Poll: Would you prefer costs for services and public facilities (like libraries and pools) to go up, or rates bills to go up?
Pursuing a 0 per cent rates increase will have an "enormous impact" on the Christchurch community, city councillors warn.
A planned $34 million swimming pool and library development in Hornby could be delayed, the cost of a swim could go up and so could library charges, community grants could get the chop, and the New Brighton hot salt water pools could remain closed — everything is being considered to save money, but nothing is likely to be decided without another round of community consultation.
So what do you think? Would you want to pay more for services and public facilities, or would you prefer to have a higher rates bill? Or do you think there's any other way the council should save money? Read more here and tell us what you think in the comments below.
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69.7% Services and public facility costs should go up
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15.3% Rates have to go up
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15% There's another way to save (tell us your thoughts in the comments)
Poll: Canterbury is thriving on paper... but are you seeing evidence of Canterbury's improving economy?
As reported in the Press, Reserve Bank Governor Anna Breman recently gave a shout-out to our region, calling Canterbury a "stand-out" for how we recover from tough times. With tech firms growing and exporters investing, the business side of things is looking bright!
👉 But we know that "business growth" doesn't always mean the weekly shop gets any cheaper. While the city expands, many families feel like they’re just trying to keep their heads above water.
We want to know: With the business buzz of 2026, do you feel like things are finally looking up for your household, or does it still feel like a climb?
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0% Yes
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0% No
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100% In some areas ...
🧩😏 Riddle me this, Neighbours…
I am an odd number. Take away a letter and I become even. What number am I?
Do you think you know the answer?
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Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
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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