Rotorua Lakes Council Capital works programme
Last september (or so) we attended a meeting at Rotorua Stadium to discuss a walking/cycle track from Utahina Rd to Baxendale reserve which is toward a council water facility . Given the very difficult terrain and expense for very little participation or gain for the community, the very large majority of those at the meeting could not see the sense in what was an ill conceived idea and plan. Bridging the Utahina stream in a hidden area at a closed water trout spawning area is only inviting more poaching than already exists. It seems the 6 council employees present at that meeting ignored what most were speaking and/or writing comments on their detailed plans .It was a bad unwanted idea/plan and most residents thought they got the message. Having got the Capital Works Programme for 2024 I was annoyed to see that the Rotorua Council are proposing to spend $ 472,500.00 on this track and this would probably increase to well over half a million dollars when they realise what they have failed to see because no one came out in the recent severe rain to view what really happens in this area with long term flooding and stream banks crumbling and collapsing. Most residents here are against this project proceeding and have put forward a strong petition with the hope that elected councillors see that the cycle/walking track track is not worth spending half a million of hard earned ratepayers dollars on without getting a real engineer to look at the true logistics of such a project to justify a track very very few appear to want.
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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58.9% Yes, supporting people is important!
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26.3% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.8% ... It is complicated
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
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.
A Neighbourly Riddle! Don’t Overthink It… Or Do?😜
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!
If you multiply this number by any other number, the answer will always be the same. What number is this?
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