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From reporter Steven Walton:
Christchurch mayor Phil Mauger says achieving an election promise of keeping rates low will be “very challenging” in a difficult global environment of high inflation and rising interest rates.
His comments come as councillors begin work on next year’s … View moreFrom reporter Steven Walton:
Christchurch mayor Phil Mauger says achieving an election promise of keeping rates low will be “very challenging” in a difficult global environment of high inflation and rising interest rates.
His comments come as councillors begin work on next year’s Christchurch City Council budget.
Councillors have been briefed about it twice behind closed doors, and it is expected that a public briefing will be held before the end of the year.
Mauger, who was elected last month, campaigned on keeping rates affordable. He has indicated that he wanted annual rises set between 3 and 4%.
Asked last week if that was still achievable, Mauger joked, “Haven’t you got any other questions you can ask me”, before adding: “It is going to be challenging, that’s going to be very challenging because of what’s happening globally.”
The council was under “lots of pressure” from inflation and interest rates, Mauger said.
Annual inflation hit 7.2% back last month while interest rates are expected to rise with the Reserve Bank raising the official cash rate by a record amount last week.
The council has already faced cost increases this year on three large projects: the Te Kaha stadium (an extra $150 million), the Court Theatre (an extra $16m) and the Hornby pool, library and service centre (the overrun amount has not been released publicly).
Mauger said at a public meeting last week the council had to cut its cloth because it was “heading into a bit of strife”.
Earlier this month, councillors were given an “indicative range” for next year’s rate rises – understood to be between 12 and 14% – but this is simply a starting point that will change as it does not account for any changes to deal with inflation and rising interest rates.
“This was in essence a risk check for the council to show the potential impact of these external factors on our operations,” said Leah Scales, the council’s resources general manager and chief financial officer.
Clearer indications of potential rate increases would be released during upcoming public briefings and consultation, she said.
Mauger said he expected work on a “line-by-line” review of the council’s budget to start before Christmas.
“In the past we might’ve done 10 things for a million dollars, now we’re going to do seven and we’ve got to decide very carefully which three dip out.”
Those decisions would involve staff advice and councillors voting, he said.
“I can’t give you any examples because I haven’t seen the line-by-line yet, but there will be things on [the budget] and you go ‘is that totally necessary at the moment?'”
Mauger said things would not get to a point where, for examples, libraries would be shut. He also said: “If it’s an absolutely knackered sewer pipe, you’ve got to fix it.”
Instead, he wanted to cut out the nice-to-haves and suggested a planned upgrade for Gloucester St as an example.
“Say we go into a recession, we can still drive down that road now. They’re the sort of things that you’ve got to say, ‘let’s be a bit careful’,” he said.
At a council meeting last week, Mauger also pushed to reconsider the timing of a $6.2m upgrade to Addington Brook – a stream that runs through South Hagley Park.
Another project on his radar was a $33m makeover to roads around the stadium, but he said last week he was now looking at it differently.
Some work was underground infrastructure and could not be delayed, while the Government was also likely to contribute $11m, he said.
“It’s still a lot of money, but it’s slightly more digestable,” he said.
A report has shown that clinics around New Zealand are understaffed, with GP's being overworked and underpaid. And for everyday kiwis, healthcare and emergency healthcare is simply not accessible.
The General Practice Owners Association of Aotearoa's report titled … View moreA report has shown that clinics around New Zealand are understaffed, with GP's being overworked and underpaid. And for everyday kiwis, healthcare and emergency healthcare is simply not accessible.
The General Practice Owners Association of Aotearoa's report titled ‘‘On The Brink’’ outlines the urgent need to address pay parity for GP nurses and doctors, beef up workforce numbers and improve funding allocations for practices with the hopes that this makes heatlhcare more accessible in the community.
Are you noticing delays in getting GP appointments or long waits at after-hours care?
Any comments below may be shared in your local paper's We Say You Say column.
Hi. I am wanting a non dominant female Labrador to adopt as a companion dog. Age around 3-5 years would be wonderful . I have adopted 3 Labradors, one at a time over the years and ready for my next Labrador to join me. She will be very loved and cared for and as I am semi retired, she will have my … View moreHi. I am wanting a non dominant female Labrador to adopt as a companion dog. Age around 3-5 years would be wonderful . I have adopted 3 Labradors, one at a time over the years and ready for my next Labrador to join me. She will be very loved and cared for and as I am semi retired, she will have my full attention. Do you have a Labrador that needs a loving home? ph Melanie 0273586596
You and yours are invited to share the joy of Christmas (yes it is just around the corner!) at the open home of Sue and Alan. Again this year the chosen charity is Good night sleep tight charitable Trust. We will be open Sat Dec 3rd & Sun the 4th, 10am - 4pm. Please gather up your friends and … View moreYou and yours are invited to share the joy of Christmas (yes it is just around the corner!) at the open home of Sue and Alan. Again this year the chosen charity is Good night sleep tight charitable Trust. We will be open Sat Dec 3rd & Sun the 4th, 10am - 4pm. Please gather up your friends and family and visit us at 49 Malcom Ave in Beckenham to enjoy this wonderful event. Entry is just $5 per adult, children free. All proceeds to the the chosen charity. Look forward to seeing you! Many thanks!
