Podcasts about christchurch city

A Christchurch City Councillor says their lifeline to the A&P Association isn't a grant.   The board canned this year's A&P Show, saying it would be unwise under its current finances and business model.  The association's now breaking the 100-year lease on its Wigram Road site, with the council paying about a million dollars a hectare to buy the remaining 95 years.   Christchurch City Councillor Sam MacDonald told Mike Hosking the council is putting money into a capital protected fund.  He says the association won't have to come back for handouts due to the interest, adding it's a win-win as council can also use the land.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christchurch Airport has pulled back and put their controversial Tarras airport project on hold. Chief executive Justin Watson announced that all future work on the airport would be delayed, saying more time is needed to examine the overall impact and consult with local and national stakeholders. Christchurch city councillor Yani Johansen suspects short-term financial constrains caused the delay. "We've got massive amounts of things we need to focus on, there are much greater priorities than a new international airport in central Otago." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The fire on Christchurch's Port Hills has continued to spread Wednesday night. On Wednesday evening, Fire and Emergency said it was about 100-hectares in size. But embers, carried by the strong hot northwesterly wind, were sparking new fires. Residents have been evacuated around Early Valley, Worsley Spur, Hoon Hay Valley, and Kennedy's Bush. Firefighters continued ground operations Wednesday night, and helicopters with monsoon buckets have just rejoined the effort are expected to join the operation again on Thursday. A state of local emergency has been declared for the Christchurch City and Selwyn District Councils. Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger spoke to Corin Dann.

The fire raging on Christchurch's Port Hills has spread south into the Selwyn District Council area. It, along with Christchurch City, declared a state of local emergency yesterday to help co-ordinate the response, and to give officials the power to evacuate people or restrict access to affected areas. An evacuation centre has been set up at the Lincoln Community Centre. Selwyn's mayor Sam Broughton spoke to Corin Dann.

Quick actions from firefighters in Christchurch have so far saved properties from being damaged by the 630-hectare blaze in the Port Hills.  The massive effort involves 80 firefighters, 13 helicopters and two planes, with a fire break stretching from Worsleys Spur to Dyers Pass Road.  It's spread to the Adventure Park, with no details yet how badly it's affected.  A state of emergency was declared last night for Christchurch City, including Banks Peninsula and the Selwyn District, and about 80 properties have been evacuated.  Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger told John MacDonald that they will get through this.  He praised the professionalism of the emergency responders, saying that the power given to them by the state of emergency allows them to make effective decisions on the fly.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A gang clash at Christchurch Hospital's Emergency Department is being investigated.  Police were called just after 8pm yesterday, with reports of an altercation between four Mongrel Mob members or associates. One person was assaulted, and another taken into custody. City Councillor Aaron Keown says it speaks to a wider community issue. "With our growing gang situation that needs to be knocked on the head, I look forward to the Government enforcing the no-patches issue. Certainly in hospitals, you shouldn't be allowed to colour up or patch up when you come in." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Humming along, with a host of events, eateries, and community markets, Christchurch might just be the place to be this summer.    From Motorsport to the Foo Fighters to New Year's in the park, the city is open for business for everyone.  As popularity soars, the region has seen an enormous influx of people, taking in about 1,500 a month in the year to June.   Mayor Phil Mauger told Tim Dower that Christchurch is starting to become a mini-Melbourne.   He says they have the river, the tram, the eateries, and little laneways which are drawing people, especially from Auckland and Wellington, to live there.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger has reached out to call for a ceasefire in Gaza. In a letter written to the President of the global network Mayors For Peace, Mauger said he recognises a state's obligation to defend itself from aggression, but condemned the massacre of innocents. Christchurch City Councillor Yani Johanson says the Mayors For Peace has an extensive global reach and could work together to address the ongoing conflict. "All of us are seeing what is very a disturbing and horrific humanitarian situation in Gaza, and we've also seen the extraordinary loss of innocent civilian lives- I think it's important to do what we can." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christchurch City Council is warning cutbacks and hard decisions will have to be made to avoid significant increases to rates. Mayor Phil Mauger says the council's 'up a creek' financially, and cuts to libraries and swimming pools are on the cards in order to avoid an 18 percent rate rise. Christchurch City Councillor Jake McLellan says the situation is a challenging one. "We're obviously subject to the same pressures that every organisation is, but I certainly don't want to see libraries or swimming pools closed and I'm going to be working hard to make sure that doesn't happen." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger is back from his sister-city trips and joined John in studio today for his regular catch up.   They discussed the trip and benefits that came from it, as well as the reason rates are looking to increase so drastically.   They also touched on just what is going on with the city's speed limits.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Christchurch City Councillor is firmly against new city speed limits. The Council's 'Draft Safer Speed Plan' includes a reduction to 30 kilometres an hour in residential areas - and 50 on roads like Blenheim Road and Memorial Avenue. Its Transport Operations Manager, Stephen Wright, says the evidence shows safer speeds save lives. Councillor Aaron Keown disagrees. He claims there's no evidence lower speeds save lives. "Since 'Road to Zero' started in 2019, the road toll's slightly up. We've spent billions and done a lot of advertising and lowered a whole lot of speeds- and haven't put a dent in the road toll." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Protecting live music venues is taking on a new urgency in Christchurch, with the popular 12 Bar announcing it will close at the end of the month. With people flocking back to live in the central city after the earthquakes, there have been more complaints about noise from entertainment venues. But the local music scene says positive changes are in the works, so residents and live venues can live in harmony. Niva Chittock reports.

