790 days ago

‘Perfect storm’: Tough decisions ahead for council under financial pressure

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

Hi neighbours, would you rather pay more rates or cut services?

City councillors are accusing Christchurch mayor Phil Mauger of paving the way for asset sales by making “dramatic” claims about the council’s dire finances.
They say cuts to core council services like libraries and swimming pools, as proposed by Mauger, were so unpalatable to the public they would never get through.

On Monday, Mauger said the council was in “shit creek financially” and cuts to libraries and swimming pools were on the cards to avoid an 18% rates increase next year.

Read the full story by reporter Tina Law here (two articles free per month, then subscription required) and share your thoughts in the comments below.

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More messages from your neighbours
12 hours ago

Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’

If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.

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1 day ago

Poll: Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

In The Post’s opinion piece on the developments set to open across Aotearoa in 2026, John Coop suggests that, as a nation, we’re “allergic to exuberance.”

We want to know: Are we really allergic to showing our excitement?

Is it time to lean into a more optimistic view of the place we call home? As big projects take shape and new opportunities emerge, perhaps it’s worth asking whether a little more confidence (and enthusiasm!) could do us some good.

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Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝
  • 40.6% Yes
    40.6% Complete
  • 33.8% Maybe?
    33.8% Complete
  • 25.7% No
    25.7% Complete
456 votes
8 days ago

2025 has been massive. The Luxon-led Government's attacks on workers, on Te Tiriti, on pay equity, on educators, on health workers, and on the public service, have been relentless.

Leslie from Avonside - Dallington

But despite everything thrown at working people, we've also seen some massive wins. We've fought back together with strike action. We've unified with days of action. We have focused on what matters. Make no mistake, 2026 will be wild, and we are ready for it! Source - New Zealand Council of Trade Unions