Rates rise for Hurunui
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
A rates hike of 7.49 percent is expected in the Hurunui district.
The Hurunui District Council adopted its draft budgets for the 2023-24 annual plan at an extraordinary council meeting on Tuesday, April 18.
Chief financial officer Jason Beck said the proposed average rates rise of 7.49% was higher than the 4.99% forecast in the 2021-31 long-term plan.
He said the difference is due to rising inflation and interest rates.
But it could have been worse.
Council staff began the process with an average rates rise of 11.78%, before trimming it back to 9.53% after the growth of the district was factored in.
It was further trimmed by reducing the council reserves budget and increasing the dividend paid by Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa.
The draft annual plan will go out for consultation next month ahead of its final adoption by the council by June 30.
Poll: Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️
First introduced in New Zealand in 1927 with the passing of the Summer Time Act, it's what we know as 'Daylight Saving' and this year it ends on the first Sunday in April.
While we do get to sleep in this time around, some people would like to scrap the clock tinkering for good.
And why? Some evidence suggests the time changes are bad for our health as they mess with sleep patterns leading to short-term fatigue and affecting mood. Meanwhile the hour change is frustrating for farmers and a nightmare for getting the littlies to sleep. But what's your take?
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39.3% Yes - get rid of the clock changes
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58.7% No, I enjoy it
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2% Other - I'll share below
Alan and Hazel Kerr share Senior New Zealander of the Year Award 2026
Dr Alan and Hazel Kerr describe themselves as ‘just ordinary old Kiwis’, despite being named as the 2026 Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealanders of the Year Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau.
The amazing couple prompted a standing ovation at a star-studded Auckland event which recognised their tireless efforts, with Alan travelling to and from Gaza and the West Bank 40 times to help children over 20 years, and Hazel travelling 20 times.
Click read more to find out more.
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