Busy year anticipated in Hanmer Springs
From local democracy reporter David Hill:
As the Hanmer Springs Community Board gears up for its first meeting of the year on Monday, chairperson Mary Holloway is anticipating a busy 2023.
The proposed flyride at Conical Hill, funding for the Queen Mary Hospital Soldiers’ Block and new cycling/walking tracks are just some of the things in the pipeline.
The town’s newest attraction, the disc golf course at Brook Dawson Reserve, was launched earlier this month and was already attracting plenty of interest, Holloway said.
‘‘Hanmer Springs is a small village and we punch well for our size.
‘‘The permanent population in the whole basin is about 700 and there is about 500 people living in the village.’’
She said around two-thirds of the homes in the village were holiday homes.
The controversial flyride proposal will be the subject of an Environment Court hearing beginning on February 27.
A consent was granted to the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa in October 2021 to install and operate a gravity-based recreation activity (flyride) on the western face of Conical Hill Reserve.
The decision was appealed by The Friends of Conical Hill Inc.
‘‘Under the proposal people will have to walk up the hill to get up on the flyride for a three minute ride,’’ Holloway said.
‘‘But some residents are concerned it will lead to something else and they won’t be able to walk up and hear the bellbirds and generally enjoy the area as they always have.’’
She said concerned residents feared a chair lift, a luge and even a restaurant could be added at a later date.
Meanwhile the council planned to spend some of its Three Waters Better Off funding on the former Queen Mary Hospital Soldiers’ Block.
Holloway said she could not wait to hear the council’s proposals.
‘‘I am hoping the council will choose to apply for funding to purchase the remainder of the [hospital] site.
‘‘It will give Hanmer Springs its own Hagley Park and it will be stunning.’’
She said the Conical Hill walking track was the most used in Canterbury.
The board had just completed a new 1.5 hour loop track around the outside of the village and linking with Conical Hill.
A new tracks hub will be created this year in the Hanmer Springs village green to provide information on the tracks and it will include bike stands and a shelter.
Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.
Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.
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64.2% Yes
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33.2% No
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2.6% Other - I'll share below
Unlock the Answer: Today’s Riddle is Trickier Than You Think!
What English word retains the same pronunciation, even after you take away four of its five letters?
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Paddy Gower seeks ‘bloody great Cantab’
The Kiwi journalist drilling deep into the country’s biggest issues is on a mission to find the local greats.
Paddy Gower is looking for the Good Kiwi in every region to feature in his show, The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour.
To nominate a Good Kiwi, email reporters@press.co.nz with the name and a description of why your nominee should win. You an also share the local issues you think Paddy needs to tackle in the comments below.
It could be the woman whose knitting circle has made 3800 items for victims of domestic violence, the guy running the length of Aotearoa for mental health, or the woman with terminal cancer who spends her time campaigning to raise awareness and save lives.
“Basically I am looking for ... a bloody great Cantab who just gets on and gets things done. The criteria is somebody who has a positive attitude and makes the community a better place," Gower said.
“I will give this person the 'Big Ups' they deserve, and the community can celebrate them with me.”
A Good Kiwi will feature in each of Gower’s live shows in 14 centres through November and December. He will name the Cantabrian Good Kiwi at his Christchurch show on the evening of Friday, November 22, at St Margaret’s College.
The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour is a sort of book tour, sort of stand-up comedy, some journalistic yarns and memoir, and some motivational speaking - with a fair bit of local in each show.
Gower also wants to know about topics of interest in the region.
“I’m ... going to be taking on a big issue facing Canterbury and offering up solutions.”
A stinky suburb, a neighbourhood needing a round-about or a cathedral in disrepair - “I will make your views count”, he said.
“I'm touring the nation to spread positivity, optimism and good vibes.”
*For tickets to the The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour visit paddygower.co.nz
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