Christchurch ratepayers saddled with 53 per cent rates increase over 10 years
The Christchurch City Council has signed off on a $10.6 billion "back to basics" budget that will increase rates bills by more than half in 10 years.
Ratepayers will also have to pay a special levy of about $6.52 a year for 10 years to cover the council's $10 million contribution to help reinstate the Christ Church Cathedral.
The council has described its long term plan (LTP) as "focusing on the basics" after it decided to spend an extra $48m on wastewater infrastructure, $25m to improve drinking water – including getting rid of the chlorine – and to prioritise improvements to roads and footpaths.
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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85.5% Yes
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13.3% No
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1.1% 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.
Railing planters
To gain extra growing space, make and hang these easy-to-build planters on almost any wooden fence or deck railing. Use Resene FX Blackboard Paint so you can easily identify what plants are in each. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.