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By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
The fate of the proposed flyride in Hanmer Springs could be known soon.
The Environment Court is due to hold a hearing in Hanmer Springs over five days, starting on Monday, March 18.
The hearing was first held in February last year and was adjourned … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
The fate of the proposed flyride in Hanmer Springs could be known soon.
The Environment Court is due to hold a hearing in Hanmer Springs over five days, starting on Monday, March 18.
The hearing was first held in February last year and was adjourned until November, when it was postponed due to illness.
A consent was granted to the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa by a Hurunui District Council appointed commissioner nearly two years ago.
The resource consent application was to install and operate a gravity-based recreation activity at Conical Hill Reserve.
But it was appealed to the Environment Court by The Friends of Conical Hill Incorporated.
If successful, it would be the latest adrenaline venture for the Canterbury tourist town.
Two new $3.2 million water slides opened in October at Hanmer Springs pools.
During the consent process, submitters opposed to the flyride said it would have a visual impact on the recreation character, biodiversity and horse trails of the area.
Concerns were also raised about parking, traffic congestion, noise, along with the risk of fire, and devaluation of properties.
Supporters believed the venture would bring value and benefits to the Hanmer Springs community and the wider district, and promote the village as a fun, healthy and interactive place to visit.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
If you have a green thumb, just imagine what you could do with a balcony with a fantastic view like this one at Murray Halberg Village. This elevated space offers the perfect blank canvas to create a lush outdoor space without lawn maintenance or heavy lifting.
Shane Fairbairn, Landscape Manager… View moreIf you have a green thumb, just imagine what you could do with a balcony with a fantastic view like this one at Murray Halberg Village. This elevated space offers the perfect blank canvas to create a lush outdoor space without lawn maintenance or heavy lifting.
Shane Fairbairn, Landscape Manager at Ryman Healthcare, shares some tips for creating the perfect outdoor space on your patio or balcony so you can enjoy the benefits of gardening without the hassles.
First, decide on a theme. Is it cosy and bohemian, sleek and minimalist, a lush urban jungle, or something else? Your vision will guide your plant and furniture choices.
For all his tips and advice click read more.
Horse or pony wanted for elderly lady wanting to return to riding Experienced horse rider just a little rusty after 30 years off. Must be good in traffic ( mainly stock trucks with trailers and farm machinery on our roads) Good to float mount shoe catch etc. No dirt and nothing that needs breaking… View moreHorse or pony wanted for elderly lady wanting to return to riding Experienced horse rider just a little rusty after 30 years off. Must be good in traffic ( mainly stock trucks with trailers and farm machinery on our roads) Good to float mount shoe catch etc. No dirt and nothing that needs breaking in or green youngsters just something I can get on and hack around the lanes and farm. 100 acre farm home offered with ex UK riding instructress.
A reminder to all those eager new dancers, that our Introductory / Beginners classes commence next Monday 4th March 2024 at 7.30pm in the Anglican Church Hall, Church Street, Rangiora.
Cost - 6 lessons for $30.
No partner required.
Soft soled shoes are best.
Bring along a water bottle.
For … View moreA reminder to all those eager new dancers, that our Introductory / Beginners classes commence next Monday 4th March 2024 at 7.30pm in the Anglican Church Hall, Church Street, Rangiora.
Cost - 6 lessons for $30.
No partner required.
Soft soled shoes are best.
Bring along a water bottle.
For more information contact Gail: 0212984712
Olive: 0275626791
Look forward to meeting you.
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Residents fear red tape could leave them high and dry as plans for future coastal erosion at Motunau in North Canterbury are adopted.
The Hurunui District Council adopted the Motunau Coastal Adaptation Plan on Tuesday, with residents raising concerns … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Residents fear red tape could leave them high and dry as plans for future coastal erosion at Motunau in North Canterbury are adopted.
The Hurunui District Council adopted the Motunau Coastal Adaptation Plan on Tuesday, with residents raising concerns the coastal erosion measures could impact on insurance.
Climate change adviser James Smyth said the plan addressed the threat of coastal erosion, flooding and sea level rise in the area and sets out thresholds to discuss the next action for the community.
It was the result of nearly four years of engagement with the Motunau community, which comprises 131 properties.
Some residents expressed concern with the threshold of when a property is within 17 metres of the cliff edge.
The 17m threshold was based on three years of average erosion (0.27m a year) and allowed for a large event with 6m of erosion, while allowing for a 10m safety buffer.
Earthquake Commission (EQC) criteria meant insurance may not kick in until a property was within 8 metres of the cliff edge, Smyth said.
‘‘At this stage we are not sure how to act on this, but it is a definite gap in what these residents need.’’
He said there was a recent incident where a property 10m from the cliff edge was declared unsafe.
This left the resident having to wait for EQC to provide compensation.
Chief executive Hamish Dobbie said the council had responsibilities under the Building Act.
‘‘When we get into this situation, we will geotech the house and make a life safety decision, which is separate from an insurance decision.’’
Other triggers included significant capital works being required and the inundation of saltwater into wastewater wells.
