Posts by Northern Outlook
585 days ago

Rates rise for Hurunui

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

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.

More messages from your neighbours
6 days ago

Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.

What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?

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When should the tree go up? 🎄
  • 4.7% Second half of November
    4.7% Complete
  • 43.4% 1st December
    43.4% Complete
  • 17.6% A week before Christmas
    17.6% Complete
  • 33.2% Whenever you wish
    33.2% Complete
  • 1.1% Other - I'll share below
    1.1% Complete
2547 votes
2 days ago

Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.

When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?

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Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
  • 82.9% Yes
    82.9% Complete
  • 14.3% No
    14.3% Complete
  • 2.8% Other - I'll share below
    2.8% Complete
1368 votes
5 days ago

What's your favourite tomato recipe?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.

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