Merivale, Christchurch

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728 days ago

Christchurch mayor says keeping rate rise to promised 4% will be 'very challenging'

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

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 more
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 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.

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720 days ago

Photo frames - acrylic

Yvonne from Riccarton

A selection of used clear acrylic photo frames in various styles, shapes and sizes, all in good condition. Ideal for other uses, not just photos. Let me know if your interested.

Free

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727 days ago

Poll: Are you able to get help with your health when needed?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

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 more
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 ‘‘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.

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Are you able to get help with your health when needed?
  • 46.2% Wait times are too long - It's unacceptable.
    46.2% Complete
  • 30.8% I can get the help I need, it just takes longer.
    30.8% Complete
  • 7.7% I haven't noticed an issue.
    7.7% Complete
  • 15.3% I'm happy; I have no complaints.
    15.3% Complete
3445 votes
723 days ago

To Giveaway: Kid's DVDs

Penny from Papanui

As pictured.
Pick up in Papanui

Free

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723 days ago

How to make your own Christmas terrarium

Resene

How to make your own Christmas terrarium painted in Resene.

Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
Find out more

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742 days ago

Re removal

Peter from Richmond

Does anyone know who removes old appliances etc for free.

723 days ago

Pidgin

Patrick Koot from Elusion Electrical Ltd

Any one lost a pidgin it has a pink tag on it leg in Papanui contact Patrick 021525123

723 days ago

Repaint a doll's bed

The Team from Resene ColorShop Lichfield Street

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.

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724 days ago

Carpark Sale

The Team from Red Cross Store Manchester St

Hey everybody the rain is set to clear ready for our Christmas Extravaganza tonight 6-8pm. We will have a sausage sizzle and a carpark sale all items in the carpark will be $2!!!!! Eek!

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724 days ago

Santa Photos! 🎅

Inline Property Management

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)

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724 days ago

Macrame plant hangers for sale

Tania from Papanui

Hi I have lots of macrame hangers I have made $15 each or 2 for $25 make great Christmas presents

Price: $15

724 days ago

Addictive Eaters Anonymous

The Team from Addictive Eaters Anonymous - Christchurch

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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725 days ago

Be in to win with Southern Cross Pet

Southern Cross Pet Insurance

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 more
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 have a pet, that’s fine; we’d love to see your festive snaps too.

Ends 21 December 2022
Enter Now

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725 days ago

Is your toast safe to eat?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

George Weston Foods (NZ) Ltd has issued a recall today of specific batches of its Tip Top brand Oatilicious Toast and Supersoft White Toast breads as the products may contain foreign matter (blue plastic).

What you need to know:
- The recall affects both Tip Top brand Oatilicious Toast bread … View more
George Weston Foods (NZ) Ltd has issued a recall today of specific batches of its Tip Top brand Oatilicious Toast and Supersoft White Toast breads as the products may contain foreign matter (blue plastic).

What you need to know:
- The recall affects both Tip Top brand Oatilicious Toast bread (700g) and Tip Top brand Supersoft White Toast bread (700g) with the best before dates of 03DEC22 and 04DEC22
- Affected products should not be consumed.
- Customers should return these products to their retailer for a full refund.

If you have questions regarding the recall, contact George Weston Foods (NZ) Ltd on 0800 44 96 60.

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726 days ago

CHRISTMAS IS FINALLY IN THE STORE

Keely Murphy from Red Cross Store Manchester St

Yes we are doing something special this time.!!

Friday the 2nd December Christmas Decs are coming to the shop and

ALSO A $2.00 TWILIGHT CARPARK SALE!!!!!

The carpark sale will begin at 6PM in our carpark and will be clothing and shoes.
There will also be
View more
Yes we are doing something special this time.!!

Friday the 2nd December Christmas Decs are coming to the shop and

ALSO A $2.00 TWILIGHT CARPARK SALE!!!!!

The carpark sale will begin at 6PM in our carpark and will be clothing and shoes.
There will also be

A SAUSAGE SIZZLE

IF WET WE WILL CHANGE TO SUNDAY 2PM.

In the meantime look at the beautiful mahogany furniture we have been blessed with. Priced to sell.

Friday we will start a $1.00 book sale on all books and as always plenty of fresh stock going into the shop daily.

Look forward to seeing you all

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