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By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Councils want accommodation and tourism levies to ease the burden on ratepayers.
It was a talking point at the recent Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) conference in Wellington and Ashburton mayor Neil Brown is interested to see how it could work.… View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Councils want accommodation and tourism levies to ease the burden on ratepayers.
It was a talking point at the recent Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) conference in Wellington and Ashburton mayor Neil Brown is interested to see how it could work.
Brown said the Mackenzie District Council included a 1% rate increase so it could clean its public toilets twice a day.
“It’s cleaning the toilets for the tourists but the ratepayers are paying for it, and they deem that not fair.”
LGNZ figures suggest the rates paid by each ratepayer supported the infrastructure and services for 51 international tourists.
Councils had raised the possibility of tourist levies or a bed tax with the government, and it could have benefits in Mid Canterbury, Brown said.
In Mid Canterbury, Methven is the main tourist centre but Rakaia, Ashburton, and Hinds all have tourists stopping to use public facilities that are maintained by funding from ratepayers.
“If you did one did one area you would probably do all the hotels in the district.”
Having recently travelled in the UK, Brown said there were always “little taxes added on the end of a bill”.
International tourists pay an International Visitor Levy when they enter the country.
The levy had contributed to the Tourism Infrastructure fund and between 2017 and 2023, the Ashburton District Council received nearly $1.2m for three projects: the Rakaia Salmon site upgrade, rest areas at Taylors Stream and Awa Awa Rata Reserve, the redevelopment of Rakaia Gorge toilets.
“We get the money to build the facilities, which is great, but then they need to be maintained which falls back on councils.”
That maintenance could be funded through a bed tax or an increased levy that would “take the onus off the ratepayer and puts it more on the user”.
“Ratepayers will still use the amenities but probably not as much as tourists would.”
Tourism Minister Matt Doocey said Tourism New Zealand was reviewing the International Visitor Levy and he was aware there was strong support for an accommodation levy, but the Government had yet to make a decision.
Rangitata MP James Meager said he was supportive of more user pays type funding so those who most directly benefit from the infrastructure, pay for the infrastructure.
He was also wary of putting extra costs on businesses and hospitality “at a time where things are tightening up”.
“The other question would be whether there are enough bed nights in the district to make it pay off, given many visitors to our region end up staying in the larger metropolitan centres.
“If the council thinks a targeted rate or bed tax would work to help them raise revenue for infrastructure, that’s something they can put to ratepayers.”
Some spare wood, used furniture or children's toys - do you mind when your neighbours leave goods on the street for others to make use of?
Share your thoughts in the comments and poll below.
Police are warning people to be on alert for the latest round of email scams referencing Police and other justice agencies.
The email claims authorities have done a search of the email recipient’s computer and located explicit illegal material.
The recipient is directed to reply within 72 … View morePolice are warning people to be on alert for the latest round of email scams referencing Police and other justice agencies.
The email claims authorities have done a search of the email recipient’s computer and located explicit illegal material.
The recipient is directed to reply within 72 hours, or a warrant will be issued for their arrest. This email is a scam and anyone who receives it should not reply under any circumstances.
Although some versions of the email do not specifically reference money, other similar scams involve the recipient being issued a ‘fine’ when they respond.
While the nature and specific details of scams often varies, it’s important to note that Police and other government agencies will never contact you out of the blue and ask for your password, credit card or bank details.
Police have received several reports of this scam and enquires are underway.
Anyone who received this email can either forward the spam email to the Department of Internal Affairs directly at complaint@spam.govt.nz or use their online reporting portal: www.reportspam.co.nz...
Police recommend taking a cautious approach to unsolicited emails. Trust your gut instinct - if it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
Information on other scams currently operating can be found on the Consumer Protection NZ website: www.consumerprotection.govt.nz...
Consumer Protection NZ, along with Netsafe, also provides helpful advice about keeping safe online.
Anyone who has received this email can report it to police online via www.police.govt.nz.... Please reference file number 240830/5842.
Splashes of Resene colour and pattern in unexpected places add personality and a little whimsy to our homes.
Start with this super easy wardrobe door project.
With a clever bit of colour matching and spot patching you can have your front door tidied up quickly.
Check out our handy advice to get the job done.
Police have arrested every patched member of the Christchurch chapter of the Comancheros yesterday, in a significant operation targeting the gang.
