359 days ago

Hanmer flyride gets green light

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

By David Hill, Local Democracy

A proposed Hanmer Springs flyride has been given the go ahead by the Environment Court.

But there are still a few bumps in the road.

The Environment Court issued an interim decision on Friday to reject an appeal by The Friends of Conical Hill Incorporated, three years after a Hurunui District Council appointed commissioner granted a resource consent.

The Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa had applied to install and operate a gravity-based recreation activity at Conical Hill Reserve.

Hurunui District Council chief executive Hamish Dobbie said the council is relieved to finally get a decision.

‘‘It is good news. It has taken a long time to get here, but at least we’ve got a decision.

‘‘We will need to work through the viability of the project and then the council can consider what it does next.’’

Dobbie said staff would prepare a report to present to the council early in the new year.

The project received $2 million from the Government's ‘‘Shovel Ready’’ fund in 2020.

When first proposed, the attraction was expected to create 23 jobs and inject $4m into the local economy in its first five years of operation.

Submitters opposed to the flyride said it would have a visual impact on the recreation character, biodiversity and horse trails in the area.

Concerns were also raised about parking, traffic congestion, noise, along with the risk of fire, and devaluation of properties.

In her decision, Judge Lauren Semple said she was satisfied the effects of the proposal could be managed under the Hurunui District Plan and the National Policy Statement on Indigenous Biodiversity.

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More messages from your neighbours
3 days ago

A riddle to start the festive season 🌲🎁🌟

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

I'm a fruit. If you take away my first letter, I'm a crime. If you take away my first two letters, I'm an animal. If you take away my first and last letter, I'm a form of music. What am I?

Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!

Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.

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1 day ago

Make the holidays easier this year!

Ernest Rutherford Retirement Village

We’ve pulled together a few clever Christmas hacks thanks to Ryman resident, Sullen - simple ideas to save time and stress so you can enjoy more of the festive fun.

A few favourites:
- Hang tree lights vertically for an even glow
- Use reusable gift bags for quick, eco-friendly wrapping
- Prep food ahead to keep Christmas Day relaxed

Click read more for the full list of tips.

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1 day ago

Riccarton landlord’s lucky catch!

Enviroflo

A local landlord in Riccarton https ://www.enviroflo.co.nz/ |booked what was meant to be a simple, routine CCTV drain check, | just a bit of peace of mind for a tidy, well-kept rental. But under that neat garden and solid paths, our camera told a different story…

We found several cracks and offsets in the old ceramic drain lines, likely hidden damage from the 2010–2011 quakes. Nothing too dramatic yet, but it was only a matter of time before things got messy.

Luckily, the property still had an EQC (now Natural Hazards Commission) claim on record. Our team stepped in to help the owner with the process, and before long, the repairs were fully approved and sorted at no extra cost to them.

We replaced the damaged sections, tidied everything up, and left both the tenant and landlord relieved they’d caught the problem early.

Moral of the story: sometimes a “routine check” can save you a lot of stress (and cash) down the line!

Have you claimed your free drain check with Enviroflo yet?
Find out more

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