1895 days ago

Council spends $2.55m on 'historically important' Akaroa property

Jake Kenny Reporter from Community News

Hey neighbours,

Are you a ratepayer? What are your thoughts on this?

Christchurch ratepayers have paid $2.55 million for a culturally significant Akaroa home – more than twice its rateable value.

The Red House, which has a rating valuation of $1.2m, is surrounded by the Takapūneke Reserve, an area of huge importance to Ngāi Tahu and classed as wāhi tapu (a sacred place) by Heritage New Zealand.

The privately-owned home and its surrounding 2864-square-metre garden was due to go to auction on Thursday, but the Christchurch City Council decided in a publicly excluded meeting last week to put in an offer. The auction has since been cancelled.

Do you support this as a good use of ratepayer money?

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More messages from your neighbours
5 days ago

A Neighbourly Riddle! Don’t Overthink It… Or Do?😜

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!

If you multiply this number by any other number, the answer will always be the same. What number is this?

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4 days ago

Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

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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Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
  • 58.9% Yes, supporting people is important!
    58.9% Complete
  • 26.3% No, individuals should take responsibility
    26.3% Complete
  • 14.8% ... It is complicated
    14.8% Complete
857 votes
11 days ago

Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.

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