Lifestyle Blocks
Living the dream?
I don’t know how many times I have heard the comment – “oh a lifestyle block, that’s a life sentence!”
Why sensible townies up sticks and head rural often mystifies their urban friends, who like their Thai takeaways on the doorstep and shudder at the thought of farming smells and all that land to look after.
Contrary to popular rumour, Waimakariri District does not have the largest number of lifestyle blocks of any council district, there are several northern councils that far exceed our total. This myth came about following the change in minimum land area for rural subdivision to 4 ha (10 Acres) in 2005, which saw a proliferation of these land parcels across the district.
The lifestyler population boomed, while disquiet increased as experienced farming folk grew concerned about reducing productive rural land to block sizes which cannot produce a living. The increase in complaints from some new residents about the smell and noise from normal rural activities also didn’t endear these “new locals” to those who had been farming for generations.
Recently WDC released its draft District Plan, and gave immediate legal effect to split the district into east and west rural zones. The Rural Lifestyle Zone to the east allows 10 acre subdivision recognising that this area already has a denser population and smaller blocks; while the General Rural Zone to the west has generally retained its character as open, larger scale rural production areas, therefore the proposed minimum is 50 acres. This is currently in the hearings phase, with commissioners due to deliberate on submissions in 2022.
What is interesting to me is despite the generally held contention that lifestylers only last on their block 5-7 years, I am seeing more townies recently rejecting the fast paced life and phenomenal property price rises of big cities, and heading into the country. With Waimakariri having Christchurch just a river away, North Canterbury and Selwyn are being seen as ideal locations to set up your rural haven, and still have a city nearby.
Take Hess as an example – working crazy hours in Auckland and travelling 2 hours to see her horses on grazing meant life was hectic and stressful. When an opportunity came up to sell their Auckland property last year and move to North Canterbury with her husband, they jumped at the chance. Now raising a baby here, she has found the people welcoming and helpful, and has met many people through the horse community here. Does she miss anything? “Some of the people I knew, yes, but not the city,” she says.
A common theme among lifestylers seems to be bringing their children back to rural life, to learn where food actually comes from and have space to run around and have pets. Many lifestylers work on being sustainable, grow their own fruit and vegetables, do composting, worm farms and use solar or wind energy, being aware of their carbon footprint. Some have stock, and have learnt to borrow tools and seek information from their neighbours, often through local groups.
This was how the Waimak Lifestyle Block Group was born on Facebook. Started by Niki Mealings, current Waimakariri District Councillor and Ohoka lifestyle block owner, the group aims to help people learn new skills, share knowledge, network, and get to know others in the community. Niki recognised that most new landowners are willing to learn and often not sure who to ask. “People want to do the right thing. No one sets out to waste their time, money and effort, mismanage their animals or damage the environment. But they need access to the right information and that’s where the group comes in handy.” The group has meetings with guest speakers on topics such as fire safety plans, chook management and waterway improvements as well as being a forum for questions and emergency information.
Living on a lifestyle block may not always be idyllic and does require work, however for me coming home to sheep in the fields, rolling paddocks and mountain views is like entering my own private sanctuary. I feel very grateful that I have been able to offer this lifestyle to my daughters, as my parents did for me.
Written by
Kirstyn Barnett
Local real estate salesperson, District Councillor and lifestyle block owner.
