Hurunui Community Long Term Plan 2012 - 2022
Township Profiles
46
Hurunui District Profile
52
Amberley Ward Profile
55 Amuri-Hurunui Ward Profile
60 Cheviot Ward Profile
62 Glenmark Ward Profile
65 Hanmer Springs Ward Profile
45
www.hurunui.govt.nz
Hurunui District Profile
Kaikoura
District
46
Hurunui Community Long Term Plan 2012 - 2022
Location
The Hurunui District is in North Canterbury, on the East Coast of
the South Island, New Zealand.
Land Use
Predominantly rural
Area
864,640 hectares (8,646,400,000 m²)
Coastline
106 Kilometres
Climate
Ranging from unique coastal micro-
climates to alpine climates
Population
The estimated total population for the Hurunui District is 11,330*,
distributed between the various wards.
Labour Force
Labour Force
Hurunui District
New Zealand
Unemployment Rate
2.2%
5.1%
Employment
Participation
Main Occupations /
Industries
69%
63%
Agriculture &
Forestry
Service & Sales
Hurunui District
New Zealand
School Qualification
35.6%
40%
Tertiary Qualification
36.1%
39.9%
No Formal Qual.
28.3%
25%
Education
Education
15 years and over
*Note: The 2011 Census was called off following the 22
February Christchurch earthquake. The estimated population
is from Statistic New Zealand’s population projections which
uses data from the 2006 NZ Census. The Government has
announced that the next census will be held in March 2013.
Unless otherwise specified, statistics quoted in this section are
projections based from the NZ Census 2006. Figures have
been randomly rounded by Statistics New Zealand in order to
protect privacy, and thus may not add up to the totals given.
Population by Ward / Community Rating Area
47
www.hurunui.govt.nz
48
Hurunui Community Long Term Plan 2012 - 2022
Population
Agri/Viticulture
The population of the Hurunui District is predicted to grow
steadily over the next 20 years, although the population of some
towns in the district is dropping. The greatest proportion of
growth is occurring in the Amberley and Hanmer Springs wards.
Census data reveals that the Hurunui District has an aging
population, and shows a steeper rise than that predicted for
the country as a whole in the proportion of people aged 65
and over. Ethnic diversity is lower than that of New Zealand
as a whole, but there has been a marked increase in overseas
migrants, especially in the 30-50 year old age group (indicating
that they have come to work in the District).
According to the 2007 Statistics New Zealand Agricultural
Production Census, the Hurunui District is home to 1,065 farms,
462 of which are sheep farms (total of 1,612,116 sheep), and
130 of which are beef cattle farms (with 119,141 cattle). 53,099
dairy cattle and 34,042 deer were counted in the Hurunui
District. The major horticultural activities in the District are
grape-growing (970 hectares), followed by olives (87 hectares)
and hazelnuts (25 hectares). There is a small vegetable harvest
in the Hurunui District (e.g. asparagus), and we produced 9,679
tonnes of barley, 3,852 tonnes of wheat, and 556 tonnes of field/
seed peas during the year ended 30 June 2007.
Recreation, Visitor Attractions, Parks Development and Growth
and Reserves
The Hurunui District has a highly diversified economy based
The Hurunui is one of the few places in New Zealand’s South
Island that in less than two hours traveling time, you can drive
from the Lewis Pass (the northern most point of the Southern
Alps) with its fresh mountain air, spectacular scenery and lush
beech forests, to be sitting by the coast watching the waves
from the Pacific Ocean crash onto the Beach. Activities
include mountain walks, skiing, thermal bathing, river sports
and recreation, surfing, fishing and spectacular walks amidst
salt stone cliffs on our secluded beaches. The Waipara Valley is
renowned for some of New Zealand’s award winning wines, and
this area offers the opportunity to discover many fine vineyards.
The Hurunui has over 270 hectares of passive and recreation
reserves including the world famous Hanmer Springs Thermal
Pools and Spa. A significant recent addition is the former Queen
Mary Hospital grounds in Hanmer Springs. The main beaches
are at Leithfield, Amberley, Motunau and Gore Bay. The main
recreational lakes are Lake Sumner, Lake Taylor and Lake
Tennyson.
Main Industries
The Hurunui is continuing to experience growth and
diversification in terms of industry. Historically the district
has been primarily agriculture based, and this still continues
to be the single largest contributor to the Hurunui economy.
However, recent times have seen an expansion in both viticulture
and tourism. The growth of Hanmer Springs, the district icon,
as a tourist destination and the establishment of associated
infrastructure, is unprecedented in the tourism sector New
Zealand wide. The majority of the district’s working population
are employed in the “agriculture, forestry or fishing” industries
(as defined by Statistics NZ). The second largest employment
industry category is “accommodation, cafes and restaurants”,
followed by “health and community services”.
49
around agriculture, viticulture and tourism. Both domestic
and international tourism have increased significantly over the
past decade in recognition of the wide array of recreational
opportunities within Hurunui from the coast to the mountains.
The Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa, Mt Lyford Ski Field
and Waipara wine producing area are recognised as anchor
destinations that have been a catalyst for business investment in
the District. Statistics New Zealand has estimated the Hurunui
population at 2026 to be 12,350 on a medium growth projection.
However because of a large absentee population owning
lifestyle and holiday homes, the Council is planning for growth
demands based upon trends in subdivision developments, and,
upon this basis, indications are that district wide growth will
be slower than what is indicated by the Statistics New Zealand
projections, but the Amberley and Hanmer Springs Wards are
more likely to be at the medium or even high growth rates.
Health
Indicators of health in the District include the Ministry of
Health’s “Deprivation Index”, which has been shown to correlate
with various health statistics (e.g. rates of cervical cancer,
mental health problems). This index assigns deprivation scores
(1 least deprived, to 10 most deprived) to each meshblock in
New Zealand. Meshblocks are geographical units defined by
Statistics New Zealand (containing a median of approximately
87 people in 2006). Scores are based on variables like income,
home ownership, unemployment, qualifications, household
crowding, transportation, and access to telecomunications.
These scores are assigned as measures of relative (rather than
absolute) deprivation. Thus, 10% of meshblocks in New Zealand
as a whole will always score 10. Scores for the Hurunui District
indicate much lower than average deprivation, with more than
75 % of meshblocks scoring in the top half (see graph on page 14).
Lower than average levels of income and education in Amberley,
and lower than average home ownership in Hanmer Springs
(due to holiday and workers’ accommodation) contributed to
higher than expected scores for these areas (both 7).
www.hurunui.govt.nz
Rateable Value
78% of our ratepayers pay their rates electronically, (eg: internet,
direct debit, automatic payment etc). the remaining 22% pay by
cheque or cash.
Rates are levied on rateable properties based on their rateable
value. The definition of land is very broad and may include the
right to pass utilities over land, e.g., power lines and water
pipes. Almost all lands are rateable. Exceptions apply to certain
Crown land and land mainly used for educational and charitable
purposes. As at June 2012, the total rateable value of property
in Hurunui is $4,680,288,642.
Property Values by Ward
Name
Amberley
District
No of Rateable
Properties
Capital Value
945,624,200
2,180
1,142,832,950
1,206
Cheviot
622,508,900
956
Glenmark
576,633,550
767
Hanmer Springs
689,567,550
1,673
Hurunui
524,777,000
801
Utilities
132,005,000
0
4,633,949,150
7,583
46,339,492
76
4,680,288,642
7,659
Amuri
Value as at 1 July 2011
Growth Factor (1%)
Total Rating Value Assumed
*Note: The Council rates an additional 1,500 properties in the Waimakariri District, which
are on our Ashley Water Scheme.
