Annual Report Highlights Significant Achievements for Council

After a tumultuous year following the November 2016 Hurunui-Kaikoura earthquake the Hurunui District Council has adopted its 2016-2017 Annual Report for the year ended 30 June 2017. The Annual Report reflects the increased workload faced by the council in dealing with the effects of the November earthquakes and recovery.

Despite the substantial disruption and infrastructure damaged the earthquake created, the council has continued to deliver its services and most of its planned projects. These projects have included the planned pipe renewals throughout the district, improvements to Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa facilities, new reserves and a significant road and footpath inspection and work programme. Chief Executive Officer, Hamish Dobbie, says the November earthquake and the need to respond promptly to social and infrastructure issues has impacted on budgets and tested the council’s desire to manage debt in a fiscally prudent manner.

“Whilst it has been a challenging year for the council in terms of dealing with significant adverse events, we have come through it with a prudent financial record to show for our work. We’ve completed major projects throughout the year, supported our communities and our commitment to maintaining and improving existing council infrastructure has contributed meaningfully to the district’s earthquake recovery.”

Operating revenue for the financial year was $64.4m, with $19.7m relating to work carried out by the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) on the Inland Road and a further $4.7m of NZTA local road subsidies. Operating expenditure came to $61.5m, which was higher than budgeted due to the ongoing earthquake recovery of the district. These figures resulted in a surplus of $2.9m for the year.

The council received a ‘qualified’ opinion of the Annual Report from Audit New Zealand, with unverifiable information relating to earthquake damage contributing to this. The Annual Report provides detailed information that assists communities to assess the performance of the Hurunui District Council and is available at the following link: http://www.hurunui.govt.nz/forms-anddocuments/plans-and-reports/

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