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Ashburton District newsletter
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Ngaio Marsh Retirement Village
Seven-term Mayor of Masterton, Bob Francis CNZM QSO MBE JP, has been named the 2024 Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealander of the Year Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau.
Affectionately dubbed ‘Mr Wairarapa’, Bob has served his community in multiple areas, including health services, commercial … View moreSeven-term Mayor of Masterton, Bob Francis CNZM QSO MBE JP, has been named the 2024 Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealander of the Year Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau.
Affectionately dubbed ‘Mr Wairarapa’, Bob has served his community in multiple areas, including health services, commercial development, the arts, aviation, homelessness, conservation and sports.
Bob’s award signifies the sixth time Ryman Healthcare has supported this category of the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards, which provides a fantastic opportunity to celebrate Kiwi seniors who continue to make positive contributions towards the future of Aotearoa.
Click read more for the full article.
Don't miss out on a Super Rugby Aupiki spectacle! Hurricanes Poua swirl into Levin on Saturday 6 April, taking on the nib Blues. Grab your tickets now and be part of the action-packed thrill. Bring the family and get ready to see the Poua home game action.
Join us at the Levin Domain for a… View moreDon't miss out on a Super Rugby Aupiki spectacle! Hurricanes Poua swirl into Levin on Saturday 6 April, taking on the nib Blues. Grab your tickets now and be part of the action-packed thrill. Bring the family and get ready to see the Poua home game action.
Join us at the Levin Domain for a game filled with excitement, passion and fun as the girls lace up their boots for their second hit out against the nib Blues in 2024. It’s a game for the whole family with a travel friendly kick-off time of 2:05pm.
Tickets from only $10* for adults and $5* for children! Children 4yrs & under go free. Dominate the Domain!!
Find out more
The long weekend is the perfect time to make your place safer for an earthquake with these steps:
• Find out where you can turn off your water and gas mains
• Check your chimney for any signs of wear and tear, or damage
• Check your home's foundations are secured
• Move heavy … View moreThe long weekend is the perfect time to make your place safer for an earthquake with these steps:
• Find out where you can turn off your water and gas mains
• Check your chimney for any signs of wear and tear, or damage
• Check your home's foundations are secured
• Move heavy items that are up high to safer, lower down locations.
• Secure tall and heavy furniture and appliances
These simple actions can keep your whānau safer in case of a big shake, so tick them off and make the most of your break.
Find out more
The Team from The Building Guys
Call us today! If you’re looking for a friendly family run business with over 35 years renovation experience then choose us.
We are based in East Auckland and have a team of good qualified people – Jade (the builder), Kelvin (the plumber), Chevi (the electrician) and Russell (the tiler) to … View moreCall us today! If you’re looking for a friendly family run business with over 35 years renovation experience then choose us.
We are based in East Auckland and have a team of good qualified people – Jade (the builder), Kelvin (the plumber), Chevi (the electrician) and Russell (the tiler) to do every job right. Our team follows industry guidelines on coronavirus safety procedures to keep your family protected.
Book online using the link below or call Lucy on 021 022 55 388 for a chat about your amazing renovation plans.
Be safe!
Find out more
Discover why emotion is our driving force. Experience the thrilling performance, stunning design and amazing value of CUPRA. Book a test drive now. Find out more
Rosalie Howard from PAWS Op Shop
To curb the influx of unwanted puppies and kittens at shelters, PAWS offers free dog desexing for the first 10 people with a Community Service Card who contact our Facebook page.
Cat desexing is available for $30, and adult cats are currently 50% off at $50 each.
We have around 40 cats and … View moreTo curb the influx of unwanted puppies and kittens at shelters, PAWS offers free dog desexing for the first 10 people with a Community Service Card who contact our Facebook page.
Cat desexing is available for $30, and adult cats are currently 50% off at $50 each.
We have around 40 cats and kittens in need of homes, all desexed and vaccinated.
If you would like to help:
1. Adopt a cat or kitten
2. Donate decent quality clothes, household goods and especially furniture to our Kensington St, Putaruru shop, opposite the Police Station (Tue, Thur and Friday 10am - 2pm)
3. Donate cat and kitten food
4. Donate money (message the Kittens at PAWS page for how to do this), or donate cash at one of the shops
Thank you so much for any help you can provide
Meg
Facebook Link
Hi neighbours - to those of you thinking of going hunting this Roar season, the team at Te Tari Pūreke – Firearms Safety Authority hope you will stay safe. We’ve got some simple hints, tips and useful links on our hunter safety page.