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Hurunui Community Long Term Plan 2012 - 2022
Services and Amenities
Major services and amenities in the district are available in the
following locations.
Kaikoura
District
51
www.hurunui.govt.nz
Amberley Ward Profile
•
Amberley is about a 35 minute drive from Christchurch,
and Leithfield is even closer. The townships’ close
proximity presents an advantage for residential growth,
offering commuters a country lifestyle while still being
able to work in the city.
•
State Highway 1 runs through the centre of the
Amberley Township.While this visibility and accessibility
is a great strength for development and growth, it
simultaneously creates challenges for road safety, noise
and heavy transport effects.
•
Both the Amberley Township and Leithfield Village have
experienced notable urban expansion and development
in recent years, including increased lifestyle block
development. This growth did slow during the
economic crisis, but it has now taken off again post the
Christchurch earthquakes, with many viewing the area
as ‘less shaky’ and offering a desirable lifestyle.
•
The Amberley Ward also experienced substantial
growth and development in the Glasnevin area, including
large scale viticulture plantings, and subdivision activity.
This rate of growth also eased during the economic
downturn but is also taking off again.
Recreation / Visitor Attractions
•
Amberley is the largest township in the ward, located on State
Highway 1, it is a busy rural service centre with an impressive
range of cafes and shops as well as the vibrant district library.
The ward is ideally placed as a country retreat, it is renowned
for its impressive country gardens and offers a variety of
accommodation options for visitors.There are very handy rivers,
lakes and mountains to explore, and lots of walks including beach
tracks, the Mt Grey scenic walkways and the Kowai Walkway - a
well maintained track from the historic Old Leithfield Hotel to
the coastal settlement of Leithfield Beach.
A concept plan was developed by and for the Amberley
community, and includes far reaching planning on many
fronts, including urban and commercial zoning, social
and recreation activities, streetscaping and branding.
The Amberley Township Plan was finalised in 2008 and
many of the high priority projects contained have now
been completed.
•
The Amberley Ward offers a wide range of services and
facilities.
Background and History
Named after Amberley in Derbyshire, Amberley was originally
established as a result of the arrival of the railway in 1876. The
township continued to grow and became an important farming
service centre. Amberley has grown significantly since the
1950s and was the first township in the Hurunui District with
a water supply scheme undertaken by a county council (1957).
Amberley’s southern neighbour, Leithfield, is one of the oldest
townships in Canterbury; Leithfield was founded in 1857 by
John Leith as an important coach stop and to provide services
to the surrounding farming and milling area. In 1863 Leithfield
boasted one of the first flour mills in North Canterbury and
the only one to be powered by wind. The village flourished in
the 1870s when it was then only business centre at the time,
between Kaiapoi and Kaikoura.
The beach settlements of Amberley Beach and Leithfield Beach
developed as residential suburbs between 1950 and 1990, and
their current populations have grown dramatically.
Several parks and reserves can be found in the townships, and
the local Amberley Domain and Pavilion is always popular for
sport and recreation events, agricultural shows, and leisure
activities.
Present Profile
•
The population of the Amberley Ward is estimated
at 4,050.
•
The Amberley Ward is the largest community in the
Hurunui District. The ward makes up over one third
of the total district population, with a steady growth in
residents.
•
In addition to the numerous shops and commercial premises,
the ward is fortunate to have three primary schools, two
preschools, two Playcentres, a medical centre, a public swimming
pool, a community hall and two libraries (The Hurunui Memorial
Library in Amberley and a community library in Leithfield). The
ward has many amenities including a cemetery and several
blocks of public toilets. The Amberley Township is home to the
ward’s volunteer fire and ambulance services and two full-time
police officers. The Council’s main office, including the Council
Chambers, is located in Amberley.
Ward Governance
2006 NZ Census data shows Amberley’s population
profile as somewhat older that the Hurunui average.
29% of Amberley’s residents are aged 65 years and over,
compared to 25% for the Hurunui District, 24% for
the Canterbury Region, and 21% for New Zealand as
a whole.
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District Councillors are responsible for representing the
interests of their ward, setting Council policies and monitoring
the Council’s performance. They are elected every three years
by the voters of their ward.
The Amberley Ward is currently represented by three
councillors: as at 2012, they are Gary Cooper, Ross Little and
Judith McKendry.
Hurunui Community Long Term Plan 2012 - 2022
In addition, the Amberley Ward also has an elected Ward
Committee which includes amongst its varied responsibilities
the overseeing of the ward’s water and sewerage schemes, and
the Amberley Recreation Reserve Subcommittee.The Amberley
Ward also has the Amberley District Residents’ Association,
the Leithfield and Leithfield Beach Residents’ Groups and the
Amberley Beach Residents’ Association.
and shopping complex for Amberley was signed off in
2010. Although a commitment has not yet been made
by one of the major supermarket chains, this is still
being pursued by the developer who remains optimistic
that a deal will be completed in the near future.
•
The Council has adopted a Walking and Cycling
Strategy, which aims to facilitate the desires made by
some members of the Community to improve the
Walking and Cycling linkages within the Hurunui District.
Of particular importance for the Amberley Ward are
the proposed commuter routes from Amberley to
Amberley Beach, Amberley to Waipara, and Amberley
to Leithfield.
•
The Amberley Ward beaches from Ashworths to “the
Rocks” are included in the Northern Pegasus Bay
Coastal Management Plan. This Plan contains a number
of recommendations, including a requirement that all
vehicles on Northern Pegasus Bay must obtain a permit
and obey all conditions of the permit including, a speed
limit for vehicles of 10km/h around people and 30km/h
on the open beach, in addition any vehicle on the beach
must be operated below the high tide mark.
•
The Amberley Ward’s population growth since 2008 has
been slow. However, previous growth, and anticipated
moderate future growth, particularly in the townships,
will ultimately create a need for expanded community
facilities. Further expansion and development of the
Amberley Domain may become necessary. New
subdivisions need to include the provision of parks,
reserves and walkways. Another long term challenge
to meeting population growth and developers’ and
residents’ expectations for the Amberley Ward will be
the possible demands to seal existing gravel roads.
•
The presence of State Highway 1 will continue to
stimulate associated growth and development, whilst at
the same time placing responsibility on the council, the
community and the New Zealand Transport Agency to
manage the associated effects of such traffic.
•
Amberley Ward’s locality acts as a valuable “gateway”
to the Hurunui District, offering opportunities for
further growth and profitable gains to the local tourism
industry.
•
Impacts from the Pegasus Town development have
not yet become apparent. As the town grows, a
foreseeable possible adverse impact on the Amberley
Ward is the additional traffic volumes creating longer
commuting times between Woodend and Christchurch.
Possible positive impacts include more employment
opportunities and Amberley Ward could be a satellite
base for staff for the new township. The proposed new
High School would be the closest one to the Amberley
Ward.
•
The Amberley Ward has nearly one third of its
population aged 65 years and over (Stats NZ Census
2006). The requirements of this demographic has
Key Long Term Opportunities and
Challenges
•
•
The worldwide economic downturn had a temporary
negative effect on growth and development in the
Amberley Ward. However, this is expected to reversed
as people need or want to leave earthquake affected
areas in Christchurch and Kaiapoi may consider buying
houses and sections in the ward. Amberley Township is
also popular to an increasing number of retirees.
