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368 days ago

City signals 10%-plus rates rises

The Team Reporter from Hamilton Press

Hamiltonians face 10%-plus city rates rises for at least the next three years due to big cost increases, council leaders warn.

It comes as the mayor and councillors start grappling with budgets for the 2024-34 long term plan (LTP), acutely aware that big rises will likely rile residents.

Mayor Paula Southgate said she was “super gutted” to put this to residents but the council had no choice.

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More messages from your neighbours
1 day ago

Poll: Would you commute by public transport if it was free?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Using your car is convenient, except for finding parking.

Cycling lets you leave anytime, but you might arrive soaked.

So, neighbours, if public transport had the perk of being free, would it be your main way to commute?

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Would you commute by public transport if it was free?
  • 68% Yes
    68% Complete
  • 28.8% No
    28.8% Complete
  • 3.2% Other - I'll share below
    3.2% Complete
1546 votes
10 days ago

Six tips for improving security around your home

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

1) Improve outdoor lighting
Ensure that streets, driveways, and front yards are well-lit. Motion-sensor lights around homes deter trespassers by reducing hiding spots and illuminating their movements.

2) Trim your trees
Overgrown shrubs and trees provide cover for intruders. Keeping them well-trimmed around windows and doors improves visibility and reduces potential hiding spots.

3) Secure Entry Points
Ensure doors, windows, and gates are always closed when you are away from the house. Upgrade to more secure locks, deadbolts, or even smart locks for added protection.

4) Add a security camera
Place security cameras in the main entry points to your home. Doorbell cameras are also relatively cheap and a great way to keep track of who is visiting your home when you aren't there.

5) Start a Neighborhood Watch Program
You could reach out to members on Neighbourly to form a group of neighbors who can regularly keep an eye out for suspicious activity and report it. You could also check with Neighbourhood Support to see what is existing in your area.

6) Introduce yourself to your neighbours
The closer you are to your neighbors, the more likely they’ll notice when something unusual or suspicious is happening around your property

Feel free to share anything that you do around your area to deter crime.

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4 days ago

Poll: Does grocery bagging affect where you shop?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

There's only a few differences between our larger chain supermarkets here in New Zealand. Having someone bag your groceries is one of them.

Does having your groceries packed for you at the checkout influence where you do your grocery shop? If so, tell us why.

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Does grocery bagging affect where you shop?
  • 24.5% Yes
    24.5% Complete
  • 74.8% No
    74.8% Complete
  • 0.7% Other - I'll share below
    0.7% Complete
2213 votes