Waimakariri District Council

11/06/2026

Why should you care about the Head Start Pathway?

Because any future changes to local government in Canterbury could affect how decisions are made for Waimakariri: the services you use, how your community is represented, and how local priorities are heard.

The Government has released its Head Start Pathway framework, which sets out a process for the disestablishment of regional councils and the creation of unitary councils through amalgamation.

Your feedback will help Council understand what matters most to our Waimakariri residents as we consider what position to take.

You can read more and have your say here:
https://letstalk.waimakariri.govt.nz/head-start-pathway

You can also come along to one of our community drop-in sessions:

📍 Council Chambers, Rangiora
24 June, 6.00pm–8.00pm

📍 Ruataniwha Centre, Kaiapoi
30 June, 6.00pm–8.00pm

📍 Oxford Jaycee Hall, Oxford
1 July, 6.00pm–8.00pm

Consultation closes 5 July.

10/06/2026

A quick heads up before Sunday evening 📱

The nationwide Emergency Mobile Alert test will happen this Sunday 14 June, between 6–7pm.

The alert will sound loudly on capable phones and SIM-connected devices - even if they’re on silent. That’s intentional, so alerts can get your attention in a real emergency.

This is only a test, but it’s a good chance to check your emergency plan at home.

More details below 👇

📱 Nationwide EMA Test – What to Expect

A nationwide Emergency Mobile Alert (EMA) test will take place on Sunday 14 June between 6–7pm. 📢

👉 The alert will be sent to all capable mobile phones and other SIM‑connected devices (like smart watches with an activated SIM card) across Canterbury and New Zealand.

The alert will make a loud, siren-like sound -even if your phone is on silent. This is intentional, so it can get your attention in a real emergency. Switching to flight mode or turning off your device is the only sure way to stop the sound of the alert.

👉 You can mute the sound by pressing the volume button once the alert comes through.

These annual tests are an important way to make sure the system works and can reach people when it matters most.

Some emergency events don’t allow enough time for an official warning to be sent. If you feel your life is in danger, do not wait for an Emergency Mobile Alert and take immediate action.

Answers to some common questions about Emergency Mobile Alerts are available on the Get Ready website at getready.govt.nz/ema/troubleshooting

A form is available for people to provide feedback on the test at research.net/r/EMA-feedback

05/06/2026

Today marked the official opening of our housing for the elderly units at Courtenay Drive, Kaiapoi 🎀✂️

Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon, MP for Waimakariri Hon. Matt Doocey, and Chair of the Kaiapoi-Tuahiwi Community Board, Jackie Watson, had the honour of cutting the ribbon, joined by invited guests including Waimakariri District Councillors, Community Board members, staff, tenants, contractors and key partners.

Mayor Dan Gordon said for more than 65 years, Waimakariri District Council has supported older residents through our Housing for the Elderly service 🏘️

"This development at Courtenay Drive is a clear example of what can be achieved when local and central government, funders, and delivery partners work together with a shared purpose.

"We are especially grateful to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and the Rātā Foundation for their support, which helped unlock this former red zone land and turn it into a place of wellbeing and opportunity."

Thanks were also extended to the Taumata from Ngāi Tūāhuriri Rūnanga for their karakia and presence at the ceremony.

Six tenants have now moved into their new units with 11 more set to pick up their keys next week 🔑

"To the new residents who will soon move in—welcome. This is your home and your community, and we hope it brings you comfort, connection, and a real sense of belonging," said Mayor Gordon.

05/06/2026

🚸 A safer school run is coming soon

New variable speed limits will be rolled out around schools across Waimakariri over the next few weeks, helping make pick-up and drop-off times safer for kids, families and school communities.

The new signs will be installed across the District by 1 July 2026, now that co-funding from NZTA has been confirmed.

What this means:
➡️ Most schools in built-up urban areas will have a 30km/h variable speed limit during school travel times
➡️ Some schools in more rural areas will have variable limits of up to 60km/h, depending on the local road and risk
➡️ Speeds will be lower where children are being dropped off or picked up

The changes follow strong community support, with 84.3% of survey respondents supporting slower speeds near schools.

Mayor Dan Gordon says reducing speeds during busy school times is a sensible way to lower the risk of crashes affecting young people.

