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2235 days ago

What do you think of tripling Stewart Island levy?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

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

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More messages from your neighbours
5 hours ago

Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

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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Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
  • 68.6% Yes
    68.6% Complete
  • 29.1% No
    29.1% Complete
  • 2.3% Other - I'll share below
    2.3% Complete
516 votes
16 hours ago

Riddle Me That: Ready to Test Your Wits?

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

If the prisoner tells a lie, he'll be hanged;
if he tells the truth, he'll be beheaded.
What can he say to save himself?

Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below 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.

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21 days ago

What's your favourite recipe for gooseberry?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Love gooseberries? Share your favourite way to enjoy them. We're looking for our readers' favourite family recipes for this delicious crop. Send yours to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the magazine, you will receive a free copy of our December 2024 issue.

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