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.
Think You Know It All? Try Solving This First!
How can you make 30 using only the numbers 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 with each number only used once?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
Are you keeping it old school?
We know that things come back around, look at vinyl records!
Do you still use any old-school technology (like landlines or VHS tapes) at home?
Let us know in the comments.
The Riddler wants to hear from you! 🎉
Our daily riddles have been a fun way to start the day and spark some friendly competition, but we’re thinking about mixing things up—and we’d love your input!
What do you enjoy most about the riddles? Is it the brain-teasing puzzles, the themed photos, or the big reveal in the afternoon?
If you could tweak one thing, what would it be? Maybe you’d like harder riddles, different themes, or see riddles in a different style or format!
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. Your ideas could help shape the next chapter of our riddles! 🧩
Loading…
