What do you think of tripling Stewart Island levy?
At a Southland District Council meeting on Tuesday, councillors will discuss its draft policy for the Stewart Island Visitor Levy, which would bring in several changes, including increasing the visitor levy from $5 to $15.
The committee identified that the small rating base on the island could not meet the increasing demands that tourism was placing on island infrastructure, the report says. However, on Sunday, Stewart Island Community Board chairman Jon Spraggon said increasing the levy was "bloody stupid". In the financial year ending in June 2018, 44,423 people visited the island paying $193,143 in levies.
If the same amount of people visited the island paying a levy of $15, it would generate more than $660,000.
While the $5 levy did not generate huge amounts of money, people on the island were happy with the amount, Spraggon said. While the council would consult the public if they approved the draft, Spraggon had his doubts about the process.
Read the full story here.
Image: Stuff
Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.
Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.
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68.6% Yes
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29.1% No
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2.3% Other - I'll share below
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What's your favourite recipe for gooseberry?
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