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From reporter Steven Walton:
Christchurch mayor Phil Mauger says achieving an election promise of keeping rates low will be “very challenging” in a difficult global environment of high inflation and rising interest rates.
His comments come as councillors begin work on next year’s … View moreFrom reporter Steven Walton:
Christchurch mayor Phil Mauger says achieving an election promise of keeping rates low will be “very challenging” in a difficult global environment of high inflation and rising interest rates.
His comments come as councillors begin work on next year’s Christchurch City Council budget.
Councillors have been briefed about it twice behind closed doors, and it is expected that a public briefing will be held before the end of the year.
Mauger, who was elected last month, campaigned on keeping rates affordable. He has indicated that he wanted annual rises set between 3 and 4%.
Asked last week if that was still achievable, Mauger joked, “Haven’t you got any other questions you can ask me”, before adding: “It is going to be challenging, that’s going to be very challenging because of what’s happening globally.”
The council was under “lots of pressure” from inflation and interest rates, Mauger said.
Annual inflation hit 7.2% back last month while interest rates are expected to rise with the Reserve Bank raising the official cash rate by a record amount last week.
The council has already faced cost increases this year on three large projects: the Te Kaha stadium (an extra $150 million), the Court Theatre (an extra $16m) and the Hornby pool, library and service centre (the overrun amount has not been released publicly).
Mauger said at a public meeting last week the council had to cut its cloth because it was “heading into a bit of strife”.
Earlier this month, councillors were given an “indicative range” for next year’s rate rises – understood to be between 12 and 14% – but this is simply a starting point that will change as it does not account for any changes to deal with inflation and rising interest rates.
“This was in essence a risk check for the council to show the potential impact of these external factors on our operations,” said Leah Scales, the council’s resources general manager and chief financial officer.
Clearer indications of potential rate increases would be released during upcoming public briefings and consultation, she said.
Mauger said he expected work on a “line-by-line” review of the council’s budget to start before Christmas.
“In the past we might’ve done 10 things for a million dollars, now we’re going to do seven and we’ve got to decide very carefully which three dip out.”
Those decisions would involve staff advice and councillors voting, he said.
“I can’t give you any examples because I haven’t seen the line-by-line yet, but there will be things on [the budget] and you go ‘is that totally necessary at the moment?'”
Mauger said things would not get to a point where, for examples, libraries would be shut. He also said: “If it’s an absolutely knackered sewer pipe, you’ve got to fix it.”
Instead, he wanted to cut out the nice-to-haves and suggested a planned upgrade for Gloucester St as an example.
“Say we go into a recession, we can still drive down that road now. They’re the sort of things that you’ve got to say, ‘let’s be a bit careful’,” he said.
At a council meeting last week, Mauger also pushed to reconsider the timing of a $6.2m upgrade to Addington Brook – a stream that runs through South Hagley Park.
Another project on his radar was a $33m makeover to roads around the stadium, but he said last week he was now looking at it differently.
Some work was underground infrastructure and could not be delayed, while the Government was also likely to contribute $11m, he said.
“It’s still a lot of money, but it’s slightly more digestable,” he said.
Hello everybody i am after anyone's unwanted running or not petrol lawn mowers that may be gathering dust in the garage or shed. Save yourself the hassle of taking to the dump I can pick up anywhere.would be much appreciated if you can help. Please send me a message :)
Stolen from Beechwood Drive, Northwood, three locked plastic fuel cans (Jerry cans) last night. If anyone finds them dumped on their property or in the area would very much appreciate them back.
p.s good luck to whoever puts “THAT” fuel into their car.
A report has shown that clinics around New Zealand are understaffed, with GP's being overworked and underpaid. And for everyday kiwis, healthcare and emergency healthcare is simply not accessible.
The General Practice Owners Association of Aotearoa's report titled … View moreA report has shown that clinics around New Zealand are understaffed, with GP's being overworked and underpaid. And for everyday kiwis, healthcare and emergency healthcare is simply not accessible.
The General Practice Owners Association of Aotearoa's report titled ‘‘On The Brink’’ outlines the urgent need to address pay parity for GP nurses and doctors, beef up workforce numbers and improve funding allocations for practices with the hopes that this makes heatlhcare more accessible in the community.
Are you noticing delays in getting GP appointments or long waits at after-hours care?
Any comments below may be shared in your local paper's We Say You Say column.
I have some buxus hedge plants that I would like removed and taken away. Some from the front of our property in Avonhead and some from the back. A total of 13m in length.
Phone 022 580 0258
This hand bag is in very good condition and was bought in the UK. Pick up from a smoke free Redwood home. Private message us please.
How to make your own Christmas terrarium painted in Resene.
Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
Breathe new life into an old children’s toy with a fun new look using only Resene testpots! Find out how to create your own.
6 Cherrywood Close, Redwood
4🛏 | 2 🛁 | 2 🚗
Situated in a quiet cul de sac and in the Redwood Primary School and Papanui High school zones, this permanent material family home is going to be the cherry on top of someone's Christmas this year!
Please contact Brent Rushworth - … View more6 Cherrywood Close, Redwood
4🛏 | 2 🛁 | 2 🚗
Situated in a quiet cul de sac and in the Redwood Primary School and Papanui High school zones, this permanent material family home is going to be the cherry on top of someone's Christmas this year!
Please contact Brent Rushworth - 021 451 177 or Jayne Rushworth - 021 1899 177 for more information.
Santa is coming to Ray White Bishopdale! 🎅
Drop off a present (new & unwrapped), for ‘a Little Ray of Giving’, or make a donation to Ronald McDonald house South Island, and get a photo with Santa! 📸
Pets welcome too! 🐶
For more info, call us on 0800 YELLOW (935 569)
Santa is coming to Ray White Bishopdale! 🎅
Drop off a present (new & unwrapped), for ‘a Little Ray of Giving’, or make a donation to Ronald McDonald house South Island, and get a photo with Santa! 📸
Pets welcome too! 🐶
For more info, call us on 0800 YELLOW (935 569)
Hi I have lots of macrame hangers I have made $15 each or 2 for $25 make great Christmas presents
A progressive disease
I wasn’t an overweight child, but from as young as 5 years I can recall comparing myself unfavourably with two painfully thin twins in my dance class and thinking that was what I was supposed to look like. I’m not sure how I got the idea that I should be very thin.
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