1347 days ago

Regional leaders non-committal over helping pay $150m 'funding gap' for Christchurch stadium

The Team Reporter from The Press

Canterbury's regional leaders remain guarded and non-committal about whether they will help pay the rising costs of a central Christchurch stadium, with many saying such a decision would require public consultation.

Building the 30,000-seat covered stadium will now cost up to $683 million – $150m more than the $533m budget.

If Christchurch city councillors push on with the current design, they will have to underwrite an extra $150m, taking their total contribution to $453m.

Some city councillors say it is time for neighbouring councils to offer a helping hand.

The stadium would be a regional facility and its economic benefits would go beyond Christchurch, a council spokesperson said.

Other Canterbury councils have been contacted about the latest cost blowout and the city council intends to hold further discussions before making a formal proposal, the spokesperson said.

One mooted method is a regional targeted rate, which could be administered by Environment Canterbury.

Read more here and tell us what you think in the comments below.

More messages from your neighbours
21 days ago

Poll: As a customer, what do you think about automation?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Press investigates the growing reliance on your unpaid labour.

Automation (or the “unpaid shift”) is often described as efficient ... but it tends to benefit employers more than consumers.

We want to know: What do you think about automation?
Are you for, or against?

Image
As a customer, what do you think about automation?
  • 9.4% For. Self-service is less frustrating and convenient.
    9.4% Complete
  • 43.5% I want to be able to choose.
    43.5% Complete
  • 47.1% Against. I want to deal with people.
    47.1% Complete
2421 votes
24 days ago

Poll: Would you take a 1.5-hour hike for a shop? 🌿🐦

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Canterbury, you have a hidden treasure right on your doorstep ... though it does come with a 1.5-hour walk up the stunning Rakaia Gorge Walkway.

Along the trail you’ll find The Fantail Shop showcasing small artworks by local artisans. Even better, every purchase supports the Fantail Trust, helping protect and restore biodiversity on the north bank of the gorge.

So we’re curious: would you take a 1.5-hour hike for a shop? (And for local biodiversity, of course 🌿)

Image
Would you take a 1.5-hour hike for a shop? 🌿🐦
  • 32.4% Yes!
    32.4% Complete
  • 67.6% No thank you.
    67.6% Complete
176 votes
19 days ago

Time to Tickle Your Thinker 🧠

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

If a zookeeper had 100 pairs of animals in her zoo, and two pairs of babies are born for each one of the original animals, then (sadly) 23 animals don’t survive, how many animals do you have left in total?

Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!

Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed? No worries! Simply head here and click once on the Following button.

Image