Make this Roar a great one by following the … View moreHi neighbours - to those of you thinking of going hunting this Roar season, the team at Te Tari Pūreke – Firearms Safety Authority hope you will stay safe. We’ve got some simple hints, tips and useful links on our hunter safety page.
Make this Roar a great one by following the seven rules of firearms safety. When hunting with others, make a plan and stick to it. Handle your firearms with care. And be sure to identify your target beyond all doubt. Remember, it takes more than luck to bag a buck.
Mike McIlraith – Director of Partnerships
Find out more
The Team from NZ Compare
Dive into Easter streaming! Explore our top picks for movies and TV shows to enjoy this long weekend!
Plus, discover how to watch them for FREE. Don't miss out – COMPARE broadband plans with Broadband Compare and start saving today!
Sunday 14th April- 10am till 2pm in Waiuku town centre. The Waiuku Business & Development Association are really excited, along with local enthusiast club Rusty Studs, to bring the 2024 Waiuku Steel 'n Wheels Festival, our very own event, home-made in Waiuku, which has such a great … View moreSunday 14th April- 10am till 2pm in Waiuku town centre. The Waiuku Business & Development Association are really excited, along with local enthusiast club Rusty Studs, to bring the 2024 Waiuku Steel 'n Wheels Festival, our very own event, home-made in Waiuku, which has such a great following after it first revved up our town centre 12 years ago.This iconic event is a car enthusiast’s dream, but has something for everyone. From Vintage cars to Hot-rods to Tractors, and everything in between.
This year brings new attractions and some favourites including the infamous fire breathing Jet Car, a different kind of fire power from the Quad 50, a Pistol display, lots of booms and bangs, dreamy classics on wheels, live music, dancing, drummers and even some action in the sky with a variety of aircraft including chopper joy rides! Wander the outdoor markets full of crafts, gifts and delicious treats or relax with a coffee or a cold beer at one of our cafes or bars. For the kids; visit the carnival, take a train ride, have your face painted, chat to the Police or Fire fighters, and of course eat candy-floss! Glenbrook Vintage Rail will be running their normal Sunday trips between Glenbrook and Waiuku, arriving at Victoria Ave station by the Cosmopolitan Club. For more info and train fares visit
Don't miss this awesome family day out in Waiuku. $5 Entry and Gold coin for Kids, with all proceeds supporting the continuation of this community event.
No Dogs, Alcohol, Bikes or Scooters allowed into the event for safety reasons. Parking available at Waiuku Business Park off Kitchener Rd and in surrounding streets. Waiuku Cosmopolitan Club in Victoria Ave has parking for $5. Road closures from 7.30am to approx. 4pm; Queen St from King St up to Victoria Ave, Kitchener Rd from Queen St to King St, Bowen St one way section only. The event goes ahead rain or shine.
We would like to thank our 2024 event sponsors for their support; The Franklin Local Board, NZ Steel, GoGraphics and Cutting Edge Detail.
Find out more
Hi neighbours,
Do you have a vehicle that is taking up space and becoming an eyesore? At AAA Auto Parts we dismantle and wreck cars. We will pay top cash whether your car is dead or alive!
* $300 - $3000 for small cars
* $700 - $10,000 for 4x4 utes, vans, 4WD, trucks and buses
* Same day … View moreHi neighbours,
Do you have a vehicle that is taking up space and becoming an eyesore? At AAA Auto Parts we dismantle and wreck cars. We will pay top cash whether your car is dead or alive!
* $300 - $3000 for small cars
* $700 - $10,000 for 4x4 utes, vans, 4WD, trucks and buses
* Same day removal
* Free quotes over the phone
We will beat any prices in the market by 10%.
Support your local business.
Give us a call on ** 0800 50 00 01 ** and we will be happy to have a chat.
