Waimakariri council proposes 8.94% rates rise in ‘challenging’ year
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Waimakariri ratepayers are being asked for their feedback on an average rates rise of 8.94%
The Waimakariri District Council adopted its "most challenging" long-term plan (LTP) on Tuesday.
Deputy mayor Neville Atkinson, a long serving councillor, said it was the most difficult annual or long term plan he had been involved in.
‘‘We had the earthquakes, but I would suggest this is worse, because there is so much uncertainty around what is going to happen.
‘‘We have people out there who are angry, people who are broke, who are losing their jobs and others who are winning, and we need to balance that.’’
Mayor Dan Gordon said he was pleased council staff had settled on average rates rise of 8.94% ‘‘without compromising our levels of service’’.
‘‘I hear continuous calls from some about having a zero rates rise, but that is just unrealistic.’’
He said the council needed to continue planning for growth, with large roading projects proposed in the LTP such as the Rangiora eastern link road and the Skew bridge upgrade at west Kaiapoi.
Council chief executive Jeff Millward said staff considered delaying the LTP for a year due to changes in Government legislation, but considered it would be detrimental.
‘‘We have already done six months worth of work on this plan, and we are a growth council, so we need to stay relevant.
‘‘If we did take up the option, we would be doing a one-year plan with no future planning and then we would have to go back and do it again next year.’’
The council is planning to spend around $690 million over the next 10 years replacing assets and planning for the district’s rapid growth.
The district’s population is projected to grow from around 70,000 to 82,075 by 2034, based on Stats NZ’s high growth scenario.
The LTP considers how best to manage the natural environment, flood resilience, provision of community facilities, extension of the Rangiora Library and the proposed Rangiora eastern link road.
The proposed Pegasus Community Centre, which was signalled in the 2021 LTP, is set to be built by the end of next year.
The council is also in talks with Canterbury Cricket and Canterbury Country Cricket about extending Mainpower Oval to accommodate more cricket pitches and training facilities.
The draft 2024-34 LTP will go out for consultation from March 15 to April 15, with hearings planned in May.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Poll: Have you ever been bullied?
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.
-
81.6% Yes
-
18.2% No
-
0.1% Other - I'll share below
Neighbourly Q&A: Renting rights with CAB's Sacha Green
We are continuing our Q&A sessions on Neighbourly. This week we have the amazing Sacha Green from Citizens Advice Bureau New Zealand (CABNZ) who will be answering your questions about your renting rights.
A little bit about Sacha:
She has been working for CABNZ for 10 years and is passionate about empowering people with knowledge of their rights as well as ensuring access to justice.
She helps support the team of over 2,000 trained volunteers who deliver the CAB service in 80 neighbourhoods around Aotearoa by providing advice and support at a national level on a wide range of issues. One of Sacha’s work areas is leading the CAB’s social justice work on housing and tenancy issues.
Whether you're a flatmate, landlord, boarder or flatmate, you can leave a comment below and Sacha will share an answer on Wednesday from 9.30am. You may want to ask about notice periods, bond fulfillment, reasonable rent increases, or even whose responsibility it is to deal with mould in the home.
Join Sacha here on Wednesday at 9.30am. See you then!.
⇩ Share your question below ⇩
Tips for moving to a retirement village with a pet
Moving to a retirement village marks the beginning of a new chapter filled with opportunities waiting to be explored. Naturally, you want to share this journey with your beloved furry companion, and at Ryman, you are welcome to bring your pet along, provided they are suitable for the village environment.
Once your pet is approved for the village, the focus shifts to ensuring a smooth transition for them. Dogs and cats, being creatures of habit, may find relocating stressful. However, with patience and a thoughtful approach, we can mitigate their anxiety and help them settle into their new surroundings seamlessly.
For more tips click read more.
Loading…
