 2,500m2 track caters for wheels of all kinds, from bikes and scooters to skateboards and even wheelchairs. North Avon Christchurch BMX Club has funded and built the new track on land next to its existing BMX track. The club then gifted the track to the Christchurch City Council which will look after ongoing maintenance. …
The man who managed Lyttelton
Dr Donald (1815 – 1884) was a doctor, surgeon, dentist, immigration officer, returning officer, resident magistrate, coroner, registrar of births, marriages and deaths and a Justice of the Peace. He was an administrator par excellence and prominent in early Lyttelton society, yet he seems to be often overlooked. Head of Libraries and Information Carolyn Robertson…
Tīrama Mai to light up Victoria Square for Matariki
Christchurch City Council Manager of Events and Arts, Lucy Blackmore says there will be around 20 different lighting displays, artworks and interactive installations included in the third annual Tīrama Mai event. “There will be some crowd favourites from previous years, as well as some all-new displays to check out,” says Ms Blackmore. The lighting festival…
Christchurch Councillors outraged to hear chlorine forced into water supply
The remaining 20% of the Christchurch and Banks Peninsula water supply is now required to be chlorinated which will take a number of weeks. Staff are beginning this process from today and it will be the end of the month before the first areas have chlorine reintroduced. “My colleagues and I are outraged to learn of…
Chlorine exemptions: Your questions answered
All public water supply networks must be treated with chlorine unless an exemption is obtained. This signals the start of a shift in the way we manage our water supply across Christchurch and Banks Peninsula. Here, we answer some of the questions you may have about what that means. What exemptions did you apply for?…
Christchurch puts on a weekend of arts
Ako Ōtautahi – Learning City Christchurch This weekend is your last chance to get involved in the Ako Ōtautahi Learning City Christchurch Festival! Free learning activities are happening all across the city and beyond, with a focus on celebrating all things learning. Learn about new plants during a foraging walk, make compost from your food…
Future-proofing Greater Christchurch: consultation opens mid-June on the Draft Spatial Plan
Greater Christchurch has seen rapid growth over the past 15 years and its population is expected to double within the next 60 years, if not earlier. The draft Greater Christchurch Spatial Plan proposes a pathway to ensure that development provides more affordable housing, emissions reduction and climate resilience. It has been developed by the Whakawhanake…
Delays expected on Moorhouse Ave
The bridge sustained damage after being hit by a truck transporting a digger yesterday morning. Subsequent assessments have confirmed the damage to the beam struck by the digger is isolated and largely superficial. A temporary repair has been carried out on the damaged beam which means traffic management underneath the bridge has been removed, turning…