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1623 days ago

Zero rates plan scrapped as Christchurch council struggles to contain coronavirus fallout

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

Residents in Christchurch face a rates increase of between 3.5 and 5.5 per cent next year to plug a $90 million hole in the city council’s purse left largely by the coronavirus pandemic.

Hopes for a much-vaunted lowering of the increase to zero have been dashed, with staff warning the policy would cause “unprecedented” redundancies, jeopardise projects and flout direct advice from the Government.

The authority also faces borrowing more than $100m over the next two years to pay for its coronavirus response and make up for an expected $61.8m in lost dividends from the trading companies it owns.

Read more here.

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More messages from your neighbours
2 hours ago

Brain Burn Alert! Today’s Riddle Will Make You Think Twice!

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

What is seen in the middle of March and April that can't be seen at the beginning or end of either month?

Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.

Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.

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20 days ago

What's your favourite recipe for gooseberry?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Love gooseberries? Share your favourite way to enjoy them. We're looking for our readers' favourite family recipes for this delicious crop. Send yours to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the magazine, you will receive a free copy of our December 2024 issue.

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1 day ago

Poll: How should Guy Fawkes be celebrated?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

While it is a fun occasion, fireworks on Guy Fawkes Night has caused much conflict over the years, upsetting our pets and disrupting the sleep of neighbours.

How should we celebrate Guy Fawkes Night? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.

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How should Guy Fawkes be celebrated?
  • 28.4% With a city-wide public fireworks display
    28.4% Complete
  • 20.3% Small fireworks displays in each community
    20.3% Complete
  • 7.7% Keep it as is
    7.7% Complete
  • 32.7% We shouldn't celebrate it!
    32.7% Complete
  • 10.6% Anything but fireworks
    10.6% Complete
  • 0.4% Other - I'll share below
    0.4% Complete
1913 votes