Belief Labour could have to revise its housing density plans in line with National, after the opposition's U-turn on a bipartisan housing deal. National says it'll let councils opt out of the high density policy, even though it helped design the legislation. Megan Woods wrote to National on Saturday- just before it abandoned the 2021 agreement. Christchurch City Councillor Sam MacDonald says Labour will have to back down. He says given the policy is so unpopular and the polls are so tight, Labour won't have a choice. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christchurch City Mayor, Phil Mauger joined John MacDonald in studio to discuss the failed attempt to gain chlorine exemption for Christchurch water. Has he 'reined in' his staff yet following his comments about the Rolleston Ave cycle way on Monday? And will subsiding e-bikes really be a game changer for the environment? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are claims that Christchurch City Council is anti-car, following concerns over carpark access at Christchurch Hospital. Figures released to Newstalk ZB reveal that the biggest money-makers for parking fines are all around the hospital. The Hagley Oval carpark —one of the biggest earners— provided more than 108-thousand dollars in fines in the last financial year. Councillor Aaron Keown says that the council pushed back on an idea which would've seen 100 temporary parks added to Hagley Park. He says a hospital is needed by people in cars, that people don't give birth while riding the bus or bike. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Corinne Haines is the current Christchurch City Missioner - or CEO of the City Mission.  Corinne is a successful business leader, a wife and mother, a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, and a generous and caring person.   We talk about her journey into business and then leading in business, particularly through adversity such as the Christchurch Earthquakes and an office fire that came soon after. We talk about how her journey has taken her to the Ministry of Defence and the regeneration of Christchurch, and then we discuss her current role as City Missioner, what that entails, and what she's learnt along the way.   For more on the Christchurch City Mission check out citymission.org.nz    To support Manny and Sarah's quest for a mobility vehicle, as mentioned in the episode, head to my give-a-little page   ___ Connect with me at downtoearthconversations.com or at Facebook: facebook.com/downtoearth.conversations  Instagram: @downtoearth.conversations Email: downtoearth.conversations@gmail.com  

In 2016, Cate Kearney became the first employee of the Ōtautahi Community Housing Trust, a social landlord and community housing provider established by Christchurch City Council. The Trust has 50 employees and manages 2,500 homes across Christchurch City and Banks Peninsula. Most recently, the Trust has been working with Naylor Love, a construction company, to develop a new typology of housing that is energy efficient, resilient, and beautiful. The first homes in this typology were completed in 2020, and the Trust is already planning to replicate the design in future developments. In this episode, you will learn the following: 1. How can we build better quality homes that will last longer and be more affordable in the long run? 2. How do community housing providers support tenants with mental health and addiction issues? 3. How can we ensure that everyone can access beautiful, well-designed homes?

My guest today is one of our authors Nadine Rajeh in the book “The Impact of One Voice,” a book collaboration where authors share their voice, story, and message. Nadine's chapter is called, “Impossible Dreams!”    About my Guest My guest today is Nadine Rajeh, coach for parents and teens, an engineer, an author, and a mom of four, and an unconventional Lebanese-Kiwi who doesn't put limits on her heart's callings.  She provides heart-centered coaching for families worldwide, to help teens overcome stress and distractions, navigate challenges, and build confidence and self-motivation. Nadine also works closely with moms to help them handle parenting triggers and build genuine connection with their kids.   Nadine lives in Christchurch City, New Zealand, with her husband and four kids. She's a Chartered Fire Engineer with more than fifteen years of experience. She also writes books for children and teens and is building an indie publishing house with a vision of bringing diverse and empowering stories to the world. Nadine is passionate about the power of youth, imagination, and big dreams. She believes that building a brighter future for the planet starts with empowering our young generations."    Freebie:   "Free Webinar Replay: Handling Study Battles with your Middle Schooler or High Schooler" Freebie Link: https://mailchi.mp/1d1300f61eac/middle-school-high-school-study-battles   Social Media: Facebook -     https://www.facebook.com/nadine.rajeh Instagram -    https://www.instagram.com/nadine.rajeh     About the Host: Arvee Robinson is The Master Speaker Trainer, public speaking coach, international speaker, 3time best selling author, and author of Speak Up, Get Clients. She teaches business owners and entrepreneurs how to use public speaking as a marketing strategy so they can attract more clients, generate unlimited leads, grow their business, and make a difference with their words. Arvee has trained over 5,000 individuals, given over 3,500 speeches around the world and has shared the stage with speaking giants, such as Mark Victor Hansen, Les Brown, Brian Tracy, Tommy Hopkins, Loral Langemeier, Sharon Lechter, and many more. Arvee is the top “How to” trainer in public speaking today. She offers speech coaching, speaker training workshops, and public speaking mastermind programs. Her programs will grow your business and make you money for the rest of your life.   For more public speaking tips and public speaking skills, visit https://arveerobinson.com or attend her next LIVE event: http://Milliondollarspeakersummit.com   Follow Arvee Robinson on Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arveerobinson/fanpage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arveerobinson  LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/arveerobinson Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/arveerobinson  YouTube: Arvee Robinson Get a copy of my book, "Speak Up, Get Clients" on Amazon: http://bit.ly/speakupgetclientsbook  Also available on most audio platforms and apps.   For all links go to: https://linktr.ee/ArveeRobinson See you on the next episode of The Million Dollar Speaker Podcast. Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!   Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.   Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

