Hanmer flyride attraction considered behind closed doors
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
The fate of a proposed flyride in Hanmer Springs is being considered behind closed doors in the Canterbury tourist town this week.
An Environment Court hearing got under way on Monday afternoon (March 18) in the Hanmer Springs Hotel ballroom, but local residents are unable to attend.
Community leaders spoken to by Local Democracy Reporting on Monday said they were just hoping to get a final decision ‘‘one way or the other’’, after a drawn-out process.
The hearing was first held in February last year and was adjourned until November, when it was postponed due to illness.
It was transferred to Hanmer Springs due to a lack of capacity in Christchurch, with the closed door hearing getting under way this week before Judge Lauren Semple.
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.
The hearing is expected to run throughout the week, hearing submissions from the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa, the council and the Friends of Conical Hill.
If successful, it would be the latest adrenaline venture for the Canterbury tourist town.
During the consent process, submitters opposed to the flyride said it would have a visual impact on the recreation character, biodiversity and horse trails in 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.
Watch out for SCAMS
Neighbourly is aware that online safety is front of mind for members, and scams are getting more tricky to spot. So we thought we'd share some tips from Netsafe to keep you informed about what to avoid and where to get help.
Where do scams take place?
Over the phone, via text message, via email, online or even in person.
What red flags should you be looking out for? Ask yourself these questions...
- Were you expecting this message? or was it out of the blue?
- Are they saying there's a problem which you didn't anticipate?
- Are you having to give money over?
- Are you being rushed?
- Are you being told to click on a link or go to an unfamiliar website?
- Are you being asked to share personal info or passwords?
- Are you being asked to pay in a strange way like wire transfer, gift cards, etc
- Does something not feel right? Do you feel confused?
If you answer yes to any of these questions, it's best to stop communicating and seek support. But if you've already given over money, contact your bank immediately.
You can check if it's a scam by contacting |Netsafe|:
- Toll-free on 0508 NETSAFE (0508 638 723) or +6496660840 if calling from outside New Zealand
- Emailing help@netsafe.org.nz
If you're pretty sure it's a scam, make a report at netsafe.org.nz
Remember Neighbourly is a free service for neighbours so we won't ask you for money or for your password. All emails will come from noreply@neighbourly.co.nz - so feel free to get in touch if you're unsure of something!
Hope this helps you, neighbours!
Share your New Zealand music memories...
It's NZ Music Month and New Zealand really has some beautiful songs from artists that we call our own.
Whether it's April Sun in Cuba, Don't Forget your Roots, or How Bizarre or Bic Runga's 'Sway' - songs have a way of unlocking memories and evoking old feelings.
In honour of NZ Music Month, share a New Zealand song or artist that is special to you and explain why.
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.
Canterbury wetland projects receive funding boost
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Eight Waimakariri environmental projects are set to receive a funding boost, including three wetland projects near Kaiapoi.
The Waimakariri Zone Committee has recommended eight projects receive a share of the remaining balance of $66,000 from its 2023-24 action plan budget.
Chairperson Carolyne Latham said 12 applications were received for projects totalling $150,000.
‘‘Nine of the projects met the criteria.
‘‘Some of the projects have only been allocated partial funding to meet the budget that we have, but we hope it will be enough to at least complete aspects of those projects.’’
Three wetland projects north of Kaiapoi are among those set to receive funding.
Two allocations of $15,000 have been recommended for a bittern and īnanga (whitebait) rushland project and for a fencing and planting project at nearby O’Kair Lagoon, on the side branch of the McIntosh’s Drain waterway.
A nearby Pohio Wetland project has also received $11,700.
A restoration project at Hunters Stream at Springbank, between Rangiora and Oxford, will receive $5285, and a wetland enhancement project at Ketchum Cottage, Fernside, near Rangiora, will receive $7210.
Other projects include a riparian enhancement project ($6000) at Whiterock Mains, near Oxford, and year three of monitoring by the Sefton Saltwater Creek Catchment Group ($2805).
The remaining $3000 has been allocated to the Waimakariri environmental awards, being run by the Waimakariri Biodiversity Working Group.
The Ashley Rakahuri Rivercare Group received $9000 towards its ongoing estuary shorebird monitoring in July last year.
Each of the 10 Canterbury water zones were allocated $75,000 from Environment Canterbury’s 2023/24 annual plan to distribute to projects which support the implementation of their local zone action plan.
The final decision on the funding will be made at the next Environment Canterbury water and land committee meeting next mopnth.
The Waimakariri Zone Committee is a joint committee of Environment Canterbury and the Waimakariri District Council.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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