A Word from the Mayor
Welcome back to everyone as we begin a new year together, I hope you were able to take some time over the holidays to rest, recharge and enjoy time with family and friends. Our district is a special place, and the quieter holiday weeks remind us how important it is to protect and nurture the things that make our communities strong. Typically, the weather over the holiday break has been a little inclement but the gentle rains are always welcome in a primary producing district like ours.
As routines resume, back to school, back to work and back to community life – Council is also committed and focused on our priorities for the year ahead.
The Local Water Done Well reform is progressing in a timely and appropriate manner. In December 2025 our council and Kaikoura District Council unanimously agreed on the Constitution and Shareholders agreement for Kaikoura Hurunui Water Services Ltd and at the January meeting Council will be presented with an Interim Statement of Expectation for Kaikoura Hurunui Water Services Ltd. By the end of February 2026 it is anticipated that both councils will have worked through the appointment of the initial three independent skill based directors, with a further two directors to follow one being appointed by each council.
Other reform proposals include the reorganisation of local government with the option to remove Regional Governance and reshape into Combined Territorial Boards with governance made up of the Mayors, alongside this is the proposal to place a rate cap, and a review of the Civil Defence Emergency Management Bill and the introduction of the revised RMA into two new pieces of legislation The Planning Bill which contains the rules for how land can be used and developed and The Natural Environment Bill to manage the use of natural resources and protecting the environment, both the latter two Bills are expected to be enacted around the middle of 2026.
We continue to work on planning for the future, including resilience and adaptation to changing environmental conditions, this means thoughtful long-term planning, particularly in areas such as coastal communities, where we are working alongside residents on practical and sustainable solutions.
Supporting our local economy is another key focus and events like the upcoming Amberley Markham Street Festival on the 15 February is a great chance to support local enterprise who contribute so much to the character and prosperity of Hurunui.
I urge you to strengthen our communities during the year of 2026. I encourage your participation and support for our volunteers to ensure that our people feel connected and heard. Your collective voice helps shape the direction of our district.
There will be many parents and school staff preparing for the school year, I wish you well for a positive and engaging beginning for the school year ahead and last but not least if you are new to our district, a very warm welcome, moving to a new place can be a challenging journey but, in the Hurunui you will find friendly neighbours, colleagues and services ready to help you every step of the way.
Please make contact if I can be of any assistance – my door is always open.
Marie