Millions of dollars’ worth of illicit drugs have been seized as Police yesterday terminated about 70 warrants as part of the eight-month … View morePolice have arrested every patched member of the Christchurch chapter of the Comancheros yesterday, in a significant operation targeting the gang.
Millions of dollars’ worth of illicit drugs have been seized as Police yesterday terminated about 70 warrants as part of the eight-month investigation, dubbed Operation Avon.
In total, 29 warrants were executed on addresses and more than 40 warrants executed on vehicles, predominately in the Christchurch area, with a handful in Auckland.
Approximately 5kg of class A drugs were seized, along with 11 firearms, ammunition, and about $250,000 cash.
Eighteen men aged between 18 and 55 were arrested and have been charged, including every patched Comancheros Christchurch member.
As part of enforcement activity Police have also restrained $1.9 million dollars of assets, consisting of an Auckland property and 11 vehicles.
The Christchurch chapter of the Comancheros became a priority target of the National Organised Crime Group (NOCG), supported by Canterbury Police, as their brazen alleged offending spread across New Zealand.
“Early on, our investigation identified significant drug offending involving the Class A controlled drugs methamphetamine and cocaine, and extensive money laundering,” says Detective Inspector Darrin Thomson.
“Class A drugs cause untold harm and misery in our communities and the impact on families is intolerable.
“These groups have no hesitation in peddling drugs and accumulating vehicles and property, with no regard for the destruction they cause in everyday New Zealanders’ lives.
“We have no doubt that this disruption of the Comanchero gang will have a positive impact on the drug supply chain across the country.”
Police allege the gang organised for drugs and cash to be relayed between Auckland and Christchurch every few weeks.
Detective Inspector Thomson said over a million dollars’ worth of drugs at wholesale value were believed to have been moved between the North and South Island, which Police will allege at prosecution equates to more than $15 million street value.
The 18 men have made a first appearance at court in Christchurch and Auckland. Charges include participating in an organised criminal group, conspiracy to supply methamphetamine, and conspiracy to supply cocaine.
Further charges, including money laundering and drug dealing charges, are being considered ahead of future appearances.
“NZ Police is committed to putting an end to the harm organised criminal groups perpetuate across New Zealand,” says Detective Inspector Thomson.
“Operation Avon is holding those responsible to account following a meticulous investigation and coordinated response.
“Pivotally, arresting every member of the chapter will put an end to their unwanted presence in our Christchurch community.”
The meaning of retirement is changing. It’s no longer just about saying goodbye to work - it’s now an opportunity to try something new or keep doing what you love. Rather than hanging up their hats, many of today’s retirees are redefining this phase by staying active through part-time jobs, … View moreThe meaning of retirement is changing. It’s no longer just about saying goodbye to work - it’s now an opportunity to try something new or keep doing what you love. Rather than hanging up their hats, many of today’s retirees are redefining this phase by staying active through part-time jobs, volunteering, or even launching new careers.
Living in a retirement village doesn’t necessarily mean you’re done with work either; rather, it offers the opportunity to explore different activities, pursue long-held passions, and discover new interests. In fact, many people find the lifestyle gives them more freedom to stay engaged and active through work they enjoy.
Click read more for the full story.
Wills St Ashburton - opposite Events Centre - Saturday 31 August 8am to 3 pm - Household and kitchen items - Books - Computer items and Printers etc
Just for a little bit of fun, we'd love to know whether Kiwis believe in ghosts. What goes on in our communities that we don't know about!
Perhaps you've seen a ghost or lived in a haunted home in New Zealand. We'd love to know, so vote in our poll and share your experiences … View moreJust for a little bit of fun, we'd love to know whether Kiwis believe in ghosts. What goes on in our communities that we don't know about!
Perhaps you've seen a ghost or lived in a haunted home in New Zealand. We'd love to know, so vote in our poll and share your experiences in the comments below.
Give your decor a twist with some two-toned clay candleholders in an array of Resene testpot paint colours.
Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
For only $15 a ticket, you could be in to win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home located in picturesque Cooks Beach, worth over $1.2 million dollars.
Featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms and an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area, this home is waiting to be loved by its new … View moreFor only $15 a ticket, you could be in to win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home located in picturesque Cooks Beach, worth over $1.2 million dollars.
Featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms and an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area, this home is waiting to be loved by its new owner.