‘‘Implementing triggers takes time so we need to have a pre-defined condition or event which prompts us to consider the next action,’’ Smyth said.
Actions include implementing protection measures such as a sea wall or proactive relocation.
Proactive relocation involves relocating people, assets, activities, and taonga from flood-prone or dangerous locations.
The Motunau plan is the third one adopted by the council, following the Amberley Beach plan, which was adopted in June last year and the Leithfield Beach plan which was adopted in December.
The council is also working on plans for the Gore Bay and Conway Flat/Claverley beach communities.
The process started in 2020 with a ‘‘Coastal Conversations’’ project alongside the five beach communities.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Let your community know how a small business has made a difference in your life by nominating them in the 2024 Prospa Local Business Hero awards.
Whether it's your super friendly barista, the bookstore that knows the exact book you need to read next or the florist with the biggest blooms … View moreLet your community know how a small business has made a difference in your life by nominating them in the 2024 Prospa Local Business Hero awards.
Whether it's your super friendly barista, the bookstore that knows the exact book you need to read next or the florist with the biggest blooms in town nominate them now and make a small business' day.
Share a few words about your favourite local now. You could help them win an incredible prize package worth $10,000.
If you’re looking for a stylish SUV that stands out from the crowd and won’t break the bank, the convention-defying Mazda MX-30 has you covered.
Featuring a unique mild hybrid engine and cutting-edge style, as well as sustainable materials that reduce environmental impact, the Mazda MX-30 is… View moreIf you’re looking for a stylish SUV that stands out from the crowd and won’t break the bank, the convention-defying Mazda MX-30 has you covered.
Featuring a unique mild hybrid engine and cutting-edge style, as well as sustainable materials that reduce environmental impact, the Mazda MX-30 is perfect for zipping around your neighbourhood.
Find out more and book a test drive at your local Mazda Dealer today.
German made in excellent condition motor Impulse Evo
Batterey Li-Lon range up to 90 kms depend on output you use (with battery charger)
Tyre size 40-622 28x1.50 700x38c Phone 021 295 7031
A good looking large-leafed chocolate-brown shrub with contrasting red berries. Colour intensifies in winter. Popular hedging option for coastal and urban areas. Only around 20 left. 20-30cm high. $4 per plant
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
A potential shakeup of the makeup of a Canterbury council's elected representatives could help balance ‘‘the rural and town divide’’.
The Hurunui District Council is weighing up whether to increase the number south ward councillors - which … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
A potential shakeup of the makeup of a Canterbury council's elected representatives could help balance ‘‘the rural and town divide’’.
The Hurunui District Council is weighing up whether to increase the number south ward councillors - which includes for the town of Amberley - or to create a community board to support the growing population.
Amberley District Residents’ Association chairperson Roy Myers said he supported increasing the number of elected representatives in Hurunui’s south ward as Amberley had more diverse needs compared to other smaller communities.
It would also help bridge ‘‘the rural and town divide’’, he said.
‘‘If you look at the smaller communities, their interests are much more directly focused on their own needs in a community of maybe a few hundred people," he said.
Currently, Hurunui District Council is made up of 10 councillors - four each for the west and south wards, and two for the east ward.
The west ward includes the towns of Hanmer Springs, Waiau, Culverden, Hawarden and Waikari, while the east ward includes Cheviot, Greta Valley and Waipara.
The south ward includes Amberley, Amberley Beach, Leithfield and Leithfield Beach.
‘‘In Amberley, the population has more or less doubled over the last 10 years and a lot of them are newcomers," Myers said.
‘‘Over time their expectations for local services might increase, but at the moment if you look at what is provided, we don’t have much services.’’
He said Amberley’s town centre lacked a community space, other than the Tin Shed at the Amberley Domain, while a proposed cycleway linking Amberley and Amberley Beach had yet to eventuate.
Myers said the challenge was getting people engaged in local politics.
In the 2022 local government elections, eight candidates stood for the four seats in the south ward, but the voter turnout was around 40 percent.
‘‘I think a lot of people feel quite distanced from the council,’’ he said.
A working party is conducting a representation review and is due to make a recommendation to next month’s council meeting.
It will be consulted on in April, alongside the 2024-34 long-term plan consultation, Hurunui District Council chief executive Hamish Dobbie said.
The council was exploring a range of options, including retaining the status quo.
There was one community board for Hanmer Springs, while community and ward committees represented the various ‘‘communities of interest’’ throughout the district, he said.
Dobbie said the main difference between the committees and community board members was the latter were elected and remunerated.
Community committees were given a similar delegation to a community board, with major decisions made by the elected council.
Mayor Marie Black said the priority was ensuring ‘‘communities of interest’’ were represented.
The south ward’s population is about 5680, with just under half living in the Amberley township, while the district-wide population is 13,800, based on Stats NZ 2023 population estimates.
The decision was made last year not the to establish a Māori ward, after consultation with Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura and Te Ngāi Tūāhuriri Rūnanga.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Good sized plants. Looks like buxus when grown but grows at twice the speed. Tiny oval dark green leaves. Plant in full sun or semi shade. Ideal plant to shape into balls cones etc perfect for planting now $3.50 per plant
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