They're going to have to work with us, because this won't go away. This from Christchurch City Councillor Sam MacDonald after the Government appointed a mediator to work with the council on its housing intensification plan. It comes after the council defied the Government's requirements to put in place new density rules. MacDonald says they've got several issues with the proposal. He explained they just want the ability to have local input and say in this plan, and hopefully that's what this mediator can actually do. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in Christchurch and Dunedin, an influx of cruise ship passengers have been opting to catch the bus into town, as opposed to the more costly private shuttle. Christchurch City councillor is expressing concerns about how these tourists are impacting the Christchurch locals, as more people are crowding onto the buses. Public transport in Christchurch is already impacted by staffing shortages, and Sarah Templeton is concerned more people in the mix will get in the way of the locals using the busses to commute to work. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cruise ships are back in our ports, but concerns have been raised in Christchurch and Dunedin over visitors clogging up public buses and potentially spreading Covid 19. Many cruise liners visiting here are struggling with Covid cases - a ship which just spent two weeks in New Zealand ended its tour with 800 cases on board. Christchurch City councillor Sara Templeton says there aren't enough public buses to meet cruise ship demand and she believes some locals are choosing not to travel because of overcrowding and fears cruise ship passengers may be spreading Covid. She tells Kathryn believes cruise companies should be providing transport for their passengers.

Sara Templeton was one of five Christchurch City councillors for voted yes to the housing intensification changes that will see up to three properties on one section be build without needing consent.  Sara spoke to John MacDonald today on Newstalk ZB Canterbury Mornings to explain why she voted that way and the rationale behind her decision.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christchurch councillors have given what they describe as the proverbial finger to the Government over housing intensification plans. They've voted against the Government's directive for new standards which would allow up to three homes of three storeys each on most sections in the city. The issue they now have, while sending a strong message, is the Government can bowl through with it anyway by appointing a commissioner to force through the changes.  Christchurch City Councillor Aaron Keown joined Mike Hosking. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christchurch City Council has recently decided to vote against the Government's new housing intensification plans. The Council voted against changing their current planning rules, as opposed to letting the Government have free reign over house restructuring.  According to City Councillor Sam MacDonald, "This is another one where we've had very limited local input, so I think it's symbolic in a certain sense. That actually we're saying no, this isn't good enough, you need to start listening to local government and democracy." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A white supremacist jailed two years ago for sharing a video of the Christchurch terror attacks wants to be on the board of nearby school. The principal of Te Aratai College, or what used to be Linwood College, has confirmed Philip Arps has put his name forward for one of five trustee positions. Christchurch City councillor for the Heathcote ward, Sarah Templeton, has children at the school. She spoke to Corin Dann.

Timaru's mayor says he'll poll his council on whether the town should pay towards Christchurch's newly green-lit stadium, but he's pretty sure he knows the answer already - no. It has been suggested other Canterbury councils could kick in to help Christchurch City cover the cost with National MP Gerry Brownlee floating the idea of a contribution based on population size. So Checkpoint pulled out an old hat and called Timaru Mayor Nigel Bowen to see if he had some coins for the cause.

Today on Newstalk ZB Canterbury Mornings John MacDonald spoke to Christchurch City mayoral candidates, Phil Mauger and David Meates.With the future stadium being a major issues for residents, MacDonald asked their position on whether we should go forward, pause or stop the project.He also raised the question about Christchurch potentially becoming a super city, amalgamating with Waimakariri and Selwyn, and asked them the reasons why they felt they would make a good mayor for New Zealand's second largest city.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We like to look at things from different perspectives here at Today FM - today it's a city divided over a stadium. The cost of Christchurch’s new multi-use arena has blown out to 683 million dollars - 150 million more than budgeted. The new price tag - thanks largely to supply chain disruptions - leaves three options... Commit the extra cash and the stadium’s open in 2026 Scale it back with fewer seats and an open roof - saving money but drawing out the design process And the final option… hit pause and hope prices come back down We’re speaking to two Christchurch City councilors with different views on how to solve the stadium saga. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Something quite extraordinary happened yesterday.With 10 Christchurch City councillors writing to the head of Environment Canterbury regional council, asking her to get the mayors of Christchurch, Selwyn, Waimakariri, Ashburton and Hurunui into a room to talk about putting money on the table for the new Christchurch stadium, Te Kaha.By the way: are we still calling it the ‘new' stadium - or is it time we started calling it the ‘beleaguered' stadium. We can't be far off calling it that, can we?We've been talking about it for 11 years but there's nothing to show for all the talk - other than a big piece of empty land in the centre of town.And today there's more talking, with city councillors meeting to decide the next steps in this whole torturous process - which is consulting the public on whether it should put another $150 million of ratepayer money into the stadium after last week's budget blowout announcement; or scale back the design to keep it in budget; or put the whole thing on hold for a bit.But what was extraordinary about yesterday, was that - even before today's meeting - we had ten councillors taking it on themselves to get negotiations underway with the other local councils about having some skin in the game.This is something the mayor and deputy mayor should have done months, if not years, ago. But obviously these ten councillors are so frustrated that they've gone to ECan themselves and asked it to get all the councils in a room together.And they've done it without involving the mayor and the deputy mayor.If you want to know who these councillors are: they are Sam MacDonald (who we'll be talking to shortly), Jake McLellan, James Gough, Phil Mauger, Aaron Keown, Pauline Cotter, Yani Johanson, Tim Scandrett, Jimmy Chen and Catherine Chu.And let's not kid ourselves that these councillors are doing this solely for the benefit of the community. All but two of them are seeking re-election later this year, so we could easily make gags about them “grandstanding” and playing “political football” with the stadium issue.And I see that some of the councillors who didn't put their name to the letter are saying that their colleagues are jumping the gun because Lianne Dalziel has a meeting lined up with ECan next week. But these ten want all the councils brought into the tent.As they absolutely should be. There is no way Selwyn, Waimakariri, Hurunui and Ashburton should get away with putting nothing into the stadium.The other thing these ten councillors want ECan to do - as well as bringing the councils together to talk turkey - is to introduce a regional rate or regional tax to cover some of the costs of building the stadium.So that would mean any property owner living within ECan's area of jurisdiction - which is north of the Waitaki River up to the Clarence River, just up from Kaikoura and inland to the boundary with the West Coast.Anyone who owns a property within that ECan boundary would pay a compulsory regional tax to help pay for the stadium.This sort of thing was done to help pay for Forsyth Barr stadium in Dunedin and the Caketin in Wellington - so it's not unheard of, and I think it's a brilliant idea.Because, let's face it, Waimakariri, Selwyn, Hurunui and Ashburton aren't going to commit money overnight, are they? We've already had one of the mayors in the news this week saying “ooh, we'd have to talk to our ratepayers before we made any sort of commitment”.Which has election year written all over it, doesn't it?If ECan just went ahead and introduced a regional tax for the stadium, we'd be on much firmer ground financially, and the Christchurch City Council could box on and get things underway.You may have seen in the news too that even if it decided to scale-back the design to keep it within budget, the extra design work that would have to be done would cost an extra $30 million anyway. This is in a report that's been done by council staff for councillors.So it's looking more and more,...

