‘Perfect storm’: Tough decisions ahead for council under financial pressure
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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Poll: Pedestrian access is being extended to the Ōtakaro Avon River - good idea?
Pedestrian access from one of Christchurch’s favourite streets is being extended all the way to the Ōtakaro Avon River. This new 12m-wide pathway will give you a direct, easy route from the street to the river promenade ... perfect for a stroll, a coffee run, or just soaking up the riverside vibes.
We want to know: In your view, what makes a city people-friendly?
What else should our urban areas be doing to support better community connections?
Curious about the full plans? You can check them out here.
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87.8% Yes
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12.2% No
2025 has been massive. The Luxon-led Government's attacks on workers, on Te Tiriti, on pay equity, on educators, on health workers, and on the public service, have been relentless.
But despite everything thrown at working people, we've also seen some massive wins. We've fought back together with strike action. We've unified with days of action. We have focused on what matters. Make no mistake, 2026 will be wild, and we are ready for it! Source - New Zealand Council of Trade Unions
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