Lack of progress takes town’s toll

STACY SQUIRES/Fairfax NZ

TOUGH THREE YEARS: David Ayers, the Waimakariri District Mayor, in Rangioras town centre which still has areas fenced off because of earthquake damage.

Every parking space not blocked by fences is full during Rangiora's rush hour.

There is no unhindered path down the main street and pedestrians cross the road several times to avoid cordons around earthquake-prone buildings.

For a town with little damage compared to its neighbour, Kaiapoi, the perceived lack of progress is hard to understand.

Waimakariri Mayor David Ayers has lived in the North Canterbury since the late 1970s. He and his wife live in the only home left on High St - "the most central house in Rangiora".

"I look at fences, so I'm very conscious of our town centre," he says.

Buildings council has "total control over" are being fixed, like the Town Hall.

Most businesses in Rangiora pre-quake are still trading, but many still battle with insurance companies.

Department store Farmers closed its doors in March 2012, after its building was deemed quake-prone. Fences remain around the prime and central spot, which Ayers says has been "certainly significant for the town".

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Lack of progress takes town's toll