A Word from the Mayor
The recent windstorm will stick in our minds for a long time, given the large numbers of fallen trees, damaged outbuildings and downed powerlines that caused so much distress for many in our district.
The significant weather event experienced, with high winds are predicted to be part of our weather patterns in the future so despite the stress, damage, time and cost this has caused it also acts a useful reminder on how to effectively manage and plan our lives around the key services that we expect.
Power outages and damaged networks impacted on the ability to provide electricity, water and wastewater services to our customers right across the district. Both our council staff and Mainpower staff worked tirelessly under challenging conditions to restore services to as many customers as possible, as quickly as they were able, and I am heartened to hear of the gratitude expressed to both organisations. I witnessed responses from neighbours and communities to reach out to the vulnerable, check in and ensure people were coping ok. We should all be proud to live in this district where people take the time to reach out and help others.
This predicted changing weather pattern and intensity gives us an opportunity to consider what we can do to help ourselves to manage through times of crisis. If you live on a restricted water supply, make sure you have about 3 days of storage, think carefully about where you plant trees and consider the damage these may cause as they have the potential to uplift water pipes once they mature regardless if these are Council or private water pipes.
Keeping these key messages in mind will make life much more manageable in the aftermath of natural events such as the one just experienced, with co-operation and respect being the key to successful outcomes.
We are coming into a very busy week in our district, I trust all our Hurunui Garden Festival host gardens have a superb time inviting many visitors to your beautiful gardens – I can only imagine the busy times you will have all had since the horrendous winds to ensure your gardens are perfect for viewing. I hope you all have a fabulous week, also a very successful Fete in Hanmer Springs and an enjoyable Amberley A @ P show – this is a great time for our district to showcase many of our special attributes so get out and enjoy them.