240 days ago

A new Stormwater targeted rate

The Team from Whangarei District Council

To meet the challenges of stormwater management and the level of service expected by the community, we are going to need to invest more in infrastructure.
💧 www.wdc.govt.nz...

Over 2024-25, we funded stormwater costs through debt. This gave us time to wait for clarity from the Government about their plans for Local Water Done Well, and work out the fairest way to fund our stormwater management.

We are now asking you for your feedback on 2 proposed options for how to fund stormwater management.
The proposed stormwater targeted rate will help ensure that we have a dedicated and sustainable funding source to cover the costs of maintaining and upgrading our stormwater infrastructure.

The stormwater rate will fund the maintenance and improvement of stormwater systems, including important work like renewing and maintaining stormwater pipes and retention basins. It will also support work aimed at reducing flood risks and improving water quality in our rivers and streams.

The proposed universal rate would result in an average annual charge of $180 per household. This charge is designed to be fair and equitable, ensuring that all residents contribute to the essential services that benefit the entire community. There are two ways we can calculate this rate, and we are asking you which you would prefer.

1️⃣ Option 1 (preferred): Introduce a District-wide universal rate of $0.0003696 per dollar of land value. This would work out to be an average annual cost of $180 per household.
2️⃣ Option 2: Introduce a District-wide universal rate of $172 per separately used or inhabited parts (SUIP) of a rating unit. A SUIP refers to any part of a property that is used for a different purpose or inhabited by someone (i.e. if you had two homes on one property, you would be charged twice).

More messages from your neighbours
3 days ago

Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.

Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔

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Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
  • 72.7% We work hard, we deserve a break!
    72.7% Complete
  • 16.2% Hmm, maybe?
    16.2% Complete
  • 11.1% Yes!
    11.1% Complete
696 votes
15 hours ago

Secure your homes over summer

The Team from New Zealand Police

Police are reminding people to keep their homes secure during the summer months.

Inspector Glenda Barnaby, Christchurch Area Prevention manager, says daytime burglaries are just as common as nightime burglaries.
“Burglaries can be committed at any time of the day, and coming into warmer months there is more opportunity for thieves."
"Although a majority of burglaries involve forced entry through windows and doors, we are starting to see more incidents at insecure premises. Police deal with cases where burglaries are committed in broad daylight, sometimes even while the victim is at home. Good weather means open doors and windows, which makes homes more vulnerable to burglars.”

Inspector Barnaby says there’s a few things people can do to reduce their changes of a burglary being committed.
⚠️ If you’re going outside for gardening, relaxing in the sun, or working in the garage, take a moment to lock your doors and secure your windows first.
⚠️ Do the same at night when you go to bed - keep your doors and windows secure and close your curtains. Fitting window stays means you can get a breeze coming through, while keeping your windows secure.
⚠️ Get to know your neighbours - let them know if you’re going away and look out for one another.”

If you see any suspicious activity, people or vehicles in your neighbourhood, don't hesitate to contact Police.
If you witness or suspect any illegal activity, please call 111 if it is happening now, or make a report through 105 either online or over the phone, if it is after the fact.

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1 day ago

Brain Teaser of the Day 🧠✨ Can You Solve It? 🤔💬

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

How many balls of string does it take to reach the moon?

(Peter from Carterton kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Peter!)

Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!

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