2233 days ago

What do you think of tripling Stewart Island levy?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

At a Southland District Council meeting on Tuesday, councillors will discuss its draft policy for the Stewart Island Visitor Levy, which would bring in several changes, including increasing the visitor levy from $5 to $15.

The committee identified that the small rating base on the island could not meet the increasing demands that tourism was placing on island infrastructure, the report says. However, on Sunday, Stewart Island Community Board chairman Jon Spraggon said increasing the levy was "bloody stupid". In the financial year ending in June 2018, 44,423 people visited the island paying $193,143 in levies.

If the same amount of people visited the island paying a levy of $15, it would generate more than $660,000.

While the $5 levy did not generate huge amounts of money, people on the island were happy with the amount, Spraggon said. While the council would consult the public if they approved the draft, Spraggon had his doubts about the process.

Read the full story here.
Image: Stuff

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More messages from your neighbours
1 day ago

Poll: How should Guy Fawkes be celebrated?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

While it is a fun occasion, fireworks on Guy Fawkes Night has caused much conflict over the years, upsetting our pets and disrupting the sleep of neighbours.

How should we celebrate Guy Fawkes Night? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.

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How should Guy Fawkes be celebrated?
  • 28.1% With a city-wide public fireworks display
    28.1% Complete
  • 20.2% Small fireworks displays in each community
    20.2% Complete
  • 7.6% Keep it as is
    7.6% Complete
  • 32.5% We shouldn't celebrate it!
    32.5% Complete
  • 11% Anything but fireworks
    11% Complete
  • 0.4% Other - I'll share below
    0.4% Complete
1404 votes
19 days ago

What's your favourite recipe for gooseberry?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Love gooseberries? Share your favourite way to enjoy them. We're looking for our readers' favourite family recipes for this delicious crop. Send yours to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the magazine, you will receive a free copy of our December 2024 issue.

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12 hours ago

Winner winner!

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Congratulations to the winners of our $100 Mitre10 vouchers:

Justine Terrill from Mount Albert

Suzette Gibson from Nelson

Soumya Manoj from Lower Hutt

Millie George from Richmond Hill

If you're a winner, get in touch here.

Not a winner this week? There's always next week!

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