275 days ago

What do you make of the latest rates rise proposal?

The Team Reporter from Hamilton Press

In the wake of a potential 25.5% rates shock, Hamilton city councillors have settled on their final pitch to the public: 19.9%.

On average, Hamiltonians would have to pay about $10.90 more towards rates every week. But the rate rises would keep coming, with the city projecting rises of 15.5% for the four years following.

Councillors were not happy about the “unfortunate” decision they had to make to keep the city running during Tuesday evening’s debate on the 2024-34 Long Term Plan, and some say the final number may change after public consultation in March-April.

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More messages from your neighbours
4 days ago

What's your favourite tomato recipe?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.

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1 day ago

Have you driven past this King Country icon lately?

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

Months after launching a campaign to have Waitomo’s famous big apple refreshed, the woman behind it has closed her petition and claimed victory.

Once the apple of the eye of passers-by, the big apple had suffered years of neglect, which took the shine off the apple and left a bad taste in the mouths of locals, until Piopio resident Karen Barrett took a bite out of its owners - Tourism Holdings Ltd (THL).

Have you driven past this King Country icon lately? Tell us your thoughts in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).

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1 day ago

Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.

When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?

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Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
  • 83.2% Yes
    83.2% Complete
  • 14.5% No
    14.5% Complete
  • 2.3% Other - I'll share below
    2.3% Complete
1056 votes