Back
269 days ago

Waimakariri council proposes 8.94% rates rise in ‘challenging’ year

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Waimakariri ratepayers are being asked for their feedback on an average rates rise of 8.94%

The Waimakariri District Council adopted its "most challenging" long-term plan (LTP) on Tuesday.

Deputy mayor Neville Atkinson, a long serving councillor, said it was the most difficult annual or long term plan he had been involved in.

‘‘We had the earthquakes, but I would suggest this is worse, because there is so much uncertainty around what is going to happen.

‘‘We have people out there who are angry, people who are broke, who are losing their jobs and others who are winning, and we need to balance that.’’

Mayor Dan Gordon said he was pleased council staff had settled on average rates rise of 8.94% ‘‘without compromising our levels of service’’.

‘‘I hear continuous calls from some about having a zero rates rise, but that is just unrealistic.’’

He said the council needed to continue planning for growth, with large roading projects proposed in the LTP such as the Rangiora eastern link road and the Skew bridge upgrade at west Kaiapoi.

Council chief executive Jeff Millward said staff considered delaying the LTP for a year due to changes in Government legislation, but considered it would be detrimental.

‘‘We have already done six months worth of work on this plan, and we are a growth council, so we need to stay relevant.

‘‘If we did take up the option, we would be doing a one-year plan with no future planning and then we would have to go back and do it again next year.’’

The council is planning to spend around $690 million over the next 10 years replacing assets and planning for the district’s rapid growth.

The district’s population is projected to grow from around 70,000 to 82,075 by 2034, based on Stats NZ’s high growth scenario.

The LTP considers how best to manage the natural environment, flood resilience, provision of community facilities, extension of the Rangiora Library and the proposed Rangiora eastern link road.

The proposed Pegasus Community Centre, which was signalled in the 2021 LTP, is set to be built by the end of next year.

The council is also in talks with Canterbury Cricket and Canterbury Country Cricket about extending Mainpower Oval to accommodate more cricket pitches and training facilities.

The draft 2024-34 LTP will go out for consultation from March 15 to April 15, with hearings planned in May.

■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

Image
More messages from your neighbours
1 hour ago

Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

This Wednesday, we're having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with John Bracewell from Crewcut.

John Bracewell, former Black Caps coach turned Franchisee Development Manager and currently the face of Crewcut’s #Movember campaign, knows a thing or two about keeping the grass looking sharp—whether it’s on a cricket pitch or in your backyard!

As a seasoned Crewcut franchisee, John is excited to answer your lawn and gardening questions. After years of perfecting the greens on the field, he's ready to share tips on how to knock your garden out of the park. Let's just say he’s as passionate about lush lawns as he is about a good game of cricket!

John is happy to answer questions about lawn mowing, tree/hedge trimming, tidying your garden, ride on mowing, you name it! He'll be online on Wednesday, 27th of November to answer them all.

Share your question below now ⬇️

Image
6 days ago

Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.

What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?

Image
When should the tree go up? 🎄
  • 4.7% Second half of November
    4.7% Complete
  • 43.6% 1st December
    43.6% Complete
  • 17.5% A week before Christmas
    17.5% Complete
  • 33.1% Whenever you wish
    33.1% Complete
  • 1.1% Other - I'll share below
    1.1% Complete
2320 votes
4 days ago

What's your favourite tomato recipe?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.

Image