Challenging year leads to $2.6m deficit for Hurunui council
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Hurunui’s council has posted a $2.6 million deficit, amid uncertainty created by Government reform and economic pressure.
Hurunui mayor Marie Black said the Three Waters, Resource Management Act and local government reforms, high interest rates and the cost of living all placed a heavy burden on the council over the past year.
The council adopted its 2022-23 annual report at a council meeting on Tuesday.
The annual report produced a $2.6 million operating deficit on the back of higher than expected roading costs and a significant revaluation of roading assets.
Chief financial officer Jason Beck said there was a significant increase in roading costs due to flooding over the last 18 months, which blew out the operating budget by $3.6m.
A revaluation in the council’s roading assets also led to ‘‘a greater level of depreciation’’, which was not budgeted for, Beck said.
The council’s total expenditure was $61m - $9.1m greater than budget.
Revenue for the year was $58.4m, which was $4.7m ahead of budget, thanks in part to $2.1m received for the Mayor’s Taskforce for Jobs programme and funding to assist with Three Waters reform.
The council also revalued its land and buildings, which increased in value by $22.1m, while the roading assets increased in value by $4.2m.
Black said the council tackled some major capital projects during the year, including upgrading its Three Waters network, in anticipation of government reform.
She said this project, which began in 2015, was funded this year by the Government’s Covid-19 stimulus funding and through the use of debt.
More work is planned over the next 12 months, which would be debt-funded and push the council close to its self-imposed debt ceiling.
The council’s debt was $47.5m as at June 30, lower than the budgeted debt of $54m, due to timing of projects.
■ Public interest journalism funded through New Zealand on Air.
Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut
This Wednesday, we're having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with John Bracewell from Crewcut.
John Bracewell, former Black Caps coach turned Franchisee Development Manager and currently the face of Crewcut’s #Movember campaign, knows a thing or two about keeping the grass looking sharp—whether it’s on a cricket pitch or in your backyard!
As a seasoned Crewcut franchisee, John is excited to answer your lawn and gardening questions. After years of perfecting the greens on the field, he's ready to share tips on how to knock your garden out of the park. Let's just say he’s as passionate about lush lawns as he is about a good game of cricket!
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Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄
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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43.5% 1st December
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17.5% A week before Christmas
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33.3% Whenever you wish
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1.1% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite tomato recipe?
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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