How to make your own Christmas terrarium painted in Resene.
Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
Breathe new life into an old children’s toy with a fun new look using only Resene testpots! Find out how to create your own.
A progressive disease
I wasn’t an overweight child, but from as young as 5 years I can recall comparing myself unfavourably with two painfully thin twins in my dance class and thinking that was what I was supposed to look like. I’m not sure how I got the idea that I should be very thin.
Share a festive photo of your furry friend and you could be in to win a $100 Prezzy® card. Because the smell of the Christmas tree and the ripping open of presents isn’t only exciting for us. But for them too.
All pets are welcome - Santa paws, claws, beaks, and squeaks. And if you don’t … View moreShare a festive photo of your furry friend and you could be in to win a $100 Prezzy® card. Because the smell of the Christmas tree and the ripping open of presents isn’t only exciting for us. But for them too.
All pets are welcome - Santa paws, claws, beaks, and squeaks. And if you don’t have a pet, that’s fine; we’d love to see your festive snaps too.
Ends 21 December 2022
Hi everyone
Our wonderful volunteers have been busy today setting out new homewares and clothes.
Pop in if you are passing by and check it out.
Open 7 days. Mon - Fri 9.am - 5pm. Saturday 10.00am - 4.00pm, Sunday 10.00am - 3.00pm
683 Ferry Road, behind Domino’s
George Weston Foods (NZ) Ltd has issued a recall today of specific batches of its Tip Top brand Oatilicious Toast and Supersoft White Toast breads as the products may contain foreign matter (blue plastic).
What you need to know:
- The recall affects both Tip Top brand Oatilicious Toast bread … View moreGeorge Weston Foods (NZ) Ltd has issued a recall today of specific batches of its Tip Top brand Oatilicious Toast and Supersoft White Toast breads as the products may contain foreign matter (blue plastic).
What you need to know:
- The recall affects both Tip Top brand Oatilicious Toast bread (700g) and Tip Top brand Supersoft White Toast bread (700g) with the best before dates of 03DEC22 and 04DEC22
- Affected products should not be consumed.
- Customers should return these products to their retailer for a full refund.
If you have questions regarding the recall, contact George Weston Foods (NZ) Ltd on 0800 44 96 60.
What better way to while away a Friday afternoon and get your weekend DIY inspiration than drooling over the most beautiful house and garden content of the week?
Homed newsletter keeps you on top of the real estate market, takes you inside gorgeous New Zealand homes, give you a taste of how … View moreWhat better way to while away a Friday afternoon and get your weekend DIY inspiration than drooling over the most beautiful house and garden content of the week?
Homed newsletter keeps you on top of the real estate market, takes you inside gorgeous New Zealand homes, give you a taste of how celebrities live, keep you up to date with interior trends, provide project ideas, and more. Be inspired to dream big about your own space - and get on the path to making those dreams come true. Sign up for free here.
Hi everyone
Check out this week’s gift ideas. Lots of choices for everyone.
This week we will all be very busy restocking our clothes racks so watch this space.
Open 7 days Monday - Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm, Saturday 10.00am - 4.00pm, Sunday 10.am -3pm
683 Ferry Road, Domino’s
Located on Moorhouse Ave with ample parking and appointments available now! Call us now on 03 365 3659 or visit our website to book in with a GP or nurse. Casual and enrolled patients welcome.
Want to make a difference and help rangatahi realise potential? Become a mentor today! ⭐
Mentoring will be a period of 6-12 months depending on the programme, no prior experience is required and we'll provide you all the info you need to be an awesome mentor 💚
Head to our website … View moreWant to make a difference and help rangatahi realise potential? Become a mentor today! ⭐
Mentoring will be a period of 6-12 months depending on the programme, no prior experience is required and we'll provide you all the info you need to be an awesome mentor 💚
Head to our website and register your interest today through the link below!
Garage sale of cheap preschool items. Saturday 3rd December, from 8am,165 Huxley St.
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