Hurunui Councillors have voted in changes to how Contestable Funding is divvied up between the district’s existing three wards.

The proposal to change the fund’s distribution to make the allocation more equitable for the district’s South Ward was unanimously supported at last week’s Council meeting.

Contestable funding is available to community groups or individuals for projects that enhance Council’s reserves.

The result is an increase to the South Ward from the current $10,000 to $30,000 per year, to bring it in line with the West Ward, which will remain at its current allocation of $30,000. The East Ward will remain at its current allocation of $20,000. The new allocation to South Ward increases the fund to $80,000.

Hurunui Council CEO Hamish Dobbie said the fund is derived from the surplus generated by the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa.

“The fund was set up in 2007 when the district was made up of six wards. After the wards were consolidated into three wards, the fund continued to be distributed in line with the original ward boundaries.”

This resulted in South Ward’s allocation over time falling behind its growth – and the growing number of its reserves.

The resolution included a determination that the Contestable Fund be reviewed every three years to ensure it continues to meet future growth across the district.

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