2343 days ago

Climate Change, Plans to mitigate, who will pay?

Iola from Awapuni

Today is Strike for Climate Change and i believe that a number of businesses will take time out to support this. As a Council watcher for many years I would like to have some answers to some of the past issues that Council has been involved in and to have some answers as to their efficacy and costs.
1. Some years ago we were considered to have such low carbon emissions that we sold carbon credits, to a City in Japan. What was the money gained from those carbon credits used for? Why are we now considered to be a City in need of spending millions to get people on to bikes, when there is no evidence that people will get on a bike instead of investing in a hybrid or ecar.?
2. What happened to the methane recovery plant at the Awapuni land fill? Wasn't that supposed to become an income stream for the City?How much did it cost to set up and how much has the return been?
3. The green composting strategy. What has been the return on this so called green income stream to Councils and to ratepayers?
4. What has been the savings for ratepayers for the solar panels installed on the Council buildings?
5. What has been the reduction in BMI's for sedentary staff with the building of the staff gym, in the Council building?
6. What has been the use of the electric cycles that were purchased for Council staff to use? Got to say it is at least 2 years since I saw them on the roads.
I think ratepayers have been conned into paying for a number of projects that have not given an expected return, and I most certainly think the millions on changing College Street is a case in point. Once again poor planning, lack of fore thought and in my view, total lack of understanding of future proofing a sustainable community.

More messages from your neighbours
14 hours ago

🧩😏 Riddle me this, Neighbours…

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

I am an odd number. Take away a letter and I become even. What number am I?

Do you think you know the answer?

Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed? No worries! Simply head here and click once on the Following button.

Image
21 days ago

Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.

Image
2 days ago

Share your favourite main crop potato recipe and win a copy of our mag!

William Hansby Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Love potatoes? We will give away free copies of the May 2026 issue to readers whose potato recipes are used in our magazine. To be in the running, make sure you email your family's favourite way to enjoy potatoes: mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by March 1, 2026.

Image