New Hurunui councillor living the good life

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Tom Davies is living the good life in Hanmer Springs.

He is one of two new Hurunui district councillors in the west ward who were elected unopposed.

The other new councillor is Dave Hislop, of Medbury Farm, joining sitting councillors Karen Armstrong and Ross Barnes.

Davies said he was approached by local residents to offer ‘‘a voice for Hanmer Springs’’, after sitting councillor Mary Holloway announced her retirement.

‘‘I’m really excited because the people of Hanmer contacted me sometime back. They had done their homework and were prepared to back me.’’

Originally from south England, Davies and his wife, Lorna, (both pictured) migrated to Christchurch in 2005.

They soon fell in love with Hanmer Springs and purchased a holiday home six years ago.

After their visits increased from monthly to weekly, the couple decided to settle permanently during lockdown in 2020.

He said high speed internet had made the move possible.

Davies offers online lessons to Chinese teachers on modern ways of teaching maths. He also teaches part-time at Hanmer Springs School.

He was keen to develop the district’s mountain bike network, promote public transport and upgrade community facilities, including Queen Mary Hospital.

‘‘I would like to have some iconic trails. We are starting to develop a mountain bike network in Hanmer, so there are opportunities to link it with Amberley and Kaikōura.’’

Public transport could be as simple as community cars, a service already offered in Hanmer Springs.

Davies' son Joe was elected to Environment Canterbury in the Christchurch northeast ward.

Hislop was looking forward to his new role.

‘‘I have a reputation for wanting things to be done yesterday, so my mates tell me I will get frustrated. But that’s why they’ve talked me into it.’’

Hislop and his wife Brenda run Medbury Farm with six staff, milking 1230 cows.

He said a big focus for him was people, so he was keen to learn more about the council’s ‘‘Welcoming Communities’’ initiative.

The Hurunui district was a ‘‘hidden paradise’’ and with labour shortages there was an opportunity to attract people to come and work in the area.

Armstrong was only elected in a by-election last year, so was relieved she did not have to campaign for re-election.

‘‘It takes time to get your head around the requirements of the role, so I felt I needed to come back and do a full term.’’

Based in Waikari, she has a background in business and being active in the community.

‘‘I don’t have any specific goals or agenda. It’s about what presents itself and what the community wants and responding to central government policies.’’

Barnes was pleased to be back for a second term.

‘‘It takes three years to get your head around it all. I think the main highlight has been representing my community and the people around the council table, all doing their best to spend ratepayers’ money on the things they want.’’

He said councillors could make a difference by listening to their community and working together with other councillors.

‘‘If you’ve got a good argument, it will get through, if the others can see the sense in it.’’

■ Mary Holloway, Chris Hughey, Michael Malthus, Alice Stielow and Richard Tapper were also elected unopposed to the Hanmer Springs Community Board.

■ Public interest journalism is funded by New Zealand on Air.