A popular Christchurch park has reopened after an extensive investigation, prompted by the death of a dog that got suddenly ill after visiting. The owner of a two and half year old lab posted on social media that her dog became sick after walking at the Groynes dog Park. She believes he ingested some form of poison. That prompted Christchurch City council to take a closer look. Its head of Parks Andrew Rutledge speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6307177536112

A Christchurch City councillor says it's unlikely the work to build Christchurch's new stadium will stop, despite a significant cost blowout. The council has revealed costs could increase by up to $150 million, reaching a price of $673 million. It's now up to locals to have their say on whether the project should go ahead, be scaled back or halted. Christchurch City Councillor Jake McLellan spoke to Corin Dann.

Locals living in the stench in Christchurch's Bromley feel a bit ripped off by the council's financial aid. Christchurch City council is promising to spend a million dollars to give some relief to the thousands of residents living there. It works out to be $200 per household. Tessa Guest has been gauging reaction.

A public meeting has been held for Bromley residents to confront the Christchurch City council about the foul smell hanging over their suburb. The smell is coming from the council's damaged wastewater plant and has been described as vomit-inducing. Bromley resident Vickie Walker was at the meeting, and spoke to Corin Dann about it.

I've got that old saying about the left hand not knowing what the right hand is doing in my head today.And it's why I think we need to seriously consider creating a Super City by merging the Christchurch, Selwyn and Waimakariri councils.I've thought this for some time and I'm thinking about it again today for a couple of reasons.The first, is the uproar in Lincoln over this new housing development - 1700 new houses.The Carter Family is behind it. They want to increase the number of houses in the Lincoln area by more than 50 percent and chew up a huge chunk of farmland in the process.So a truckload more houses and people, in an area with one high school and one medical centre which is already full and not taking on any new patients.And this is why people already living in Lincoln aren't happy about it.This is where the ‘left hand not knowing what the right hand is doing' comes into it.You may have heard about the Greater Christchurch Partnership. This is a group that all of the councils have an involvement with - plus all the usual agencies like Christchurch NZ. And its job is to think about the long-term growth and development of the Greater Christchurch area over the next 30 years.How the population is going to grow, where all the extra people are going to live. All that stuff.Now this proposed development at Lincoln is in an area outside the Greater Christchurch Partnership's urban boundary, so it's going to be up to the Selwyn District Council and only the Selwyn District Council to decide whether this thing goes ahead or not.Which is nuts, especially when you've got the Christchurch City Council competing with Selwyn - and Waimakariri too for that matter - trying to get more people to come and live in the central city in Christchurch. Left hand-right hand. Working in isolation.The other reason I'm thinking about merging the three councils and creating a new Super City council is the new stadium, Te Kaha.As we know, it's looking like the Christchurch City Council is going to have to come up with a truckload more money - possibly as much as $50 million.The Government isn't interested in putting more into it. So the Council's going to have to front up, if it wants the thing to become reality.Surely, it would be in a much better position if the rating bases of Christchurch, Selwyn and Waimakaritri were brought into one big pot by merging them all into one?We've heard this week from some people living in Selwyn and Waimakariri who don't think their rates money should be going into the stadium - so you can bet your bottom dollar that some of their local councillors won't be voting in favour of that. Because, as we know, politicians get spooked about brassing people off - especially when there's an election on the horizon.So get all the councils under one roof and that wouldn't be an issue. It's a no-brainer, as far as I'm concerned.The Auckland Super City brought together seven city and district councils, and the regional council.There was a bit of noise when it happened nearly 12 years ago. But I think over time it's shown that it can work.Auckland these days has a mayor and 20 councillors. Christchurch city has a mayor and 15 councillors. Waimakariri has a mayor and 10 councillors and Selwyn has a mayor and 11 councillors.So Auckland, a mayor and 20 councillors. Greater Christchurch - three mayors and 36 councillors. A bit over the top for the size of the place, don't you think? I think so.Here in Canterbury, there were once all manner of borough councils - but they were swallowed up over time. Another amalgamation we've had here happened in 2006 when Banks Peninsula council joined up with Christchurch City.The issue then was that Banks Peninsula didn't have a big enough population to get the rates it needed to operate properly. Selwyn and Waimakariri don't have that problem - they've grown massively since the earthquakes.But all of these people are still coming in and out of Christchurch city....

