New Amberley community board confirmed
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
A new community board has been confirmed by Hurunui’s south ward.
The Local Government Commission has rejected an appeal against the establishment of a community board for next year’s local government election in the Hurunui District Council’s south ward, which includes Amberley.
Eleven objections were received, but just one, Amberley District Residents’ Association chairperson Roy Myers, gave an oral presentation to commissioners at a hearing last month.
Several objectors preferred the existing ward committee structure, which comprised representatives from residents’ associations, the Amberley Reserves Advisory Group, the Hurunui Youth Council and three independent members.
But the commissioners agreed with the council’s position that a community board elected by the community at large would be more democratic.
‘‘It may potentially attract candidates who may not have been traditionally in a position that would result in their becoming members of the ward committee,’’ the commissioners said.
South ward councillor Vanessa McPherson said she is ‘‘delighted with the outcome’’.
‘‘The decision reinforces the robust process undertaken by the council to deliver an outcome that will provide a fair and effective representation of benefit to the entire south ward.’’
But Myers said he is disappointed with the decision, which he believes is based on ‘‘wrong information’’.
‘‘The argument was that a community board would be able to be more strategic in its decision making.
‘‘But the existing ward committee doesn’t have any money to spend.’’
Hurunui mayor Marie Black told the commission a walking and cycling fund of $370,000 has been established from development contributions since 2010, but the ward committee has been unable to agree on how to spend it.
But Myers rejected this and said the ward committee was unaware ‘‘we were able to spend it’’.
‘‘How are these five representatives going to be in contact with the community?
‘‘Under the present structure, you have residents’ groups which represent their communities.’’
While the new community board will have five board members, the commissioners reduced the number of elected councillors on the board from four to two.
The commissioners’ also recommended a Hurunui Youth Council representative be appointed as an observer.
Remuneration of board members would cost $36,078 a year, or $20 per south ward ratepayer per year.
■ 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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53.2% Yes
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46.8% 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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