Hurunui District Council

05/03/2012 Consultation begins on 10-year plan

The Hurunui District Council has adopted the Draft Hurunui Community Long Term Plan for 2012-22; and this is now available for consultation.

Copies of the draft Hurunui Community Long Term Plan are available from Council service centres, libraries and here.

Submissions close on 13 April, 2012. The Council will hold special hearings for those who would like to speak to their submissions from 14 May, 2012.

01/02/2012 Hurunui Local Designs Website For Hurunui Youth Programme (HYP).

Hurunui District Council 2011 School Achiever recipient William Hope, can add designing the Hurunui Youth Programme (HYP) website to his list of achievements.

31/01/2012 Waitohi water storage options assessed

The values people place on water have guided a new report on three water storage options for the Waitohi River in the Hurunui district of North Canterbury.

The report found the Hurunui Water Project proposal for the Waitohi generally outperformed the other two proposals when taking an integrated view of key criteria. The other proposals, however, did have specific features which were worthy of consideration.

The report concluded all three proposals could be designed and operated to achieve good alignment with the Canterbury Water Management Strategy, the Hurunui-Waiau Zone Implementation Programme, as well as the proposed Hurunui and Waiau River Regional Plan.

The report will be considered more fully at the Hurunui-Waiau Zone Committee’s next meeting on February 20.

18/01/2012 Little Lake Mason fencing project protects biodiversity values

A fence around the southern and eastern shores of Little Lake Mason has been installed thanks to support from Environment Canterbury’s Immediate Steps Programme and Fish and Game.Your Link

16/01/2012 Penalties imposed on maintenance contractors not meeting the grade

The Council has received a significant number of complaints regarding inadequate township and roadside mowing as well as concerns about the lack of grading being carried out on unsealed roads.  Council officers viewed the present situation as completely unacceptable, and some quite serious actions to remedy the situation including imposing financial penalties have been taken. Council officers will continue to work closely with the contractors (Delta and Downer, and Downer’s subcontractor GSL) to ensure the expected standards will be achieved and maintained.

22/12/2011 Young Farmer Proactive in Combating Pest Plant

A local North Canterbury farmer has had to make changes to his farming practices to manage an invasion of the pest plant Chilean Needle Grass.

“I noticed a patch of grass I hadn’t seen before. I grabbed a handful of it and noticed that the seeds looked similar to ones I had seen in a pamphlet about pest plants.  I immediately contacted Environment Canterbury, who came out and confirmed it was Chilean Needle Grass,” said Mr Forrester.

On the advice of Environment Canterbury, Mr Forrester immediately de-stocked all areas where Chilean Needle Grass was found. Large patches of Chilean Needle Grass on the de-stocked land have also been sprayed with glyphosate to prepare for burning.

22/12/2011 Canterbury teams supporting Nelson-Tasman flood response

Canterbury Civil Defence Emergency Management personnel are actively supporting their colleagues managing the response to state of emergency in Nelson-Tasman.

22/12/2011 Tuia-Rangatahi Leadership Programme 2012

The Tuia leadership development programme is a long term, intergenerational approach to developing the leadership capacity of young Maori in communities through-out New Zealand.

Interested?Fill out the application form and return it by 20 January 2012.

Email Sam at hyp@hurunui.govt.nz for more information.

19/12/2011 Cycle Safely on Hurunui Roads this Summer

Cycling is great fun and an excellent way to get around our picturesque district, but it is important to ride safely.

15/12/2011 Amberley's Transfer Station Moving to a Conclusion

After carefully considering its options for a new transfer station site for Amberley, the Council has now gone back to Grays Road as its preferred site. Overall, the cost of developing a transfer station site in Grays Road will be less than on Douglas Road. The Douglas Rd property was always regarded as an attractive proposition for resale if a resource consent was not obtained, and it will be put back on the market as soon as consent is obtained for Grays Road.

13/12/2011 Mt Cass Windfarm

The Environment Court has released its decision on the Mainpower proposal to establish and operate a wind farm at Mt Cass Waipara. The initial application was declined by the Hurunui District Council appointed commissioners. During extensive mediation the proposal was modified and this modified proposal was directly referred to the Court and it is this that has been granted consent.

The consent has been granted subject to an extensive suite of conditions.

12/12/2011 Chilean Needle Grass new incursion in North Canterbury

Late last week the plant pest Chilean Needle Grass was found on a Leader Road East property in the Hurunui District. 

