Proposed rates shake-up
Central Hawke’s Bay District Council is proposing a re-allocation of rates as part of an upcoming rates review.
The proposed shake-up would include a re-examination of what share ratepayers should pay across five areas - land use and subdivision consents, animal control, compliance and monitoring, stormwater and the central business district.
Council chief executive Monique Davidson says the proposed changes would have the biggest impact on stormwater and CBD activities.
The council proposes stormwater activity be funded 80 – 90 per cent private funding, collected through a targeted rate from those within stormwater catchment areas, with the remainder from public funding.
It is thought a new system would make rates responsibilities among different types of rate-payer more equitable. At present commercial properties pay the same rate level as residential property owners but receive additional benefits such as wider footpaths, additional rubbish bins, on street parking for customers and additional landscaping in pocket gardens.
The community has been invited to make submissions by searching #RatesReview at www.chbdc.govt.nz... between August 24 and September 23, 2020.
Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄
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?
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4.7% Second half of November
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43.4% 1st December
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17.6% A week before Christmas
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33.2% Whenever you wish
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1.1% Other - I'll share below
Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
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82.9% Yes
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14.3% No
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2.8% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite tomato recipe?
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.