I've got that old saying about the left hand not knowing what the right hand is doing in my head today.And it's why I think we need to seriously consider creating a Super City by merging the Christchurch, Selwyn and Waimakariri councils.I've thought this for some time and I'm thinking about it again today for a couple of reasons.The first, is the uproar in Lincoln over this new housing development - 1700 new houses.The Carter Family is behind it. They want to increase the number of houses in the Lincoln area by more than 50 percent and chew up a huge chunk of farmland in the process.So a truckload more houses and people, in an area with one high school and one medical centre which is already full and not taking on any new patients.And this is why people already living in Lincoln aren't happy about it.This is where the ‘left hand not knowing what the right hand is doing' comes into it.You may have heard about the Greater Christchurch Partnership. This is a group that all of the councils have an involvement with - plus all the usual agencies like Christchurch NZ. And its job is to think about the long-term growth and development of the Greater Christchurch area over the next 30 years.How the population is going to grow, where all the extra people are going to live. All that stuff.Now this proposed development at Lincoln is in an area outside the Greater Christchurch Partnership's urban boundary, so it's going to be up to the Selwyn District Council and only the Selwyn District Council to decide whether this thing goes ahead or not.Which is nuts, especially when you've got the Christchurch City Council competing with Selwyn - and Waimakariri too for that matter - trying to get more people to come and live in the central city in Christchurch. Left hand-right hand. Working in isolation.The other reason I'm thinking about merging the three councils and creating a new Super City council is the new stadium, Te Kaha.As we know, it's looking like the Christchurch City Council is going to have to come up with a truckload more money - possibly as much as $50 million.The Government isn't interested in putting more into it. So the Council's going to have to front up, if it wants the thing to become reality.Surely, it would be in a much better position if the rating bases of Christchurch, Selwyn and Waimakaritri were brought into one big pot by merging them all into one?We've heard this week from some people living in Selwyn and Waimakariri who don't think their rates money should be going into the stadium - so you can bet your bottom dollar that some of their local councillors won't be voting in favour of that. Because, as we know, politicians get spooked about brassing people off - especially when there's an election on the horizon.So get all the councils under one roof and that wouldn't be an issue. It's a no-brainer, as far as I'm concerned.The Auckland Super City brought together seven city and district councils, and the regional council.There was a bit of noise when it happened nearly 12 years ago. But I think over time it's shown that it can work.Auckland these days has a mayor and 20 councillors. Christchurch city has a mayor and 15 councillors. Waimakariri has a mayor and 10 councillors and Selwyn has a mayor and 11 councillors.So Auckland, a mayor and 20 councillors. Greater Christchurch - three mayors and 36 councillors. A bit over the top for the size of the place, don't you think? I think so.Here in Canterbury, there were once all manner of borough councils - but they were swallowed up over time. Another amalgamation we've had here happened in 2006 when Banks Peninsula council joined up with Christchurch City.The issue then was that Banks Peninsula didn't have a big enough population to get the rates it needed to operate properly. Selwyn and Waimakariri don't have that problem - they've...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some building companies are fed up with long waiting times for inspections. There's a seven-week delay to get routine on-site building inspections from the Christchurch City Council. These are inspections needed in order for builders to move forward in their work.  Home Trends Building director Peter de Gouw says it's not unique to Christchurch but it's particularly bad there. He told Mike Hosking the hold-up is due to many issues. de Gouw says there are major problems within the whole consenting and inspection process - with the average home needing 11 to 15 inspections during the build.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some building companies are fed up with long waiting times for inspections. There's a seven-week delay to get routine on-site building inspections from the Christchurch City Council. These are inspections needed in order for builders to move forward in their work.  Home Trends Building director Peter de Gouw says it's not unique to Christchurch but it's particularly bad there. He told Mike Hosking the hold-up is due to many issues. de Gouw says there are major problems within the whole consenting and inspection process - with the average home needing 11 to 15 inspections during the build.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you're in Christchurch, you'll now need a resource consent to rent out accommodation through Airbnb or any other online booking platforms.The consent won't expire once you've got it, but to get it will cost at least $1000.Airbnb don't like it and are calling the move the most restrictive and outdated home sharing laws in Australasia.Christchurch City Councillor Mike Davidson joined Andrew Dickens.LISTEN ABOVE

If you're in Christchurch, you'll now need a resource consent to rent out accommodation through Airbnb or any other online booking platforms.The consent won't expire once you've got it, but to get it will cost at least $1000.Airbnb don't like it and are calling the move the most restrictive and outdated home sharing laws in Australasia.Christchurch City Councillor Mike Davidson joined Andrew Dickens.LISTEN ABOVE

The Christchurch City councillor subject to online harassment last year hopes more women can learn from her case. Councillor Sara Templeton applied to the district court under the Harmful Communications Act to unmask the social media profiles harassing her online. She wants people to know there is a free legal service available if they believe they are being harassed. She spoke to Susie Ferguson.

