Team effort for the emerald fields of Amberley Domain

Date:

30 Apr 2021, 8:46 am

Categories:

HDC News items

From spreading the grass seed to watering them into life, Amberley Domain’s emerald glory reflects a focussed community team effort.

Just in time for the winter sports’ season that has recently kicked off.

Speaking on behalf of this great community effort is Hurunui District Council’s Councillor Robbie Bruerton. He has certainly put in his fair share of voluntary time too with the irrigation pump installation and is thrilled to bits with the result from everyone involved.

The Amberley Reserve Advisory Group had worked hard to secure funds from HDC to establish and secure the initial water supply for the Domain. This was complemented brilliantly by the essential community volunteer work which enabled the expansion of the project to include the seed drilling, and turf establishment of the sports fields.

Amberley Rugby representative, Michael Stanley organised seed from Luisetti Seeds and has spent many hours shifting the irrigation on the Rugby side of the Domain. Bob Dronfield used his John Deere 300HP Tractor to direct drill the entire sports field area, at no charge. He also donated hose and spent many hours shifting irrigation, spreading fertiliser and mowing the rugby pitch. Julian Gibbs lent his ATV spreader, while Sam Douglas and Stew Walls both donated their time and equipment to weed spray the rugby and soccer grounds, respectively. Ravensdown assisted with fertiliser, while Gary Carr used his lime truck to apply it for free.

Robbie said Nick Mavromatis from Hurunui Rangers Football Club, along with Katie Cooper spent many hours shifting the irrigation on the soccer fields, and Roger Chambers has put his retirement on hold to locate and commission hose and sprinklers and has tirelessly maintained a regular rotational irrigation program.

“It has been really great to see how the groups who share the domain have worked together to provide safer, greener grounds for the community,” said Robbie.

The Community Service Awards are open, and Hurunui District Council is calling for nominations.

Cr Robbie Bruerton is a former recipient of the Community Service Award, and so was his mother Myra.

“Mum was involved in several community groups over a long period. Perhaps more typical of her generation, they just got on and got things done,” said Robbie.

He added that it has been very gratifying working with this enthusiastic group of volunteers to enhance the Amberley Domain.

“Community service is not about seeking accolades. The greatest reward is the satisfaction of being part of a team who has recognised a need, come up with a solution and got on and achieved it.”

For more information on the Community Service Awards visit https://www.hurunui.govt.nz/community/awards-and-funding/community-services-awards, or drop into our Office in Amberley or our Service Centres/Libraries in Amberley, Culverden, Cheviot, Hawarden and Hanmer Springs.

To contact via phone call 03 3148 816.

Applications close at 5pm on Monday the 3rd of May.

Key Contacts for the Amberley Domain: