Council facing a budget blow out
A multi-million dollar blowout caused by waste, road and water infrastructure changes has raised red flags on the South Wairarapa District Council balance sheet.
Wastewater works across the district and emergency work in Featherston have seen capital budgets increased.
The closure of the overseas market for paper and cardboard recycling has upped costs in disposal, with costs set to increase by as much as $250,000 rise in costs per year.
In August, NZTA signalled a one per cent reduction in its payments to SWDC.
It will also halve its contribution to maintaining Cape Palliser Rd, as it phases out its Special Purpose programme for coastal roads. .
Risks on two sewage projects, at Papawai and Martinborough, have seen costs increase.
A major sewer failure under the rail tracks crossing Featherston’s main Fitzherbert St had added a further $400,000 in costs.
An electrical upgrade not included in the original project scope has added more than $650,000 to work on the town’s water supply.
Lake Ferry’s wastewater system, damaged by contractors in July, is to undergo further work, with costs not yet known.
The council's finance, audit and risk committee will receive the report today [Wednesday October 21] at 2.30pm at Martinborough's Waihinga Centre.
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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59.4% Yes, supporting people is important!
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26.4% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.2% ... It is complicated
Poll: 🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
The Reserve Bank has shared some pretty blunt advice: there’s no such thing as a “safe” job anymore 🛟😑
Robots are stepping into repetitive roles in factories, plants and warehouses. AI is taking care of the admin tasks that once filled many mid-level office jobs.
We want to know: As the world evolves, what skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
Want to read more? The Press has you covered!
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50% Human-centred experience and communication
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18.8% Critical thinking
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31.3% Resilience and adaptability
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0% Other - I will share below!
Emma’s wedding dress reveal tells a different love story
A Valentine’s-inspired wedding dress show at Ryman Healthcare’s Logan Campbell Village is providing the perfect opportunity for residents to share memories of their romantic day.
But for Emma Muller, it has also turned into an opportunity to celebrate her late daughter Nicola, who died 19 years ago at the age of 37.
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