Poll: Do you support the Christchurch City Council increasing parking fees?
It’s bad news for people who like to play chicken with parking wardens, or think parking on the footpath is fair game: Christchurch’s parking fines may increase by 70% as soon as October.
That would boost the fine given by the city council to overstayers (in a free five-minute spot, for example) from $12 to $20 at a minimum, or up to $97 if they stayed for more than six hours.
For someone parking in a restricted or cultivated area - like a grass berm, footpath or cycleway - the fine may jump from $40 to $70.
Someone double parked - or parked inconsiderately - would be slapped with a $100 ticket instead of a $60 one. It would be the same cost increase for someone parked in an area reserved for charging EVs.
Stephen Wright, the council’s head of transport operations, said fee increases would better offset the cost of enforcement while positively changing driver behaviours.
Read the full story from reporter Sinead Gill here (note: a subscription is required).
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17.4% Yes, if it saves money on rates and towage
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8% Yes, even if it doesn't save us money
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71.8% No, it's already high enough
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2.8% I'm not sure
Warnings about scams
This Fraud Awareness Week, we’re reminding everyone to stay sharp and look out for the warning signs of scams to stop them before they start.
Here’s what to watch out for:
🔍 Unrealistic offers or promises of easy money that are too good to be true
🔍 Pressure tactics: Scammers may rush or threaten you to act immediately.
🔍 Requests for personal info: Be cautious if you’re asked for bank details, passwords, or sensitive information.
🔍 Unusual payment methods like gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.
🔍 Unverified contacts: Emails, calls, or messages from unknown or suspicious sources.
How to protect yourself:
✅ Stop and think before sharing personal details or making payments.
✅ Don't click on any links until you know that it is safe.
✅ Verify the source: Contact the organisation directly using official channels.
✅ If something’s not right, it's OK to hang up, walk away, ignore it and move on.
If you wish to report a scam, contact Police on 105 or report it online via 105.police.govt.nz/use-105.
Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄
From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.
What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?
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5% Second half of November
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44.6% 1st December
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16.7% A week before Christmas
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32.4% Whenever you wish
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1.3% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite tomato recipe?
Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.
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