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Who Are We?
Chairperson: Harvey Polglase
Treasurer: Narinder Singh
Secretary: Liz Hamilton
Committee: Erin van der Zwet-Brodie
Committee: Alan Peacock
New committee members are welcome.
To express your interest, please contact us:
darfieldresidentsassociation@gmail.com
With the substantial growth throughout Selwyn and, with the dissolution of township committees by the Selwyn District Council, residents set up an association to ensure the needs to Darfield are heard - a group that can be the contact point for creative ideas, the agent to liaise with the local government and a body to represent the vision of the community.
A consistent theme for those voted to the committee is that they live in Darfield because of its provincial nature and the lovely small-town feel. It is the place that we call “home” and as such, we have challenged ourselves to get involved - to be part of its wellness, its goodness, its aspirations and its future.
Darfield Residents Association Inc
(established June 2023 - incorporated July 2024)
Water Station
With a number of unfiltered water stations being introduced across Selwyn, we’ve been actively working with the Selwyn District Council to bring one to our community.
While we’ve navigated various requirements and explored multiple options, we have not yet been successful in securing final approval. We remain committed to this project and will continue to seek alternative opportunities to make it a reality for our residents.
SDC Long Term Plan
The Selwyn District Council's Long Term Plan has been shaped in consultation with our community and built around their priorities. It focuses on investing in critical infrastructure and preparing for growth.
We are pleased to share that our submission was successfully presented to the Selwyn District Council (SDC) during their May 2024 meeting. Thanks to the valuable feedback and support from our residents, we are excited to report that your voices have been heard. The collective input has played a key role in motivating change, and we are optimistic that this will help move the project forward.
We appreciate your continued involvement and commitment to improving our community.
Security Cameras - Rec Centre
There have been ongoing discussions with Selwyn District Council regarding the installation of surveillance at the Recreation Centre and surrounding grounds due to a number of issues in the area. While we recognise the importance of security, we are mindful of the fine line between ensuring safety and respecting privacy, especially when it comes to photographing or recording individuals in public spaces.
We are committed to finding a balanced solution that prioritises the safety and well-being of our community, and we will continue to explore options that comply with privacy laws while addressing concerns. Community safety remains priority.
We are committed to finding a balanced solution that prioritises the safety and well-being of our community, and we will continue to explore options that comply with privacy laws while addressing concerns. Community safety remains priority.
New Sports Centre
As part of Selwyn District Council’s Long-Term Plan (LTP), a new sports centre has been approved for Darfield. While no plans have been conceptualised at this stage, we encourage everyone to think about how this new facility could benefit our community.
Sharon Mason from SDC has confirmed that further public consultation will be held once more details are available, allowing residents to have their say on the proposal. We will keep you informed as this process unfolds and encourage you to participate when the time comes.
Sharon Mason from SDC has confirmed that further public consultation will be held once more details are available, allowing residents to have their say on the proposal. We will keep you informed as this process unfolds and encourage you to participate when the time comes.
Rates Relief - Sewerage Investigation Fund
For a number of years, residents have been subject to an $83 annual charge included in their rates. We have actively advocated for the removal of this charge, as well as the refunding of the balance in the fund to ratepayers.
We are pleased to report that the $83 charge has now been removed from the rates. However, the remaining funds will likely be used to contribute to the connection of the sewer system to households. NOTE: SDC have made no decision on the cost expectations around connections.
We are pleased to report that the $83 charge has now been removed from the rates. However, the remaining funds will likely be used to contribute to the connection of the sewer system to households. NOTE: SDC have made no decision on the cost expectations around connections.
Profiling Darfield
There is a lot written about Darfield and its features, attractions, visitor and lifestyle opportunities, but it takes a lot of trolling through the internet. The DRA has the vision of collating all that information and bringing it to you in one user-friendly website.
For visitors, our vision is to attract them to our township and provide them experiences that will bring them back, time and time again.
And for locals, particularly those looking to move here/have recently moved here, our vision is to help them settle into their new lifestyle by informing them of local business, sports teams or community and hobby groups, plus local events.
For visitors, our vision is to attract them to our township and provide them experiences that will bring them back, time and time again.
And for locals, particularly those looking to move here/have recently moved here, our vision is to help them settle into their new lifestyle by informing them of local business, sports teams or community and hobby groups, plus local events.
Pedestrian Crossings
As Darfield continues its growth from small settlement to thriving rural township, we continue to consider how we connect with each other, our amenities and suppliers.
We want to ensure safe and practical movement through town that aligns with current pathways. We do this particularly our youth and elderly in mind.
Whilst the DRA is unable to affect the decisions made on South Terrace, managed by NZTA, we are able to petition Selwyn District Council for new crossings on our urban roads. Work will begin on this on three locations within the near future.
Public Transport
There is limited public transport available to Darfield residents with only a limited bus service (which is very popular) into Christchurch early in the morning and returning in the evening.
The DRA submitted to the Regional Council Long Term Plan suggesting additional services both to Christchurch and Rolleston.
With the current population growth plus a number of older age residents, the ongoing need for better bus service is apparent and demand will continue to grow.
Water Chlorination
A topic of considerable interest to Darfield residents is that of chlorination of our water supply. Drawn from deep acquifers, the Darfield supply had a deserved reputation as a pristine source of pure water for residents. Unfortunately, problems elsewhere have led to the requirement to chlorinate all water supplies from a public health perspective until the distribution systems can be guaranteed completely secure.
The reality for Darfield is that this work will not only be extremely expensive but we are also last on the priority list for Selwyn Council, meaning chlorine-free water is not a realistic possibility in the foreseeable future. The DRA is therefore looking to provide a de-chlorination station which we envisage sited at Tussock Square where anyone could access water from the town supply which has been filtered to remove the chlorine. Councils such as Napier, Hastings, and Hurunui currently provide such stations.
We are working with Selwyn Council to ascertain if they will provide one for Darfield and, if not, we are prepared to seek sponsorship to install one ourselves.
The reality for Darfield is that this work will not only be extremely expensive but we are also last on the priority list for Selwyn Council, meaning chlorine-free water is not a realistic possibility in the foreseeable future. The DRA is therefore looking to provide a de-chlorination station which we envisage sited at Tussock Square where anyone could access water from the town supply which has been filtered to remove the chlorine. Councils such as Napier, Hastings, and Hurunui currently provide such stations.
We are working with Selwyn Council to ascertain if they will provide one for Darfield and, if not, we are prepared to seek sponsorship to install one ourselves.
Have Your Say!
Are you seeking to address community concerns or dive into purposeful projects? Look no further.
Contact us to get things off your chest, offer ideas, or explore opportunities for involvement, and together, let's make a difference. Your engagement matters.
Join us in shaping a brighter future for our community.
Sponsorship
Your brand can significantly enrich Darfield's community through sponsorship with the DRA. Simplify your commitment with an annual sponsorship, ensuring consistent support for our projects and events.
Let's discuss this opportunity to align our goals and maximize your impact on our community.
Snap Send Solve
Snap Send Solve is the free app helping keep shared spaces
safe, clean and great to be in.
From getting potholes filled to encouraging better parking, or from fixing swings to moving branches, report issues affecting our part of the world to local councils, utilities and more.
