Community engagement in the Papanui Ward in Christchurch, New Zealand
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.
Last days to vote in the Council elections! After Tuesday 7 October, completed voting papers should be delivered to a vote bin (not posted) to ensure they are received before the close of voting at noon this Saturday 11 October.
If you are not on the parliamentary roll, for example, you have just turned 18 years of age, or have moved, you must enrol by Friday 10 October in order to then cast a special vote.
See the link in the Council’s Facebook post or click through for more information:
https://ccc.govt.nz/the-council/how-the-council-works/council-elections/voting
Gambia and Perry Streets will be closed on Wednesday 15 October for road resurfacing work. Note that this date may shift or extend by a few days depending on weather and site conditions. Take care if you’re in the area and be alert for changed traffic conditions.
A 30km/h speed limit along the Nor’West Arc Cycleway was consulted in 2021 and approved by the Council in 2022, but now cannot be implemented due to rule changes by central government.
New 30km/h limits are no longer allowed on urban streets, so the Council is proposing to change the speed limit on Aorangi Road, part of Condell Avenue, and Matsons Avenue from the current 50km/h to 40km/h to make it safer for people walking and cycling on these streets.
The decision on whether or not to approve the speed limit changes for these streets will not have any impact on the construction of the cycleway. Construction work began in January 2025. The work is being completed in three stages, with all expected to be complete by mid-2026.
Click through for more information and an online consultation form. Consultation closes on 31 October 2025:
https://letstalk.ccc.govt.nz/nor-west-arc-cycleway-speed-limit-changes
On 11 September 2025, the Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board:
This was the last meeting of the board prior to the 2025 local government election.
Click through to read the full minutes:
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2025/09/PCBCC_20250911_MIN_9141_AT_WEB.htm
Windermere Road will be closed this Saturday 27 September 2025 for resurfacing work. The work is expected to be completed in the one day, although the start of the work could shift depending on weather conditions. Detours will be in place and vehicle access to properties may be impacted at times, but footpath access will remain open. Take care if you’re in the area and watch for changed traffic conditions.
The Great Stash Swap is coming to Papanui Library on Sunday 21 September from 11am to 2pm. Find new homes for your unwanted craft supplies or pick up some new stuff. Bring along your unwanted fabric, haberdashery, buttons, wool, lace, trims, paints, brushes, zips, needles, card, stamps, in fact any surplus crafting supplies. Then choose what you want to take away. No cash involved, everyone welcome. See the Facebook event or Library website for more information.
Videos featuring candidates in the upcoming local election have been published online by Christchurch City Council in a new initiative. All candidates for Mayor, Council, and Community board were offered the opportunity to film a short video, answering the same set of election-related questions. The videos have been published on the Council’s website alongside candidates’ profile statements.
See the Council’s Newsline article here, or to head directly to the page with information on candidates standing in Papanui Ward follow this link:
https://ccc.govt.nz/the-council/how-the-council-works/council-elections/2025-candidates/papanui-ward-candidates-2025
Further to last week’s reporting, the Council has confirmed that truck movements associated with housing development in the Cranford Basin are expected to average 4 large truck/trailer combinations in and 4 out per hour during alternate busy weeks. Think Papanui understands that movements have been more frequent than this at times. Staff have also advised that an update on progress with alternative development access off Cranford Street will be provided at the end of this current week.
In other news the Council has clarified that truck movements will take place between 7am-5pm Monday to Saturday (days of operation had previously been unspecified), but that to keep the shared path safe for all users, “truck movements and access to the site are now restricted during busy times — including school start and finish periods“.
Follow this link for more information and to sign up to receive the latest news on the project direct from the Council.
In this election, those enrolled in Papanui Ward get two votes for Community Board members. What does a Community Board do? See this Council Newsline article for an explanation by outgoing board chair, and 12-year Papanui representative, Emma Norrish.