The Hanmer Springs Community Board voted on Monday to repair the freedom camping area at Hanmer River Reserve, which was destroyed by flooding on July 7. The board agreed to fund its $15,000 share of the $35,000 remediation from its weather contingency fund, while Environment Canterbury requires a cost-sharing arrangement because the river is not part of a rating district. Replacing the toilets is estimated at $148,000, but with a $100,000 insurance excess only $48,000 is initially available. A reopening date has not been set.
