657 days ago

Date set for Hanmer Flyride court hearing

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

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 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.

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More messages from your neighbours
2 hours ago

Neighbourhood Challenge: Who Can Crack This One? ⛓️‍💥❔

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

What has a head but no brain?

Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!

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16 hours ago

Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’

If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.

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1 day ago

Poll: Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

In The Post’s opinion piece on the developments set to open across Aotearoa in 2026, John Coop suggests that, as a nation, we’re “allergic to exuberance.”

We want to know: Are we really allergic to showing our excitement?

Is it time to lean into a more optimistic view of the place we call home? As big projects take shape and new opportunities emerge, perhaps it’s worth asking whether a little more confidence (and enthusiasm!) could do us some good.

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Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝
  • 40.4% Yes
    40.4% Complete
  • 33.9% Maybe?
    33.9% Complete
  • 25.7% No
    25.7% Complete
460 votes