A Word from the Mayor

Hurunui District council has just embarked on the process of developing the Long Term plans that encompass the next ten years 2021-2031. A long term plan is a ten year strategic planning document and covers all functions from financial planning to social service provision i.e. libraries, housing and community facilities. Councillors have identified the key issues for our district and discussed at length the big issues and priorities, there are strong cross overs and linkages between all of the issues identified - infrastructure and funding, risk and resilience, cultural, environmental, social and economic.

This is a lengthy process that needs critical thinking and full community engagement, so when the time is right we will ask for your feedback. This is a large body of work as it designs the framework for the future.

The Hurunui district is ‘jam packed’ with good people doing great things and I want to acknowledge the introduction of the NEST Arts Collective currently being hosted on Markham Street in Amberley. The launch of the collective on Friday the 10th July aims to support and promote a creative haven to elevate and showcase the arts. Innovators Mel Eaton and Laura Hewetson have a vision that artists and artisans and the wider community will enjoy this wonderful haven, I urge you to all get behind this initiative and ensure that Amberley becomes the Art capital of North Canterbury.

Now more than ever we need each other and create events that entertain and bring our communities closer together and encourage visitors to our district. Eventful Hurunui has been establishing itself as the “go to place” for information when hosting, attending or planning an event. I am pleased to be part of this initiative along with Claudine Barnes as Chair, Claire Inkson secretary and Oscar McCauley treasurer and we encourage you to visit the website and log in your details free of charge and grow the resource that will bring benefit to the district. If you are hosting an event in the Hurunui District you are welcome to register the details on the website https://www.eventfulhurunui.co.nz.

I will conclude with an old African proverb.“if you want to go fast – go alone - If you want to go far – go together”.

Have a great week Marie