State Highway 1 remains a major economic strength
and improvements have lessened the pedestrian
safety challenges for the community. The outcome of
the proposed District Plan change will likely have an
influence on development in upcoming years.
•
The number one Amberley Concept Plan (ACP)
priority project that was identified was in regards to
residential and commercial zoning. After a lengthy
consultation process, the District Plan Changes became
operative in 2009.
•
New District Plan provisions for independent senior
living units (ISLUs) and minor dwelling units (MDUs)
were made operative late last year.This enables another
type of residential development that will cater for the
needs of the “earthquake refugees” as well as the needs
of the aging population.
•
•
•
•
The ACP identified the current centre of town location
for the Amberley Transfer Station to be inappropriate,
and new potential sites have since been investigated. A
site in Greys Road has been identified as the preferred
location and this will now be consulted on.
The need to upgrade the Amberley Swimming Pool was
also highlighted during the concept planning process,
and subsequent investigations have found that the pool
has a limited life expectancy and that we should not rely
on it after 2018. The Amberley Ward Committee, via a
working group, has been further investigating options
for the future including whether the current pool can
be upgraded or whether a new pool should be built.
Extensive consultation will be carried out prior to any
final decisions being made.
A huge land bank now exists in Amberley resulting
from recent plan changes which rezoned rural land to
residential use.
The resource consent for the long awaited supermarket
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www.hurunui.govt.nz
different demands than the rest of the district, such as
a higher need for pensioner housing and rest homes,
increased medical centre usage, a preference for passive
recreation facilities etc.
Year Planned
Key Projects
2012/13
2013/14
2014/15
Water pipe renewal
2015-2022
$448,773
Water reticulation
Water connections
$10,392
SH1 bore commissioning
$260,933
$239,763
$10,738
$11,107
$25,000
Water rising main upgrade
$236,500
Sewerage pipe upgrade
$474,000
Waste water plant renewals
$12,240
Stormwater/drainage detention ponds
$100,000
Stormwater/drainage upgrading
$194,000
Amberley Township roadside construction
$23,000
Leithfield Township roadside construction
$10,000
Leithfield Beach Township roadside construction
$243,678
$10,780
$78,256
$41,293
$23,902
$24,697
$201,646
$11,945
$5,196
Leithfield Beach Community Centre heat pump
$6,215
$4,000
Amberley Township – Railway Tce landscaping/fencing
$15,000
Walking and cycling routes
$250,391
Amberley domain – playground improvements
$4,000
Amberley domain – relocate cricket nets
$6,000
Amberley neighbourhood reserves
$264,752
Amberley reserves – passive links
$10,000
$10,392
$10,738
Amberley Beach reserve – tennis courts
$87,672
$24,858
Leithfield Beach reserve – tennis courts
$72,744
Amberley Ward - Sample Properties
Property
Capital
Value
Water
Supply
Units
# of
Fixed
Charges
Actual
Rates
2011/2012
Proposed
Rated
2012/13
Increase / Decrease
$
%
Amberley Township
255,000 Amberley
209
1
$1,464.46
$1,549.20
$84.74
5.79%
Amberley Township
520,000 Amberley
238
1
$1,805.80
$1,909.12
$103.33
5.72%
Amberley Beach
Township
175,000 Ashley Rural
0.5
1
$1,575.36
$1,647.24
$71.88
4.56%
Amberley Rural
2,400,000 Ashley Rural
1
0
$3,146.30
$3,306.33
$160.03
5.09%
0.5
1
$1,338.13
$1,412.35
$74.23
5.55%
1
1
$1,219.49
$1,297.30
$77.80
6.38%
Leithfield Township
205,000 Ashley Rural
Leithfield Beach
Township
180,000
Leithfield
Beach
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Hurunui Community Long Term Plan 2012 - 2022
Amuri-Hurunui Ward Profile
Background and History
New Beginnings
Amuri
The township of Waiau was the first of the three main
settlements established in the area previously known as the
Amuri Ward. It originated in the 1860s, and due to the ferry, the
bridging of Waiau River, the opening of the road to Kaikoura and
the completion of the railway line, soon became an important
farm servicing and transport centre.
The development of Rotherham as a township followed in 1877,
as it was laid out in order to attract labourers to the district.
Culverden was the last to be established and only so due to the
arrival of the railway in 1886, consequently becoming the rail
and coach, as well as the farming centre for Amuri.
Over the years, the Amuri has been an area of traditional large
scale farming, characterised in many cases by continuous family
ownership across several generations. A secondary school
department was established in Culverden in 1960, making it the
third high school in the district, changing its status to an area
school in 1977. The first ‘Amuri Community Health Centre’
opened in Rotherham in 1982.
Following a legislatively mandated Representation Review in
2007, the Local Government Commission determined that
the pre-existing individual Amuri and Hurunui Wards become
amalgamated to form a new combined ward area: the AmuriHurunui Ward. In their determination, the Commissioners wrote
that they felt there were “sufficient commonalities of interest to
enable effective representation within this new combined ward
area” and cited that both the Hurunui and Amuri Wards are
located within the same valley and are both primarily agriculture
areas with collections of small, discreet settlement areas that
supported the surrounding rural hinterland. However the
Commissioners also noted that the Hurunui and Amuri ward
and community committees had “strong community governance
arrangements” and recommended retaining these as part of the
new structure.
Recreation / Visitor Attractions
The townships of Amuri-Hurunui epitomise small New Zealand
rural towns. They are great places to relax and enjoy the local
scenery and attractions.
The natural outdoors paradise at the southern area of the ward
features some of New Zealand’s most spectacular mountain
ranges, hillside, lakes and the headwaters of the Hurunui River,
as well as offering many accommodation options for visitors.
Waikari is the final stop for the popular Weka Pass vintage
steam railway, and the area is a photographers’ dream –
resplendent with remarkable limestone rock outcrops and some
breathtakingly beautiful sunsets over the ranges and hinterland.
Historically, the Waikari Township was a very busy little The stunning vistas can readily be taken in from the Weka
community with the flour mill, lime-works siding adjacent to the Pass Walkway, and you can also climb up a local hill to view
north bound railway line providing a lot of employment locally. ancient Mäori rock drawings in the Weka Pass Reserve. Since
It also accomodated the Hurunui County offices, an extensive 1868 the historic Hurunui Hotel has provided weary drovers
council works yard. Waikari school established 1882.
moving sheep from Nelson to Christchurch for stock sales with
a place to rest and pick up their mail and catch up on news. As
The nearby township of Hawarden began with a Roads’ Board the gateway to Canterbury all the sheep entering the district
cottage and a store on a route taken by thousands of gold were once dipped here before moving on to avoid the spread
seekers who made their way over the old Weka Pass Road in of any diseases from one region to another. The Hotel remains
the 1860s. Later Hawarden became the service centre for a a classic landmark in North Canterbury and is still a great place
large farming area and included several businesses, a post office, to stop for refreshments.
a community hall and a church. Hawarden Consolidated School
was a feeder from Hurunui, Medbury, Mason’s Flat and The Just a few kilometres to the west, Hawarden is home to the
Peaks – becoming Hawarden District High school in 1927, it well-known Flaxmere Gardens - which are Gardens of National
was the first high school of the Hurunui District, and is now Significance, and is the gateway to the secluded wilderness and
known as Hurunui College.
pristine Lake Sumner Forest Park area offering excellent fishing
and hunting grounds.
