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.
Wild weather in the Waikato
The Waikato really copped it over the weekend, with wild weather leaving a hefty clean-up bill that may run into the millions.
While things are looking calmer in the days ahead, there are still plenty of slips and flooded roads across the district — so if you’re heading out, take it easy and stay alert.
We want to know: How did you and your whānau get on over the weekend?
Want to see what recovery will look like from here? The Waikato Times has the latest.
Starting gun sounds for housing on Te Rapa Racecourse land with re-zoning
Hamilton City councillors have signed off on a plan change that could see Te Rapa Racecourse swap stables for townhouses.
The deputy mayor says this paves the way for “basically creating a new suburb within the city”.
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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59.5% Yes, supporting people is important!
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26% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.5% ... It is complicated
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