School holidays are officially over with kids heading back to school today.

Cost-efficiency, value for money, and focusing on core services were topics of discussion when Waimakariri District Council discussed next years Draft Annual Plan in October.

The Community Service Awards in the Waimakariri District have a rich history spanning 32 years. They recognise the invaluable contributions of individuals who selflessly work behind the scenes to help make this District a great place to be.

The names of places in Waimakariri hold deep historical and cultural significance, with many deriving from Te Reo Māori and reflecting the natural landscape or the activities that took place there.

Ever wondered where all the names for roads and streets in the Waimakariri District come from - or who makes the decisions? Well, for the most part, it is up to the residents and ratepayers to decide.

On Sunday the Government released information about the Fast Track Approvals Bill and released a schedule of 149 projects nation-wide.