All about options for Hurunui’s future

Hurunui District’s councillors will reflect on the strengths of all five options they are asking the district’s residents to consider, as councils around New Zealand inch forward in the Local Government Simplification process.

Around the table yesterday at June’s Council meeting, elected members agreed the preferred option was to take part in the Head Start pathway (choosing their own option), rather than the Backstop pathway (letting the government decide).

But, they also emphasised that hearing what the people of the Hurunui District think, is important, before any firm decisions can be made.

Despite the tight timeframe, a household survey will be conducted within the Hurunui District to seek feedback on five potential options, which will land in letterboxes very soon, and can also be conducted online.

Councillor Steve Hutt said it’s important to provide people in Hurunui the chance to be led with their hearts and minds.

“What is important to them? Is it our identity, or is it our wallet? What does this district actually want?” he said.

Deputy Mayor Fiona Harris said from feedback she’s heard from people around Hurunui, identity is one factor considered, but so is affordability.

“That definitely comes into play, and so does the importance of holding onto their rural identity.”

Council must outline proposals for new unitary authorities by August 9 this year, and final policy decisions on detailed proposals will be established early next year.

Mayor Marie Black said the recent drop-in sessions dotted around Hurunui held significant value in the information gathering and analysis process, helping councillors outline five amalgamation options for district members to choose from.

“We are hugely grateful for the time and interest people have made so far, as we want to shape our future together,” said Mayor Black.

The survey’s five options will include;

(North Canterbury) The whole of Waimakariri, Hurunui and Kaikōura Districts;

(North/Central Canterbury) The whole of the Ashburton, Kaikōura and Hurunui Districts plus Banks Peninsula, and the approximate remainder of the Waimakariri and Selwyn Districts with urban areas excluded;

(Rural Canterbury) The whole of Kaikōura, Hurunui, Ashburton, Timaru, Mackenzie, Waimate and Waitaki Districts, Banks Peninsula, and remainder of Waimakariri and Selwyn Districts with urban areas excluded;

(North-East South Island) The whole of the Marlborough, Kaikōura and Hurunui Districts;

(West-Central South Island) The whole of the Westland, Grey, Buller and Hurunui Districts.

“There’s many factors to take into account such as geography, GDP, how services like roading and water will be shared, and population, just to name a few.”

She added that some people may choose to let the government decide the future of Hurunui District, opting for the Backstop pathway which means further decisions will not happen until next year, after those in the Headstart pathway work through their process first.

Please complete and return the survey to Council Offices in Amberley by Wednesday 22 July. They can be delivered in person to any of Hurunui District Council's service centres/libraries, or sent by (prepaid) mail.

For further information, or to complete online, please visit here.

Collectively we are in a real time of uncertainty as we work towards the 2028 election with the abolishment of regional councils, and we can’t thank those in our communities enough for their considered opinions as we work through these changes together,” said Mayor Marie Black.

Wider reform of local government will commence after the 2028 local elections.