Find out more
The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz
Four members have been chosen to win $50 cinema vouchers. Congrats to:
Rachel Burt of Havelock North
Nanaia McKeen of Te Aro
Scott Smithline of Nelson
… View moreFour members have been chosen to win $50 cinema vouchers. Congrats to:
Rachel Burt of Havelock North
Nanaia McKeen of Te Aro
Scott Smithline of Nelson
Bruce Kohe of Dunedin
Get in touch with our Helpdesk team before the 2nd of April to claim your prize by heading here.
Motorway closures required for installation of heavy vehicle screening technology.
Sign up to email updates for SH1 Central Motorway Junction (Spaghetti Junction) or SH16 Port Link.
sign up now
The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz
These items have been recalled during the last month. If you have any of these items in your cupboard, click on the title to see the details:
Food recalls:
Zany Zeus halloumi cheese
Cau Tre spring rolls
New World Prestons Biscoff filled buns
Waiheke Herbs asian herb spread
… View moreThese items have been recalled during the last month. If you have any of these items in your cupboard, click on the title to see the details:
Food recalls:
Zany Zeus halloumi cheese
Cau Tre spring rolls
New World Prestons Biscoff filled buns
Waiheke Herbs asian herb spread
Pak n Save Petone NZ Prime Pork Mince
Pak n Save Petone NZ Prime Beef Mince
New World Ilam hot cross buns
Rocket Foods ready meals
Product recalls:
Casio electronic calculator
Serene Classic bathroom heater
GT Labomba bicycle
Cavius carbon monoxide smoke alarm
Iron Elephant 6 inch chainsaw
Ikea singular cot
Momax Ipower - power bank
We hope this update helps your household stay safe.
Meet Jash, your local Manukau and Flat Bush home loan expert, who can help you into your new home. He knows buying a property can feel daunting and the market can be challenging, whether it’s your first home, second home or buying an investment property.
Jash speaks both English and Hindi and… View moreMeet Jash, your local Manukau and Flat Bush home loan expert, who can help you into your new home. He knows buying a property can feel daunting and the market can be challenging, whether it’s your first home, second home or buying an investment property.
Jash speaks both English and Hindi and is an expert in home lending, so he’ll guide you through the home buying process, from start to finish.
Contact Jash today, to arrange a time for him to come and meet you, at a place that suits you, to make your greater home happen.
Get in touch
David from Ashburton District
Avanti E-Bike 2 years old travelled 1,500 kilometres. Includes mirror, usb chargeable tail light and saddlebags. Also bike helmet, lock, hi-vis vest, owner's manual and all associated paperwork and charging cables for bike and tail light. Everything is in exce;;ent condition. I bought the … View moreAvanti E-Bike 2 years old travelled 1,500 kilometres. Includes mirror, usb chargeable tail light and saddlebags. Also bike helmet, lock, hi-vis vest, owner's manual and all associated paperwork and charging cables for bike and tail light. Everything is in exce;;ent condition. I bought the bike for commuting to work. I'm now fully retired and not using it.
Price: $2,900
There are not many events around that have serious multisporting on the same card as a family-oriented fun run, but the Porirua Grand Traverse is one.
The event, being held on Sunday 7 April this year, attracts about 1000 entrants. The split is even – half join whānau, friends or workmates in… View moreThere are not many events around that have serious multisporting on the same card as a family-oriented fun run, but the Porirua Grand Traverse is one.
The event, being held on Sunday 7 April this year, attracts about 1000 entrants. The split is even – half join whānau, friends or workmates in the 9km fun run from Titahi Bay Beach and through Whitireia Park, while the rest enjoy a more serious day out, running, paddling and biking a challenging and scenic course.
Seasoned triathlete Deborah Lynch, a New Zealand representative, will be in the field for the 12km kayak, 28km mountain bike and 18km mountain run multisport event. There is also a duathlon (mountain bike and run – solo and teams) and you can do paddle, bike and run-only races if you prefer.
Porirua Mayor Anita Baker says the Grand Traverse shows off the city in a positive light and that “we are a healthy, adventurous and active city”.
Find out more
The Team from NZ Compare
Looking for affordable Easter weekend activities in NZ?
Whether it's a movie day or beach picnics, we've got you covered with 5 exciting ideas that won't break the bank!