Chilean Needle Grass is a tufted perennial plan which grows to one metre in the absence of grazing. Its leaves are bright green and harsh to touch. The flowers have a purple tinge and ripen into hard, sharp seeds along with twisting tails. These help the seed penetrate farm animals’ skin and reseed into the soil.

If you suspect Chilean Needle Grass is on your property please contact Environment Canterbury on 03 314 8014.

For more information: Laurence Smith, Environment Canterbury, Principal Biosecurity Advisor, 03 314 7034.

24/11/2011 Green light for new Amberley subdivision

Council officers have approved a resource consent application lodged by Ambers Property Development Limited for a 40 lot subdivision at 50 Amberley Beach Road. The proposed subdivision will create 36 residential lots in both the Residential 1 and 2 (Amberley) Zones, as well as two utility reserves, one road reserve and balance land of 26.609 hectares.

17/11/2011 Targeted Tourism Rate may be dropped

The Strategy and Policy Committee of the Hurunui District Council have decided to recommend ending the District’s Targeted Tourism Rate for the forthcoming Long Term Plan. The recommendation will be considered at Council’s December 5th -7th Long Term Plan budget workshop.

14/11/2011 Hurunui fire-fighters hose down the competition

In an astounding display of skill and experience, Mark Archbold (senior), Darren Sincock, Marc Archbold (junior) and Jimmy Petrie from the Scargill Volunteer Rural Fire Force won all available trophies on offer at the National Wajax Rural Fire Competition in Gisborne last Friday.

26/10/2011 Trail Blazing in the Hurunui

The Hurunui District Council applauds the dedication and hard work of the Hurunui Trails Trust. If funds can be secured to complete the work, stage one of this first trail is planned to be ready by early in the new year.

01/09/2011 Marketers sought to help lease historic buildings

The Hurunui District Council is seeking proposals from companies experienced in ‘unusual’ building lease arrangements to market three heritage buildings it has inherited on the old Queen Mary Hospital site in Hanmer Springs.

31/08/2011 Freedom campers banned from certain parts of Hurunui

Freedom campers will no longer be able to park up anywhere they like within the Hurunui District.

28/08/2011 Major milestone for Canterbury Water Management Strategy

The Hurunui District Council and Environment Canterbury have endorsed the Hurunui-Waiau Zone Implementation Programme.

12/08/2011 Can Opener proves a winner for Hurunui teen and her family

A teenager and her family who correctly identified the missing item in a Civil Defence competition are now far better prepared in the event of future emergencies

05/08/2011 Council to begin formal identification of quake prone buildings

The Hurunui District Council will be reviewing the structural performance of all commercial and public buildings in its district.

01/08/2011 Public Access Priority For Queen Mary Hospital Land and Buildings

Retaining public access into and through the former Queen Mary Hospital site in Hanmer Springs is one of the priorities identified in a draft plan for managing the new reserve.

15/07/2011 Personal stories recorded for new generations

For 17 years, Hubert Foster, rose before 5am to ‘very carefully’ collect the readings from the Southern Hemisphere’s only magnetic observatory based in Amberley - one of only 12 such observatories worldwide.

14/07/2011 Satisfaction with council performance at four year high

The performance of the Hurunui District Council and its facilities and services continues to rate highly with residents.

14/07/2011 Asbestos dumping under investigation

Authorities are investigating the illegal dumping of asbestos in the Kowai riverbed in Hurunui.

07/07/2011 Ten thousand dollars given to restore and protect native bush in Hurunui

Eight landowners will share $10,000 in grant money to help restore and protect areas of native bush on their properties within the Hurunui district.

01/07/2011 Hurunui remains comprehensively covered

The Hurunui District Council has successfully renewed its insurance, ensuring comprehensive coverage for the 2011/2012 year.

01/07/2011 Rates increase below four percent for Hurunui

For the third year in a row the Hurunui District Council has been able to set a rates increase of less than four percent.

01/07/2011 Service to the arts, sport and the community recognised

A husband and wife team who have given more than thirty years’ service to the arts in Hurunui are among those honoured in this year’s Hurunui District Council Community Service Awards.

27/06/2011 New health centre opens its doors

The new Amuri Community Health Centre has officially opened its doors to patients.

17/06/2011 Meridian Wind Farm Proposal Heading to the Environment Court

15/06/2011 Mobile Kiosk Provides Career Direction for District Teens

A mobile kiosk that gives out career pointers at the touch of a finger is helping Hurunui teenagers decide their future path.