Make this coastal property your permanent residence, a holiday home, a rental, or you can simply sell it!
Get your tickets today at heartlottery.org.nz.
Father’s Day is just one week away! This year, give him a gift that truly keeps on giving: a magazine subscription. We've curated a special collection just for Father’s Day that he's bound to love. Plus, enjoy the added bonus of free shipping throughout New Zealand.
… View moreFather’s Day is just one week away! This year, give him a gift that truly keeps on giving: a magazine subscription. We've curated a special collection just for Father’s Day that he's bound to love. Plus, enjoy the added bonus of free shipping throughout New Zealand.
Visit mags4gifts.co.nz before 1 September to enjoy generous savings of up to 29%* on magazine subscriptions. Don’t forget to include a personalised message with our free e-card service. *T&Cs apply.
The team at Mags4Gifts
Many of us are sentimental about our childhoods and lives, and some even collect things to remember moments or people.
Share what you've held on to over the years and whether you still have it today. Feel free to share photos too, we'd love to see.
Delmaine Fine Foods and Woolworths brand antipasto products are being recalled due to the possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes bacteria.
This includes Delmaine, Woolworths packaged antipasto products and deli antipasto mix.
"The concern with these products is that they may contain… View moreDelmaine Fine Foods and Woolworths brand antipasto products are being recalled due to the possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes bacteria.
This includes Delmaine, Woolworths packaged antipasto products and deli antipasto mix.
"The concern with these products is that they may contain Listeria, which can cause serious illness in pregnant people and their unborn babies, newborns, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems,” says New Zealand Food Safety deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle.
These products should not be eaten. You can return them to the place of purchase for a refund or throw them out.
The following products, within the date markings below, are affected by this recall:
Delmaine Fine Foods brand Five Olive Mix (200g) with a use-by between 16/10/24 - 20/11/24
Delmaine Fine Foods brand Jumbo Olive Selection (200g) with a use-by between 9/10/24 - 27/11/24
Delmaine Fine Foods brand Pitted Olive Medley (180g) with a use-by between 9/10/24 - 4/12/24
Delmaine Fine Foods brand Stuffed Olive Mix (160g) with a use-by of 5/12/24
Delmaine Fine Foods brand Mediterranean Antipasto Mix (215g) with a use-by between 16/10/24-20/11/24
Delmaine Fine Foods brand Marinated Feta (150g) with a use-by between 10/10/24 - 4/12/24
Delmaine Fine Foods brand Stuffed Red Peppers (190g) with a use-by between 24/10/24 - 5/12/24
Delmaine Fine Foods brand Marinated Sundried Tomatoes (200g) with a use-by between 10/10/24 - 4/12/24
Delmaine Fine Foods brand Marinated Sundried Tomatoes (270g) with a use-by between 7/04/25 - 30/04/25
Woolworths brand Feta and Sundried Tomatoes (200g) with a use-by between 21/11/24 - 25/12/24
Woolworths brand Greek Mix (200g) with a use-by between 20/11/24 - 1/01/25
Woolworths brand Olive Selection (200g) with a use-by between 13/11/24 - 25/12/24
Delmaine Fine Foods brand Mediterranean Mix, sold from Woolworths Deli between 22 July 2024 – 23 August 2024
Delmaine Fine Foods brand Italian Mix, sold from Woolworths Deli between 22 July 2024 – 23 August 2024
Delmaine Fine Foods brand Marinated Sundried Tomatoes, sold from Woolworths Deli between 22 July 2024 – 23 August 2024
Delmaine Fine Foods brand Marinated Feta & Sundried Tomatoes, sold from Woolworths Deli between 22 July 2024 – 23 August 2024
Deirdre loves cooking and enjoys teaching kids about food - something she does three times at week at the Busy Bees Kindergarten in Havelock North. We spoke to her while she whipped up a batch of cheese puffs in her townhouse at James Wattie Village.
Watch her journey of teaching, retirement … View moreDeirdre loves cooking and enjoys teaching kids about food - something she does three times at week at the Busy Bees Kindergarten in Havelock North. We spoke to her while she whipped up a batch of cheese puffs in her townhouse at James Wattie Village.
Watch her journey of teaching, retirement and still working. Plus, we’ve included the recipe to her cheese puffs which were gobbled up by our camera crew because they’re delicious!
Click read more for the full recipe.
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