Water supplies and sewerage works for the two townships
were completed in 1966. A medical centre was first opened in Events of interest in the Hurunui area include the Hawarden
Waikari in 1971. Both communities had Post Offices.
A&P Show, Waikari annual ANZAC day fun run, ART in the
Garden, and the biennial Hurunui Race and Gala Day.
The impact of the arrival of the dairy industry in the 1980’s
has been substantial and provided enormous opportunities. The
future of the industry will be heavily influenced by the potential
to store water.
Hurunui
55
www.hurunui.govt.nz
Towards the northern reaches of the ward, the delightful
Culverden township offers a choice of farmstays, bed and
breakfasts and gardens to enjoy, making it a great place for
visitors to stay who are seeking a rural New Zealand experience.
The Culverden Golf Course is an enjoyable 9-hole course with
an attractive mountain backdrop. October each year is time for
the famous Christmas Country Fete showcasing arts, crafts,
food and wine in a garden party atmosphere.
Just a short drive inland,Waiau offers some of the best access to
the Waiau River, brimming with trout for the skillful angler and
where the salmon run during February and March. Amuri Golf
Club also has a 9-hole golf course. 26km north of Waiau, the
small, privately-owned alpine resort of Mt Lyford was developed
in 1986, and includes a commercial ski field and offers various
facilities and services, including ski and snowboard hire,
accommodation and a café, horse trekking and a riding school.
Current Profile
•
The Amuri-Hurunui Ward is fortunate to have two
medical centres and a hospital:
•
Waikari is home to the Waikari clinic (a subsidiary of
Amberley Medical centre), which meets most medical
needs of residents’ in the southern end of the ward.
This was a purposed-designed building built in 2001 and
is funded from a targeted amenity rate from what was
the previous Hurunui Ward boundary area.
•
The new, purposed-designed, Amuri Community Health
Centre in Rotherham provides for the majority of the
residents’ medical needs in the northern end of the
ward. The Amuri Health Centre building is funded by a
targeted amenity rate on what was the previous Amuri
Ward boundary area. The General Practice is owned
by the Amuri Community Trust and operated by Amuri
Health Care Ltd. •
Waikari Hospital is set in beautiful grounds overlooking
the Alps, it provides services to the local community as
well as rest of the district. Services include Maternity,
Continuing Care of the Elderly, General Medical, Surgical
Rehabilitation, Carer Support, Respite Care, Meals on
Wheels, Day Care and equipment Hire
•
The Amuri-Hurunui ward is fortunate to have a St John
Ambulance Station based in Culverden, as well as the
Hawarden–Waikari and Amuri–Waiau Volunteer Rural
Fire Forces, and New Zealand Fire Service Volunteer
Fire Brigades in Waikari, Culverden, Waiau and
Hawarden. There is one full-time police officer working
from Waikari, and two based in Culverden.
The population of The Amuri-Hurunui Ward is estimated at
3,730.
•
•
The Amuri-Hurunui Ward makes up approximately 30%
of Hurunui District’s population as a whole.The ward
experienced modest growth in the five years from
2001-2006 and Statistics New Zealand had predicted
no further increase for 2011, however growth in the
dairy industry is likely to have seen modest increases
in population numbers – particularly in the numbers of
migrant workers and their families.
The Amuri-Hurunui Ward is centrally located in the
District and acts as an essential access way to the
Hanmer Springs Alpine Village when travelling to and
from Amberley / Waipara, or to and from Kaikoura.
Ward Governance
District Councillors are responsible for representing the
interests of their ward, setting Council policies and monitoring
the Council’s performance. They are elected every 3 years by
the voters of their ward.
•
The Amuri-Hurunui Ward is dominated by traditional
farming, and developments in recent years include an
extensive number of conversions, from traditional
sheep farming to intensive irrigated dairy farming.
•
The Amuri-Hurunui Ward is home to Amuri Area
School in Culverden and Hurunui College in
Hawarden. The Hurunui Academy based in Culverden
offers NZQA approved courses in outdoor education,
rural skills, tourism and hospitality, and carpentry for
youth and adult students. There are three primary
schools, located in Waikari, Waiau and Rotherham. Preschool options include a pre-school in Culverden and
Playcentres at Hawarden Culverden and Waiau. The
Amuri Area School is also houses the Council’s Service
Centre/Library. Hurunui College also houses the
Council’s public library. A community library is based
in Waiau.
56
The Amuri-Hurunui Ward is currently represented by three
councillors: as at 2012, they are Marie Black, Richard Davison
and Jim Harre. Mayor Winton Dalley is also from this ward but
was elected ‘at large’ to represent the interests of the entire
district.
Council committees in the Amuri area are the Amuri Community
Committee, the Amuri Plains Rural Water Committee, the
Balmoral Water Committee, the Waiau Rural Water Committee,
the Waiau Township Water Committee, Culverden Township
Water Committee and the Waiau Reserve Committee.
Council committees in the Hurunui area are the Hurunui
Community Committee, the Hurunui Recreation (Racecourse)
Hurunui Community Long Term Plan 2012 - 2022
Key Long Term Opportunities and
Challenges
Hurunui Water Project – Waitohi Proposal
Reserve Committee, the Waikari Reserve and Hall Committee,
and the Hawarden Recreation Reserve and Hall Committee.
Water
Water issues, in terms of both opportunities and challenges, are
so important to the entire ward that a separate section has
been included here to showcase this.
•
A key issue in the ward over the past 50 years and
probably the next 50 is the use of water from the two
main rivers, the Waiau and Hurunui for irrigation. The
consequential changes to the physical environment,
economic activity and most importantly to the social
structure of the district is a work in progress.
•
The impact of the arrival of the dairy industry in the
1980’s has been substantial and provided enormous
opportunities. The future will be heavily influenced by
the potential to store water and to utilise currently
underperforming land.
•
It is generally accepted that the real opportunities for
the ward remain with land based industries - both
agriculture and recreation based. To continue to grow
and develop these, the focus is on the rivers, lakes and
hills.
This proposes to develop a series of four water storage dams
on the Waitohi River to irrigate 58,500 ha of land in the Hurunui,
Waipara and Kowai catchments. The dams are proposed to be
located at Hurricane Gully; Seven Hills; Inches Road and in the
Lower Gorge.
Run-of-river water would be taken directly from the Hurunui
River as the predominant supply of water when it is available.
When this water is not available, they intend water stored in the
Waitohi River catchment to be released from the dams to meet
the irrigation demand and provide hydro-electricity generation
capability. Water stored within the dams will be sourced from
both the Hurunui and the Waitohi Rivers.
Hurunui Water Project
South Branch Hurunui River and Lake Sumner Proposal
This proposal involves the abstraction of water from the Hurunui
River, via either an intake near the confluence of the Mandamus
River or an intake 1-2 kilometres upstream from the Dampier
Stream confluence to irrigate approximately 42,000 hectares
of land in the Hurunui and Upper Waipara catchments. Two
storage structures are proposed; a dam on the South Branch of
the Hurunui River and a weir structure on the main stem of the
Hurunui River, just downstream of the outlet from Lake Sumner.