During April, DORA Te Waka Matihiko Hauora, a mobile learning centre, will be touring Southland helping people join the growing numbers who are benefitting from having online access to their health records. DORA will be visiting 13 areas in Southland, promoting the benefits of online access to … View moreDuring April, DORA Te Waka Matihiko Hauora, a mobile learning centre, will be touring Southland helping people join the growing numbers who are benefitting from having online access to their health records. DORA will be visiting 13 areas in Southland, promoting the benefits of online access to health information, and helping people use their digital tech such as smartphones or tablets.
Most practices in Southland offer an online health portal, many use Manage My Health. The trainers on DORA will be able to help people use their online portals as well as assist with any tech problems.
Find out more
Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Twelve presentations, five community meetings, three sausage sizzles, and one long-term plan.
It sounds like a Christmas song but it’s a summary of a wide-ranging community engagement strategy the Ashburton District Council is taking.
The draft… View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Twelve presentations, five community meetings, three sausage sizzles, and one long-term plan.
It sounds like a Christmas song but it’s a summary of a wide-ranging community engagement strategy the Ashburton District Council is taking.
The draft long-term plan was adopted this week and a 68-page consultation document of highlights and key decisions is planned to go live on 27 March.
Ashburton mayor Neil Brown said the council has the chance to set the direction for the next 10 years and the draft plan it has prepared is the opportunity for the community to say if they have got it right.
There is a focus on five big decisions but the whole plan is up for discussion, he said.
“We need to hear from the public.
“We welcome people’s submissions with comments on how we could do things differently.
“If someone wants to submit that they don’t like something, give us an alternative give us another suggestion and we can really have some meaningful discussion.”
To get that feedback, the council is taking a much more active approach with 25 engagement events over a month.
Councillor Russell Ellis was excited about the change in the consultation approach.
“We are doing it quite differently to any other way that I have done it before.
“This time we are going to the people. Instead of asking them to come to us.”
Councillor Phill Hooper wants the community to engage in the process rather than rely on online rants.
“I implore those people on social media who say council don’t listen to have their say officially.”
The consultation calendar opens with a community meeting in the Rakaia Community Centre on April 4 followed by a sausage sizzle at the Tinwald Pool on April 7 between 10am and 2pm.
Further community meetings will be held in Mount Somers (April 9), Ashburton (April 16) and Methven (April 17).
A meeting specifically focussed on stockwater will be held at the Hinds Community Centre on April 15.
Other sausage sizzles are planned for Baring Square East (April 13) and the Methven iHub (April 20), with five day-time pop-ups also planned – four in Ashburton and one in Methven.
Councillors will also visit 12 community groups at their monthly meetings.
The consultation closes on April 27.
The long-term plan is due to be adopted by June 26.
The long weekend is the perfect time to make your place safer for an earthquake with these steps:
• Find out where you can turn off your water and gas mains
• Check your chimney for any signs of wear and tear, or damage
• Check your home's foundations are secured
• Move heavy … View moreThe long weekend is the perfect time to make your place safer for an earthquake with these steps:
• Find out where you can turn off your water and gas mains
• Check your chimney for any signs of wear and tear, or damage
• Check your home's foundations are secured
• Move heavy items that are up high to safer, lower down locations.
• Secure tall and heavy furniture and appliances
These simple actions can keep your whānau safer in case of a big shake, so tick them off and make the most of your break.
Find out more
The Team from Resene ColorShop Ashburton
Adorn your home with your very own piece of Kiwiana artwork, using our Resene paint-by-numbers colour palette. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
About 40% of the 6.5 million tyres Kiwis use every year are recycled, repurposed, or used as tyre-derived fuel. But the rest end up in landfills, stockpiled or dumped.
The good news is now there’s an easy solution to all that tyre waste. It’s called Tyrewise and is New Zealand’s first … View moreAbout 40% of the 6.5 million tyres Kiwis use every year are recycled, repurposed, or used as tyre-derived fuel. But the rest end up in landfills, stockpiled or dumped.
The good news is now there’s an easy solution to all that tyre waste. It’s called Tyrewise and is New Zealand’s first national tyre recycling scheme.
Tyrewise ensures that tyres in Aotearoa New Zealand are recycled or repurposed properly, saving millions from going to the landfill.
Find out more about the scheme online.
Find out more
The Team from NZ Compare
Have you noticed that home loan rates are increasing?
Share your current mortgage interest rate to find out if you might be paying more than you need to.
