Hanmer has new hydro slides, but will a ‘flyride’ go ahead?
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
The fate of the proposed flyride in Hanmer Springs could soon be known.
A consent was granted to the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa by a Hurunui District Council appointed commissioner last year.
The resource consent application was to install and operate a gravity-based recreation activity at Conical Hill Reserve.
But it was appealed to the Environment Court, with a hearing held in February.
The hearing was subsequently adjourned, but was due to resume on Monday, November 6.
It is the latest adrenalin venture for the Canterbury tourist town. Two new $3.2 million water slides opened in October at Hanmer Springs pools.
Speaking about the flyride, Hurunui District Council chief executive Hamish Dobbie said he was looking forward to a court decision to "bring some certainty" to the community.
During the consent process earlier this year, submitters opposed to the venture said it would have a visual impact on the recreation character, biodiversity and horse trails of the area.
Concerns were also raised about parking, traffic congestion, noise, along with the risk of fire, and devaluation of properties.
Supporters believed the venture would bring value and benefits to the Hanmer Springs community and the wider district, and promote the village as a fun, healthy and interactive place to visit.
■ Public interest journalism funded through New Zealand on Air.
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⚠️ DOGS DIE IN HOT CARS. If you love them, don't leave them. ⚠️
It's a message we share time and time again, and this year, we're calling on you to help us spread that message further.
Did you know that calls to SPCA about dogs left inside hot cars made up a whopping 11% of all welfare calls last summer? This is a completely preventable issue, and one which is causing hundreds of dogs (often loved pets) to suffer.
Here are some quick facts to share with the dog owners in your life:
👉 The temperature inside a car can heat to over 50°C in less than 15 minutes.
👉 Parking in the shade and cracking windows does little to help on a warm day. Dogs rely on panting to keep cool, which they can't do in a hot car.
👉 This puts dogs at a high risk of heatstroke - a serious condition for dogs, with a mortality rate between 39%-50%.
👉 It is an offence under the Animal Welfare Act to leave a dog in a hot vehicle if they are showing signs of heat stress. You can be fined, and prosecuted.
SPCA has created downloadable resources to help you spread the message even further. Posters, a flyer, and a social media tile can be downloaded from our website here: www.spca.nz...
We encourage you to use these - and ask your local businesses to display the posters if they can. Flyers can be kept in your car and handed out as needed.
This is a community problem, and one we cannot solve alone. Help us to prevent more tragedies this summer by sharing this post.
On behalf of the animals - thank you ❤️