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From reporter Debbie Jamieson:
Queenstown ratepayers are facing more leaky homes claims but none as large as those behind a proposed average 13.6% rate rise this year.
The Queenstown Lakes District Council – which covers Queenstown and Wānaka and surrounding areas – settled last year … View moreFrom reporter Debbie Jamieson:
Queenstown ratepayers are facing more leaky homes claims but none as large as those behind a proposed average 13.6% rate rise this year.
The Queenstown Lakes District Council – which covers Queenstown and Wānaka and surrounding areas – settled last year with the body corporate of the Oaks Shore apartments, which claimed $163 million for leaky building repairs.
The exact settlement figure was confidential, but the council was taking out a loan to pay the claim.
It was covering other claims also, including one for the neighbouring property Oaks Club Resort, thought to be about $50m.
The impact of the interest costs meant the claims contributed to nearly a third of the massive rates increase for the coming financial year, documents show.
If the claim was paid in a single year the rates increase would be “horrendous” and in the “hundreds of percents”, council finance manager Stewart Burns said during a council meeting on Thursday.
Councillor Esther Whitehead asked what assurances the council could provide that ratepayers would not face another increase due to leaky home claims.
Burns said the council was currently facing three or four claims, but none were on the scale of the two Oaks properties.
Properties caught in the leaky home legislation were built between 15 and 20 years ago.
Claims had to be made within 10 years of a property’s completion.
The council was reaching the end of that period, he said.
Council standards for building inspections and consents have improved in the last 20 years.
The building inspection and consent processes at the time of the construction of the affected buildings was also a contributing factor, he said.
“The standard we have to meet these days compared to 20 years ago is quite different, and we are audited regularly on those services.
“We certainly have got a lot of confidence that the way we operate now is appropriate.”
Draft annual plan documents show how increases in interest rates, depreciation expenses and record-high inflation have also contributed to the region’s rates increase.
To lessen the rates rise, the council is planning to defer $106.7m in projects, including a Wānaka water treatment plant, a new reservoir at Quail Rise, and a Queenstown water treatment plant at Two Mile.
Increases in some user fees such as building consents, animal registration, and sport and recreational services are also proposed.
The council is undertaking public consultation on the draft annual plan.
Our 2023 Local Business Hero Awards nomination phase closes on Sunday. Neighbours - you only have a few more days to nominate a favourite local business to give them a chance to win an incredible $10,000 package.
Show your support for your local today by nominating them to be this year's … View moreOur 2023 Local Business Hero Awards nomination phase closes on Sunday. Neighbours - you only have a few more days to nominate a favourite local business to give them a chance to win an incredible $10,000 package.
Show your support for your local today by nominating them to be this year's Prospa Local Business Hero!
Nothing is less predictable than the weather.
Ryman villages are designed to be safe havens, we prepare for adverse events, so you don’t have to. In an emergency, we’ll take care of everything, to ensure sure that you and those you treasure most have exactly what you need.
Rest assured, … View moreNothing is less predictable than the weather.
Ryman villages are designed to be safe havens, we prepare for adverse events, so you don’t have to. In an emergency, we’ll take care of everything, to ensure sure that you and those you treasure most have exactly what you need.
Rest assured, you’re in safe hands.
In 1999, World Poetry Day was introduced, with the aim of promoting the reading, writing, publishing, and teaching of poetry around the world.
It is an opportunity to appreciate the power of poetry and how it can capture the creative spirit of the human mind.
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Increase your chances to win this brand-new, fully-furnished home located just north of Auckland in the stunning beachside town of Mangawhai.
Valued at over $1.4 million and built to perfection by Jennian homes, this brand-new home features three-bedrooms, two-bathrooms and boasts an open-plan … View moreIncrease your chances to win this brand-new, fully-furnished home located just north of Auckland in the stunning beachside town of Mangawhai.
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Emergency services are responding to a crash on Police Street near the intersection with Crawford Street.
At around 7.55am this morning, Police were alerted that a truck had rolled and the road is now blocked. The badly damaged car is on the Princes St side of Police St and the truck, which … View moreEmergency services are responding to a crash on Police Street near the intersection with Crawford Street.
At around 7.55am this morning, Police were alerted that a truck had rolled and the road is now blocked. The badly damaged car is on the Princes St side of Police St and the truck, which crashed into a line of parked cars, is on the Cumberland St side.
The one-way is closed between the intersections of Andersons Bay Road and Jetty St with traffic being diverted down Vogel St.Traffic management is being put in place but there is already significant traffic build-up in the area.
Police are asking motorists to take alternative routes where possible and avoid the area around the crash.
17 March is Saint Patrick’s Day. It is the day when Irish communities around the world celebrate their culture with music, dancing, parades, and traditional food and drinks.
May the luck of the Irish be with you! Enjoy your day!
Dunedin drivers using SH88, the highway to and from Port Chalmers, need to build in some extra time for getting through the roundabout near the stadium this long weekend.
Anzac Ave will be closed at the roundabout, which will be managed with traffic signals for all three days.
The highway … View moreDunedin drivers using SH88, the highway to and from Port Chalmers, need to build in some extra time for getting through the roundabout near the stadium this long weekend.
