Roger Gordon, Cambridge NZ

Just finished a wonderful birthday. Just thought I would share my birthday present from my family. Now it may not suit all of you out there who wear different colours on their arms - but it means heaps to me! And also brings back heaps of heat memories.

A couple of photos from today’s Anzac Dawn and Civic Ceremonies. The largest turnout I can remember. Makes me proud to live in this wonderful town

Great 10km walk today. Following Cambridge landmarks!
Home to Gaslight Theatre, to Velodrome, via Hamilton Road to Resthaven, via Vogel to Trotting Club, via Taylor to Hautapu Rugby, via Victoria to BNZ Corner, via Duke past Cambridge Primary to Bryce street and onto Slpha to Gaslight and return home. 97 mins so need to lose 7 mins! Great day for it!

UK and Europe 2023. Decided to try China Eastern. Planes were fine and service was OK but no wine on board and limited to one can of beer on a 12 hour flight!. Buy - hey - its only a method of getting from A to B. Shanghai airport is massive, but surprised at the number of vacant retail units - Covid strikes again! Fabulous to be at John and Haylie's in Brixton. Catching up with two fabulous grandies but Ollie is taking a little while to warm up. Love Brixton, always have. Weather is superb.

What a great night for Cambridge Business last night at the Waipa Networks Business Awards at Mystery Creek Events Centre. Particularly (as a Rotarian) watching my Rotarian colleagues picking up the Waste Minimisation Environmental Award. They also received a highly commended for the Community Contribution Award. I was knocked out with the winner of the Supreme Award Treadlite NZ Ltd. I never realised such an achieving company was right here in Cambridge based in Carter's Flat.

I’m impressed with the presentation material developed by the Waipa District Council for Consultation on the Waipa District Spatial Plan. More information on this important plan can be found on the Council website - waipadc.govt.nz and type Ahu Ake into the search box

Really saddened to hear that the Chateau Tongariro is going to close. In 1973, my first job with the Tourist Hotel Corporation was as Maitre d' of the Ruapehu Room. We lived there for nearly three years. We were there for the eruptions of Ruapehu and Ngaruhoe in 1974, scary stuff. But some great memories of a grand hotel.

Thank you to those Cambridge residents that supported my election for a second term on Waipa District Council. We were sworn in last week at Te Manawa O Matariki, Karapiri. I am looking forward to a challenging three years ahead. Many thanks to Mary Anne and The Cambridge News for the photos of the ceremony.

FEAR MONGERING ABOUT THE BRIDGE
A front page article in the media about ‘Promises, Promises” about candidates seeking acceleration for the building of a third bridge over the Waikato may have slightly missed the main point of the debate. Any questions or comments by candidates about cost, budgets and affordability for the building of the bridge during the next Council triennium are fear mongering. In Council’s own words “Yes. The Waipā Transport Strategy confirms a third bridge for Cambridge will be needed in the long term. However, the exact timing will depend on growth, changes in land use, and when the high-level bridge (Victoria Street bridge) is retired from motor traffic use.”
So ‘if?’ we should build another bridge is not the question, ‘where?’ and ‘when?’ it will be built are! However, the main priority at this time is to determine ‘where?’ the bridge should be built. The answer to this question will mean we can begin to design the layout of a future transport network to enable the effective and efficient movement of people and freight around a growing Cambridge.
Council has committed to a project ‘Cambridge Connections’ which will identify, amongst other transport network influencers, where the preferred designated location and transport corridor for the bridge will be. The report deadline for this project is June ’23. I’m fortunate to have been chosen as one of two Cambridge Councillors to be included in the Stakeholder Group for that project. The money for this project ($300,000) is already established within Council reserves so the commitment to ‘Cambridge Connections’ will have no effect on the rating model for next year.

