At the Special General Meeting on 18 August 2024, the parish accepted the proposed motion with minor amendments. This allows Vestry and Church Property Trustees to also consider other options, while still keeping the sale of the land to the Christchurch Methodist Mission open. On the suggestion of CPT, Vestry has agreed to an updated valuation of the land.
With that the Methodist Mission should be able to tell us promptly whether a sale in the near-term might be a possibility. As advised previously, due to current  government settings in the social
housing sector that looks doubtful.

Vestry and CPT are therefore looking at other sale options for the land, probably through a deadline sale, which would allow developers (including any other non-profits) to submit proposals with an offer. That means that we don’t have to accept the highest bidder but can consider offers that would suit the land well. For this the history and reputation of any developer would have to be taken into account. Exactly how that process would be handled is not yet been determined.

We have been advised to get a geotechnical site report (at a cost of less than $5,000), so that potential buyers know what they can put on the property. This can also be used for any resource consent, shortening the time from sale to construction.

Overall, it is clear that the parish has to spend some money so that the sale process is smoother and interested parties can submit informed offers.

After the market fell quite drastically in 2022, there is again greater interest from developers for land, so that now is a good time to sell. Hopefully through the process capital should be freed up for a new vicarage, partial funding for the hall upgrade and a fund that generates income for ministry as well as property maintenance.

Meanwhile, the former St Paul’s Tennis Club (which was independent of the Parish) has donated the former club rooms to the Kaiapoi Croquet Club. That club has raised money towards moving the building from Papanui to Kaiapoi. Vestry is supportive of that move, as it will free the land.

New computers for the offices and church have been purchased through a grant from the E J Price Trust. We are also applying for funds to undertake some urgent maintenance in the hall kitchen, in particular also connection of the taps to hot water. No major work is undertaken, as we still hope to upgrade the hall. If we are not successful in obtaining a grant for that work, the remainder of the grant from the E J Price Trust is likely to be used for hall maintenance.

Doug Lamb has obtained a grant from the Community Board to repair the benches at the rose
garden. The work will be undertaken by the Bishopdale Menz Shed.