Hurunui Mayor Seeks Third Term

Saturday, 15 March 2025, 9:52 pm
Article: David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter

March 12, 2025

Hurunui Mayor Marie Black says her priority is ensuring the future of Hurunui’s water infrastructure, as she announced her plans to seek a third term.

The Hurunui District Council will consult on a proposal to create a Water Services Council Controlled Organisation in partnership with the Kaikōura District Council, in line with Government legislation.

‘‘The Local Water Done Well policy direction is at a critical point, and it is crucial that our district has stable leadership through this complex period.

‘‘There are some broad strategic goals that I want to continue to pursue for the district’s long term sustainability and maintain this balance against affordable rates.’’

Mrs Black said the Mayors’ Taskforce for Jobs programme - an employment programme for youth - has been another focus during her time as mayor.

‘‘It is close to my heart and it is about providing some certainty for our youth and future leaders.’’

Mrs Black was first elected in 2019 and was returned unopposed in 2022.

There is certain to be some new faces around the council table, with councillors Ross Barnes, Karen Armstrong and Garry Jackson stepping down in October.

Councillor Tom Davies will seek re-election, while Deputy Mayor Vince Daly and Crs Fiona Harris, Vanessa McPherson, Pauline White and Dave Hislop are undecided.

Cr Barnes has served two terms, commuting from his home at Mt Lyford to council meetings and said he has enjoyed advocating for his community.

Cr Armstrong has served two terms on the council.

Former mayor Cr Jackson returned to the council table in 2022 for a single term.

Cr Davies, a first term councillor, said he has enjoyed advocating for improvements to Hanmer Springs’ electricity supply, resilience for the cellphone network and water supply.

‘‘I have really enjoyed doing what I think is best for the community and consulting with the community.’’

Cr Daly is in his seventh term on the council and second term as deputy mayor.

Getting the road restored at Claverley, to the north of the district, after a storm and overseeing repairs to sewerage systems at Gore Bay have been among his highlights, he said.

‘‘It is really about serving and standing up for your community and for the whole district.’’

Cr Harris said she will seek feedback from her community before deciding to stand again.

She said the east ward is quite diverse including communities like Waipara, Omihi, Greta Valley, Motunau, Cheviot, Gore Bay and Parnassus.

Cr McPherson is in her first term and said her highlight has been establishing the South Ward Community Board ‘‘to finally enable true community representation’’.

Connecting with community is what motivates Cr White and she has enjoyed working with communities in developing coastal adaptation plans.

Securing Amberley’s stormwater and seeing the first stage of the Queen Mary Historic Reserve in Hanmer Springs come to fruition, have been other highlights, she said.

The biggest challenge in Cr Hislop’s first term has been ‘‘coming to grips’’ with the slow pace of doing council business.

He said is pleased to see an increased focus on roading.

Councillor Robbie Bruerton was also contacted for comment.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

© Scoop Media

Local Democracy Reporting

Content from the Local Democracy Reporting (LDR) service is published by Scoop as a registered New Zealand Media Outlet LDR Partner.