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By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
A lack of public transport and access to healthcare were among the issues raised in recent a survey of older residents in the Hurunui district.
The Hurunui District Council surveyed residents aged over 60 during August and September, as it looks to … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
A lack of public transport and access to healthcare were among the issues raised in recent a survey of older residents in the Hurunui district.
The Hurunui District Council surveyed residents aged over 60 during August and September, as it looks to develop an age-friendly community plan to support an ageing population.
There are currently no public bus services in Hurunui, which includes the town of Amberley, about 40km north of Christchurch.
Community development facilitator Vanessa Nelmes said public transport is a big issue for many elderly people, while accessing medical care when needed remains a concern.
While there are a number of community vehicle trusts operating in the district, respondents felt a regular bus service from Amberley to Rangiora and/or Christchurch is needed.
Hurunui mayor Marie Black has been among those advocating for a bus service, but for now Environment Canterbury says there are no plans to offer public transport in the district.
The distance to medical care in Christchurch and the lack of a dentist were also mentioned, Nelmes said.
The survey received 213 responses from residents aged from 60 to their 90s, with half coming from residents in the south ward, which includes Amberley.
Nelmes said the survey found a majority of the respondents felt confident using computers, internet and / or smart phones.
‘‘It kind of puts that myth to bed that old people don’t like using technology.
‘‘I think we really do need to change our mindset compared to what is really happening in our community.’’
Although about 50 respondents said they were not confident using technology, showing there was still a need for providing support.
The survey also asked if people would like to improve their skills with technology and it was ‘‘evenly split’’, Nelmes said.
A concerning trend in the survey was a number of respondents who said they felt socially isolated, especially those new to the community, she said.
‘‘We had half a dozen people who replied along the lines, ‘you have to put yourself out there, but it’s how to make the first step’.’’
The survey has been analysed by the age-friendly steering group, which plans to widen its membership to include different agencies such as district nursing and is seeking a rural voice, Nelmes said.
Council staff plan to do a stocktake of services available for senior citizens in the district, before beginning work on a draft age-friendly plan.
Environment Canterbury public transport strategy and planning manager Sonia Pollard said there are no plans to extend bus services into Amberley or the wider Hurunui district.
‘‘The focus for public transport improvements is on delivery of the core routes in Christchurch and the direct services between the main urban areas in Waimakariri and Selwyn districts and Christchurch City.
‘‘Service improvements are reliant on funding through local rates and the National Land Transport Programme.’’
She said routes outside large urban areas are unlikely to meet the funding criteria in the 2024/27 National Land Transport Programme.
But as part of the 2025/26 annual plan staff are considering how to best serve the rural community, including assessing new routes outside the Greater Christchurch boundary.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
An Amberley ratepayer says he intends to fight a plan to develop a cricket ground in the new Eastern Reserve.
John Weyers has asked to speak at a Hurunui District Council meeting on Tuesday, November 26, when the council is due to adopt its new reserve … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
An Amberley ratepayer says he intends to fight a plan to develop a cricket ground in the new Eastern Reserve.
John Weyers has asked to speak at a Hurunui District Council meeting on Tuesday, November 26, when the council is due to adopt its new reserve management plan.
A proposal to develop a new cricket ground is included in the plan.
But Weyers said there is no need for a new cricket ground, as cricket is already played at the Amberley Domain.
‘‘If Amberley needs a cricket ground that is one thing, but they are talking about doing it in the only green space available in a residential area.’’
Weyers said he had heard of plans to build an international standard cricket ground in the reserve at a cost of more than $900,000.
‘‘The area is screaming out for a nice park for the community.
‘‘I am hoping to be able to speak at the meeting and I will be asking whether it is appropriate to use ratepayers funds when there is no evidence there is a need for it.
‘‘I will be considering what action to take if it passes.’’
Hurunui District Council chief executive Hamish Dobbie said a cricket ground was first mooted for the Eastern Reserve a decade ago.
While there has been interest in establishing an international standard cricket ground, it is not the council’s intention, he said.
‘‘The shape of this particular piece of ground is for a cricket ground, based on an agreement with the developer.
‘‘It was what the council decided it wanted to do, based on community feedback at the time.’’
The council entered into a sale and purchase agreement with the developer in 2014 and the land was vested in the council two years later.
