Long Term Community Plan 2012-2022 - Hurunui District Council

Hanmer Springs Ward Profile
Background and History
In its very early days, the presence of the hot springs made
the Hanmer Springs township a popular visitor destination, and
entrepreneurs were quick to offer accommodation for travellers
and tourists. This popularity as a holiday destination continues
today and many tourism and hospitality focused businesses have
flourished as a result.
Timber logging and milling of the surrounding forests commenced
in 1900 as part of a Government scheme employing prison
labour. There have been subsequent changes of ownership and
operation of this forest over the years, culminating in the recent
closure of local milling, and Ngai Tahu taking over ownership as
part of New Zealand’s treaty settlements legislation.
The well known Queen Mary Hospital site dates back to the
establishment of a Soldiers Hospital in 1916, for the recuperation
and rehabilitation of injured and war weary soldiers returning
from the WW1 front lines. The surrounding park-like grounds
and magnificent trees add to the special value of this nationally
recognized heritage site.
In late 2008 the council and the New Zealand Government
reached an agreement that has secured the future of a
substantial six hectares of the old Queen Mary Hospital site
in public ownership for present and future generations of New
Zealanders. The Crown vested the land and protected Heritage
buildings in the Council in 2010. Most recently the Hanmer
Springs Township has undergone a facelift through the Hanmer
Springs Growth Strategy. The upgrade of the town centre was
completed in 2010. Ongoing upgrades have been applied to the
reserves and walkways in the area.
Community Board Vision
The Hanmer Springs Community Board has a vision for Hanmer
Springs as a place for all to live, work and play. Their vision is;
“a place for all ages and stages of life, with a focus on community
growth, provide a sustainable environment for people to visit and live,
and expand the tourism opportunities of the area.”
Recreation / Visitor Attractions
Situated in a high country basin, the small, natural alpine spa
village of Hanmer Springs has been a favourite retreat for
generations of New Zealanders. The award winning Hanmer
Springs Thermal Pools and Spa complex is a major draw card,
and the pristine alpine environment with its forests, rivers
and mountains enhance its appeal as the ultimate year round
destination.
Hurunui Community Long Term Plan 2012 - 2022
There’s a substantial variety of accommodation available,
complimented by delightful restaurants, cafés, boutique shopping,
galleries and craft shops.
Hanmer Springs offers activities for all tastes and fitness levels,
with numerous walkways, golf, horse riding and mountain biking
options available. There are opportunities for pure relaxation
with massage & wellness treatments or blood pumping, thrill
seeking adventures such as jet boating, white water rafting,
bungee jumping, and four- wheel driving.
The newly vested St James Station Conservation Area and Queen
Mary Hospital site will also provide both locals and visitors with
exciting new opportunities for recreational activities.
Current Profile
• The population of the Hanmer Springs Ward is
estimated at 1,040.
• With more than 600 holiday homes in the Hanmer
Springs and its popularity as a tourist destination, the
number of people in the area during peak holiday times
can be as high as 6,000
• The hospitality industry is the single largest employer
in the Hanmer Springs Ward, employing around 30% of
the ward’s full time workers
• Hanmer Springs has always promoted a general ‘health
and wellness’ theme
• There are local town planning controls in place in the
Hanmer Springs Township to ensure that the look and
feel of this special alpine spa village are preserved for
future generations
• The Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa is an award
winning tourist attraction. Owned by the Hurunui
District Council, the complex hosted 527,801 visitors
during the twelve months ending June 30th 2011. From
2009-11 the Thermal Pools and Spa had an increase in
visitor numbers of 4%. The surpluses achieved at the
Hanmer Springs Thermal pools & Spa were $2,064,966
in 2009/2010 and $2,131,000 in 2010/2011. From these
surpluses, a total of $3,492,460 was transferred from
the Thermal Pools surplus for the funding of district
wide reserves. For the 2011/2012 year, the amount
to be transferred from the Thermal reserve to offset
the costs of reserves throughout the District has been
budgeted at $2,021,372
• The Hanmer Springs Township is home to one primary
school, a child care centre and a Playcentre. Council
also runs a service centre/ library in the township
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