The Bridge Discussion
At the GreyPower Meet The Candidates meeting yesterday the question of the Third Bridge dominated the questions. There was a lot said about Cambridge Connections, the study to identify the site of the third river crossing. To avoid confusion this is the detail on that study.
The Project Implementation Plan was presented to, and passed by, the Council Service Delivery Committee on 20th August 2022. The plan is a public document and is available on the WDC website as part of the agenda for that Service Delivery Committee
The accompanying paper identified
“The purpose of this project is to complete a business case which will identify options and determines the preferred location for a new bridge that delivers the most benefits and least environmental impacts. The business case is entitled ‘Cambridge Connections’ – Our Future Transport Plan, to make it less technical and support later community engagement. The business case will include an assessment of the Cambridge transport network and the function of the surrounding roads and intersections to ensure they continue to function effectively into the future. The outcome of the business case will be to confirm the problems and opportunities, identify a range of alternatives and options and identify a preferred work programme moving forward. The work completed will confirm a programme of transport measures that can be delivered over the short, medium and long-term. The business case will follow the Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Strategy business case approach to ensure any future funding opportunities are maximised. The work will also consider initiatives to encourage mode shift towards walking, cycling (and other wheeling) and passenger transport to reduce transport emissions and meet national climate change targets.”
The objectives of the project were also identified as
• ”Provides an evidence-based approach with agreed problems and opportunities for Cambridge’s transport network.
• Delivers a suite of measures that best achieves the benefits and outcomes identified in the business case. These include identifying options and determining the preferred location for a third bridge and other road transport improvements needed to ensure Cambridge continues to function effectively in the future.
• Considers the role of all transport modes to encourage mode shift towards walking, cycling (and other wheeling) and passenger transport to meet our climate change obligations and national targets.
• Confirms a recommended programme of transport measures that could be delivered over the short, medium and long-term.”
The project leader is Rachael Elgar. The commencement date is July 2022 and the completion date is July 2023. The Project Stakeholder Group is comprised representatives from:
“Waipā District Planning Team; Ahu Ake (Waipā Community Spatial Plan); Waipā District Urban Mobility Project; Councillors (2-3 representing Cambridge community interests); Iwi and Mana whenua representatives; Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency; Waikato Regional Council Regional Transport Planning and rail and public transport; Road transport association/trucking industry; Cambridge Chamber of Commerce/or commercial interest groups; Cambridge Community Board; Wider Cambridge Residents”
The Councillors selected to sit on the Project Stakeholder Group are Liz Stolwyk, Roger Gordon, Clare St Pierre.

FACTS ON THE BRIDGE DEBATE
As the debate on bridges and cross river traffic heats up, I thought I would share some of the facts of the current traffic and growth stats. People can make up their own mind.
The 2018 BECA Bridge Capacity report stated that “the traffic volume across the Victoria Street Bridge is effectively at capacity” it also states that the Fergusion Bridge has “an expected single lane capacity of 1,045 vehicles per hour per direction”. The single lane capacity southbound for the Victoria Bridge (High Level) for the two hour PM peak is estimated at about 1,500 vehicles (Northbound is higher as it is not constricted by the roundabout) . The single lane capacity for the Ferguson Bridge (Low Level) for the two hour AM or PM peak is estimated at 2,090 vehicles. The capacity on the Victoria Bridge (High Level) is constricted by the Pope Terrace roundabout and is likely to reduce further as traffic exiting the bridge has to give way to Pope Terrace/Cook Street traffic.
Traffic counts were conducted on both bridges in 2022. The working week AM peak time is 7.00 AM to 9.00 am and the PM peak time is 3.00 pm to 6.00 pm (3 hours).
Over the Victoria Bridge, the actual daily average 2022 working week traffic count over the 2 hour AM peak northbound is 1,424 or 95% of capacity; the 2 hour PM peak southbound was 1,361 or 90% of capacity.
Over the Ferguson Bridge, the actual daily average 2022 working week traffic count over the 2 hour AM Peak northbound is 1,716 or 82% of capacity and the PM peak southbound was 1,626 or 78% of capacity.
Council uses the Waikato Regional Transportation Model (WRTM) to predict traffic growth in the District between the years 2021 to 2051. 2021 Waipa District Transport Strategy was based on the predictions in the WRTM.
The WRTM indicated the 2021, 2 hour PM peak volume southbound on the High Level Bridge (Victoria) was 1,678 vehicles (this is above the capacity of the bridge) with a predicted growth by 2051 of 238 vehicles to 1,916 vehicles. This is far greater than the capacity of the bridge.
The WTRM indicated the 2021 , 2 hour PM peak volume southbound on the Low Level Bridge (Ferguson) of 924 ( well under the actual of 1,690 vehicles) and a predicted growth by 2051 of 874 vehicles to 1,798 vehicles. If the growth in vehicles estimated by the WTRM of 874 vehicles occurs on the actual 2021 figure of 1,690, then the predicted 2051 volume would be 2,564 vehicles - well above the bridge capacity
Considering the total cross river traffic over the two bridges. In 2021 Southbound PM peak was Victoria 1,355 and Ferguson 1,626 – a total of 2,981 against a capacity of 3,590 (1,500 + 2,090) or 83% of capacity. If the growth predicted by the WRTM occurs +238 on the High Level Bridge (Victoria) and +874 on the Low Level Bridge (Ferguson) it would result in a growth +1,112 vehicles in in PM peak southbound total cross river traffic by 2051. Adding this growth of 1,112 to the current level of 2,981 makes a predicted 2051 cross river traffic of 4,093 - 15% above the capacity of the combined bridges!!!
www.rogergordon.co.nz
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WE DON’T NEED 3x3 DENSIFICATION. Most households will have received a leaflet from Council on Plan Change 26 about the urban intensification changes that are being forced upon us by Central Government. This could see landowners building three houses by three stories without needing a resource consent. There are no minimum lot size nor any urban design principles. In many of our suburbs existing infrastructure could not cope. The above picture is from Auckland but given certain other conditions being met, could be seen in Cambridge. This change has the potential to significantly change the character of suburbs in Cambridge. We need to do what we can to mitigate the impact of this requirement on Cambridge. I strongly urge you to read the pamphlet and consider making a submission. I will be!
www.rogergordon.co.nz
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Roger Gordon, Cambridge NZ This page is authorised by John Gordon

