Waimakariri council finds cuts in proposed rate increase
By local democracy reporter David Hill:
A rates rise of under 6% is on the cards after the Waimakariri District Council’s annual plan deliberations last week.
The council pared back a projected 6.9% rise as they endeavoured to ease the impact on people’s pockets.
Councillors voted to defer funding depreciation for asset replacement, and to spread out earthquake loan repayments to keep its average rates rise at 5.97%.
It was higher than the 4.2% signalled in the 2021-31 long-term plan, but reflected the economic realities, with inflation at 7.2%, mayor Dan Gordon said.
“We think it is a fairly responsible position to present to our community.
“There is always an impact, so that is why there is a careful balance.”
Gordon said feedback indicated ratepayers wanted the council to stick to its work programme, especially when it came to roading.
The council faced a shortfall in Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency funding, because, while it was inflation adjusted, it did not cover all of the rising costs.
“We don’t want to fall behind with our roading programme, especially with the number of weather events we are getting,” Gordon said.
“And we will be having strong conversations with Waka Kotahi, with our partner councils to see what can be done.”
The council also planned to write to Transport Minister Michael Wood.
Planning was under way to expand the district’s cycling network, following a $6 million grant which was announced in December and needed to be spent by June 2024.
Further community feedback on cycleways projects will be sought later this year.
The council decided to bring forward its ultraviolet treatment programme for the district’s drinking water schemes to enhance its case for chlorine exemptions.
“While we are going through the chlorine exemption process, what we are picking up from Taumata Arowai is having some extra barrier in place is a requirement,” Gordon said.
“Anything we can do to keep our community protected we will do and we know the strong desire from our community to be chlorine free.”
The council is due meet again on February 28 to adopt the draft annual plan ahead of consultation from March 10 to April 17.
The council is proposing to consult on investment, the costs of keeping urban water supplies chlorine free, stormwater updates, contract inflation, and depreciation and earthquake funding.
The consultation document would also provide information on government reforms, climate change and sustainability, community facilities, rubbish and recycling, Canterbury Museum and the Christchurch stadium.
Here's Thursday's thinker!
I am lighter than air, but a hundred people cannot lift me. What am I?
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Poll: Should drivers retake the theory test every 10 years?
Drivers get where they need to go, but sometimes it seems that we are all abiding by different road rules (for example, the varying ways drivers indicate around a roundabout).
Do you think drivers should be required to take a quick driving theory test every 10 years?
Vote in the poll and share any road rules that you've seen bent! 😱
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48% Yes
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50.1% No
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1.9% Other - I'll share below
Hero
“I was born and raised in war. To be honest, those are not good memories.
I really like Iran, and I really miss it, but I couldn’t be myself there. Even though my family didn’t like my decision, I left Iran. I promised myself that I would do whatever I can for all communities, especially for the kids, so they do not have the same experience I had.
I studied software engineering in Iran and left in 2006. I went to Malaysia and stayed in Kuala Lumpur for seven years. I was admitted to Lincoln University to do my PhD here, but unfortunately, I couldn’t afford the expenses. I requested a scholarship, but they told me I had to be there for six months first. So, I stayed in Malaysia and did my PhD in network security. In December 2013, I came to New Zealand with a work visa.
It took me a while to connect with the Iranian community here. I volunteered with the Multicultural Council, SPCA, and community patrol, and I established the Christchurch Iranian Society in 2017. Before that, I started working on Radio Toranj, the only Farsi-language radio show in New Zealand.
One of the reasons I started organizing cultural events was to showcase Iranian culture. I wanted to show people that we have delicious food, colorful dresses, traditional customs, and our own instruments. My hope was to show people that we are not what you see in the media.
I am working to involve all the communities that celebrate Nowruz, the Persian New Year, in the Nowruz festival in March 2025. We want to share this celebration not only with our community but with the public as well. It’s better when it’s shared.
I remember the first time someone from Dunedin called me and asked, Hero, can you help? Something happened, and they keep declining Iranian visa applications. When I heard that, I felt insulted. We are still human, so how can they do that?
Through this journey, I’ve learned a lot. Every single day, people with different cases call me, and I try to share my knowledge and guide them as much as I can.
I have received several awards, including the Christchurch Civic Award and an Award of Recognition for my contributions to the community during the pandemic. In 2021, I established Canterbury Kia Ora Academy, a charitable trust. Through this charity, I can help other communities as well, not just the Iranian community.”
- Hero
View more stories, or nominate someone: @humansofchch
www.humansofchch.org......
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