Dobbie said funds have been set aside to develop the reserve, with 90% coming from development contributions.
‘‘We will be seeking to move forward with the reserve, but that is up for the council to decide.
‘‘We haven’t gone out for tender yet, but our engineers’ estimates are well below $900,000.’’
Dobbie said an area has been set aside for other sports and it will include a children’s play area and a pump track.
There was potential for tennis courts, croquet and other sports, as well as a modest sports pavilion.
The council consulted on its draft reserve management plan earlier this year, receiving nearly 200 submissions.
The Eastern Reserve attracted the most interest, with residents expressing a range of views on how they wanted the reserve to be developed.
Views varied from those in favour of a cricket ground and those opposed, while others advocated for outdoor areas for light exercise and fellowship for the growing elderly population.
The Amberley Cricket Club has played cricket at the Amberley Domain since the 1890s, but in recent years there had been a dispute due to the overlapping seasons with football.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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Trays are such a useful item to have in the home – they are obviously great for serving food and drinks, particularly breakfast in bed! Find out how to create your own with Resene wallpaper and Resene Colorwood wood stain with these easy step by step instructions.
Is the flooring at your school, early childhood, community or sports centre old and threadbare? Or perhaps you have a new space where there’s no flooring at all. Your organisation could be eligible to receive $2,000 + gst from the RhinoKids Flooring Fund to go towards new flooring. Plus, one … View moreIs the flooring at your school, early childhood, community or sports centre old and threadbare? Or perhaps you have a new space where there’s no flooring at all. Your organisation could be eligible to receive $2,000 + gst from the RhinoKids Flooring Fund to go towards new flooring. Plus, one lucky organisation will win a $20,000 flooring makeover!
Carpet Court is continuing its’ mission to help improve Kiwi kids’ learning environments by rolling out its’ nationwide fund for the fifth year in a row. Apply today!
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Some rates relief could be in store for Hurunui ratepayers next year as the council reconsiders its roading priorities.
The Hurunui District Council forecast an average 14.49% rates hike for the 2025-26 financial year in the 2024-34 long-term plan.
… View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Some rates relief could be in store for Hurunui ratepayers next year as the council reconsiders its roading priorities.
The Hurunui District Council forecast an average 14.49% rates hike for the 2025-26 financial year in the 2024-34 long-term plan.
But after receiving a significantly reduced subsidy from Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (NZTA), council chief executive Hamish Dobbie said staff are having another look at the roading programme.
‘‘In our long-term plan consultation, our residents signalled they wanted us to invest in our roads, so now it is about figuring out what is a wise investment with the funding we have.’’
He said the council will need to reconsider what it can afford to fund, based on the lower-than-expected subsidy.
The Hurunui council receives a 52% subsidy from NZTA on approved projects, with ratepayers paying the balance.
The council has met with NZTA since raising concerns about the funding it received in the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme.
It had sought a 184% increase, but NZTA director regional relationships James Caygill said this was ‘‘unaffordable’’.
Dobbie said ratepayers were already paying two-thirds of the district’s roading budget as a number of projects were not funded by NZTA.
Options for a revised roading programme will be presented to the council to consider ahead of next year’s annual plan.
Dobbie did not expect rates to rise any more than the 14.49% signalled and will likely be less.
Funding has been reduced for low cost, low risk projects, which cost less than $2 million, so these will need to be reconsidered, he said.
‘‘It means the Government doesn’t value that type of work, so we need to consider how we value it.
‘‘The Government values the sealed road networks, so how do we allocate ratepayer money to those aspects of our network versus our unsealed roads.’’
Dobbie said Hurunui, a large rural community with around 13,000 residents, had about 900km of unsealed roads and 600km of sealed roads.
The council estimated it needs about $3 million a year to maintain and upgrade its ageing network of 286 bridges.
‘‘I think we have an understanding of what the issues are, but I wouldn’t say we are any closer to finding a solution,’’ Dobbie said.
He said he understood NZTA is restricted by Government funding.
‘‘This Government claims to be about infrastructure, so hopefully they can find a way to help us with intergenerational (or debt) funding and help us to pay it back.
‘‘We will pay our share.’’
