Popular alpine town looks at new attractions
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
The alpine resort of Hanmer Springs is looking to add a museum and sporting development to its growing list of attractions.
The proposal could see the development of a sports field and pavilion on the former Queen Mary Hospital site.
Plans to turn the Soldiers' Block on the site into a museum are also progressing.
"It will be absolutely brilliant," Hanmer Springs-based councillor Tom Davies said.
"It will be a real point of interest that shows Hanmer means business, and it will attract huge numbers."
The southern part of the former hospital site, and the existing Hanmer Springs Sports Reserve are earmarked for residential and commercial development.
Aimed at putting the town on the map, the Hurunui District Council will consult on the proposal as part of its 2024-34 long-term plan.
It has signed an agreement with Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura (Ngāti Kurī) and Ngāi Tahu Property, after buying the southern 9 hectare site in October last year.
The council already owned the northern area where the Soldiers Block is sited.
The block was opened in 1916 to rehabilitate soldiers returning from World War 1, and was later used as a drug and alcohol treatment facility.
The council has already announced a $3.1 million project to upgrade the Soldiers’ Block, which is being funded by a Lotteries grant, $1.5m from the Government’s Better Off funding, and council funding.
Plans are being developed to turn it into a museum in partnership with Wētā Workshop, which will require a further $5m to raised.
The council has budgeted $400,000 to build the new sports pavilion, and is likely to seek external funding.
The site development will be debt funded and offset through property sales.
Davies said the trees in the former hospital grounds would create an "absolutely beautiful" backdrop for the new sports facility.
"It won’t be a first class sports venue, but if we can develop a tier two sports centre we could attract some of the bigger rugby and netball teams to come and have training camps and exhibition games."
Pre-season rugby matches between Canterbury and Tasman are already played in Hanmer Springs.
Davies said the grounds were also ideal for a concert venue.
"We generally only have one big concert a year, but if we have the facilities, there is no reason why we couldn’t have one a month."
Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura is also planning to build a wharenui on the site.
"It is really exciting Ngāti Kurī is involved in the project and intends to put a wharenui on the site," Davies said.
"It is quite incredible that there is no marae in Hurunui."
The southern part of the site contains a spiritual garden of significance to Ngāti Kuri and will be retained.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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New Amberley cricket ground gets green light
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Amberley is set to get a new cricket ground, despite some community opposition.
The Hurunui District Council approved plans to allow the development of the Amberley Village Green (formerly Eastern Reserve), to the east of the town centre, which will include a cricket ground, at a council meeting on Tuesday, November 26.
Around 120 submissions favoured the development of recreation in the reserve over a cricket ground, during the council’s recent reserve management plan consultation.
At Tuesday’s meeting, councillors approved a plan to install an irrigation system, with water sourced from a submersible bore pump.
Staff have been authorised to tender for the development of a playing surface, excluding the wicket block which will be developed by the Amberley Cricket Club.
A pathway around the perimeter of the reserve and public toilets will also be developed.
A cricket ground was first mooted for the reserve a decade ago when the land was set aside by the developer.
A budget of about $900,000 has been set aside, with 90% from development contributions.
An updated concept plan tabled at the meeting makes provision for other sports and activities such as basketball, a scooter track, a playground and car parking.
Several councillors expressed reservations about the proposed size of the cricket ground.
Councillor Garry Jackson said proposed the cricket ground was close to international standard and could be reduced by 20 percent and still be ‘‘appropriate as a village green club cricket ground’’.
While she acknowledged Jackson’s concerns, councillor Pauline While said the council needed to move forward, and councillor Fiona Harris said the cricket club had been ‘‘patient for long enough’’.
Councillor Robbie Bruerton said ‘‘it is being talked about as if it is only going to be used for cricket, but it can by used for any sport’’.
Councillor Vanessa McPherson voted against the proposal as she said the process had been ‘‘undemocratic’’ in the beginning.
‘‘I am concerned there is not enough funds for a decent children’s playground. I am angry and frustrated by this. It is so unfair.’’
Earlier in the meeting Amberley ratepayer John Weyers urged councillors to vote against establishing another cricket ground.
He said cricket is already being played at the Amberley Domain and ‘‘there is no reason why cricket and football cannot co-exist’’.
While there had been a dispute between the cricket and football clubs, he believed it has now been resolved.
‘‘Amberley is growing and we have an ageing population and a growing number of young families, but we are lacking spaces for recreation.’’
Councillors noted there has been confusion about the name of the new reserve, between the Village Green and the Eastern Reserve.
Council chief executive Hamish Dobbie said ‘‘Village Green’’ was the name put forward by the council’s south ward committee.
Dobbie said the council’s reserve management plan will be presented to councillors at a future meeting for adoption.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Toxic algae
We've had early reports of toxic algae in some of our awa/rivers. Unfortunately, dogs like to seek out the algae and eat it, causing serious harm.
We monitor water quality at recreation sites over summer for toxic algae, however, site assessments are based on the risk to human health. It is not always possible to observe small amounts of toxic algae that could still be dangerous for dogs.
If you’re ever in doubt about the water quality, then keep your dog on a leash and away from the water’s edge.
It's vital to know what to look for to keep your dogs safe 👉 www.ecan.govt.nz...
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