Confusion slows cricket ground development

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Efforts to develop a new Canterbury cricket ground are being delayed due to confusion over who has responsibility.

Hurunui District Council chief executive Hamish Dobbie said staff were hampered in their ability to progress the development of Amberley Eastern Reserve due to the wording of a council resolution passed five years ago.

‘‘We just need to know who is giving direction so we can get on and do it.’’

The council has been revising its reserve management plan, which helps to shape how large green spaces are used in the region.

The Eastern Reserve attracted the most interest during the recent consultation with mixed views on the cricket ground proposal.

Cricket is proposed to be the main sport at the four hectare reserve, while a potential play area, pump track and tennis courts are also being considered.

In 2019, the council passed a resolution where it directed the Amberley Reserve Advisory Group to update its charter to include the Eastern Reserve, with the council retaining control of the reserve’s development.

But Dobbie said the wording of the resolution had created confusion over who made the final decision.

Alongside the council, there are a number of interested parties including the council’s South Ward Committee, the Amberley Reserve Advisory Group, sporting organisations and local residents, all wanting to have a say.

‘‘Officers are of the view that the council intended to retain direct governance of the Eastern Reserve throughout its development and that the council would work with the Amberley Reserve Advisory Group and the various sporting bodies,’’ Dobbie said.

At a council meeting on Tuesday[August 27], councillors directed staff to prepare a paper for the September council meeting to clarify the decision making process.

Consultation of the revamped reserve management plan has been completed, with the council due to adopt the new plan at either the September or October council meeting.

■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.