Please keep an eye out for the new signs as they’re installed, and take extra care around schools — especially at pick-up and drop-off times.

Read the full story 👉 https://www.waimakariri.govt.nz/council/news-and-information/2026/05/a-safer-school-run-coming-soon

04/06/2026

🚨 Community Preparedness Exercise – Saturday 6 June

If you’re in Waikuku, Kairaki, Pines or Woodend Beach this Saturday, you may notice New Zealand Red Cross volunteers and vehicles in the area.

From 8.30am to 4.30pm, Red Cross Disaster Welfare and Support Team volunteers will be carrying out a planned emergency preparedness exercise.

As part of this, volunteers may visit some homes to share practical emergency preparedness information and chat with community members about simple ways households can be better prepared.

What to expect:
✅ Red Cross volunteers and vehicles in the area
✅ Volunteers wearing Red Cross uniforms and identification
✅ Optional conversations about emergency preparedness
✅ Information you can take away

More information 👉 https://ow.ly/YSbH50Z6utm

03/06/2026

📢 Have Your Say on the Future of Local Government in our region

The Government has released its Head Start Pathway framework, which sets out a process for the disestablishment of regional councils and the creation of unitary councils through amalgamation.

We want to hear what Waimakariri residents think.

Take a few minutes to learn more and share your views through our Let's Talk page: https://letstalk.waimakariri.govt.nz/head-start-pathway

We've also taken the extra step of emailing and writing to all ratepayers, so keep an eye on your inbox and letterbox for more information.

You can also come along to one of our community drop-in sessions, where you'll be able to talk with elected members and staff, ask questions, and find out more about the consultation:

📍 Council Chambers, Rangiora – 24 June, 6.00pm–8.00pm
📍 Ruataniwha Centre, Kaiapoi – 30 June, 6.00pm–8.00pm
📍 Oxford Jaycee Hall, Oxford – 1 July, 6.00pm–8.00pm

Consultation closes on 5 July.

Visit our Let's Talk page today and make sure your voice is heard!

02/06/2026

UPDATE -The owner is coming to pick him up 😊

🐾 Lost Dog Alert 🐾

This male American Staffy mix was picked up on Saturday and is now safe with us.

📞 If you recognise him or know where he belongs, please get in touch with our friendly Customer Services Team on 0800 965 468.

Please share this post to help us reunite him with his home – thanks for your support! 🙏

02/06/2026

🔋 Got used household batteries sitting in a drawer?

There’s now a new battery drop-off point in Kaiapoi to help make recycling easier (and keep batteries out of kerbside rubbish bins and bags 🫣)

You’ll find it just inside the rear entrance of Ruataniwha Civic Centre / Kaiapoi Library.

In the past two years, four battery-related fires have been recorded in our kerbside collection service and at waste facilities — including one in a collection truck.

You can drop off unwanted and undamaged household batteries for free, from button cells through to power hand-tool batteries.

A quick reminder:
✅ Tape any exposed battery terminals before dropping them off
✅ Only place undamaged household batteries in the unit
❌ Car batteries, large batteries, damaged or leaking batteries, gas bottles, chemicals, paints and other hazardous waste need to go to Southbrook or Oxford Transfer Stations

Read the full story: https://ow.ly/jGLE50Z4y8l

31/05/2026

🎖 King’s Birthday Honours 2026 🎖

On behalf of Mayor Dan Gordon and the Waimakariri District Council, we extend our warmest congratulations to the local recipients named in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours:
• Neville Thomas ATKINSON
• Charles Robert NORRISH (Bob)

A special mention also to Ms Jennifer Margaret HUGHEY (Jenny) for her work alongside Council as Chair of Environment Canterbury.

We are incredibly proud to see members of our Waimakariri communities recognised for their outstanding service and contributions. Their achievements reflect the strength, spirit, and generosity that make our district such a special place to live.

Mayor Dan Gordon says:
"It’s a privilege to have witnessed first-hand the passion and dedication of our local recipients over many years, and to be able to celebrate them and this much deserved accolade.

"Thank you for your years of service — it’s a real honour to see people from our district acknowledged in this way."

👏 Learn more about our deserving local recipients here➡️ https://ow.ly/S6Jj50Z5Xwt