1332 days ago

Have your say on rates, rubbish and pensioner housing

Noel Smith from Noel Smith Councillor - Newcastle Ward

Feedback opens today on Waikato District Council’s consultation document as it looks to prepare the 2021-31 Long Term Plan, which is the district’s plan of attack for the next 10 years.

Feedback can be submitted online (link below), at the drop in session at Te Kowhai Hall on Thursday 22 April 6.30pm-8pm, at Council offices or libraries, or by phoning Council on 0800 492 452.

The plan, which is reviewed and updated every three years, is asking three key questions:
1. what general rate increase option you prefer
2. should Council sell their pensioner housing and
3. should Council continue our inorganic curbside rubbish collection service.

At the same time, Council also asking for feedback on the way they hand out funding, user fees and charges, their development contributions policy and the community hall catchment review.

More detail:
Council are currently proposing a “hard and fast” general rate increase in year 1 of 9% and then 3.5% for year 2 and 3 of the plan. Another option sets the general rate increase at 7% in year 1, 6% in year 2 and 4% in year 3.

The inorganic curbside rubbish collection service has been popular in the Waikato district for a long time, but it is becoming harder and harder to provide this service.

Council have 34 pensioner flats in Tuakau, Huntly and Ngaruawahia. They are proposing to sell these to a dedicated social housing provider.

shape.waikatodistrict.govt.nz...

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More messages from your neighbours
17 hours ago

Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.

This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.

Do you think this ban is reasonable?

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Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
  • 77.1% Yes
    77.1% Complete
  • 22% No
    22% Complete
  • 0.9% Other - I'll share below
    0.9% Complete
555 votes
17 days ago

What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.

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1 day ago

Think You’ve Got the Answer? Today’s Riddle Says ‘Prove It’!

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

If eleven plus two equals one, what does nine plus five equal?

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.

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