The proposed hydro power generation will be either on the
scheme distribution canal, or located at the proposed dam on
the South Branch of the Hurunui River, or both.
The Hurunui-Waiau Zone Committee
The Hurunui-Waiau Zone Committee was the first of the 10
zone committees established throughout Canterbury. In August
2011, its Zone Implementation Programme (ZIP) was received
by Environment Canterbury and the Hurunui District Council.
This is designed to provide an integrated approach to water
management in the zone while achieving the desired social,
environment, cultural and economic outcomes. The committee
has also agreed on its Immediate Steps Biodiversity Fund projects
and work has already started on some. Projects include wetland
protection, weed control in Conway River and protection and
enhancement or riparain areas.
Hurunui Water Project
The Hurunui Water Project Ltd (HWP) proposes to develop
a community irrigation scheme which includes water storage
dams and hydro power generation. The resource consents
sought have been delayed by the Hurunui Waiau catchment
moratorium. While the moratorium was lifted on 2nd October
2011 applications cannot be processed until 2 April 2012.
HWP’s applications will subsequently be held until 2 April 2012,
at which stage processing will begin.
57
Other Key Long Term Opportunities
and Challenges
•
A long term challenge for the Amuri Ward will continue
to be overcoming the shortage of farm labour.
•
A recent upsurge in migrant workers has given the
skill shortage a boost but has provided a new set of
challenges.
•
It continues to be a challenge for new small businesses
to find premises. Correctly zoned areas are required to
meet the needs of today and the future.
•
Another challenge, shared by many small rural towns
in New Zealand, is the viability and thus the retention
of local services and businesses. Economies of scale,
potential efficiencies of centralisation and greater use
of technology all impact on the sustainability of small
businesses and government agencies alike.
•
Increased fuel prices in recent years and the recent
economic down turn may have a challenging impact on
the ward’s economic wellbeing.
•
Key long term opportunities include ongoing prospects
for tourist related activities and general promotion of
www.hurunui.govt.nz
businesses in the Ward.
•
There are potential opportunities for the wider
Culverden area to become an attractive option as a
residential location for employees working in Hanmer
Springs.
•
There are potential opportunities for the wider Waikari
area to be attractive option as a residential location for
employees working in the vineyards in Waipara.
•
Continuing development of Mt Lyford as a boutique
resort and ski area may benefit the ward’s long term
opportunities economic development and growth.
•
Council has adopted a Walking and Cycling Strategy,
which aims to facilitate the desires made by some
members of the community to improve the walking
and cycling linkages within the Hurunui District. Of
particular importance for the Amuri-Hurunui ward is
the completion of the commuter link between Waikari
and Hawarden.
Key Planning Assumptions
The recent worldwide economic downturn had a negative effect
on development, however, the significant growth in the dairy
industry may have shielded the area and it is anticipated that the
Amuri-Hurunui Ward has the potential for modest to substantial
growth. It is also expected that the ward is able to capitalise on
the benefits of tourist traffic and there is considerable potential
in the relatively ‘undiscovered’ lakes area.
Key Projects
Year Planned
Amuri
Culverden Township Roadside Construction
2012/13
2013/14
2014/15
2015-2022
$12,000
$12,470
$12,886
$105,206
Rotherham Township Roadside Construction
$4,000
$4,157
$4,295
$35,070
Waiau Township Roadside Construction
$6,000
$6,235
$6,443
$52,602
Rotherham Hall (capital expenditure)
$5,000
$2,078
$2,148
$17,534
Waiau Hall – heat pump upgrade
$10,738
Waiau Hall – Kitchen upgrade
$6,000
Rotherham Pool (capital expenditure)
$2,000
$2,078
$2,148
$17,525
Culverden Township projects
$17,000
$5,196
$5,369
$36,144
Rotherham Township projects
$1,500
$1,559
41,611
$13,151
Waiau Township projects
$2,000
$2,078
$2,148
$17,525
Culverden Reserves – walking track projects
$5,000
$5,196
$5,369
$43,839
Rotherham Reserve (capital expenditure)
$2,500
$2,598
$2,685
$21,919
Mt Lyford Reserve – BBQs
$1,000
$1,039
$1.074
$8,768
Hurunui
Hawarden-Waikari water reticulation
2012/13
2013/14
2014/15
$45,637
Hawarden sewerage - desludging
2015/2022
$50,710
$103,563
Hawarden sewerage - pump
$4,939
Hawarden sewerage – plant renewals
$37,973
Waikari sewerage - desludging
$70,000
Hawarden Township footpath construction
$16,627
Waikari Township footpath construction
$16,000
58
$80,295
$17,181
$59,979
Hurunui Community Long Term Plan 2012 - 2022
Amuri-Hurunui Ward - Sample Properties
Property
Capital
Value
Water
Supply
No of
Actual
Fixed
Rates
Units Charges
2011/2012
Proposed
Rates
2012/2013
Increase/(Decrease)
$
%
Waiau Township
200,000 Waiau Town
147
1
$1,275.40
$1,321.31
$36.92
2.89%
Rotherham Township
270,000 No water
n/a
1
$1,125.37
$1,155.69
$30.33
2.69%
Culverden Township
215,000 Culverden
322
1
$1,415.94
$1,459.27
$43.33
3.06%
Amuri Rural
2,215,000 Waiau Rural
8
1
$8,083.30
$8,433.62
$350.31
4.33%
Amuri Rural
7,725,000 Amuri Plains
7
4
$11,222.30
$11,782.84
$560.55
4.99%
Hawarden Township
138,000 Hawarden-Waikari
292
1
$1,362.90
$1,405.65
$42.75
3.14%
Waikari Township
175,000 Hawarden-Waikari
694
1
$1,718.89
$1,779.97
$61.08
3.55%
2
1
$5,339.19
$5,774.60
$435.41
8.15%
Hurunui Rural
3,435,000 Hurunui Rural
Chip Sealing, Princes Street, Waikari
59
www.hurunui.govt.nz
Cheviot Ward Profile
Background and History
Current Profile
Cheviot is well-known for its rural history, and from the
1950s, the township of Cheviot was a relatively settled, stable
community that was largely self-contained with various trades
and businesses.
The population of the Cheviot Ward is estimated at 1,340.
Cheviot ward’s other settlements include Parnassus which
originally had a railway station, a sole-charge school and some
businesses. The famous Waiau River road/rail bridge was here,
before being abandoned and replaced with a new road bridge.
Prior to the opening of the old bridge in the 1930s a ferry
across the river carried goods north and south. In the 1950’s the
settlement of Spotswood had a hall (which is still used regularly
today) and a public library. Gore Bay was a largely picnicking and
holiday venue with some permanent residents, and Conway Flat
had its own school. Domett, originally a railway town, is now
only populated by farms, and the old Domett Railway Station
has now been relocated to the main road as a cafe.
The Cheviot Rural Water Supply was put in place in 1971,
with further extensions in 1980. Cheviot District High School
transformed to an area school in 1976, and in 1978, the
township’s old hospital was converted to a medical centre.
Recreation / Visitor Attractions
The Cheviot area offers a variety of quality accommodation,
from hotels and motels to farm stays and home stays that
provide a traditional slice of kiwi life. In the township there are
several cafes, a museum and a golf course.
