New survey to build a stronger hurunui
Hurunui Mayor Marie Black, alongside Nathan Wilson, Sub-Area Supervisor for Hurunui, both supporters of the new survey.
After a tumultuous few weeks of adverse weather, proposed police reviews and local-body elections, a new survey has been launched to find out more about the wants and needs of Hurunui residents.
The survey, the first of its kind outside of Council’s Long Term Plan has been launched to build a deep understanding of what wellbeing looks like within the community.
Council Community Partnerships Manager, Rhea Duffy explains the reasoning behind the survey in more detail. “By gathering meaningful and robust data, through key areas such as safety, connection, accessibility to services, opportunities for growth, financial stability and overall wellness, we can identify gaps and proactively address community needs.”
One community member that will benefit from the results is Nathan Wilson, the Sub-Area Supervisor for Hurunui with the New Zealand Police. Nathan has been with the Police for 15 years and is now seconded to the Hurunui District until February.
Nathan has worked on Public Safety Teams in Timaru, Christchurch and Rangiora, and recently with Youth Aid and Family Harm groups in rural Canterbury. He explained why these results can be incredibly useful. “It is valuable for Police to know the needs of our communities as the population base changes, and Hurunui area is changing. The survey results can help us to get staff to patrol in areas where people may not feel quite so safe. It also allows us to be aware of the more vulnerable members of our community, for things like the recent weather events. We want our communities to be safe.”
Hurunui District Council Mayor, Marie Black, who Chairs the Together Hurunui steering group says, “The more people in Hurunui who complete this survey, the better picture we’ll have of what’s working well to support wellbeing in our community, and what needs improvement. This survey will help Together Hurunui and Hurunui District Council advocate on your behalf for the things that matter locally and prioritise initiatives that can help make a Stronger Hurunui.”
The survey, which is open to all age-groups can be completed ONLINE and in-person at Libraries and Council Service Centres across the district. Survey submissions close Sunday 7 December.
