The drinking water at Hanmer Springs Forest Camp will soon be supplied by Council’s Hanmer Springs Township water system.

This is thanks to Council approving a $130,000 loan from Council to assist in the costs of the connection, marking an end to the Camp using its own private water scheme.

A recent bout of gastrointestinal illnesses from the Camp’s drinking water in mid-September 2025 caused this need to come to a head. The Trust had previously been working with Council to connect to the Council’s water supply.

Chief Financial Officer Jason Beck said this loan will be debt funded, as was the loan to the Hanmer Springs Bowling Club.

Beck explained there are key conditions for loans of this nature, such as a 10-year loan term, monthly repayments, and no penalties for any lump sum repayments.

“If Council deems it appropriate to provide loan funding to the Trust, then the terms of the loan would closely match the terms provided to the Bowling Club,” said Beck.

For the 1 October to 31 December 2025 quarter, an interest rate of 5.02% will be in place, and Council will endeavour to provide advice on changes to the Interest Rate on a quarterly basis.

CEO Hamish Dobbie said the Trust is made up of a local group which operates the Camp, and it was unlikely it would be able to obtain an external loan to fund this work.

“The Trust has invested over the years a huge amount of money, for example connecting to the sewer system was a huge cost. They have generally kept upgrading to better the facilities for the Camp’s users,” said Dobbie.

Reassurance was made around the Council table that water supply will not be an issue, as the Three Waters Planning Team has done its due diligence in this area.

Mayor Marie Black recognised the importance of the facility for Hurunui and the wider region.

“It’s about having a unique place where people can visit and enjoy a place of recreation and learning, this will be a plus for generations to come.”

Chair/Treasurer of Hanmer Springs Forest Camp Trust Wayne Street said recent issues have been very challenging for the Camp, and this loan is a lifeline to get these concerns sorted.

“My thanks to the team at Hurunui District Council for their support in this process to date and we are looking forward to getting the project shovel ready. I would also like to thank and acknowledge the professionalism and dedication of our team at the Camp,” said Street.

He said this recent issue and the wind damage recently have both impacted hugely on the team’s daily workload.

“Our Trust will now be looking at all options to fund raise to pay this loan back as soon as possible.

The loan is available from 5 November 2025.

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