531 days ago

Disgruntled farmer wasting thousands of litres of water in protest at charges

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

Rangiora farmer Rodney Back is upset at being charged for water that he's not using.

In fact, no-one is using the water – the charges relate to empty sections he subdivided a few years back.

The Waimakariri District Council says it doesn't matter how much water is being used, or whether it's used at all, Beck has to pay a fixed charge.

As a protest, Beck turned on each water supply last week, allowing an estimated 10,000 litres of drinking water a day to run down the drain.

The 78-year-old North Canterbury farmer said he was a firm believer in user pays, but objected to paying for something no-one was using, and planned to leave the taps on until the council intervened.

Read reporter Keiller MacDuff's full report here (subscription required).

More messages from your neighbours
A
1 day ago

USED SUPERMARKET BAGS

Arthur from Rangiora

URGENT, owing to increased sales we urgently need more used supermarket bags. Please drop off at our shop, CHCH CITY MISSION shop in the Gables Arcade Rangiora. THANKYOU.

Image
6 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?

Image
Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
  • 82.3% Yes
    82.3% Complete
  • 15% No
    15% Complete
  • 2.7% Other - I'll share below
    2.7% Complete
2287 votes
15 days ago

What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.

Image