What is happening to our services?

Margot from Remuera

Hi Neighbours

I'm concerned as to the level of services in our city, while our rates keep going up!

A short while ago we had 3 bins damaged in 1 rubbish-day pick-up. It took close to 6 weeks to resolve and I had to repeatedly follow-up progress as the case was closed 2x without any action - one of those instances stated they "couldn't find the bins" but they had never moved from the kerb side they are collected from since they got damaged.

Similarly I reported a small water leak on 1-Aug to Watercare just outside our property, on council land. I heard nothing back and the stream of water running grew and grew. I followed it up last week, only to be told it had been thoroughly investigated and it was not a Watercare issue. If I wanted to resolve it, I could pay a plumber. Yesterday I saw the water reader and said to him the running water is a problem - he agreed. I re-reported it and today it is being fixed - by Watercare - as it is gushing. They repairers assured me it is for sure a Watercare issue.

What can we do about this? We don't pay faulty money - but we get faulty service. It's not good enough.

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?

Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?

• Yes
• No
• Other - I'll share below

Vote View Results

• 82.3% Yes
  82.3% Complete
• 15% No
  15% Complete
• 2.7% Other - I'll share below
  2.7% Complete

2287 votes

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.