Time to pay up - Christchurch City Council is chasing anti-mandate, anti-government protestors for $50,000 for costs incurred during rallies in the city. In a series of invoices the council has billed the local branch of the Freedoms and Rights Coalition, which is linked to Brian Tamaki's Destiny Church, for the cost of traffic control. But so far no one has paid up. Christchurch City councillor Jake McLellan talks to Lisa Owen.

The All Blacks are set to return to Christchurch to play for the first time in six years. The team will play Argentina at Orangetheory Stadium this winter. City Councillor Aaron Keown told Andrew Dickens despite the team playing in a smaller venue than usual – there will be no shortage of excitement. “And I'll tell you what, our 20-odd-thousand that we have down here will sound like 100 thousand when our boys run out.” LISTEN ABOVE 

In this converation with the Christchurch City Missioner Matthew Mark, we find out about his background and motivations as well as the work they do with the homeless and others in need.  That is a lot more people than you might think.   Matthew also shares about his own background and why this work is so important to him, and how we can support what they do.   Christchurch City Mission: Christchurch City Mission  For more interviews visit www.theseeds.nz 

It's been a restless night for Cantabrians, with torrential rain having caused slips, flooded properties and a handful of evacuations. More than 100 millimetres of rain has fallen over the past 24 hours, which is roughly three times the normal rainfall for the entire month of December. A handful of people were evacuated in Le Bons Bay on Banks Peninsula, where a stream burst its banks. Sewers are full to the brim in Christchurch City, causing wastewater to overflow in low lying parts of Shirley, Aranui and Heathcote Valley. Christchurch Deputy Mayor Andrew Turner and councillor for the Banks Peninsula ward spoke to Susie Ferguson.

It's been a restless night for Cantabrians, with torrential rain having caused slips, flooded properties and a handful of evacuations. More than 100 millimetres of rain has fallen over the past 24 hours, which is roughly three times the normal rainfall for the entire month of December. A handful of people were evacuated in Le Bons Bay on Banks Peninsula, where a stream burst its banks. Sewers are full to the brim in Christchurch City, causing wastewater to overflow in low lying parts of Shirley, Aranui and Heathcote Valley. Christchurch Deputy Mayor Andrew Turner and councillor for the Banks Peninsula ward spoke to Susie Ferguson.

Christchurch city councillor, Phil Mauger, has just purchased a 150-thousand-dollar hydrogen powered SUV. But he's a got a problem.  There's nowhere in the entire South Island where he's able to fill it up. And the kilometres left on it are ticking down.   Phil Mauger joined Heather du Plessis-Allan.  “This is exciting technology for New Zealand, I always like to be at the front of something different. This is not a replacement for EV's, it's an alternative and it compliments EV's.” LISTEN ABOVE 

Christchurch city councillor, Phil Mauger, has just purchased a 150-thousand-dollar hydrogen powered SUV. But he's a got a problem.  There's nowhere in the entire South Island where he's able to fill it up. And the kilometres left on it are ticking down.   Phil Mauger joined Heather du Plessis-Allan.  “This is exciting technology for New Zealand, I always like to be at the front of something different. This is not a replacement for EV's, it's an alternative and it compliments EV's.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pasifika let down by Christchurch City council over new stadium build; NZ government fleshes out its Pacific Resilience strategy; War, law and the environment: how humanitarian law can apply to Pacific states.

Firefighters are still on site at Christchurch's main wastewater treatment plant, which caught fire yesterday afternoon. The fire was contained last night, but at its peak, 50 fightfighters were at the scene trying to bring it under control, and a health warning was issued for the smoke. The wastewater treatment plant serves all of Christchurch City, but officials say it is still operating at its usual capacity. Fire and Emergency's incident commander Dave Berry spoke to Susie Ferguson.

Relief and anger were the dominant emotions in Christchurch today. Relief because the city hasn't been plunged back into lockdown after two new Covid cases were revealed this morning. Locations of interest were only revealed just before three this afternoon, and spread across the city including supermarkets, petrol stations and takeaway shops.   But anger because it took until three o'clock this afternoon to find out about any potential locations of interest.  Sam MacDonald is a Christchurch City councillor and he joined Heather du Plessis-Allan along with Dr Apisalome Talemaitoga who is a GP in Manukau, Auckland and shares the councillors frustrations at the lack of information being provided. LISTEN ABOVE 

Christchurch City Councillors are dismayed following the Government's Three Waters Reform announcement this morning. Sam MacDonald and Phil Mauger told Newstalk ZB Canterbury Mornings they're dismayed at the lack of consultation and consideration given to local councils.  Their calls of concern were backed by a media release sent from Mayor Lianne Dalziel's office following the news. LISTEN ABOVE 

Following the Mayors comments today on the show about five Christchurch City councillors calling for Nanaia Mahuta to resign her local government portfolio as "pot shots from the side", Sam MacDonald, who is one of those councillors, called Canterbury Mornings to discuss why he felt they had to make a stand. LISTEN ABOVE 

Today on our weekly chat with Christchurch mayor, Lianne Dalziel, John MacDonald asked how the mayor felt about five Christchurch City councillors calling for Nanaia Mahuta to resign her local government portfolio over the Three Waters reform. He also asked about coastal issues in Christchurch and how the Council is going to tackle rising sea levels going forward.  LISTEN ABOVE  

The Christchurch Mayor is nervous about how the city will pay for an upsized multi-use arena, but believes it is what residents want. Christchurch City council yesterday backtracked on a decision to downsize the soon to be constructed arena, to 25 thousand seats, and thereby stick within budget. The council says it will add the $50 million to the budget - bringing it to more than $500 million. But as Rachel Graham reports, it is not entirely sure where that money will come from.

