Poll: Would you prefer costs for services and public facilities (like libraries and pools) to go up, or rates bills to go up?
Pursuing a 0 per cent rates increase will have an "enormous impact" on the Christchurch community, city councillors warn.
A planned $34 million swimming pool and library development in Hornby could be delayed, the cost of a swim could go up and so could library charges, community grants could get the chop, and the New Brighton hot salt water pools could remain closed — everything is being considered to save money, but nothing is likely to be decided without another round of community consultation.
So what do you think? Would you want to pay more for services and public facilities, or would you prefer to have a higher rates bill? Or do you think there's any other way the council should save money? Read more here and tell us what you think in the comments below.
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69.7% Services and public facility costs should go up
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15.3% Rates have to go up
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15% There's another way to save (tell us your thoughts in the comments)
Spring gardening tips
Dreaming of a garden bursting with colour and fresh produce? Shane Fairbairn, Ryman Healthcare’s Landscape Manager, shares his top tips to make it happen. You’ll be set to create a gorgeous, relaxing space in no time - grab your trowel, and let’s dig in.
Click read more for more information.
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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84.6% Yes
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13.9% No
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1.5% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
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.