Think Papanui

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).

As a precaution due to forecast high winds and the proximity of large trees Redwood Library and the adjacent car park will be closed today Thursday 23 October.

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

All creatures great and small (and their human friends) are invited to the annual pet service at St Paul’s Anglican Church, Papanui this Sunday 19 October at 10am. See the flyer for more info.

The annual ‘Spring Fling’ garage sale at St Silas Church in Redwood will run this Saturday 18 October from 8am to 1pm. Books, plants, baking, clothes, and more. EFTPOS and cash sales available. See the flyer for more info.

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 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