ON THE HUSTINGS. Really enjoyed Sunday morning at the Lions Trash & Treasure market. Amazed at the number of visitors this brings in to town, so my first question became, "Do you live in Cambridge?" But still managed to speak with over 100 potential voters. I also received some good feedback on the issues that are important to Cambridge Folks. So, I'll see you at next month's Trash and Treasure.

NO TO BETTER OFF FUNDING BRIBE
I am concerned at a recent Council decision to instruct Council officers to prepare a draft funding proposal (including a priority list of projects) to apply for Better Off Funding of $5.24 million.
If the Council were to submit a proposal to government, it would be required to sign a formal Funding Agreement to access the funding. The information in the agenda item clearly stated that ‘Signing the agreement will oblige Council to collaborate and cooperate with DIA and its National Transition unit to provide for the implementation and carrying out of certain parts of the Three Waters Reform Programme with a view to achieving the reform objectives’. The suggestion that the ‘Better Off Funding’ package and the ‘Water Services Entities Bill’ are ‘entirely different issues’ is contradictory to their own advice in the agenda.
My personal opinion, and behind my reason to vote against this proposal, is that the Better Off Funding is nothing more than a government bribe to accept the implementation of the Water Services Bill
Subsequently at the same meeting Councillors approved the WDC submission to Finance and Expenditure Committee of Parliament that strongly opposes the current government Water Services Entities Bill. It also supported the Communities 4 Local Democracy (31 participating Councils) submission that proposed a workable alternative.
The required action plan for the WDC Better Off Funding proposal is to see a paper brought to a Council Service Delivery Committee on the 20th September. The bill is currently before Parliament and there are strong signals that it will be pushed through. So what is the likelihood that there are going to be any meaningful changes to the bill in the next 60 days? Are Councillors likely to change their minds over opposition to the bill. I think not. So why are we putting staff to all this work to prepare this proposal when they are already under pressure through staff shortage from COVID and other sickness?
I am pleased that Councillors decided that consultation should extend to all members of the community. Much of the feedback I have been getting voice similar concerns over the government’s proposal.
This posting is authorised by Roger Gordon, 17 Vogel Place, Cambridge.