The Cheviot Hills Domain and Mansion Foundation was the
original site of the historical home of the founder of Cheviot,
William “Ready Money” Robinson. The front steps of the
mansion are still in place, and lead into the cricket pavilion. The
domain has a charming walkway and superb picnic spots. St
Anne’s Lagoon, about 2 km north of Cheviot, is a popular nature
reserve that used to provide Mäori settlements around the area
with eel. The Sunday Craft Market is a great place to stop, with
a great range of handmade crafts of very high quality available.
The market is often there on Fridays too, weather permitting.
Gore Bay is nature’s treasure trove, offering great surfing,
amazing walks and popular camping grounds and the nearby
Cathedral Gully, a spectacular weathered clay canyon. The
Hurunui and Waiau Rivers are easily accessible for salmon, trout
and white bait fishing, while Conway Flat is yet another stunning
site for surf casting. The area’s spectacular coastline provides
opportunities for watching both whales and sea birds.
60
The Cheviot Ward had a population count of 1311 in the 2006
Census. It had experienced a slight decline (around 30 people)
over the last two census periods. Cheviot Ward’s residents
make up approximately 12% of Hurunui District’s population
as a whole.
State Highway 1 runs through the centre of the Cheviot
Township. This is a great strength for development and growth,
as it makes the township highly accessible, as well as visible,
while simultaneously increasing visitor numbers through traffic
and heavy transport.
The importance of traditional farming is an on-going strength in
the Cheviot economy.
With the closure of Parnassus School, the Cheviot Ward is
home to only one school now – the Cheviot Area School in the
Cheviot Township.
The Cheviot Medical Centre operates from an old converted
building that is less than ideal for the provision of services and
is unlikely to be adequate for future demand. A new purposeddesigned building or an upgrade to the existing medical centre
is proposed for consideration for 2016/17.
Based in the Cheviot Township are volunteer fire and ambulance
services and two full-time police officers. A council service
centre is also located there, and the community library is based
at the Cheviot Area School.A volunteer rural fire force operates
at Conway Flat.
Ward Governance
District Councillors are responsible for representing the
interests of their ward, setting Council policies and monitoring
the Council’s performance. They are elected every three years
by the voters of their ward.
The Cheviot Ward is currently represented by one councillor:
Vince Daly.
The Cheviot Council committees include the Cheviot Ward
Committee, and Reserve Committees at Spotswood, Cheviot,
Domett and Port Robinson.
Hurunui Community Long Term Plan 2012 - 2022
Key Long Term Opportunities and Challenges
The impact of tourism and tourist traffic on local services and
amenities present key long term challenges and opportunities.
Changes to staffing at the Council Service Centre brought
about an opportunity to review current services and look at
opportunities for the future. After considering public feedback,
the Cheviot Ward Committee’s preferred option is for a
combined Service Centre/Library to be developed on the
existing service centre site. Through this plan therefore, is a
proposal to move the community library from the Cheviot
Area School, where this is now based, into the service centre
in 2012/13. The school library would remain in the school. A
working party is scoping and developing a plan to take to the
community for further consideration before the final plan is
confirmed.
Changes in Cheviot Ward’s land use, such as rising numbers
of vineyards, lifestyle blocks (particularly at Gore Bay and
Port Robinson), irrigation, and tourism, may result in new
opportunities and challenges.
Key Planning Assumptions
Population growth is projected to be restrained and Cheviot
has historically lacked popularity as a retirement area (as
elderly residents tend towards areas with more support
services). Recent interest by some in the comparatively low
cost of housing in Cheviot, indicate that some people wishing
to leave Christchurch post the earthquakes, are finding the area
attractive even without these supports.
A growth strategy for the Cheviot township and the coastal
areas, predominantly Gore Bay and Port Robinson area, was
developed in 2007/08 with extensive community input.
A new medical centre or an upgrade to the existing building is
proposed for the Cheviot township in 2016/17. Full scoping of
the options and extensive consultation will be carried out prior
to any final decisions being made.
Key Projects
Year Planned
2012/13
Water pipe renewal
2013/14
2014/15
2015-2022
$62,352
New asset pipe
$60,000
$62,352
Sewerage - plant renewals
$64,428
$526,032
$10,994
$36,498
Sewerage - desludging
$77,749
Sewerage - wave band correction
$30,822
Cheviot Ward footpath construction
$25,000
$25,980
$26,845
$219,183
Cheviot Ward drainage improvements
$5,000
$5,000
$5,196
$5,369
Cheviot Medical Centre new building
$1,150,700
Cheviot Library / Service Centre
$100,000
Cheviot Ward - Sample Properties
Property
Cheviot
Township
Cheviot Rural
Capital
Value
Water
Supply
No of
fixed
Charges
Units
Actual
Rates
Proposed
Rates
Increase (Decrease)
2011/2012
2012/2013
$
%
170,000 Cheviot
0.5
1
$1,512.82
$1,662.99
$150.99
9.93%
2,025.000 Cheviot
2.5
2
$4,225.26
$4,686.27
$266.48
10.91%
61
www.hurunui.govt.nz
Glenmark Ward Profile
Background and History
The area of Glenmark dates back to the original owner of
Glenmark station, George “Scabby” Moore.
Like other
Canterbury runholders he built up his property on the back
of profitable pastoral farming, the generosity of his bank, and
his use of cheap leasehold land. He began as the farm manager,
and acquired Glenmark at auction in 1873. He paid £90,000 for
38,935 acres (15,756 hectares) of freehold land, but this was
linked to another 78,740 acres (31,865 hectares) of leasehold
land. Eventually the run carried over 90,000 sheep and was the
most valuable in the colony. Holdings on this scale were not
found in the North Island.
Moore was notorious as a hard employer and a bad neighbour.
His station was for years Canterbury’s scabbiest run, in fact
at one stage his fines for owning diseased sheep amounted
to £2,400. It is believed that Moore sought to discourage
prospective purchasers of his leasehold land by keeping the run
infected.
Waipara led the way in rural irrigation schemes by opening its
No. 1 Rural Reticulated Water Supply Scheme in 1986 - the
first water harvesting scheme in New Zealand. By the turn of
this century the area had become a significant wine production
region, accommodating fourteen wineries.
The Glenmark Ward also features the Glenmark railway, where
one can recall the era of rural train travel with a ride in vintage
former NZR passenger carriages through scenic Weka Pass on
the 13-kilometre-long railway from Waipara to Waikari, using
vintage former NZR steam and diesel locomotives.
There are many and various accommodation options available
in the area.
The Motunau Beach settlement is a great place to retreat and
enjoy the quiet seaside ambience. Sea fishing, marine wildlife
watching and diving are just some of the great adventures on
offer. In nearby Greta Valley and Scargill a peaceful, rural farming
atmosphere still exists.
The Canterbury regional landfill at Kate Valley is located within
the Glenmark Ward.The landfill has areas of regenerating native
bush and wetlands which form the nucleus of the Transwaste
Tiromoana Bush Restoration plan. Transwaste are planning for
Tiromoana Bush to be a major national feature, with recreational,
educational and scientific opportunities for present and future
generations of New Zealanders and tourists.
Current Profile
The population of the Glenmark Ward is estimated at 1,170.
The township of Waipara has its origins as a railway town, at
the junction of the main trunk line and services heading west. It
was famous for having the longest siding in the South Island. For
many years Waipara was also home to State forestry workers
and nassella tussock grubbers, but more recently it has become
home to wine workers.
