It was wonderful to see today’s news that long-term Ōpoutere resident Peter Skelton has been named a knight companion in the New Year 2025 Honours list.  
From the New Zealand Herald – “Sir Peter Skelton, a former long-time Environment Court judge and later Environment Canterbury commissioner during the devastating earthquakes last decade, was surprised to hear of his knighthood, although there’d been “inklings”.
Skelton, an honorary professor, also spent several happy years teaching at Lincoln University where the students’ “inquiring minds…kept me up to scratch”.
Most recently the 85-year-old was the inaugural Chief Freshwater Commissioner, retiring last year.
While he received the accolades, they wouldn’t have come without the efforts of many, Skelton said.
“There were a lot of other people involved, and that was certainly the case with the earthquake recovery.”
 
The Ōpoutere Ratepayers & Residents Association has enjoyed a decades-long connection with Sir Peter, benefitting from his sage advice and expert opinion on many occasions. We extend heartfelt congratulations to Sir Peter, Lady Kathleen and their family.

PLEASE DON’T BURN OUR HOUSE DOWN! (OR YOUR OWN…)

New Year’s Eve is upon us and you may be planning to get giddy on your neighbour’s chardonnay and then launch some fireworks into the night. But, beware! Even though there might be some passing showers the fire risk to our precious community is extremely high at the moment, especially with strong winds in the forecast. Tonight there will be fire fighters patrolling the village and beach, their finely tuned senses will pick up the sizzle of a fuse on a pahū ahi and the response will be swift and direct! 

If you are concerned that fireworks are being lit please contact Fire Chief Jo Adams immediately on 0274493034.

REMINDERS:

New Year’s Eve party and housewarming 8.30pm at 19 Ngahere Terrace

Ōpoutere Ratepayers & Residents Annual General Meeting Thursday January 2 at 9.30am in the Ōpoutere Community Hall

Ōpoutere Regatta Saturday January 4 at 11.30am in Bruce’s Bay, with prizegiving in the Michael King Reserve at 5.30pm, BYO picnic.