859 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
8 hours ago

Share your favourite main crop potato recipe and win a copy of our mag!

William Hansby Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Love potatoes? We will give away free copies of the May 2026 issue to readers whose potato recipes are used in our magazine. To be in the running, make sure you email your family's favourite way to enjoy potatoes: mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by March 1, 2026.

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2 hours ago

Joanne McNally Tickets Wanted

Trish from Northwood

Hi, Has anyone got Joanne McNally tickets for Christchurch on the Wednesday 15th of April 2026 that they can on longer use. I am looking for at least 2 or more if available.
Many Thanks

19 days ago

Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.

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