16 days ago

Poll: What could the Christchurch City Council fund if it didn't have to pay GST on rates?

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

Christchurch mayor Phil Mauger says GST on rates, currently taken by central government, would be better spent locally.

The comments follow an Infometrics analysis that found over $1.1 billion of rates revenue nationwide was collected by the Government in 2022 as GST.

According to Infometrics, $88.5m of that came from Christchurch city ratepayers. It would be enough to save the Christ Church Cathedral from ruin; restore the Dux de Lux seven times over; cover both the Art Centre and Orana Wildlife Park’s request for regular public funding for over 26 years; contribute to light rail in Greater Christchurch; or get the South Library rebuild completed.

Read the full story by reporter Sinead Gill here and share your thoughts in the comments below. (Note: Subscription required. You can still read two free stories a month if you're not a ThePress.co.nz subscriber).

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What could the Christchurch City Council fund if it didn't have to pay GST on rates?
  • 23.5% Light rail
    23.5% Complete
  • 4.5% South Library
    4.5% Complete
  • 38.8% Orana Wildlife Park
    38.8% Complete
  • 11.9% The Arts Centre
    11.9% Complete
  • 2.6% Dux de Lux
    2.6% Complete
  • 13.1% Christ Church Cathedral
    13.1% Complete
  • 5.6% Something else (share your thoughts in the comments)
    5.6% Complete
268 votes
More messages from your neighbours
5 days ago

Poll: Have you ever been bullied?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

People associate bullying with children in schools, but it can actually stretch beyond childhood to workplaces or neighbourhoods.

This Friday is Pink Shirt Day, which began in Canada in 2007 when two students took a stand against homophobic bullying after a new student was harassed for wearing pink. People across the globe are now encouraged to wear pink on this day to take a stand against bullying and promote inclusivity.

Have you or your whānau ever experienced bullying? Share your thoughts on Pink Shirt Day below.

Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.

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Have you ever been bullied?
  • 80.2% Yes
    80.2% Complete
  • 19.5% No
    19.5% Complete
  • 0.3% Other - I'll share below
    0.3% Complete
1418 votes
2 hours ago

Five Autumn gardening ideas

John from Boots and All Home Services

Hello there!
I love Autumn... The cooler temperatures and changing colours make for a lovely peaceful environment.
If you're looking for inspiration for things to do in the garden at this beautiful time of year, I've put together a list 5 things you could consider. So grab your gloves and let's get started!

1. Harvest fruits and vegetables: Autumn is the time to harvest your crops, such as apples, pears, plums etc. Make sure to pick them before the first frost and store them in a cool, dry place.
2. Plant bulbs for spring: Autumn is the perfect time to plant bulbs like daffodils and tulips, which will produce beautiful blooms in the spring.
3.Clean out garden beds: Before winter sets in, clear out any spent annuals, weeds, and other debris from garden beds. You can also consider adding compost or other organic matter to enrich the soil for next season.
4. Plant autumn flowers: While the weather is cooler, it's a great time to plant autumn flowers such as pansies, chrysanthemums, and asters. These will add some colour to your garden and thrive in the cooler temperatures.
5. Rake up fallen leaves: As the trees begin to shed their leaves, it's important to keep them off the lawn and other areas where they can smother plants or become a slipping hazard.

Give me a call if we can help - 0223 76 79 78

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7 hours ago

Social climber

The Team from Resene ColorShop Ferrymead

Building framed bunk beds and finishing with curtains, Resene Indian Ink and Resene Colorwood Bark elevates the bach classic. Kids also love them at home. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.

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