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By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
As councils struggle with rising costs, a North Canterbury mayor has suggested charging the Government for rates on Crown land.
Some councils are also looking at hotel bed taxes and congestion taxes to raise much needed revenue, but Hurunui mayor Marie … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
As councils struggle with rising costs, a North Canterbury mayor has suggested charging the Government for rates on Crown land.
Some councils are also looking at hotel bed taxes and congestion taxes to raise much needed revenue, but Hurunui mayor Marie Black said she would rather see the Crown paying rates like other landowners.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) estate made up a significant proportion of the Hurunui district’s footprint.
"We have to maintain access, so we believe the Government should be paying its share.
"When you look at Lake Sumner Rd, it costs the ratepayer to maintain it and you have DOC land at the end of the road not paying rates."
However, Black said she would not want to see local schools adversely impacted by a such a rates policy.
Conservation land is generally not rateable, and any introduction of charges would require a law change, a DOC spokesperson said.
Many councils are feeling the pinch of rising costs, while also under pressure to keep rate rises affordable.
A Supreme Court decision earlier this year paved the way for Auckland and Queenstown Lakes District councils to introduce a hotel bed tax.
Meanwhile, National hinted at legislation to allow the main centres to collect a congestion tax.
Hurunui District Council chief executive Hamish Dobbie said neither tax would make much difference to his council.
"You may get some extra revenue out of tourists, but it may end up hurting local operators.
"I’m not sure whether a bed tax is the best solution. Our businesses fund our tourism promotion and that seems to be reasonably stable."
Waimakariri District Council chief executive Jeff Millward agreed, but said allowing councils to retain the GST on rates would ease the burden on ratepayers.
"There is definitely a need to have a look at the rating system to make it fairer.
"The old question is often raised whether GST should be on rates and whether it should be retained by councils.
"It would make a sizeable difference to us."
Kaikōura District Council chief executive Will Doughty said he would be keen to explore some form of local tourism levy.
The population of Kaikōura is just 3900, plus holiday homes, but there were more than a million annual visitors to the district.
"A very small additional contribution from each visitor could make a significant difference for us."
Charging rates on Crown land would also help as a large proportion of the district was under the DOC estate, he said.
"Given our small population size anything that helps ease the continued burden to the ratepayers is good with us."
A Department of Conservation spokesperson said paying rates was subject to legislation, so it would be up to the Government to decide.
"Generally, conservation land is non-rateable under the Local Government (Rating) Act 2002 and subject only to targeted rates."
Targeted rates can be set for water supply, sewage disposal or rubbish collection that is provided in relation to the land.
"So it would require a change to the law, which would be up to the Government."
National local government spokesperson Simon Watts said he was unable to comment while coalition negotiations were continuing.
■ Public interest journalism funded through New Zealand on Air.
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Dear neighbours, looking ahead to summer (we can't wait!) and the glut of crops, we're looking for recipes for either plum or cucumber dishes, to feature in the magazine. Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by December 3, 2023. Every published recipe wins a copy of the … View moreDear neighbours, looking ahead to summer (we can't wait!) and the glut of crops, we're looking for recipes for either plum or cucumber dishes, to feature in the magazine. Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by December 3, 2023. Every published recipe wins a copy of the December issue of NZ Gardener.
Christmas is on its way and for those of us with family across the country this means posting gifts from afar. Unfortunately, with the rise of mail theft in our communities, this can be risky business. Have you had a parcel stolen in your neighbourhood? Vote in our poll and share below whether this… View moreChristmas is on its way and for those of us with family across the country this means posting gifts from afar. Unfortunately, with the rise of mail theft in our communities, this can be risky business. Have you had a parcel stolen in your neighbourhood? Vote in our poll and share below whether this influences how you're gifting nowadays.
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the We Say You Say column of your local paper.
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By local democracy reporter David Hill:
Kaiapoi’s oldest school is returning to traditional single-cell classrooms as it looks to the future.
Kaiapoi Borough School opened two new classrooms on Monday (November 6), on the eve of its 150 year anniversary celebrations on November 24.