The Glenmark Ward population was 1,143 people at the time
of the 2006 Census an increase of around 300 people over the
previous five years. Statistics New Zealand predicts further
increases for the area, but at a more modest rate than the
previous five year period. Glenmark Ward’s residents make up
approximately 11% of Hurunui District’s population as a whole.
The smaller settlement of Greta Valley was created in the late
1970s, complete with amenities, a primary school, a church and
a library service. Scargill owes its existence to the Christchurch/
Picton railway line, while Omihi already housed some services
including a primary school, a community hall and a railway
station in the 1950s. The beach settlement of Motunau Beach
has expanded over the past 50 years, with a third subdivision
recently being developed, complementing the many earlier
“traditional Kiwi baches” that characterise this settlement.
The Waipara Wine Valley offers ideal conditions for growing
premium quality grapes, the combination of hot summer
temperatures, well-drained soil and protection from the cool
easterly wind makes for award winning wines. It is the fastest
growing wine region in New Zealand with around 80 vineyards
in the Waipara Wine Valley covers more than 1,200 hectares of
plantings, including the extended Glasnevin area of the Amberley
Ward). The north facing moderately sloping terrain provides an
ideal sun trap for fruiting vines.
The Glenmark rugby club in Omihi has produced more All
Blacks than any other club in NZ -14 in all at last count!
Recreation / Visitor Attractions
The Waipara region is one of New Zealand’s most rapidly
expanding wine areas, producing in the order of 1,000,000
cases of award winning wines in an average year, including
Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris,
Gewurztraminer, Merlot and Shiraz. Daily wine tours and
personal excursions are available at many of the wineries.
62
The Canterbury regional landfill at Kate Valley is
located within the Glenmark Ward. Council has an ongoing
commitment to ensuring that this landfill operates in line with
its consent conditions, and that the interests and values of the
Hurunui community are effectively represented and protected
throughout the planned 35 year life. A Community Trust,
established and funded by the landfill company, provides financial
benefits to the neighbouring community, primarily focused on
Waipara. Because Council has no involvement in this Trust or its
disbursements, this Long Term Plan does not take into account
any community projects or developments funded by the Trust.
Hurunui Community Long Term Plan 2012 - 2022
There are three primary schools in the Glenmark Ward – Greta
Valley, Omihi, and Waipara, as well as the Glenmark Playcentre.
A community library, run entirely by volunteers is run from the
Greta Valley School.
community to improve the walking and cycling linkages within
the Hurunui District. Of particular importance for Glenmark
Ward is the proposed commuter route from Amberley to
Waipara.
Waipara Township is home to the ward’s New Zealand Fire
Service volunteer fire brigade. Volunteer rural fire forces
operate from Motunau Beach and Scargill.
The Greening Waipara project provides environmental
opportunities by focusing on promoting non-regulatory
indigenous and exotic biodiversity initiatives to achieve its goals
relating to sustainable agricultural practices. The project is
sponsored by Four Leaf Japan Co Ltd and the Bio-Protection
Research Centre at Lincoln University.
Ward Governance
Drinking water continues to be a challenge for Waipara – both
availability and hardness.
District Councillors are responsible for representing the
interests of their ward, setting Council policies and monitoring
the Council’s performance. They are elected every three years
by the voters of their ward.
Development proposals for the Waipara area are causing
concerns regarding ‘sprawl’.
The Glenmark Ward is currently represented by one councillor:
•
Key Planning Assumptions
Russell Black.
There is no ward committee representing the Glenmark Ward.
The Glenmark Ward has, however, the Glenmark Reserve
Committee, the Waipara Residents Association, the Waipara
Wine Growers and the Waipara Valley Promotions. In addition,
Omihi, Scargill and Motunau Beach have their own residents
groups.
Key Long Term Opportunities and
Challenges
The Waipara growth strategy and concept plan, when
completed, will identify long term opportunities for the
Glenmark Ward.
Last year, a number of Waipara Valley wineries and other
businesses created a collaborative group to market and promote
the region.This group, called Waipara Valley NZ, includes over 15
wineries and other businesses and is supported and resourced
by Waipara Valley Winegrowers and the Hurunui Tourism Board.
Local opportunities will be afforded by the funds available from
the Kate Valley Community Trust.
Key long term challenges include the limited of availability of
labour and housing to support Glenmark Ward’s wine industry
and tourism development.
Future challenges are also likely to involve pressure on local
infrastructure due to an increase in Glenmark Ward’s industry
and population.
The Council has adopted a Walking and Cycling Strategy, which
aims to facilitate the desires made by some members of the
63
The worldwide economic downturn will likely have a negative
effect on growth and development in farming and associated
rural activities in the Glenmark Ward. It is not expected to effect
change to any large degree in the next ten years in regards to
growth and development in the wine and tourism areas, resulting
in the continued demands and pressures on infrastructure in the
Waipara area.
www.hurunui.govt.nz
Key Projects
Year Planned
2012/13
Waipara Township water pipe renewal
$20,000
Greta Valley Sewerage – plant renewals
$17,000
Greta Valley Sewerage – electrical/communications
$2,000
Motunau Beach Sewerage
2013/14
2014/15
2015-2022
$18,255
$2,078
$2,148
$35,000
$17,525
$144,326
Glenmark Ward - Sample Properties
Water
Property
Capital
Value
Supply
Units
No of
fixed
Charges
Actual Rates
2011/2012
Proposed
Rates
2012/2013
Increase (Decrease)
$
%
Motunau Beach Property
390,000
Hurunui
0.5
Rural
1
$1,467.34
$1,592.07
$124.73
8.50%
Waipara Township
220.000 Waipara 66
1
$908.48
$974.51
$66.03
7.16%
Glenmark Rural
1,900,00
2
$6,959.65
$7,740.85
$781.20
11.22%
Hurunui
7
Rural
64
Hurunui Community Long Term Plan 2012 - 2022
Hanmer Springs Ward Profile
Background and History
There’s a substantial variety of accommodation available,
complimented by delightful restaurants, cafés, boutique shopping,
galleries and craft shops.
In its very early days, the presence of the hot springs made
the Hanmer Springs township a popular visitor destination, and
entrepreneurs were quick to offer accommodation for travellers
and tourists. This popularity as a holiday destination continues
today and many tourism and hospitality focused businesses have
flourished as a result.
Hanmer Springs offers activities for all tastes and fitness levels,
with numerous walkways, golf, horse riding and mountain biking
options available. There are opportunities for pure relaxation
with massage & wellness treatments or blood pumping, thrill
seeking adventures such as jet boating, white water rafting,
bungee jumping, and four- wheel driving.
Timber logging and milling of the surrounding forests commenced
in 1900 as part of a Government scheme employing prison
labour. There have been subsequent changes of ownership and
operation of this forest over the years, culminating in the recent
closure of local milling, and Ngai Tahu taking over ownership as
part of New Zealand’s treaty settlements legislation.
The newly vested St James Station Conservation Area and Queen
Mary Hospital site will also provide both locals and visitors with
exciting new opportunities for recreational activities.
Current Profile
The well known Queen Mary Hospital site dates back to the
establishment of a Soldiers Hospital in 1916, for the recuperation
and rehabilitation of injured and war weary soldiers returning
from the WW1 front lines. The surrounding park-like grounds
and magnificent trees add to the special value of this nationally
recognized heritage site.