Caring About Cambridge.
I'm pleased to announce the release of my new website to support my campaign for election as a Councilor for the Cambridge Ward on Waipa District Council. Click the following link.
www.rogergordon.co.nz

Roger Gordon, Cambridge NZ This page is authorised by John Gordon

First day of campaign today. Billboards going up in a couple of days.
I have a couple of spares. If you know of someone with a suitable site, please let me know

INSIDE DALI – Jo and I went to see Inside Dali at the Spark Arena yesterday. I never realised the depth and variety of his work. The multi-media presentation was tremendous particularly when they made some of the pieces ‘come alive’ and others which combined various pieces of work. It is worth going to see. Its on until 30th June in Auckland.

Stop Three Waters. The government is intent on pushing this undemocratic legislation through Parliament. The bill was introduced to the House yesterday. Three Councils Timaru, Waimakariri and Whangarei district councils are taking the Government to the High Court over this proposal and to test the rights and interests that property ownership entails. Waipa DC is one of 31 Councils who are members of Communities 4 Local Democracy a local government action group. They are very clearly saying that they want to retain control of their three waters assets purchased on their community’s behalf using ratepayer funds. There are a number of petitions around calling for action to ‘Stop Three Waters’. I encourage you to add your signature to that collective voice. Search for stopthreewaters in your web browser.

Great vibe at the CNI Conference yesterday. Took the opportunity to talk to our next Prime Minister about the three waters. I did also mention the Third Bridge for Cambridge! Its going to be a good team in 2023!

Had a great day in Rotorua catching up with friends. On the evening we went to listen to Chris Luxon. He spoke for an hour. Very impressed. He appears to have a strong vision for New Zealand. The following morning went to a morning tea with MP Andrew Bayly. Really enjoyable. Very interesting background of business and high adventure travel. He is the spokesperson for revenue and small business, commerce and consumer affairs, building and construction, and manufacturing. he talked about so many issues - again veri impressed. Some would say a National Party overkill!!!

Great to see the crowds back for Anzac Day Commemorations in Cambridge. The Dawn Service appearing between the fog rolling in and out, didn't deter a crowd exceeding many hundreds. The Civic Service held in the Town Hall overflowed to standing on the Plaza and Cenotaph area outside.

Cambridge Resthaven. I attended a karakia this morning to bless the commencement of the work on developments at this wonderful community facility. The next years will see 77 new units built to further expand their offering. Congratulations and well done Resthaven. The darker building in the photo is stage 1.

This is the reason we took the risk to travel to the UK for two months. It was worth every minute!

A MAJOR DAY IN MIQ - that's the day when you receive your BLUEBAND. This is delivered to your room and signifies that your COVID test on arrival at MIQ has come back negative ...... and....... you are allowed to go out in the fresh air to exercise for a whole 30 mins every two days. But strictly supervised and no vigorous exercise, running, jumping, no balls or yoga mats, no food or drink and no spitting. I can understand the spitting but the others ...... well!!!!!
But Wednesday 1.30 pm and that's day 2 done!

Back in NZ after two months in London. Wonderful catch up with Family particularly my two Grandies - Charlotte 30 months and Oliver 6 weeks. Felt really comfortable flying Singapore Airlines. Their VTL policy (vaccinated travel lanes) resulted in 19 people (count the heads!) in our compartment on the plane. Jo and I both had a full row to stretch out and nobody infront or behind!! Now in 10 days MIQ at Crowne Plaza. Looking forward to getting back to Cambridge.

Roger Gordon, Cambridge NZ updated their business hours.

HIGH DRAMA in London. Our bus from Sloan Square went up in flames!! Well smoke really, but all evacuated! Fire Brigade called!! No Panic!

The Prince of Wales pub at Brixton, my local while I’m here. A typical small local pub with a great atmosphere. The landlady even shouted us our second beer!!

It’s an Erie place Auckland Airport
Nobody around
Nothing open
It’s now 8.00 pm and my flight is not until 1.30 am
On my way to London!!!

WELL DONE CAMBRIDGE - Yesterday the Wednesday Ministry of Health update was released and it shows that the wider Cambridge (Urban and Rural) has moved over the 90% fully vaccinated. I know it looks like a huge jumble of figures but its great to know we are living in a really safe town.