The Team from Momentum Waikato
Do you want to support charitable social and environmental work in the Waikato in a way that has an effective and ongoing impact?
Momentum Waikato, your local community foundation, is growing a range of philanthropic investment funds entrusted to us by community groups, social enterprises and … View moreDo you want to support charitable social and environmental work in the Waikato in a way that has an effective and ongoing impact?
Momentum Waikato, your local community foundation, is growing a range of philanthropic investment funds entrusted to us by community groups, social enterprises and local champions.
Donations to these invested ‘nest eggs’ diversify and increase the income streams they provide for charities doing important frontline work across the region.
No matter how much or how often you donate, your gift will keep on giving back to your community.
Explore funds now
The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz
Each country has its own idiosyncrasies when it comes to driving and New Zealand is no different.
With daily near-misses, people incorrectly indicating at roundabouts and a lack of stopping at stop signs, it begs the question: Are Kiwis actually not that good at driving?
Type 'Not For … View moreEach country has its own idiosyncrasies when it comes to driving and New Zealand is no different.
With daily near-misses, people incorrectly indicating at roundabouts and a lack of stopping at stop signs, it begs the question: Are Kiwis actually not that good at driving?
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.
212 replies (Members only)
We're replacing the temporary roundabout at the Raiha St / Kenepuru Drive intersection with permanent features.
Construction work is generally taking place from 7am to 6pm Monday to Saturday and 7pm to 6am Sunday to Thursday (with the more disruptive work happening overnight).
Traffic … View moreWe're replacing the temporary roundabout at the Raiha St / Kenepuru Drive intersection with permanent features.
Construction work is generally taking place from 7am to 6pm Monday to Saturday and 7pm to 6am Sunday to Thursday (with the more disruptive work happening overnight).
Traffic management measures are in place to ensure the safety of our workers and of road users, so where possible please use alternative routes and expect delays.
This project is expected to be completed by the end of winter 2024.
For more information
Ngaio Marsh Retirement Village
Purchase an occupation right to an apartment or townhouse at a participating Ryman Village before 31 March 2024 and you won’t pay your fixed base weekly fee* until 2026.
That’s great financial certainty — you won't pay rates, water rates, building insurance, maintenance fees and … View morePurchase an occupation right to an apartment or townhouse at a participating Ryman Village before 31 March 2024 and you won’t pay your fixed base weekly fee* until 2026.
That’s great financial certainty — you won't pay rates, water rates, building insurance, maintenance fees and more.
Click read more for this limited time offer.
*Terms and conditions apply.
Let's keep our transport moving. Have your say now. Find out more
The Team from Ryman Healthcare
It could be our wonderful staff. Our vibrant communities. Our amazing amenities. Or just the peace of mind that our guaranteed fixed base weekly fee* brings. There are so many reasons to choose the Ryman lifestyle. We’d love to add one more reason to your list — until 31 March if you sign up … View moreIt could be our wonderful staff. Our vibrant communities. Our amazing amenities. Or just the peace of mind that our guaranteed fixed base weekly fee* brings. There are so many reasons to choose the Ryman lifestyle. We’d love to add one more reason to your list — until 31 March if you sign up for one of our new home offers, you’ll get a $15,000 credit on settlement*.
There’s truly never been a better time to choose Ryman.
*Terms and conditions apply
Find out more
The village offers a variety of organised community activities, regular outings, and events as well as top quality facilities. With the bowling green, indoor pool, and activities room all facing the sun and estuary, comparisons are hard to find. For those relaxed afternoons in the sun, the lounge … View moreThe village offers a variety of organised community activities, regular outings, and events as well as top quality facilities. With the bowling green, indoor pool, and activities room all facing the sun and estuary, comparisons are hard to find. For those relaxed afternoons in the sun, the lounge and restaurant provide the perfect place to sit in the company of friends and neighbours.
Whether you choose to live in a villa or one of our luxurious apartments, you’ll have the security of a 24 hour, fully monitored emergency call system built in.
Contact long time manager Bruce to book a visit today!
(09) 268 8522.
