Sockburn, Christchurch

762 days ago

Christchurch mayor says keeping rate rise to promised 4% will be 'very challenging'

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

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 more
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 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.

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755 days ago

Photo frames - acrylic

Yvonne from Riccarton

A selection of used clear acrylic photo frames in various styles, shapes and sizes, all in good condition. Ideal for other uses, not just photos. Let me know if your interested.

Free

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761 days ago

Poll: Are you able to get help with your health when needed?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

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 more
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 ‘‘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.

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Are you able to get help with your health when needed?
  • 46.2% Wait times are too long - It's unacceptable.
    46.2% Complete
  • 30.8% I can get the help I need, it just takes longer.
    30.8% Complete
  • 7.7% I haven't noticed an issue.
    7.7% Complete
  • 15.3% I'm happy; I have no complaints.
    15.3% Complete
3445 votes
S
756 days ago

Buxus hedge plants

Stacey from Avonhead

I have some buxus hedge plants that I would like removed and taken away. Some from the front of our property in Avonhead and some from the back. A total of 13m in length.

Phone 022 580 0258

Free

N
757 days ago

Pet carrier from hornby vet

Nancy from Wigram

Pet traveller from hornby vet, strong moulded plastic, well ventilated, top half is removable as well as a front entrance height 11 3/4 inches width 11 1/2 inches length 17 inches.. For flying: as flights required channel for urine to collect it .This module does not have it mounded in the… View morePet traveller from hornby vet, strong moulded plastic, well ventilated, top half is removable as well as a front entrance height 11 3/4 inches width 11 1/2 inches length 17 inches.. For flying: as flights required channel for urine to collect it .This module does not have it mounded in the structure. How ever I have taken a picture of our solution for this .put a rack inside and put newspaper inside or towel leaving a gap round outside with no cover for urinary use , fine for long car journey,s , tray does not come with carrier. Dix street, hornby ph3441034 or text or phone 02109090184 nancy

Price: $20

758 days ago

How to make your own Christmas terrarium

Resene

How to make your own Christmas terrarium painted in Resene.

Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
Find out more

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758 days ago

Repaint a doll's bed

The Team from Resene ColorShop Hornby

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.

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759 days ago

Addictive Eaters Anonymous

The Team from Addictive Eaters Anonymous - Christchurch

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.

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760 days ago

Be in to win with Southern Cross Pet

Southern Cross Pet Insurance

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 more
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 have a pet, that’s fine; we’d love to see your festive snaps too.

Ends 21 December 2022
Enter Now

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760 days ago

Is your toast safe to eat?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

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 more
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 (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.

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761 days ago

Home and property inspiration delivered to your inbox

Homed

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 more
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 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.
Find out more

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761 days ago

NZ Driver Practical Driving Test Ezy

Pratul from Upper Riccarton

New Zealand Driver Practical Driving Test EZY - Pass your driving test the easy way!
Produced in association with authorised Driver Testing Officers and Driving Instructors.
'Provides everything you need to pass the New Zealand practical test for 'Classes 1 to 6'.
Learn what the… View more
New Zealand Driver Practical Driving Test EZY - Pass your driving test the easy way!
Produced in association with authorised Driver Testing Officers and Driving Instructors.
'Provides everything you need to pass the New Zealand practical test for 'Classes 1 to 6'.
Learn what the Testing Officers are looking for. R.R.P:$28.00 at AA

Price: $15

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762 days ago

Jacobean crewel work embroidery kit - rabbits

Anne from Broomfield - Hei Hei

This could be a great Xmas gift for a beginner or intermediate embroiderer.
The kit contains everything you need to create a small, 15cm x 15cm piece using Jacobean crewel stitches on quality linen, showing a couple of cute bunnies in a field

The kit is in original condition and contains linen … View more
This could be a great Xmas gift for a beginner or intermediate embroiderer.
The kit contains everything you need to create a small, 15cm x 15cm piece using Jacobean crewel stitches on quality linen, showing a couple of cute bunnies in a field

The kit is in original condition and contains linen with stamped design, booklet with instructions and visual representations of all the stitches, all of the coloured wools needed, needles, scissors, hoops, a hoop stand and some kind of weird tool that I think is to tighten and loosen the hoops. The wools are beautifully presented in a box, the hoops and stand are plastic wrapped and never opened, and the whole kit is in a lovely linen bag with a gorgeous Jacobean design on it.

The Crewel Work Company, based in the UK, also has heaps of instruction videos on YouTube to help beginners work the Jacobean stitches.

It’s a really lovely little piece that could be framed for a child’s room or sewn onto a small cushion or cot blanket.

I have opened the box so reduced the price accordingly.

Pick up from Broomfield or add $10 postage.
Edit: More photos are available, message me your email address and I can send the lot

Price: $100

764 days ago

Win your share of $10,000 this Christmas with Mags4Gifts.

Mags4gifts

We are giving 10 lucky winners $1,000 cash each this Christmas, to enter all you have to do is make a purchase on Mags4Gifts. Spoil your loved ones by gifting them a subscription or treat yourself to your favourite magazine or newspaper subscription.

Mags4Gifts is your one-stop shop for all of … View more
We are giving 10 lucky winners $1,000 cash each this Christmas, to enter all you have to do is make a purchase on Mags4Gifts. Spoil your loved ones by gifting them a subscription or treat yourself to your favourite magazine or newspaper subscription.

Mags4Gifts is your one-stop shop for all of your Christmas gifts with a range of over 50 products to choose from, including our popular NZ House & Garden, NZ Gardener, and TV Guide magazines.

Each product purchased on Mags4Gifts will automatically place you in the draw to win a cash prize - and the best part, there’s no limit on how many times you can enter! Promotion ends 8 Jan 2023, for T&Cs click here.

The team at Mags4Gifts
Know more

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766 days ago

New store alert ⏰ Amberley now open!

The Team from SPCA Christchurch - Centre & Op Shops

We are excited to share we have another new store within the Canterbury region, our new Amberley location in Carters Street now open. Be sure to check it out between 9am-4:30pm from Monday to Sunday each week — whether you pop along for a shop, donate some items or sign-up to volunteer in the … View moreWe are excited to share we have another new store within the Canterbury region, our new Amberley location in Carters Street now open. Be sure to check it out between 9am-4:30pm from Monday to Sunday each week — whether you pop along for a shop, donate some items or sign-up to volunteer in the store, we appreciate all of the amazing community support 💙

Helping us help animals in need 🐱🐰
📍 96E Carters Road, Amberley, 7410

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