Hurunui College is a focus for its rural community. Parents are highly supportive of school activities and the facilities are widely used by community groups and individuals. Adult community members take part in many school activities as participants, spectators and valued helpers; examples are dramatic productions, sporting events such as the annual cross country, triathlon and the combined Area School formal.
The Hawarden township has about 275 residents. Most families in the district are either directly involved in agriculture or in servicing the agriculture industry. Facilities in the township include:
Numerous clubs and societies operate in the immediate area.
Waikari township, 8km south of Hawarden has the Waikari Clinic (medical services), Waikari Hospital, North Canterbury Veterinary Services, Tea Rooms, Take-away food, Backpacker accommodation, petrol and service stations. Waikari is also the terminus of the Weka Pass Historical railway.