Ahuriri was to the fore when nearly 20 groups and individuals made presentations to the Waitaki District Council as it wrapped up verbal submissions hearings for its annual plan yesterday.
Along with support for council proposals to add to the area's infrastructure, calls were made for extending the liquor ban in Omarama and Otematata, rezoning reserve land in Otematata for commercial use, and funding the conversion of a former playcentre in Kurow into a rental residence.
The Ahuriri Community Board's Michael Blackstock advocated for a year-round liquor ban in Omarama and Otematata rather than the bans in place, which cover only Labour Weekend, Easter, Christmas and New Year.
He said there was support in the community for the year-round ban, including from business owners and police.
Board member Brent Cowles, of Otematata, asked the council to rezone the reserve land next to State Highway 83 in Otematata to allow for commercial development in the area.
He said a reduced speed limit and "enhanced'' street frontage could change the outlook for the village.
"A lot of people say it's a blink and you miss it-type township,'' he said.
"I don't believe it is a matter of `if', it is a matter of `when' people want to invest in the future.''
He also said the majority of the reserve should be maintained for its current rugby and cricket use.
Board member Vicky Munro spoke on the board's proposal to turn the former playcentre in Kurow into a residential rental property.
She said while "from a layman's point of view [the building] looks sound'', council officers said it would require $25,000 of work.
The community board wanted an internal loan and if the building could be rented at $200 a week, the board expected to be able to repay it in three years.
Murray Linwood, from the Oamaru Multisport Club, asked for assurances the green space next to Oamaru's Friendly Bay playground would be left undeveloped for future recreational use.
But he also asked that irrigation be made available. He said that while the lawn could be watered, it was only through small sprinklers that needed to be shifted manually. An in-ground system would allow the area to be watered at night.
Graeme Clark asked councillors to progress the Phoenix Mill Water Wheel project. He also asked the council to investigate restoring Sumpter Wharf in Oamaru Harbour so it could be used by the public.
Sophia Leon de la Barra joined Jenny Neilson, of the Toimata Foundation, to ask the council to consider funding a one-year trial of Enviroschools in the district.
Oamaru Whitestone Civic Trust chairwoman Kate Proctor asked for an $8000 increase in the annual grant the council gives the trust to manage the interest on its $500,000 loan from the council. The council had planned for $12,000 a year for five years and the trust was seeking $20,000 a year.
The council held two days of verbal submissions hearings this month and is expected to make final decisions on the plan on June 8 and adopt it on June 22.
