KThe controversial Wheels to Wings cycleway project on Harewood Road has been paused following a narrow Christchurch City Council vote.
Councillors voted 9-8 to halt the project and review its future after the government announced in September that it would no longer contribute funding.
The project, initially budgeted at $18.5 million, has faced rising costs, with council officers advising that the approved 2022 design could not be delivered within the available budget.
Seven options were presented to elected members to address the issue, but Harewood Councillor Aaron Keown successfully proposed an eighth option, which gained majority support.
Keown welcomed the decision, saying it reflected public feedback.
“Sanity has prevailed,” he said. “A majority of councillors have finally listened to the public, choosing to move forward with parts of the project the community supports while pausing the extremely unpopular cycleway. It’s a relief to have a decision after three years, especially one that aligns with local feedback from residents and businesses.”
The approved elements include a signalised intersection and safe pedestrian crossing points, which had strong public support.
Papanui Councillor Victoria Henstock, who campaigned against the cycleway during the 2022 election, also praised the outcome.
“The public have been clear they didn’t want this cycleway,” said Henstock.
“Local support for it was only 14%, and 50% of submissions came from outside the area. While all voices matter, we must prioritise local input in these consultations. It’s pleasing to see the council respect that.”
Papanui Councillor Victoria Henstock
Harewood Councillor Aaron Keown
The project’s future now depends on the council’s draft Annual Plan, which will include the approved elements of option 8 in proposed rates calculations. If the plan is endorsed in June, no additional funding for the cycleway will be allocated for at least four years. A future council will decide whether to revisit the project.
Vote breakdown
For a pause: Henstock, Keown, Barber, Mayor Mauger, Macdonald, Moore, Peters, Scandrett, Gough
Against a pause: Harrison-Hunt, Coker, Deputy Mayor Cotter, Templeton, McLellan, Johanson, Fields, Donovan
