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Papanui RSA to close on 8 November

The Papanui RSA has announced it will close, with a final operating date of Saturday 8 November.

Beyond that date the future for the organisation is unclear – that will be a consideration for the RSA’s executive once the wind-up of the current site is complete.

Think Papanui understands there is intent to still host an Anzac Day parade in Papanui in 2026 – stay tuned for news closer to the time.

Local elections: final results & inaugural meetings

The final declaration of results in the local election show a result consistent with the progress results published on 11 October. Victoria Henstock returns as Councillor for Papanui; while two-term deputy chair (and Think Papanui curator) Simon Britten is returned to the Community Board, joined by newcomer Ashleigh Feary.

The Council’s inaugural meeting will take place on Thursday 30 October, and the Community Board’s will be on Thursday 6 November at 4pm in the Papanui boardroom.

With Environment Canterbury (ECan), Papanui has become part of the Christchurch Central/Ōhoko Constituency. ECan Councillors elected in Central are Genevieve Robinson and Nettles Lamont, who will be sworn in at ECan’s first meeting on Wednesday 29 October.

KiwiRail signal fault impacts Papanui crossings

People moving through Papanui were caught up in a KiwiRail signal fault on Tuesday afternoon this week, with barrier arms, lights, and bells activated for an extended period of time at multiple crossings in the area.

KiwiRail has advised Think Papanui that the cause was an overloaded circuit – “Failures in train detection can trigger safety devices at multiple level crossings in the same section, even though no train is approaching“, said Chief Infrastructure Officer Siva Sivapakkiam. “A Signals Technician manually turned off the activations, with Police assisting by directing traffic. The issue was investigated and the fault resolved by 8pm.
KiwiRail reminds the public that trains can appear at any time whether they are expected or not. Trains always have right of way and travel faster than they appear to. Safety is paramount and we strongly encourage road users to follow the signage at level crossings.”

No issues were evident when Think Papanui visited this morning (pic).

Red wind warning for Thursday 23 October 2025

Image credit: Christchurch City Council

🚨RED WIND WARNING🚨 The MetService has issued a Red strong wind warning for 10am-4pm Thursday 23 October, for Christchurch and the Canterbury Plains. Severe gale northwesterlies are forecast, with damaging gusts of 130 km/h in exposed places. The impact of the forecast wind is a threat to life from flying items and falling trees. Destructive winds will cause widespread damage including powerlines and roofs, with dangerous driving conditions and significant disruption to transport and power supply. Christchurch City Council is encouraging residents to:

⚠️Secure items that can be picked up by strong winds. Make sure your outdoor furniture and trampolines are secured.
⚠️Postpone outdoor activities and steer clear of trees in parks and gardens.
⚠️Avoid unnecessary travel from this evening. You may need to consider adjusting any travel plans you have with roads and highways already impacted.

Also:
🦺A total ban on outdoor fires and fireworks is also in force because of the extreme fire risk caused by the next wave of the severe gales. 🦺If you’ve had an outdoor fire recently, check it’s completely out and cold to the touch.
🦺Check on your neighbours and anyone who might need your help. Make sure pets and stock have safe shelter and secure gates and fences to ensure dogs stay on your property or keep them inside your house.
🦺Prepare for possible communication and power outages by charging devices including mobile phones, torches and power banks.
🦺Kerbside collections will take place as normal, but the timing may be affected by the weather conditions.

The next update from the MetService is expected at 9am Wendesday 22 October.

For further information see:
This article from the Council
https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home
https://getready.govt.nz/emergency/storms

Grampian St closure: 13 to 29 October 2025

There’ll be a closure on Grampian Street between Claridges and Cavendish Roads from Monday 13 October to Wednesday 29 October.

Think Papanui understands this is for works associated with the new road connection associated with development south of the Summerset site.

Take care if you’re in the area and watch for changed traffic conditions.

Local elections: progress results

Local election results: progress results show incumbent Victoria Henstock returning as Councillor for Papanui. Two-term deputy chair (and Think Papanui curator) Simon Britten is returned to the Community Board, joined by newcomer Ashleigh Feary. Final results are expected to be declared on Thursday 16 October.