Welcome to the Hurunui district
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Hurunui has always been a ‘‘welcoming community to live, work and play’’, mayor Marie Black said.
The Hurunui District Council is one of eight councils in the latest intake of councils to join Immigration New Zealand’s Welcoming Communities programme.
‘‘It’s really cool. It’s something new and it sits nicely within our strategic direction,’’ Black says.
‘‘There’s plenty of employment available in our district and it’s about attracting and retaining people across all sectors, whether it be rural professionals, veterinary services, GPs, qualified technicians, engineers and workers for our hospitality sector.’’
Immigration New Zealand says there are now 26 councils taking part in the Welcoming Communities programme, including 14 in the South Island.
The programme was first established as a pilot in 2017, involving 10 councils including the Ashburton District Council.
Black said the programme would enhance efforts to ‘‘embrace newcomers into our community and support that integration’’.
‘‘A culturally rich community brings fresh perspective and vibrance that is incredibly valued.
‘‘It is important to us that our community is supportive, welcoming, and feels like home to all newcomers who choose to stay.’’
Migrant workers were particularly important to the vibrancy of the rural and tourism sectors, she said.
Immigration New Zealand refugee and migrant services general manager Fiona Whiteridge said the Welcoming Communities programme aimed to build strong and integrated communities to help newcomers feel included, so everyone could thrive.
‘‘We are grateful for the enthusiasm shown and the desire from councils around the country to be part of such an important initiative that began five years ago."
Whiteridge said Welcoming Communities supported councils and their communities to create welcoming environments for newcomers, especially recent migrants, former refugees and international students.
Immigration New Zealand provided funding, resources, accreditation, best practice information, networking opportunities, programme evaluation and guidance to participating councils.
Poll: Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️
First introduced in New Zealand in 1927 with the passing of the Summer Time Act, it's what we know as 'Daylight Saving' and this year it ends on the first Sunday in April.
While we do get to sleep in this time around, some people would like to scrap the clock tinkering for good.
And why? Some evidence suggests the time changes are bad for our health as they mess with sleep patterns leading to short-term fatigue and affecting mood. Meanwhile the hour change is frustrating for farmers and a nightmare for getting the littlies to sleep. But what's your take?
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40.8% Yes - get rid of the clock changes
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57.4% No, I enjoy it
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1.8% Other - I'll share below
Poll: 🪰 Should the city invest money into researching the new Bypass Plan, or should we prioritise fixing the existing infrastructure?
As reported in the Press, the debate over the Bromley odour continues. Recently, a Bypass Plan has been proposed as a potential solution - this involves pumping sewage into the sea. However, official technical, scientific, and environmental reports on this plan and how it may impact the Canterbury region aren't finished yet.
Before we get the final word from the consultants, we want to know what the community thinks about the allocation of rates and resources.
We want to know: Should the city invest money into researching the new Bypass Plan, or should we prioritise fixing and upgrading the existing infrastructure?
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7.8% Research the Bypass
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84.4% Fix Existing Infrastructure
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7.8% Undecided/Need more info
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