Anzac Ave will be closed at the roundabout, which will be managed with traffic signals for all three days.
The highway surface between the roundabout and Ravensbourne Lookout is being upgraded by Waka Kotahi crews working double shifts night and day.
The site would be under temporary traffic lights, 24 hours a day from Friday evening, March 17, to Tuesday morning after Otago’s Anniversary holiday on Monday,” Waka Kotahi Otago journey manager Nicole Felts said.
Anzac Avenue would be closed at the roundabout and Parry St East will be closed at SH88.
“Drivers from Port Chalmers heading to Dunedin will be managed with Stop/Go at the Ravensbourne end of the site. When released, they will travel through the site, enter the roundabout and exit onto SH88 behind the stadium to continue towards the city. They will not be able to travel around the roundabout to the third exit onto Anzac Ave," Felts said.
“Traffic heading from Dunedin towards Port Chalmers will use SH88 behind the stadium, enter the roundabout at the temporary traffic lights and exit onto SH88 heading towards Ravensbourne and Port Chalmers. Anzac Avenue will be closed.
“Drivers on Parry St East will need to give way to traffic entering the roundabout from Port Chalmers (as per normal road rules) and then must exit the roundabout onto SH88 heading south towards Dunedin.
“Any drivers from Parry St East wanting to travel towards Port Chalmers will have a signed detour route via Ward St, which will bring them back onto SH88 to head towards Port Chalmers.”
Emergency services would be prioritised through the site as efficiently and safely as possible.
The work has been timed for this long Otago anniversary weekend to avoid times when there is other work under way on SH88. Limiting the roundabout’s exit and entry points will help keep wait times down.
There is likely to be work continuing on Tuesday, March 21 under this or a similar traffic management set-up but it will be limited to off peak hours (9am to 3pm).
Costs are high making 2023 a tough year already! Who's the hero doing the hard yards to keep things running in your household?
NZ Compare wants to pay $350 towards their Broadband and Power bill!
Nominate your household Hero by clicking the button below and be in to WIN $350!
Offer ENDS… View moreCosts are high making 2023 a tough year already! Who's the hero doing the hard yards to keep things running in your household?
NZ Compare wants to pay $350 towards their Broadband and Power bill!
Nominate your household Hero by clicking the button below and be in to WIN $350!
Offer ENDS 31st March 2023.
Need more ways to save money? Comparing your power and broadband bills is one way to see if you can save more or simply switch to something that better suits your needs. If you’re paying for it, make sure it works for you!
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Primary, secondary and kindergarten teachers are striking this week as they look for a pay offer that meets inflation at 7.2% and makes concessions around staffing issues - in particular, student to teacher ratios.
A ratio of 1 teacher for 23 students applies for year 11 students, however … View morePrimary, secondary and kindergarten teachers are striking this week as they look for a pay offer that meets inflation at 7.2% and makes concessions around staffing issues - in particular, student to teacher ratios.
A ratio of 1 teacher for 23 students applies for year 11 students, however support staff can be counted as teachers so the reality is that class sizes can be much higher.
What do you think are the ideal sizes for classrooms?
Type NFP alongside your comments if you don't wish these to be shared in the We Say You Say column of the local paper.
We can see you're paying a lot for your broadband each month (we'll have some helpful advice on that soon)! Now let's shine the spot light on Power! The other BIG bill Kiwis are juggling.
We know usage can fluctuate quite a bit meaning so would your bill but to keep it simple, … View moreWe can see you're paying a lot for your broadband each month (we'll have some helpful advice on that soon)! Now let's shine the spot light on Power! The other BIG bill Kiwis are juggling.
We know usage can fluctuate quite a bit meaning so would your bill but to keep it simple, how much does your power bill usually come to?
Know the friendliest barista around? Does your mechanic always go the extra mile? Got a lawn-mowing legend? Hairdresser hero?
Give your favourite local business the recognition they deserve by nominating them in the 2023 Prospa Local Business Hero awards.
There's been hundreds of … View moreKnow the friendliest barista around? Does your mechanic always go the extra mile? Got a lawn-mowing legend? Hairdresser hero?
Give your favourite local business the recognition they deserve by nominating them in the 2023 Prospa Local Business Hero awards.
There's been hundreds of incredible entries already but don't forget to nominate your local this week. The recognition will make their day (and they're in with a chance to win a $10,000 package!).
Share a few words about your favourite local now.
Your home is your sanctuary, and that’s why Ryman villages are designed to be safe havens.
We’ve prepared for adverse events, so you don’t have to.
Your safety and your family’s peace of mind are our priority. Every Ryman village has staff available 24/7 and backup generators for … View moreYour home is your sanctuary, and that’s why Ryman villages are designed to be safe havens.
We’ve prepared for adverse events, so you don’t have to.
Your safety and your family’s peace of mind are our priority. Every Ryman village has staff available 24/7 and backup generators for emergencies. If something happens, you’re in safe hands.
We’ll take care of everything and make sure that you have what you need.
If you or a loved one are over 70, Ryman has a range of options from emergency accommodation through to townhouses or apartments available to purchase.
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