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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.
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.
Macrocarpa Bird Feeder
Stained ready for a new home BUT NEEDS A CLEAN. We attached the feeder to a fence post in back yard which worked well as we didn't have any trees. The WOODEN arms are easy to remove if you didn't want them
Pickup Rangiora
A small deposit will be require to … View moreMacrocarpa Bird Feeder
Stained ready for a new home BUT NEEDS A CLEAN. We attached the feeder to a fence post in back yard which worked well as we didn't have any trees. The WOODEN arms are easy to remove if you didn't want them
Pickup Rangiora
A small deposit will be require to hold the feeder for you until collected
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.
Cushion + Back Rest x 4. Some fading but all in good condition, no rips.
Cushion size 450mm wide x 400mm deep
Back Rest Size 450mm wide x 250 deep
$25 the Lot
Pickup in Rangiora
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.
Paul and Lesley Askin hold their next family-friendly monthly service on Sunday, 5 February at the Ashley Community Church from 4.30 pm. Bring a plate of finger food for a shared meal afterwards.
Enquiries to Paul or Lesley, Ph 021 140 2074
39 Canterbury St, Ashley. Remember to go before you come… View morePaul and Lesley Askin hold their next family-friendly monthly service on Sunday, 5 February at the Ashley Community Church from 4.30 pm. Bring a plate of finger food for a shared meal afterwards.
Enquiries to Paul or Lesley, Ph 021 140 2074
39 Canterbury St, Ashley. Remember to go before you come as there are no toilet facilities.
Is a deciduous thorny shrub or small tree bearing lemon like fruits which is very sour. Do you have one of this tree in your garden or have seen one some where in the neighbourly . I have after some seeds or cutting. TIA
So how many fortunate people are exempt from any water bills because their property shares a water meter ?
Checking for some people who were concerned that they could be charged excesses, but don't have a computer, I was presented from the COUNCIL web site, on several searches … View moreSo how many fortunate people are exempt from any water bills because their property shares a water meter ?
Checking for some people who were concerned that they could be charged excesses, but don't have a computer, I was presented from the COUNCIL web site, on several searches ""This property shares a water meter with at least one other property, so we can’t calculate its water usage. The Excess Water Supply Targeted Rate doesn’t apply to properties with shared meters.""
So should people feel outraged that this water charge selects only those who have their own dedicated water meter. Should the council have to declare how many people WILL NOT BE CHARGED, either because they have shared meters and those that the council hasn't even put a water meter that the council is not even able to record that water meter.
Instead of the polls we get thrust upon us which accomplish ZILCH, an opportunity for them to get this anomaly corrected seems to me necessary.
{I am whistling in the wind I know}. If you have a neighbour on a shared meter, or doesn't have a meter, just get them to allow you to use their hoses to top up your water usage and so evade a water bill until the council decides they should treat all people fairly. Cheers all.
How to make your own Christmas terrarium painted in Resene.
Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
Hi all, my friend in Prebbleton has two roosters and one hen she would like to find a new home for. 🐥 They are all three months old. They don't have to be adopted all together. If interested I can send some photos through to you. Please leave a comment if you've messaged me so I can … View moreHi all, my friend in Prebbleton has two roosters and one hen she would like to find a new home for. 🐥 They are all three months old. They don't have to be adopted all together. If interested I can send some photos through to you. Please leave a comment if you've messaged me so I can find it. 😊
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.
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.
I have three brown leather handbags, past their best but may be of use to someone that does crafts using leather. $10 Tele 3270633
Share a festive photo of your furry friend and you could be in to win a $100 Prezzy® card. Because the smell of the Christmas tree and the ripping open of presents isn’t only exciting for us. But for them too.
All pets are welcome - Santa paws, claws, beaks, and squeaks. And if you don’t … View moreShare a festive photo of your furry friend and you could be in to win a $100 Prezzy® card. Because the smell of the Christmas tree and the ripping open of presents isn’t only exciting for us. But for them too.
All pets are welcome - Santa paws, claws, beaks, and squeaks. And if you don’t have a pet, that’s fine; we’d love to see your festive snaps too.
Ends 21 December 2022
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