337 days ago

One council's looking into a specialist rates debt collector

Libby Reporter from Waikato Local

Rates debt is on the rise all across the Waikato region with every council contacted by the Waikato Times reporting an increase in outstanding rates debt and a combined bill topping $50m.

As more people struggle to pay, the South Waikato District Council is looking to employ a specialist rates debt collector in an effort to recoup more than $3.5m in unpaid rates from cash-strapped locals.

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More messages from your neighbours
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?

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As a customer, what do you think about automation?
  • 9.4% For. Self-service is less frustrating and convenient.
    9.4% Complete
  • 43.5% I want to be able to choose.
    43.5% Complete
  • 47.1% Against. I want to deal with people.
    47.1% Complete
2503 votes
3 hours ago

The butcher with a taste for adventure

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

Jonathan and Sarah Walker are a couple with a give-it-a-go attitude to life, whether it’s travelling the world in a Land Rover or starting a butchery business with no experience.

Nestled below Hakarimata Scenic Reserve just outside of Ngāruawāhia is Soggy Bottom Holding, the local butcher you’ll recognise from frosty mornings at the farmer’s markets.

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4 hours ago

‘Devastated and disappointed’ - former students hope it wasn’t one of their own

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

Former students of Taupō Nui-a-Tia College say they’re “devastated” and “disappointed” after the alleged arson at their school which has left an entire block of classrooms, and a health centre destroyed by fire.

Emergency services were called to the school about 2.15pm on Sunday, when plumes of black smoke could be seen across town.

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