Red tape adds to home costs, developers say
Bureaucratic red tape is adding about $80,000 to the cost of a new home in Hamilton, according to developers.
That's due to both local and national regulations, they say.
And now Hamilton City Council plans to remove a carrot for central city developments, Yeoman Homes may stop building CBD apartments, managing director Andrew Yeoman said.
Council plans to phase out a remission that effectively meant developers didn't have to pay development contributions on central-city projects.
"Red tape definitely adds $80,000 if not more to the cost of a house," Yeoman said. "But it's not all Hamilton City Council rules that make that up - a large amount of that is government regulations."
"In the 17 years I've been building, I'm just astounded at how much costs have increased.
Read more here.
Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.
This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.
Do you think this ban is reasonable?
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77.1% Yes
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21.3% No
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1.5% Other - I'll share below
Have you come across many roadworks sites recently?
The frustration of seeing a detour sign partway through your journey on the main highways possibly the new way forward when it comes to roadworks.
One of the latest areas to have a section of the road blocked off is State Highway 1 between Putāruru to Tokoroa as part of a massive renewal project that extends down to Waiouru.
Have you come across many roadworks sites recently?
Poll: Do you think this was the right decision?
Hamilton City Council is defending a $60,000 spend on a flood of water management PR featuring a TV personality as residents face huge rates rises.
At a time of council cash constraints, Te Radar - real name Andrew Lumsden - catches the eye on the council’s Facebook page, where he currently features in three “explainer” video clips about Hamilton’s water services.
Do you think this was the right decision? Tell us your reasons in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).
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5.9% Yes
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88.2% No
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5.9% Not sure