15/06/2011 Free Chimney Inspection Post Quakes

The Hurunui District Council is offering a FREE inspection service to homeowners who have unreinforced brick chimneys, in the wake of the prolonged series of earthquakes and aftershocks.

15/06/2011 Booklet Designed to Help Hurunui Get Thru Arriving in Letterboxes

Thousands of booklets designed to help residents of Hurunui prepare in the event of a natural disaster have been dropped into letterboxes throughout the district.

10/06/2011 Library hosts decade of visual memories

A photographic exhibition showcasing a decade of major events is currently on display at the Hurunui Memorial Library in Amberley.

30/05/2011 Hurunui Opposes Proposed National Policy Statement on Biodiversity

The Hurunui District Council is strongly opposing the regulatory approach suggested by the Proposed National Policy Statement on Indigenous Biodiversity 2011.

30/05/2011 Increased museum levy accepted

The Hurunui District Council has agreed to increase its contribution to the operation of the Canterbury Museum.

25/05/2011 Community Programmes Earn Support

Ratepayer spending on youth, environment and our libraries gained significant backing from the Hurunui community during submissions on the Council’s 2011/12 draft Annual Plan.

19/05/2011 Hurunui fast tracks earthquake related consents

The Hurunui District Council is fast tracking earthquake related building consents to help facilitate speedy and effective repairs for property owners in the district.

19/05/2011 Hurunui steps up to Youth Week

The districts youth are being invited to participate in a series of physical and mental challenges ‘with a message’ during Youth Week.

16/05/2011 Council encourages home composting

Each year Hurunui households throw out tonnes of kitchen leftovers – much of it potentially reusable – as garden compost.

04/05/2011 Tsuanmi Test Generally Well Heard

A survey following the recent tsunami siren soundings at Amberley Beach and Leithfield Beach has revealed they were generally audible to most homes in the communities – with some exceptions.

29/04/2011 Widening tourism focus - key driver in draft district strategy

With tourism now a significant earner for Hurunui, the district is looking at ways to better capitalise on the growing visitor market.

28/04/2011 Council welcomes youth voice

The Hurunui District now has its first youth council to help advise the more senior body on issues of importance to them.

28/04/2011 Theft puts lives at risk

The Hurunui District Council is appalled at the recent theft of safety equipment from a construction site in the district.

27/04/2011 Council looks to reduce vehicle speeds through parts of the district.

The Hurunui District Council is looking to reduce speed limits in parts of Amberley Beach, Culverden, Hanmer Springs, Rotherham and Scargill.

14/04/2011 Council Reviewing Earthquake Prone Building Policy

The Hurunui District Council is considering a more ‘hands-on’ approach to ensure the integrity of commercial and public buildings in its district, in the wake of the two big Canterbury shakes.

24/03/2011 Tsuami siren sounding timing increased to better gauge reach

Tsunami sirens installed at Amberley Beach and Leithfield Beach late last year will be sounded for six minutes next week – not as a warning – more of a precaution.

14/03/2011 Earthquake puts wind farm application on hold

An application for resource consent to establish a wind farm near Greta Valley has been put on hold.

14/03/2011 Hurunui Is Prepared for the Big One

Civil Defence in Hurunui is reassuring residents it is prepared to help the district get through should an earthquake strike closer to home after two big shakes in Canterbury in six months.

04/03/2011 Hurunui Opens Homes and Hearts to Shaken Neighbours

The people of the Hurunui District have been providing help and support to Christchurch and many of its refugee families since the devastating earthquake struck the city on February 22nd.

04/03/2011 Delays Expected as Safety Improvements Begin on Amberley Beach Road

Diggers and chainsaws will be in operation on the main access route to Amberley Beach this week as work gets underway on essential road safety improvements.

28/02/2011 Council Working To Keep Rates at Affordable Level

Ratepayers in Hurunui can expect to face an overall rates rise of 3.27% this coming year.

21/02/2011 Algal Bloom in Waipara River at Teviotdale Bridge

11/02/2011 Private plan change allowing for first apartments in Hanmer

A bid to establish a new residential development in Hanmer Springs – the first to include apartment style living in the village - has passed a major hurdle.

04/02/2011 Council drafts rules around freedom camping

The Hurunui District Council is looking to clamp down on campers who avoid designated camping grounds and leave roadsides in a mess.

28/01/2011 Long awaited safety improvements to Amberley Beach Road

Contractors are about to start major safety improvements on the main access route to Amberley Beach

28/01/2011 Long Awaited Safety Improvements to Amberley Beach Road

Contractors are about to start major safety improvements on the main access route to Amberley Beach

24/01/2011 Swimming Pools Under The Spotlight

They’re a great place to take a dip in summer, but backyard swimming pools also need to be properly fenced and maintained.

