Delays place doubt on Hanmer flyride project
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Delays on a proposed flyride in North Canterbury are placing the project in doubt, community leaders say.
Hurunui district councillor Tom Davies said he fears a proposed flyride project in Hanmer Springs is becoming untenable, as the community continues to wait for a decision from the Environment Court.
A resource consent was granted to the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa to install and operate a gravity-based recreation activity at Conical Hill Reserve by a Hurunui District Council appointed commissioner two years ago.
But it was appealed to the Environment Court by The Friends of Conical Hill Incorporated.
The Environment Court heard the appeal in Hanmer Springs in March.
A spokesperson for the court said the decision ‘‘is still with the court, at this stage we have no estimated issue date’’.
Davies said residents just wanted to know one way or the other, so they could move on.
‘‘It is just crazy it has taken so long,’’ he said.
‘‘I fear the project may be in danger of not going ahead because of how long it has taken.
‘‘It has been going on for years and it would probably still be another 18 months down the track before it is completed, even if it was approved now.’’
Hanmer Springs Community Board chairperson Mary Holloway said she believed most residents had moved on.
‘‘It was supposed to be a ‘shovel ready’ project and I can’t imagine how much it has cost ratepayers to go through this process.
‘‘Both sides are pretty passionate about it, but I think businesses are just getting on with what they are doing.
‘‘I think most people just assume it is not going to happen.’’
Hurunui Tourism product development manager Graeme Abbot said staff will need to review the project, should the consent be confirmed.
‘‘We will need to have another look at whether it is still viable and consider what, if any, conditions are placed on it.
Plan A was to have it up and running by now.’’
Despite the wait for the flyride decision, Abbot said the town is booming.
Visitor numbers for the first week of the October school holidays, last week, were up 14% on last year. Businesses are getting ready for the summer season, which is promising to be another busy one, he said.
The pools were fully staff which hadn’t been the case for a few years due to Covid.
‘‘We are all already fully staffed at the pools for Christmas period, which hasn’t been the case for a few years due to Covid.’’
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53.1% Yes
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46.9% No
‘Tis the season to not get scammed ...
As Christmas gift shopping moves increasingly online, scammers are ramping up their activity across the country.
Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit is seeing more and more people fall victim to scams and other fraudulent activity, particularly on Facebook Marketplace.
There are a few ways to avoid the scams and keep yourself safe doing online trades this holiday season, says Southern District Service Delivery Manager Senior Sergeant Dalton.
🔒 “A good first step when looking to purchase something on Marketplace is to check when the seller’s Facebook profile was created. If it’s very recent, there is a higher risk that they have just created this account for a one-off fake item.”
🔒 Another important step is to make sure the seller’s profile name and bank account name match up. “We’re seeing a lot of scammers claiming their bank account name is different because it belongs to their partner or family member - that’s a huge red flag."
🔒 “When you’re selling, never trust a screenshot anyone sends you showing that payment has been made. Check your own bank account to make sure a payment has gone through."
🔒 “Quite frankly, it’s best for all parties to agree to pay, or be paid, for items in cash and in-person. Ideally in a public place with CCTV coverage."
🔒 "If you’re buying a car, check Carjam.co.nz to see if it’s stolen or if there’s money owed on it.”
A reminder: Suspicious activity can be reported on 105
Turn Wallpaper Scraps into Beautiful Blossoms
These blossoms made from Resene wallpaper left over after decorating will mean your décor will be blooming gorgeous, no matter the season. Find out how to create your own wallpaper flowers with these easy step by step instructions.
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