Hurunui council's annual plan approved
From local democracy reporter David Hill:
Revenue and expenditure exceeded expectations as the Hurunui District Council came through the 2021-22 financial year with an operating surplus of $5.5 million.
The council adopted its 2021-22 annual report on Tuesday, November 29.
Revenue for the year was $61.1 million, $7.65 million above the budget, while operating expenses totalled $55.6 million, which was $6.7 million higher than expected.
The extra revenue was due to wages subsidies received during last year’s lockdown, emergency roading funding following the heavy rain events, development contributions from three subdivisions in Amberley and the increased value of council assets.
Wage costs were higher than expected, while the rain events and depreciation costs added to the council’s expenditure.
Chief financial officer Jason Beck said roading had a big impact, with a 30% increase in costs in the new roading contract contributing to the 10.5% rates increase adopted in June.
‘‘The increase to the value of the roading assets was 58%, pushing the value of the roading assets from $267 million to $421 million,’’ he said.
The council’s debt remained at $38 million throughout the year, lower than the $41.5 million anticipated in the budget.
Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.
Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.
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64.2% Yes
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33.2% No
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2.6% Other - I'll share below
Unlock the Answer: Today’s Riddle is Trickier Than You Think!
What English word retains the same pronunciation, even after you take away four of its five letters?
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Paddy Gower seeks ‘bloody great Cantab’
The Kiwi journalist drilling deep into the country’s biggest issues is on a mission to find the local greats.
Paddy Gower is looking for the Good Kiwi in every region to feature in his show, The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour.
To nominate a Good Kiwi, email reporters@press.co.nz with the name and a description of why your nominee should win. You an also share the local issues you think Paddy needs to tackle in the comments below.
It could be the woman whose knitting circle has made 3800 items for victims of domestic violence, the guy running the length of Aotearoa for mental health, or the woman with terminal cancer who spends her time campaigning to raise awareness and save lives.
“Basically I am looking for ... a bloody great Cantab who just gets on and gets things done. The criteria is somebody who has a positive attitude and makes the community a better place," Gower said.
“I will give this person the 'Big Ups' they deserve, and the community can celebrate them with me.”
A Good Kiwi will feature in each of Gower’s live shows in 14 centres through November and December. He will name the Cantabrian Good Kiwi at his Christchurch show on the evening of Friday, November 22, at St Margaret’s College.
The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour is a sort of book tour, sort of stand-up comedy, some journalistic yarns and memoir, and some motivational speaking - with a fair bit of local in each show.
Gower also wants to know about topics of interest in the region.
“I’m ... going to be taking on a big issue facing Canterbury and offering up solutions.”
A stinky suburb, a neighbourhood needing a round-about or a cathedral in disrepair - “I will make your views count”, he said.
“I'm touring the nation to spread positivity, optimism and good vibes.”
*For tickets to the The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour visit paddygower.co.nz