24/12/2010 Firefighters spend christmas on the fireground

Firefighters will be spending their Christmas on the fireground keeping the lid on a blaze that has already destroyed almost 60 hectares of trees and pasture in North Canterbury.

24/12/2010 Revellers reminded of New Years Eve liquor bans

Revellers are being warned not to consume alcohol on the streets of Hanmer Springs or Gore Bay on New Years Eve unless they want to start 2011 in jail.

20/12/2010 Consent procedures get the big tick

Hurunui’s building consent team has become the first in the country to pass the third round of accreditation assessments.

20/12/2010 Council to encourage dialogue over wind farm proposal

The Hurunui District Council has agreed to encourage dialogue between two parties at odds over a wind farm proposal for the district.

17/12/2010 School achievers recognised

Seven secondary school students have been given a helping hand by the Hurunui District Council to pursue further study.

17/12/2010 Restrictions on lighting fires in Hurunui

There are now restrictions on the lighting of all open fires within the Hurunui District as the area gears up for another long hot summer.

10/12/2010 Algal bloom discovered in Waipara and Ashley rivers.

The potentially toxic algae, Phormidium, has been discovered in the Ashley and Waipara Rivers.

03/12/2010 Moratorium on second North Canterbury river hailed as wise move

The Hurunui District Council is hailing a moratorium on the Waiau River as a wise move and in the best interests of the long term management of the area’s water resources.

03/12/2010 Council calls for reinstatement of sewerage subsidies

The Hurunui District Council is urging Government to reinstate a subsidy scheme to help struggling rural communities upgrade outdated sewerage systems.

26/11/2010 Hurunui opens its hearts to West Coasters following Pike River tragedy

The Hurunui District Council is taking up a collection for the families of miners now believed to have perished in the Pike River Mine.

Collection points have been established at Council offices and libraries where residents of the district can leave donations and messages of support.

26/11/2010 New business and industrial zones confirmed for Amberley

The Hurunui District Council has confirmed a new business zone and additional zoned industrial land for Amberley.

26/11/2010 Council looks to relax rules around minor dwelling units

The Hurunui District Council is looking to make it easier to erect a second dwelling on a single rural lot, where specific conditions are met.

20/11/2010 Queen Mary celebrates new lease on life

The handing over of a set of keys has marked the end of a seven year campaign to retain part of the former Queen Mary hospital at Hanmer Springs in public ownership.

19/11/2010 First fines for failing to register a dog

Seventeen dog owners in the Hurunui District have been fined more than seven thousand dollars for failing to register their animals.

19/11/2010 Controlled burns causing headaches for firefighters

efighters are urging landowners to advise them or the Hurunui District Council when they are planning a controlled burn after a series of unnecessary callouts.

18/11/2010 Depressed market reflected in decreased district valuation

The latest valuation of the Hurunui District has seen a more than a three hundred million dollar decline in property and land values over the last three years.

11/11/2010 Deputy Returned to Role

Three term councillor, Michael Malthus, has been returned to the role of Deputy Mayor of the Hurunui District.

03/11/2010 Significant achievements during difficult year

The Hurunui District Council has come through a challenging 12 months but still mangaged to complete most of its business and projects on time and on budget.

01/11/2010 Fledgling Hurunui-Waiau Zone Committee takes first look around the traps

The Hurunui-Waiau zone committee took to the road recently on a day’s field trip for an overview of the Hurunui and Waiau Rivers, the habitats they support and the issues they present.

01/11/2010 New Council changes committee structure

The newly sworn in Hurunui District Council has adopted a new and more streamlined approach to business.

15/10/2010 New fire tanker for Cheviot

Firefighters in Cheviot are now better equipped to fight any blazes that may threaten homes or lives in the township.

15/10/2010 First tsunami warning sirens for Hurunui

The first tsunami warning sirens for the Hurunui district have now been installed.

09/10/2010 Merino farmer with a history of working for his community captures majority in mayoral race in Hurunui

In what is shaping up to be a landslide victory, merino farmer, and two-term councillor Winton Dalley is set to become the next mayor of the Hurunui District.

With 98 percent of returned votes counted, Winton Dalley, has 2,682 votes – two thirds of the almost four thousand valid votes cast.

08/10/2010 Hurunui reinforces opposition to Conservation Order

The Hurunui District Council has reinforced its opposition to a water conservation order on the Hurunui River.

