Disgruntled farmer wasting thousands of litres of water in protest at charges
Rangiora farmer Rodney Back is upset at being charged for water that he's not using.
In fact, no-one is using the water – the charges relate to empty sections he subdivided a few years back.
The Waimakariri District Council says it doesn't matter how much water is being used, or whether it's used at all, Beck has to pay a fixed charge.
As a protest, Beck turned on each water supply last week, allowing an estimated 10,000 litres of drinking water a day to run down the drain.
The 78-year-old North Canterbury farmer said he was a firm believer in user pays, but objected to paying for something no-one was using, and planned to leave the taps on until the council intervened.
Read reporter Keiller MacDuff's full report here (subscription required).
Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄
From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.
What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?
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4.7% Second half of November
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43.5% 1st December
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17.7% A week before Christmas
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33% Whenever you wish
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1.1% Other - I'll share below
Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
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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82.9% Yes
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14.3% No
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2.8% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite tomato recipe?
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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