Welcome to 2025

A new year always brings the promise of something new fresh and better, we all genuinely wish people a happy new year and hope that it brings good health and happiness.

I am not sure of the impact of the new year for you, but I was devastated that to hear of the tragic news that members of our NZ Police force were the target of such a violent act in a peaceful and tranquil town of Nelson.

I felt severely the impact for the families involved and the entire NZ Police force we expect them to keep our communities safe, but they also deserve the right to return home to their loved ones safe and well at the end of their shift. I have had many conversations with people since the New Year and they join with me in trusting that as a society we can strive to respect life and reduce events of this magnitude occurring.

2025 has started with a mixed reaction to the weather, the campers may be less than impressed with the inability to get out and enjoy some beachside activities in the summer sun, the local producers will be somewhat relieved that rain has fallen and finally reached the parched earth and visitors who will have been expecting long hot summer days will be feeling a little cheated. There have been some cold nights when we have scrambled for a bit of firewood to take the chill off as the rains have continued to fall and the temperatures dropped. Typically, what we will experience is the kids will return to school, and the long hot summer days will return.

I have enjoyed a book or two to read over the break the cooler days provided me a chance to have a tidy up of my desk at home and prepare for the year ahead.

The Hurunui District Council Community Pool parties are about to kick off for the holiday season with most of the school or community pools hosting a free hour or two of pool access. The Community team will be providing some supervision with games, entertainment and a BBQ to satisfy the hungry swimmers. Have a look on the HDC Facebook or website to check out the days and times closest for you. Last year we had people travel across the district to attend – it’s a good fun time to catch up with the neighbours.

Officially the council has continued to provide you with the range of services and the office is now open and back to business. I have noticed so many people take such pride in their road frontage and mow to keep it looking good. With the recent rains and additional growth, it is pleasing to drive through urban streets and on many rural roads to see many of our residents keeping the road frontage mown and looking tidy. It’s superb – you are champions.

All the best for the year ahead.