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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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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 moreGeorge 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.
What better way to while away a Friday afternoon and get your weekend DIY inspiration than drooling over the most beautiful house and garden content of the week?
Homed newsletter keeps you on top of the real estate market, takes you inside gorgeous New Zealand homes, give you a taste of how … View moreWhat better way to while away a Friday afternoon and get your weekend DIY inspiration than drooling over the most beautiful house and garden content of the week?
Homed newsletter keeps you on top of the real estate market, takes you inside gorgeous New Zealand homes, give you a taste of how celebrities live, keep you up to date with interior trends, provide project ideas, and more. Be inspired to dream big about your own space - and get on the path to making those dreams come true. Sign up for free here.
Hi everyone
I have bought a straightener from overseas. Have used it twice and then stopped heating . The power is on because the power lamp is on but the heat light keeps flashing and not heating at all .Does anyone know the reason for this ? Please I need help? Thanks
Has your old lawnmower got problems, won’t start any more or just worn out?
No need to throw it out & buy a new mower - give Ken at Backyard Stuff a call!
20+ years experience fixing & servicing outdoor equipment, & the best price in town.
Get your old mower going great again or trade… View moreHas your old lawnmower got problems, won’t start any more or just worn out?
No need to throw it out & buy a new mower - give Ken at Backyard Stuff a call!
20+ years experience fixing & servicing outdoor equipment, & the best price in town.
Get your old mower going great again or trade in for a quality reconditioned mower with warranty!
For more info call or txt Ken on 027 373 5435
Hi everyone
I have bought a straightener from overseas. Have used it twice and then stopped heating . The power is on because the power lamp is on but the heat light keeps flashing and not heating at all .Does anyone know the reason for this ? Please I need help? Thanks and sorry I may have … View moreHi everyone
I have bought a straightener from overseas. Have used it twice and then stopped heating . The power is on because the power lamp is on but the heat light keeps flashing and not heating at all .Does anyone know the reason for this ? Please I need help? Thanks and sorry I may have published it in the wrong palace
We are giving 10 lucky winners $1,000 cash each this Christmas, to enter all you have to do is make a purchase on Mags4Gifts. Spoil your loved ones by gifting them a subscription or treat yourself to your favourite magazine or newspaper subscription.
Mags4Gifts is your one-stop shop for all of … View moreWe are giving 10 lucky winners $1,000 cash each this Christmas, to enter all you have to do is make a purchase on Mags4Gifts. Spoil your loved ones by gifting them a subscription or treat yourself to your favourite magazine or newspaper subscription.
Mags4Gifts is your one-stop shop for all of your Christmas gifts with a range of over 50 products to choose from, including our popular NZ House & Garden, NZ Gardener, and TV Guide magazines.
Each product purchased on Mags4Gifts will automatically place you in the draw to win a cash prize - and the best part, there’s no limit on how many times you can enter! Promotion ends 8 Jan 2023, for T&Cs click here.
The team at Mags4Gifts
In the New Year I will be volunteering/visiting dog shelters in New Orleans and Cuba.
On their wanted list is dog toys.
If you have any medium/large non plush/fabric dog toys you no longer require please get in touch. I will gladly collect them!!
PLEASE NO TENNIS BALLS!!
Thank you. ❤️
Whether you’re decorating your beach house or just want to add a sea side vibe to your home, a seashell Christmas trees will add that special touch you need this holiday season!!
A hand made seashell Christmas tree, which is not only a bespoke decoration that is unusual, but also beautiful. … View moreWhether you’re decorating your beach house or just want to add a sea side vibe to your home, a seashell Christmas trees will add that special touch you need this holiday season!!
A hand made seashell Christmas tree, which is not only a bespoke decoration that is unusual, but also beautiful. You can use it for a table center piece, decoration or even as a gift!!
Each design will differ slightly, in the way they are made and embellished, as each one is handmade, one shell at a time……….it depends on what’s available on any given day!! But,that’s what makes them one of a kind!
Small tree approx 9” tall. $30-00
For indoor use only.
Buyer must pick up.
Pick up is in New Brighton from a smoke free home.
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