Christchurch city councillors will vote again on Thursday over the city's new multi-million dollar stadium. They thought they had decided last month to cut the number of seats to prevent a budget blowout. But new figures from council staff estimate it would be cheaper than earlier thought to keep the original seating plan. Kim Moodie reports.

In this episode of Taxpayer Talk, Jordan is joined first by Mayor Lianne Dalziel and then by Councillor James Gough for two contrary accounts of Christchurch City's LTP, rates and debt. Support the show (http://www.taxpayers.org.nz/donate)

A Christchurch City councillor has rejected the idea of councillors being given special mental health support.It comes after Wellington City councillor Simon Woolf called for a organisation to give counselling to city council members.He said the job was high pressure and opened up about his struggles with mental health.But Aaron Keown told Heather du Plessis-Allan stress is just part of the job."It is pretty tough and you're going to cope abuse from the public and you're going to cope abuse from the people you're working with because that is the nature"You are making decisions on their behalf. Some people are not going to like them and they are going to tell you about it."He says giving councillors such support would be unfair."The front line staff in supermarkets we heard about last week getting abuse, I don't hear them calling for counselling."LISTEN ABOVE

A review that found a charitable trust guilty of high costs and a lack of transparency has been labelled "strange and ridiculous". The chair of the Christchurch Foundation made the comments as he faced a grilling from Christchurch City councillors today. Conan Young was there.

A Christchurch City councillor is horrified a busy road might reduce from four lanes to two to allow cycle lanesAaron Keown is against narrowing Harewood Road, as part of a planned Wheels to Wings cycleway through Papanui, Bishopdale and Harewood, costing more than $20 million.Keown told Chris Lynch it will hurt businesses, as there will be fewer car parks.He says there's been no feedback that this makes sense - and it will reduce traffic flow.Keown says the community should have stronger input in cycle lanes first.Listen above.

Fire crews in Christchurch are battling a substantial fire on the hillside in the Hillsborough area.Appliances from across Christchurch, including Governors Bay have been called in to help. A Christchurch City command unit has also been set up on Port Hills Road.A Port Hills resident near the scene of this evening's scrub fire says the blaze appears to be getting smaller.Witnesses told Marcus Lush the fire is about a kilometre in width and there are a lot of crews fighting the flames, and that there are houses in the vicinity.Can you tell us more? Get in touch here or email news@newstalkzb.co.nz.LISTEN ABOVE

Let's go stuff ourselves silly at the fabulous covered market located in the heart of Christchurch City. The Riverside Market is a post-quake endeavour that has brought life and interest into the city and is definitely somewhere to visit whether you're a visitor from overseas or simply a local looking for a good feed in a setting that is both lively and interesting.

As many of you may already know, Christchurch City is known as The Garden City and Hagley Park has a lot to do with that! Today we're going to explore what this fabulous green-space has to offer and how we locals like to make the most of it. There'll also be a special mention of its particular charms now that winter is turning to spring.

The Christchurch City mission has spent almost $20,000 on food support because of lock down.That's up from a couple of hundred dollars a week, because donations have dried up.Christchurch City Missioner Matthew Mark told Chris Lynch it's tricky to ask in a time like this because so many people are struggling but they need donations.

Thanks to DisBeer N Distress over on Twitter, we're talking about a complex question: "Who saw a chicken shit an egg and thought; 'Ouu, that looks like a good breakfast food'". So join us as we perform the greatest sketch we've ever written for the show. Great, now that you're reading the full podcast description, I have a huge load of sparrow eggs I need to sell. Don't ask me where they came from. Know anywhere I can sell sparrow eggs to at a high price? What do you mean illegal? What do you mean dubious? If you're going to be like that, I'm not gonna give you my sparrow eggs - you can gather your own from the sparrow sanctuary here in Christchurch City.

Christchurch City has a hidden secret...the buses don't arrive on time. Waffles and Mario embark on a journey to discover the mysteries of the metro service. Talking about mysteries - you ever hear about the moon landing being fake? I mean, there are no stars in the photos and who held the camera when Neil Armstrong was "walking on the moon"? Oh? What? Sorry, I've just been advised I'm a fucking idiot - carry on.

Councils are focusing on maintaining essential services in the face of a Covid-19 lockdown.Most libraries, art galleries, swimming pools and sport and recreation centres are closed around the country.Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel told Chris Lynch services like water and transport are critical.Dalziel says Christchurch City Council has an isolated control room with only essential staff allowed in to ensure services continue.

In this episode, we discuss the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand's latest monthly update. 10 out of 17 regions reached record house prices, and the median house price in New Zealand was up $22.5K up on last month, to a record high of $630K. This is fantastic news for property investors and owners of property, as it means they will have more wealth in their portfolios on average. There is also good news because Auckland City and Christchurch City also achieved record prices, even as the regions have been relatively sluggish over that period. All up this is good news for the property market as we head into 2020.

This is a panel discussion held as part of Impact Week at the end of September 2019 where we looked at what makes Christchurch unique today, how the earthquakes, shootings and fires have shaped that identity and given it an international profile, what we love about living here and what potential there to really embrace being a true City of Impact.  The panellists were: Bridget Williams, of Bead & Proceed (a former Seeds guest) Tim Loftus, of ChristchurchNZ Abdigani Ali, of Canterbury Resilience Foundation (a former Seeds guest) Steven Moe, Partner at Parry Field Lawyers and Seeds Podcast host This is the 137th episode.  For more visit www.theseeds.nz Thanks to Parry Field for the use of the venue and for the photo Safe Wongsunopparat and for recording video of the session too.  And a shout out to the many people who contributed their views during the panel Q&A period.    