24/09/2010 Hurunui Waiau Water Zone Committee appoints Chair

David Eder, who has half a century’s knowledge of irrigation, has been appointed Chair of the new Hurunui-Waiau Zone Committee

23/09/2010 Council plans to cement history in new pathway

Have a story to tell about the district that you'd like to see cemented into the new Hurunui Pathway?

17/09/2010 Hanmer green spaces to be resown this month

The green spaces in the middle of Hanmer are to be re-grassed this month as part of the almost two million dollar investment in the upgrading of the town centre.

Contractors are spraying out the Avenue, Village Green and Lodge Reserves with a view to sowing new grass seed by the end of the month to take advantage of the growing season.

16/09/2010 Hurunui Youth Programme marks two year anniversary

Two years on, the Hurunui Youth Programme is continuing to grow and provide increasing recreational, cultural and education opportunities for the youth of the district.

09/09/2010 Council sends staff to assist with the quake aftermath

In the aftermath of the big shake in Canterbury on Saturday 4 September, the Hurunui District Council has deployed several staff to the Christchurch City and Waimakariri and Selwyn District Councils to assist them.

06/09/2010 Hurunui offers to help neighbours in wake of big shake

The Hurunui District Council is making staff available to help out neighbouring districts in the wake of Saturday’s disastrous quake.

02/09/2010 New medical centre a step closer

A new medical centre for the people of Amuri is about to move a step closer after the Council this month let a million dollar tender for its construction to Kaikoura based builder, Bruce Ensor.

30/08/2010 Thoughts wanted on future of Queen Mary Hospital Site

The community is being asked its views on the future use and management of the Queen Mary Hospital site in Hanmer Springs.

23/08/2010 Zone committee considers water management and biodiversity options.

The Hurunui-Waiau Zone Committee has chosen a number of Immediate Steps biodiversity projects for the coming year and is working to develop a position on water management and possible storage options for its zone.

16/08/2010 Queen Mary Vesting Finalised.

The historic Queen Mary Hospital site in Hanmer Springs has now been formally vested with the Hurunui District Council.  
The transfer of almost six hectares of land and buildings, including Chisholm, the Soldiers blocks and Nurses home, was officially gazetted last Thursday.

13/08/2010 Facelift for Amberley moves a step closer

Tenders have been called for the revamping of entranceways to the north and south of Amberley Township.
 
Design work was consulted on with the community earlier this year and features new plantings, signage and striking timber facades at both entranceways.

06/08/2010 Vehicle, firearms and camping restrictions mooted to protect special character of Waipara River.

Restrictions on vehicles, firearms and camping are being proposed to protect one of Hurunui district’s special river environments for continued enjoyment by current and future generations.
 
The proposed restrictions are included in the Draft Waipara River Management Strategy, which has grown from a community desire to better integrate the protection and management of the land and ecological values with recreational values.

06/08/2010 Changes being considered to allow more flexibility in rural subdivision lot sizes

Currently five hectares is the minimum allotment size for rural subdivision but the Council is not sure this properly balances the opportunity for lifestyle block living with the preservation of rural character. The Council still wants to see five hectares retained as ‘an average’ but is now considering allowing smaller lots to be created, within reason.

05/08/2010 Council provides refuse and recycling for all businesses

The Hurunui District Council is now providing refuse and recycling to all businesses in the district. Last year businesses could choose to contract a private collector and opt out of paying council’s collection rate

05/08/2010 More than three hundred years combined service to the district recognised

Nine members of the Hurunui district who’ve given more than three hundred years combined service to their community have been recognised in the 2010 Community Service Awards.

30/07/2010 Aging population prompts proposed rule change to allow for elderly persons housing in Hurunui

The Hurunui District Council is looking to introduce planning rules to allow ‘elderly persons housing’ in the district to provide accommodation options for a growing aging population over the next twenty years.

06/05/2010 Plans for an ice skating rink at theThermal Pools have been shelved.

The Hurunui District Council this week agreed to fund for just over $7.5 million for a new freshwater pool, waterslide, children’s aqua play area, and water sensations pools.

The decision to delete the ice skating rink came after the project was re-tendered based on revised drawings, but still came in over budget.
An additional $1.6 million would need to have been found to fund the ice skating rink.

05/05/2010 Rethink On Dog Ban At Amberley Beach Campground

The Hurunui District Council is looking at a partial lifting of a ban on dogs at Amberley Beach Camping Ground.