1738 days ago

Christchurch council votes 11-6 to implement excess water use charge

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

Christchurch residents will be charged for excess water use from July, though no fines will be issued for the first year as people get used to the scheme.

The charge was one of many points discussed by the Christchurch City Council on Monday as it ratified and voted on final amendments to the city's 10-year budget, known formally as the long-term plan.

The council also decided not to decommission Wharenui Pool (though funding past 2022 remains unclear), and voted to give the Arts Centre a $5.5 million grant, keep the Riccarton bus lounge open, and retain the mobile library for now.

Although the council intended to start the excess water use charge next month, Cr Sara Templeton said no fines would be dished out the first year, to allow people to get used to the change.

Read more, including who will be affected by the new charge, here.

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More messages from your neighbours
13 hours ago

Poll: Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

First introduced in New Zealand in 1927 with the passing of the Summer Time Act, it's what we know as 'Daylight Saving' and this year it ends on the first Sunday in April.

While we do get to sleep in this time around, some people would like to scrap the clock tinkering for good.

And why? Some evidence suggests the time changes are bad for our health as they mess with sleep patterns leading to short-term fatigue and affecting mood. Meanwhile the hour change is frustrating for farmers and a nightmare for getting the littlies to sleep. But what's your take?

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Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️
  • 33.3% Yes - get rid of the clock changes
    33.3% Complete
  • 65.6% No, I enjoy it
    65.6% Complete
  • 1% Other - I'll share below
    1% Complete
195 votes
1 day ago

Poll: How important is the ability to book a doctor’s appointment online?

The Doctors

Hi Neighbours
Here at The Doctors we would love to hear how you prefer to book your doctor’s appointments. With busy schedules, different people find different methods easier.

For some, online booking is very convenient, you can make an appointment anytime without needing to wait on the phone. Others still prefer calling the clinic and speaking to a real person, especially if they have specific questions about their visit.

Your feedback helps us understand what works best for our patients and how we can improve access to care.
Find out more

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How important is the ability to book a doctor’s appointment online?
  • 39.9% I prefer booking online whenever possible
    39.9% Complete
  • 20.8% Online booking is helpful but not essential
    20.8% Complete
  • 35.6% I prefer calling the clinic
    35.6% Complete
  • 3.6% I didn’t know online booking was available
    3.6% Complete
331 votes
9 days ago

Poll: Does a savoury scone require cheese on top, or folded inside?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Help settle the great kiwi debate ... cheese on top, or folded inside?

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Does a savoury scone require cheese on top, or folded inside?
  • 76.3% Inside!
    76.3% Complete
  • 23.7% On top!
    23.7% Complete
1243 votes