Word from the Mayor
In collaboration with Crohn’s and Colitis NZ the Hurunui District Council lends support for this national campaign. “I can’t Wait” is a campaign encouraging businesses to provide access to their facilities when someone with bowel disease is in urgent need. The campaign was started by a young 12year old New Zealander who suffers with Crohn’s and has been fighting for better awareness around the issue. It simply involves businesses displaying a window sticker supplied by Crohn’s and Colitis NZ honouring the “I can’t Wait” cards held by people with bowel disease, giving the person undenied access to their bathroom. Hurunui District has 14 businesses already signed up and we are leading the way in this national campaign being the second South Island council to sign up and I would encourage other businesses to support this by emailing info@crohnsandcolitisnz.org.nz.
The Hurunui Health services Development Group is in the process of transition to a local advisory group. I am grateful that 17 volunteers across the district have offered their voice, as the purpose of the advisory group is to advocate for the district and support health outcomes – with the pending health reforms the advisory group can consider the health and wellbeing of our district to drive opportunity.
Alix Bush, North Canterbury Flood recovery co-ordinator, may be contacted if you have been impacted by the recent flood events. Alix is available to assist with gathering critical information to understand the needs for a recovery package. Alix may be contacted on alixbush.ncrst@outlook.co.nz or 02102773370.
Cr Robbie Bruerton and I attended the Local Government Conference and AGM in Blenheim recently. The announcement of tranche 2 funding package received a varied response from delegates in attendance. Hurunui District’s allocation based on population is $10,682,254, this forms part of the $2.5 billion investment package. This package is designed to ensure that local authorities are supported through the proposed transition process, although drawing on these funds is not available until 2024. Engagement with our district is critical to this decision making.
There are major issues facing the district - 3 waters, Natural and Built environment (RMA), NPS freshwater and Indigenous Biodiversity and the Heath reforms – we must keep our eye on all these issues to ensure no loss of values to our district.
Thanks to all the community members who came out in support of “The Howl of a Protest” last week, unfortunately I was unable to attend locally but it was equally satisfying to stand shoulder to shoulder with other Mayors from Westland, Thames- Coromandel, Far North, and Canterbury.