Transport Minister Simeon Brown and NZTA have been contacted for comment.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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Love gooseberries? Share your favourite way to enjoy them. We're looking for our readers' favourite family recipes for this delicious crop. Send yours to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the magazine, you will receive a free copy of our December 2024 issue.
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
A North Canterbury beach community is set to get an early Christmas present to help in the fight against rising sea levels.
The Hurunui District Council has confirmed its plans to build a $750,000 coastal bund to protect the Amberley Beach village from … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
A North Canterbury beach community is set to get an early Christmas present to help in the fight against rising sea levels.
The Hurunui District Council has confirmed its plans to build a $750,000 coastal bund to protect the Amberley Beach village from the sea, with work to begin this month.
Amberley Beach Residents’ and Ratepayers’ Community Association spokesperson Paula Le Compte said the announcement is good news for residents.
‘‘I know the entire beach community will be thrilled that it is going ahead.’’
A bund is a type of embankment which protects against the sea.
Le Compte said the area was important for fishing and recreation, while the village of 109 properties included a mix of home owners, rentals and holiday homes.
Chief executive Hamish Dobbie said he expected the new bund to be completed by Christmas.
The existing bund is owned by the community and was built in 1993, with the council acting as ‘‘a collector of funds’’.
The council was granted a consent by Environment Canterbury in March last year to build a new bund.
An Amberley Beach Coastal Adaptation Plan was adopted by the council in July last year, following extensive engagement with the community over three years.
The plan identified a number of options for the community to respond to coastal erosion, flooding and sea level rise.
These included a new, relocatable bund, while in the longer term other coastal protection measures or managed retreat will be considered.
The new bund was designed by the residents’ association and approved in August, after being peer reviewed.
It is expected to have a lifespan of 30 years.
The council voted in April to approve the use of debt funding to pay for the new $750,000 bund, with Amberley Beach residents paying for it through a combination of funds already saved and a targeted rate.
Residents approached the council earlier this year with a proposal to increase their targeted rate from $252 to $304 a year, which was included in the Long Term Plan.
The coastal adaptation plan has a clause where residents would need to consider another option, such as ‘‘proactive relocation’’, if the targeted rate for the bund exceeds $750 per household per year.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Recent rain has given drought-stricken farmers in Canterbury a boost, but concern remains, says Hurunui mayor Marie Black.
The Hurunui Adverse Events Committee met following the wet weather over Labour Weekend, with reports of between 50mm and 100mm of … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Recent rain has given drought-stricken farmers in Canterbury a boost, but concern remains, says Hurunui mayor Marie Black.
The Hurunui Adverse Events Committee met following the wet weather over Labour Weekend, with reports of between 50mm and 100mm of rain throughout the district.
‘‘It was pretty consistent. We were lucky that it fell across the district to relieve many worried farmers," Black said.
‘‘It is also really important to recognise that while it was termed as ‘a million dollar rain’, it hasn’t changed some of the issues farmers are facing with regrassing and the cost burden.’’
She said farmers have experience 11 months of no significant rainfall, with the Government declaring a medium-scale adverse event in March.
‘‘It was a timely and welcomed rain and it was sufficient to get some growth started.
‘‘But we have gone for a long time without significant rain. It has a creeping and insidious impact on the local community and the local economy as a whole.’’
Black said more is needed to ensure creeks and groundwater are properly replenished before summer sets in.
It is a busy time of year for farmers, with new spring lambs on the ground and farmers getting ready for shearing.
Farmers will be looking to cut some hay or baleage in the coming weeks as they look to rebuild their feed supplies, she said.
‘‘We need times of warm, dry weather and there are times when we need moisture. It is hard to get the balance right.
‘‘We will continue to monitor the situation and we have mitigation steps in place.’’
Events are being planned to encourage farmers to take some time off the farm and ensure they are kept informed, she said.
The Labour Weekend rain was not good news for everybody, with the Northern A&P Association’s Rangiora Show cancelled on the Saturday morning (October 26), as the rain tumbled down.
North Canterbury Federated Farmers meat and wool chairperson and Marble Point Station farmer Sara Black said she enjoyed ‘‘staying home and watching it rain’’.
‘‘There are a few lambs around, but because it was a warm and gentle rain, they would have pulled through.’’
Many farmers reduced their ewe numbers prior to lambing, while scanning results indicated there were lower lambing percentages this year, meaning there are less mouths to feed.
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