… View moreBy local democracy reporter David Hill:
Kaiapoi’s oldest school is returning to traditional single-cell classrooms as it looks to the future.
Kaiapoi Borough School opened two new classrooms on Monday (November 6), on the eve of its 150 year anniversary celebrations on November 24.
Principal Hayden van Lent said two-thirds of the school had been rebuilt since the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes, giving the school a new look.
The new classrooms provided more space for roll growth, with the design going back to the more traditional single cell classrooms.
"We know it works well and it works for our tamariki and our community," van Lent said.
"They are exciting spaces and we still have the ability to be flexible."
Doors between the two classrooms could be opened up to use as one big space when needed and they were equipped with break-out rooms, wet spaces and electric windows.
The classrooms were a kitset design built by Fitzgerald Construction in Nelson.
Representatives from Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tūāhuriri offered a blessing on Monday, and were joined by Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey and representatives from the Ministry of Education and Fitzgerald Construction.
Junior students also came to view their new classrooms, before moving in on Wednesday.
The school will be hosting an open day on Friday, November 24, to mark its 150th anniversary.
A mihi whakatau (formal welcome) will be held at 12pm, with lunch provided.
Lunch will be followed by school tours, the burying of a time capsule, a tree planting and the cutting of the cake in the hall.
■ Public interest journalism funded through New Zealand on Air.
At 96, Logan Campbell resident Russell Parrish has achieved an incredible feat - ‘knocking off’ the summit of One Tree Hill 30 times over 30 consecutive days. Plus, it was all for a great cause — raising money and awareness for Alzheimer’s in honor of his late wife Mary.
Every single day… View moreAt 96, Logan Campbell resident Russell Parrish has achieved an incredible feat - ‘knocking off’ the summit of One Tree Hill 30 times over 30 consecutive days. Plus, it was all for a great cause — raising money and awareness for Alzheimer’s in honor of his late wife Mary.
Every single day of September, come rain, shine or blustering gale, Russell set off from his home at Ryman Healthcare’s Greenlane village to walk to the top of the iconic mountain set in the heart of Cornwall Park.
The idea also coincided with Ryman Healthcare’s annual Walking for Wellness challenge, which this year aptly had an Everest theme.
Watch Russell's full story.
youtu.be...
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By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
The fate of the proposed flyride in Hanmer Springs could soon be known.
A consent was granted to the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa by a Hurunui District Council appointed commissioner last year.
The resource consent application was to install … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
The fate of the proposed flyride in Hanmer Springs could soon be known.
A consent was granted to the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa by a Hurunui District Council appointed commissioner last year.
The resource consent application was to install and operate a gravity-based recreation activity at Conical Hill Reserve.
But it was appealed to the Environment Court, with a hearing held in February.
The hearing was subsequently adjourned, but was due to resume on Monday, November 6.
It is the latest adrenalin venture for the Canterbury tourist town. Two new $3.2 million water slides opened in October at Hanmer Springs pools.
Speaking about the flyride, Hurunui District Council chief executive Hamish Dobbie said he was looking forward to a court decision to "bring some certainty" to the community.
During the consent process earlier this year, submitters opposed to the venture said it would have a visual impact on the recreation character, biodiversity and horse trails of the area.
Concerns were also raised about parking, traffic congestion, noise, along with the risk of fire, and devaluation of properties.
Supporters believed the venture would bring value and benefits to the Hanmer Springs community and the wider district, and promote the village as a fun, healthy and interactive place to visit.
■ Public interest journalism funded through New Zealand on Air.
The Rangiora branch of Chch City Mission urgently need wooden coat hangers as well as the paper supermarket bags. Please drop off at our store in the Gables Arcade at the New World/ carpark end. Many thanks for your support.
I have an older lawnmower for sale. Bit rough looking, but solid alloy body with catcher. Lots of mowing left in it.
I also have a good rotary hoe with new engine. $300
Ph. Colin 027 374 7978 (Amberley)
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