Incumbent city councillor Sara Tempelton told Chris Lynch the council has actually done quite a lot. She called into the show and read out a long list of the council's achievements. Listen above.

Christmas is just around the corner, we hear that phrase every year at this time, and it is.But is it Christmas or is it happy holidays? Does the word Christmas have to be denigrated, abolished, replaced by other words because Christmas contains the word, Christ? These days, in what governments have decreed is a secular society, it's no longer appropriate. Helen Clark spent most of her prime ministership drumming that message in.Religion has no place in the business of the state, except to most of us who grew up with Christmas as the most magical exciting time of the year and something to look forward to all year as we ploughed our way through the three terms of school.Many resent the interference of the state in our celebration of Christmas, and the interference of the social engineers who would have us celebrate happy holidays, send greetings cards, enjoy the festive season, have a piece of festive cake, and go to the local Santa parade, not Christmas parade.It's parade season, and in most towns now it's the Santa Parade and Father Christmas is Santa Claus.In Auckland, the Council funding organisation ATEED is withdrawing public funding for the parade, which has been running every November for 85 years. Its long-term Destination Auckland 2025 Strategy aims to grow tourism and the local economy in a sustainable way.It says the Farmers' Santa parade no longer fits and is not a big driver of domestic tourism into Auckland.General manager of Destination, Steve Armitage says the Chinese lantern festival and the Diwali festival have programmes of activity sustained for a week or so and are more promotable and likelier to attract more visitors.In the 2016/17 financial year, those two festivals attracted 1450 and 2810 bed nights respectively. The Parade is no longer a priority event.Which is very sad for a city whose vibrancy and community spirit are enhanced by the parade, which attracts hundreds of thousands of families, of parents and their kids, into the usually virtually deserted CBD and lights up the faces of onlookers with delight, as they watch a colourful array of favourite characters, marching groups, bands, clowns, floats of every description, and of course Santa in his sleigh, the most identifiable icon of them all.  The grinches who would deny us Christmas, say it would offend those who subscribe to religions other than Christian ones in our new multicultural society. That's their excuse for shutting down the word Christmas, but their true agenda is that they themselves have decided Christmas is no longer an appropriate word and would have us wish each other Happy Holidays rather than Merry Christmas. People from those other religions and cultures phone me on talkback and tell me they are not at all offended. They are offended by the accusation that they are offended. They themselves take their kids to the parade to witness this Western heritage spectacle, just as we transpire welcome to participate in the lantern festival and Diwali.Steve Armitage says the Pride Parade is another example of an event seeing solid growth in terms of attracting visitors from outside of Auckland. But that parade is now in chaos and its future in doubt.He says the Santa parade runs for just a few hours on one day of the year and the mayor and council are looking for alternative revenue streams, to reduce the dependency on ratepayers.The parade this year was facing a $100,000 operating loss. Last year's loss was $78,000.That's despite the support of several sponsors and more than a 1000 volunteers.It's not only Auckland that has parade problems, Christchurch City councillors are also reportedly confused as to why a Santa parade was not classed as a major event and supported by that city's events agency.Do councils, known for spending millions on feasibility studies and expensive decorative mirrors and screens in libraries and heaven knows what, have some social responsibility to help foster such an...

Chris Lynch spoke to Christchurch City Missioner Matthew Mark who says the organisation  has seen an almost 40% increase in demand for food parcels over the past year as people struggle to keep up with the cost of living.

Christchurch City council-owned Citycare posted its first ever loss for the year to June 30, 2018.Despite this loss it has been reported that Citycare chief executive Onno Mulder's base salary rose 5 per cent from $547,000 to $575,000 in 2018.City Councillor Raf Manji told Chris Lynch we need to change the way we approach pay and reduce the inequality between CEO's and people at the bottom end of the pay scale.

The Christchurch City council’s multicultural subcommittee has asked staff to look into the potential of offering women-only swimming sessions at particular times, so women of other cultures can feel comfortable swimming.City Councillor Glenn Livingstone spoke to Chris Lynch about why he thinks it's a good idea for Muslim women in particular to be allowed the chance to swim without men in the pool. 

Christchurch City mayor Lianne Dalziel has her weekly catch up with  Newstalk ZB's Chris Lynch.

Blood & Water Synopsis: Kenny speaks with Alison Keast from the NZ Blood Service about the vital lifeline that donating blood provides, and then to Dr Alistair Humphrey, Canterbury Medical Officer of Health about the upcoming water chlorination in Christchurch City.   Guests: Alison Keast, Dr Alistair Humphrey

Chris Lynch spoke to Christchurch City Councillor Yani Johanson for his thoughts on Council's decision to temporarily chlorinate Christchurch's water supply.

Chris Lynch spoke to Christchurch City Councillor Yani Johanson for his thoughts on Council's decision to temporarily chlorinate Christchurch's water supply.

Chris Lynch speaks with Human Rights Lawyer Michael Bott about the implications of creating by laws to stop begging in Christchurch City.

Chris Lynch speaks with Human Rights Lawyer Michael Bott about the implications of creating by laws to stop begging in Christchurch City.