294 days ago

Rates skyrocket in the Waikato region in 2025/26

Libby Reporter from Waikato Local

Rates increases of between 2.9% and 15.5% are expected to help empty the wallets of Waikato ratepayers as councils begin to confirm their long-term and annual plans for the financial year ahead.

Right now, councils are preparing budgets and going out for public consultation on their respective rates rises for the 2025/26 financial year, which should be in place by July 1.

Image
More messages from your neighbours
5 hours ago

Is there an algae issue where you are?

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

Once touted as an anglers paradise, and a top water-sport playground on the Waikato River, Mangakino is in danger of becoming a ghost town as toxic algal blooms slowly suck the life out of its main attraction - Lake Maraetai.

Locals say cyanobacterial algal blooms in the river’s hydro lakes have become more frequent over the past five years, and when they arrive no-one can swim or fish in them.

Is there an algae issue where you are? Tell us more in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).

Image
16 hours ago

Tamahere home in dentist case was once centre of accountant’s fraud

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

It’s been a feature in a recent Hamilton District Court trial , but a Tamahere mansion already has an complicated history.

The property in Woodcock Rd - notable for having a hydroslide in the back yard - the scene of now-disproved alleged sexual offending by Hamilton dentist Rahul Gautam - made headlines more than 15 years ago, when it was a focus in the case of accountant Gary Soffe.

Image
22 days ago

Poll: As a customer, what do you think about automation?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Press investigates the growing reliance on your unpaid labour.

Automation (or the “unpaid shift”) is often described as efficient ... but it tends to benefit employers more than consumers.

We want to know: What do you think about automation?
Are you for, or against?

Image
As a customer, what do you think about automation?
  • 9.3% For. Self-service is less frustrating and convenient.
    9.3% Complete
  • 43.6% I want to be able to choose.
    43.6% Complete
  • 47.1% Against. I want to deal with people.
    47.1% Complete
2472 votes