![](https://cdn.neighbourly.co.nz/images/cache/user_profile_profile_picture/attachments/644b3057b72e97.59164458.png?170410)
Poll: What could the Christchurch City Council fund if it didn't have to pay GST on rates?
Christchurch mayor Phil Mauger says GST on rates, currently taken by central government, would be better spent locally.
The comments follow an Infometrics analysis that found over $1.1 billion of rates revenue nationwide was collected by the Government in 2022 as GST.
According to Infometrics, $88.5m of that came from Christchurch city ratepayers. It would be enough to save the Christ Church Cathedral from ruin; restore the Dux de Lux seven times over; cover both the Art Centre and Orana Wildlife Park’s request for regular public funding for over 26 years; contribute to light rail in Greater Christchurch; or get the South Library rebuild completed.
Read the full story by reporter Sinead Gill here and share your thoughts in the comments below. (Note: Subscription required. You can still read two free stories a month if you're not a ThePress.co.nz subscriber).
![Image](https://cdn.neighbourly.co.nz/images/cache/message_max_size/message_images/6630a6335aae12.94749123.jpeg?170410)
-
23.4% Light rail
-
4.5% South Library
-
38.7% Orana Wildlife Park
-
11.9% The Arts Centre
-
3% Dux de Lux
-
13% Christ Church Cathedral
-
5.6% Something else (share your thoughts in the comments)
![](https://cdn.neighbourly.co.nz/images/cache/user_profile_profile_picture/organisation/5431e2f56f6da0.99048672.png?170410)
The Online Garage Sale of the Summer
It's time to clean out the garage (or closet or cupboard!) and make some money back on your summer goods. Get involved with the Neighbourly online garage sale on Saturday, February 22nd.
Whether it's time to let go of your spare tent, your beach umbrella or maybe clear some clothes from your wardrobe, the Neighbourly garage sale is the place to do it - it's free and it's local!
If this is your first Neighbourly garage sale, the way it works is that you list your items individually ahead of the event and members perusing the garage sale items online will contact you to buy it.
Make sure you check out the treasure trove of bargains on Saturday, February 22nd - it's well worth a look!
![Image](https://cdn.neighbourly.co.nz/images/cache/message_max_size/message_images/67aa77792fd2a2.28578012.png?170410)
![](https://cdn.neighbourly.co.nz/images/cache/user_profile_profile_picture/organisation/5d842877d43887.60628226.jpeg?170410)
Kia Ora Bryndwr
Thanks to all the organisers, volunteers, community groups and community members who contributed to making an excellent Kia Ora Bryndwr - Connect with kai event.
Amidst cloudy weather, there were plenty of activities and free kai (food) for everyone! Ice-creams, muffins, fresh fruit, hummus with carrots / celery, and much more - there was something for everyone!
Sharing some photos from the event.
![](https://cdn.neighbourly.co.nz/images/cache/user_profile_profile_picture/organisation/679bf394c49fd1.36020091.png?170410)
🧩 Crack the Code: Today’s Riddle Challenge! 🤔
I’m a three-digit number; my tens digit is five more than my ones, and my hundreds digit is eight less than my tens—what am I?
Do you think you know the answer to our riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments 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.
![Image](https://cdn.neighbourly.co.nz/images/cache/message_max_size/message_images/67abd2c0988158.89936913.jpeg?170410)