329 days ago

Watts points to a brighter future for solar energy

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

Soon to be New Zealand’s largest solar farm, the first sod has been turned at the Tauhei Solar site near Te Aroha, a project that promises jobs for locals and sustainable energy for the nation.

Beneath Mt Te Aroha, and on ancestral land belonging to Ngāti Haua and Ngāti Tumutumu, around 80 people witnessed the start of construction on Wednesday, including Minister for Energy Simon Watts, the projects directors and Matamata-Piako mayor Adrienne Wilcock.

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More messages from your neighbours
3 days ago

Raglan tops unpaid rates bill list in Waikato District

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

More than $1.3 million in unpaid rates is owed to Waikato District Council by just 10 property owners — including one Raglan ratepayer who owes nearly a quarter of a million dollars.

An Official Information Act response reveals the council’s worst rates arrears, with a single Raglan property topping the list at $234,017.07 outstanding.

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2 days ago

Poll: What do you think of the new police move-on powers?

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

Central Hamilton businesses are welcoming police being given new powers to move on vagrants, with a city retail advocate saying the previous hands-off approach wasn’t working.

On Sunday the Government announced it would grant police powers to order any individual rough sleeping, begging, or displaying disorderly behaviour to move on.

What do you think of the new police move-on powers? Tell us more in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).

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What do you think of the new police move-on powers?
  • 84.6% They're needed
    84.6% Complete
  • 0% They won't change much
    0% Complete
  • 15.4% I'll wait and see
    15.4% Complete
13 votes
3 days ago

Poll: Would you help your kids out with buying a home?

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

OPINION: Over the past year, I’ve had the same conversation with many Waikato families again and again.

A child has found a house. The market feels like it’s moving. There’s pressure to act quickly. And before anyone has really had time to think it through, parents are being asked to step in with cash, guarantees, or equity from their own home.

Would you help your kids out with buying a home? Tell us more in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).

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Would you help your kids out with buying a home?
  • 23.1% I already have.
    23.1% Complete
  • 61.5% Yes.
    61.5% Complete
  • 15.4% No
    15.4% Complete
13 votes