Paul Walmsley, practice manager of the Hanmer Springs Health Centre, was one of many locals who didn’t hesitate to roll up their sleeves and get stuck in to help the community after a severe storm battered their small alpine village last week.
Their efforts were celebrated at a morning tea event on Wednesday after nominations for the town’s ‘local hero’ award poured in, highlighting the region’s community spirit.
The winner of the local hero award, organised by the Hanmer Springs Business Association, received a prize pack that local businesses have contributed to as a thank you for their hard work.
During the storm, trees were ripped from the ground, roofs were blown off houses, and fence posts were sent whizzing through the air, smashing windows during what has been described as the scariest windstorm many have experienced.
Locals who nominated Walmsley for the award say he worked around the clock to make sure his staff were safe so they could continue providing emergency medical cover to those who needed it.
"He does a lot of background work but rarely takes any credit. He went out in terrible weather to retrieve emergency gear when the clinician was stuck because of fallen trees. That takes bravery,’’ said one local.
"It was pretty bad out there. Trees were blocking the road, and there was debris everywhere, but that medical gear was essential."
Walmsley says he "just did what anyone in our community would’ve done".
In the days that followed, the whole community came together to help clean up the damage and restore the town in time for the upcoming events, from farmers lending machinery to restore access routes to volunteer firefighters and contractors working around the clock.
Some arrived at homes blocked by fallen trees, chainsaws in hand and smiles on their faces, ready to help.
Others welcomed neighbours whose houses were damaged with home-cooked meals, warm hugs, and comforting words.
Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa general manager and Hanmer Springs Business Association board member, Sarah Wiblin, says the community was asked to nominate a local hero who had gone above and beyond to help get the town back on track after the storm. The responses were overwhelming.
"The emails and messages flooded in with some incredible stories. We were just blown away. It’s things like this that make me so proud to be part of this community."
Local firewood business owner Daniel Bryant was out early on the morning after the storm, clearing fallen trees off the road with his loader to clear the way for emergency crews.
A local who nominated Bryant for the local hero award said: "It was a very high-risk job, but Daniel got stuck in, no questions asked.
"He was out there clearing roads all day and late into the night so people could safely get through."
The storm struck just days before the Hanmer Springs Fete last Saturday, and the Hurunui Garden Festival, which ran from Thursday, October 30, until last Sunday.
Both went ahead thanks to the efforts of the community, garden owners, family and friends.
Said Wiblin: "We’ve seen people working incredibly hard to restore the town after a very difficult few days.
"The community spirit here really is something special."
To mark the festival weekend, Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa offered a special $25 adult entry to the pools for fete and garden festival attendees on the Saturday and Sunday.
Hurunui District Mayor Marie Black says it has been heartwarming to see the community come together in the wake of the storm, which was a "true reflection of the region’s spirit".
"Neighbours are helping one another, businesses are stepping up, and volunteers are working around the clock to get the region back on its feet," Black said.
It was exciting to welcome visitors to the weekend festivities to celebrate everything to "love about our region", Black said.
Visitors also helped support local operators and contributed to the community recovery.
Photo: Supplied
Community Hero recipient standouts
Certificates were presented by Hanmer Springs Business Association committee member Jason Fletcher.
Kerry Higgs (council worker and rural firefighter)
After battling blazes in Kaikoura on barely any sleep, Kerry returned to Hanmer Springs only to find his hometown had been battered by the storm. Exhausted, he rolled up his sleeves and joined the cleanup effort, clearing debris and fallen trees. Kerry had planned a long weekend getaway but cancelled it without hesitation when he saw the damage. Before Kerry joined FENZ he was the go-to St John Hanmer volunteer. The Hanmer community describes him as an “all-round good bloke”.
Paul Walmsley (Hanmer Springs Health Centre manager)
Paul does huge amounts of community work behind the scenes but rarely takes any credit. As the storms battered Hanmer Springs, Paul braved the dangerous weather and ventured down to Wood Bank Road to retrieve emergency gear from a stranded clinician who couldn’t reach the Health Centre due to fallen trees. Paul worked tirelessly to make sure his staff were safe and had everything they needed to provide vital emergency care. He also took over the role of the Civil Defence Leader when they had no communications and liaised with others in the community. He is a man who puts others before himself and cares for those most vulnerable in the village.
Kirsty and Ollie James
Kirsty and Ollie went above and beyond to support both Hanmer Springs Forest Camp and Activity Hanmer. After the storm hit, they turned up bright and early with chainsaws in hands and big smiles on their faces, ready to help in any way they could. They spent the entire day volunteering their time and energy to clear fallen trees and debris, working tirelessly to make the forest camp safe again. Their positive attitude, teamwork, and willingness to jump straight in made a huge difference, not just in getting the site back to normal, but in lifting everyone’s spirits after a challenging event. Because of them, Activity Hanmer were able to get their operations back on track quickly and safely.
Daniel Bryant (Director of Hanmer Springs Firewood LTD)
When fallen trees blocked emergency access routes, Daniel didn’t hesitate to spring into action. He jumped into his loader and spent the day clearing roads so rescue crews could reach those in need. It was dangerous work, but Daniel’s commitment never wavered. His quick response helped ensure medical assistance could get through to those who needed it.
Mainpower staff
The Mainpower staff were absolutely incredible in helping the community to get power back up and running so people could reach out to their loved ones and let them know they were okay. Many of the staff members gave up their long weekend to work long hours into the night and managed to restore power quickly.
John Dawber and Annie Truman (Four Square owners)
As the storm swept through Hanmer Springs, John and Annie stepped up to support their community in every way they could. They provided essential supplies and reassurance to locals during the emergency and recovery period, making sure no one went without. They supplied meals and provisions to Emergency Services workers and volunteers, keeping spirits high and stomachs full. When 150 school children were stranded in Hanmer Springs, John and Annie helped ensure the group had enough food to get through the night.
Graham “Grum” Frith (Civil Defence)
In the midst of chaos and uncertainty, Grum became a vital link for the Hanmer Springs community. With communication lines down, he worked tirelessly to keep families informed and reassured, helping coordinate the local response when contact was difficult. His steady hand and clear communication helped bring order to a rapidly evolving situation, ensuring people stayed connected and emergency efforts ran smoothly.