In late 2008 the council and the New Zealand Government
reached an agreement that has secured the future of a
substantial six hectares of the old Queen Mary Hospital site
in public ownership for present and future generations of New
Zealanders. The Crown vested the land and protected Heritage
buildings in the Council in 2010. Most recently the Hanmer
Springs Township has undergone a facelift through the Hanmer
Springs Growth Strategy. The upgrade of the town centre was
completed in 2010. Ongoing upgrades have been applied to the
reserves and walkways in the area.
Community Board Vision
•
The population of the Hanmer Springs Ward is
estimated at 1,040.
•
With more than 600 holiday homes in the Hanmer
Springs and its popularity as a tourist destination, the
number of people in the area during peak holiday times
can be as high as 6,000
•
The hospitality industry is the single largest employer
in the Hanmer Springs Ward, employing around 30% of
the ward’s full time workers
•
Hanmer Springs has always promoted a general ‘health
and wellness’ theme
•
There are local town planning controls in place in the
Hanmer Springs Township to ensure that the look and
feel of this special alpine spa village are preserved for
future generations
•
The Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa is an award
winning tourist attraction. Owned by the Hurunui
District Council, the complex hosted 527,801 visitors
during the twelve months ending June 30th 2011. From
2009-11 the Thermal Pools and Spa had an increase in
visitor numbers of 4%. The surpluses achieved at the
Hanmer Springs Thermal pools & Spa were $2,064,966
in 2009/2010 and $2,131,000 in 2010/2011. From these
surpluses, a total of $3,492,460 was transferred from
the Thermal Pools surplus for the funding of district
wide reserves. For the 2011/2012 year, the amount
to be transferred from the Thermal reserve to offset
the costs of reserves throughout the District has been
budgeted at $2,021,372
•
The Hanmer Springs Township is home to one primary
school, a child care centre and a Playcentre. Council
also runs a service centre/ library in the township
The Hanmer Springs Community Board has a vision for Hanmer
Springs as a place for all to live, work and play. Their vision is;
“a place for all ages and stages of life, with a focus on community
growth, provide a sustainable environment for people to visit and live,
and expand the tourism opportunities of the area.”
Recreation / Visitor Attractions
Situated in a high country basin, the small, natural alpine spa
village of Hanmer Springs has been a favourite retreat for
generations of New Zealanders. The award winning Hanmer
Springs Thermal Pools and Spa complex is a major draw card,
and the pristine alpine environment with its forests, rivers
and mountains enhance its appeal as the ultimate year round
destination.
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www.hurunui.govt.nz
•
The Track Network provides a great opportunity to
add to Hanmer’s visitor attractions
•
Long term security of access to the forests that
surrounds Hanmer.
•
The high country areas are some of the best in new
Zealand and offer visitors unique and easy access.
Ward Governance
•
Maximisation of the commercial Zoned area in the
village
District Councillors are responsible for representing the
interests of their ward, setting Council policies and monitoring
the Council’s performance. They are elected every three years
by the voters of their ward.
•
Hanmer Springs needs to tap into the
market
•
Hanmer Springs needs better community facilities in
order to attract and keep people
•
In response to growth and demand, a purpose designed
medical centre was built in Hanmer Springs in 2008
•
Hanmer Springs has a combined emergency response
facility which houses Fire, Police, and Ambulance
services
The Hanmer Springs Ward is currently represented by one
councillor:
Infrastructure:
Michael Malthus (who is also Deputy Mayor).
In addition, the Hanmer Springs Ward has the publicly elected
Hanmer Springs Community Board.The current representatives
on the Board are;
Jason Fletcher (Chair)
Bill Clarkson
Rosemary Ensor
Kate Poiner
Chris Preston
Key Long Term Opportunities and
Challenges
•
Provide housing for all ages and stages of life
•
Be a recognised sustainable community
•
Provide access to affordable housing for the retired and
those on low incomes
•
Provide village wide high speed broadband connectivity
•
Extend the pedestrian friendly approach to the town
•
Ensure the Queen Mary Hospital opportunities are
realised for both the business community and the
residents
A long term challenge for the Hanmer Springs Ward is
to maintain annual visitor growth
•
The vesting of the 6 hectare reserve area on the Queen
Mary site represents a substantial opportunity for the
Hanmer Springs Ward and the district
•
Entry at State highway 7 and 7a needs to be safer and
more user friendly
•
Environment Canterbury has made it a requirement
that we improve the quality of sewage outfall.
•
Peak loading for water needs to be safe guarded
Hanmer Springs is a popular location for retirees and those able
to work from home. It is predicted that as telecommunications
and technology advance over the coming years, this market will
further increase.
The key projects table on the next page sets out the work we
are planning over the next ten years. In addition, we are also
keen to:
Commercial and Tourism:
•
Improved access to the high-country will open up great
opportunities for further tourism development
The Hanmer Springs area is predicted to continue to grow at
above district average rates. Whilst there are some important
challenges facing tourism, it is assumed that on balance whilst
there has been an impact from the economic downturn on
international travel, the Christchurch/Canterbury market has
continue to grow, further strengthening the already strong
demand for holiday homes.
Community:
Target local population by 2023 of 1500 people
•
Key Planning Assumptions
Hanmer Springs also has its own Business Association.
•
conference
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•
Seek accreditation as a sustainable community
•
Provide Village wide high speed broadband connectivity
•
Seek continued funding and upgrading of the Track
Network •
Look at the purchase the Heritage Forrest and link to St
James walking/cycling /horses and extend to Woodbank
Road and Clarence Valley
•
Improve the roads and access to the high-country
Hurunui Community Long Term Plan 2012 - 2022
•
Improve the entry at State highway 7 and 7a
•
Improve the sewage out fall water quality to meet
ECAN requirements
•
Start looking at water supply for 2023
Year Planned
Key Projects
2012/13
Land purchased for water treatment
2013/14
2014/15
2015-2022
$140,000
Water – renewal reticulation (from Asset Management Plan)
$623,656
New sewerage monitoring bores - disposal
$555,350
New sewerage monitoring bores - desludging
$93,528
Stormwater – Capital Expenditure
Sewer Improvements
$62,352
$154,086
$220,000
$1,288,560
Roading - renewals
$15,000
$15,588
$16,107
$131,511
Roading – new construction
$45,000
$46,764
$48,321
$394,527
Street lighting
$15,000
$15,588
$16,107
$131,511
Hanmer Springs Hall – stage upgrade
$10,000
Hanmer Springs Hall – extension
$193,284
Sports ground upgrade
$30,000
Exercise equipment
$35,000
Additional seating
$3,000
BBQ equipment – Brooke Dawson
$5,000
BBQ equipment – Tarndale
$1,077,
379
$2,078
$1,074
$5,196
Reserve capital projects
$10,000
$10,392
$10,738
Conical Hill Walkway Project
$87,681
$119,450
New welcome sign on SH7
$70.000
Hanmer Springs Ward - Sample Properties
Property
Capital
Value
Water
Supply
Hanmer Springs
405,000
Hanmer Springs
Township (Tourism)
Hanmer Springs
430,000
Hanmer Springs
Township
Hanmer Springs
3,325,000 No Water
Rural
Units
No of Actual Rates
fixed
Charges 2011/2012
Proposed
Rates
2012/2013
Increase (Decrease)
$
%
215
1
$2,061.62
$2,142.58
$80.96
3.93%
27
1
$1,626.17
$1,689.71
$63.53
3.91%
n/a
1
$4,267.03
$4,464.69
$197.67
4.63%
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