Find out more
The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz
Resene has kindly gifted us $100 ColourShop vouchers to give away to five lucky Neighbourly members. The winners were redrawn and are below:
Chris Larkin from Rotorua
Huia Tanirau from Palmerston North
Charlotte Arnott from Rolleston
Kirsty Bynes from Takanini
Thelma Willilams from Gore
… View moreResene has kindly gifted us $100 ColourShop vouchers to give away to five lucky Neighbourly members. The winners were redrawn and are below:
Chris Larkin from Rotorua
Huia Tanirau from Palmerston North
Charlotte Arnott from Rolleston
Kirsty Bynes from Takanini
Thelma Willilams from Gore
Get in touch with our Helpdesk team before the 26th of March to claim your prize by heading here.
The Long Term Plan is open for consultation and we want YOUR input.
We have two main topics we are consulting on. These are:
🚌Should Greater Wellington own the region's bus assets (depots and charging stations)?
Should Greater Wellington own 100% of CentrePort?
The … View moreThe Long Term Plan is open for consultation and we want YOUR input.
We have two main topics we are consulting on. These are:
🚌Should Greater Wellington own the region's bus assets (depots and charging stations)?
Should Greater Wellington own 100% of CentrePort?
The region's buses are owned by private companies and operated on our behalf. We are proposing the ownership of buses, depots, and charging infrastructure to provide long-term security and future-proof facilities.
Currently we own 76.92% of the shares for CentrePort. We are proposing the purchase of the remaining 23.08% to establish 100% control of the shares. Full ownership means CentrePort will remain in public ownership and enable us to determine its future.
Do you agree or disagree with these proposals? Let us know your thoughts in the link below 👇
Click Here
Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing
We're looking for delicious cabbage recipes to feature in NZ Gardener's May issue. Send your family's favourite ways to eat this vege to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by March 31, 2024. Every published recipe wins a copy of the May issue of NZ Gardener.
How it works:
Enquire at carpetmill.co.nz or free phone on 0800 255 855 and let us know the coupon code that best suits you, then we will arrange a free, no obligation measure and quote based on your requirements.
We're Consumer Trusted, so you can trust that it's just that easy
Find out more
Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Looking around the country, the Ashburton District's proposed 9.9% rate rise next year is on the lower end of the spectrum.
Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) collated the planned rate rises of 48 of the country's 78 councils to determine… View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Looking around the country, the Ashburton District's proposed 9.9% rate rise next year is on the lower end of the spectrum.
Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) collated the planned rate rises of 48 of the country's 78 councils to determine Kiwi homeowners are facing an average rate rise of 15% over the coming year - and there is no sign of relief in sight.
Ashburton mayor Neil Brown said the 2024-25 budget focused on core infrastructure.
“We are spending a lot more money on roads and water but what we are getting caught up on is the three I’s – inflation, interest and insurance.
“We are spending more and more on roading, but we are not getting any better level of service for it because of the inflation.
“People will see the same when they go to the supermarket and are paying a lot more to get the same.”
The draft long-term plan goes before the council for adoption on Wednesday, opening consultation with the community and starting the conversation with if the plan is right, should there be cuts, or do they want more, Brown said.
While Ashburton is proposing a 9.9% increase, Buller District Council is looking at a whopping 31.8% rise.
Hamilton is proposing a 19.9% rise, Dunedin City Council 17.5% and Whangārei 17.2%.
In Canterbury, Environment Canterbury is consulting on a hefty 24.2% average rate rise.
LGNZ commissioned a report from Infometrics principal economist Brad Olsen to show why rates were rising so much.
The report showed that between 2002-22, the average rate rise was only 5.7% per year, but averaged 9.8% in 2023.
It found over the past three years, roads and water supply systems are 27% more expensive to build.
The increases are larger than inflation has been in recent years, Olsen said.
There was a difference of up to 20% between what projects were expected to cost when planned and what they cost now.
"To put that in perspective, if a council had five $20 million projects [in its] last long-term plan, they would now have to cut one of those entirely to pay for the cost escalation on the other four."
LGNZ vice-president and Lower Hutt mayor Campbell Barry said councils were having to grapple with what projects to prioritise.
“Councils are acutely aware they need to balance the need for investment with affordable increases but the pressure has reached tipping point.”
It is time to get serious about ways to pay for local infrastructure that does not involve going deeper into ratepayers' pockets, Barry said.
He said a share of GST on housing growth, which had been put forward by the government, would also help - but by itself it was not enough.
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