2836 days ago

Proposed rates increase trimmed

Richard Parfitt from Whakatāne District Council

After deliberating on community submissions to its 2018-28 Long Term Plan, the Whakatāne District Council has signalled a number of changes, and a small decrease in the average rate rise proposed for 2018/19.

Mayor Tony Bonne says the LTP hearings and deliberations were a lengthy but rewarding process. “This is an opportunity for people to tell us about their concerns and aspirations for the District and for elected members to consider how the Council can address the community’s priorities,” he says. “As always, there is a gap between what we would like to do and what the community can afford to do, but I feel we have found a good balance through this LTP. We’ll now prepare the final LTP for auditing and approval next month.”

Read the full article and more about the key changes to the budgets set out in the LTP consultation document (subject to audit confirmation) on our website:
www.whakatane.govt.nz...

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More messages from your neighbours
2 days ago

Get up to $30,000 back* with your new home

Bob Owens Retirement Village

Sign up to an independent apartment or townhouse at a participating Ryman village by 31 March 2026 and receive a $30,000 credit on settlement or sign up to a serviced apartment and receive a $10,000 credit on settlement*.

Imagine a new smart TV, your next getaway or furniture for your new home. With more money staying in your pocket, it’s yours to spend!

Discover the lifestyle that awaits.

*Participating villages only, Terms and conditions apply.

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11 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.

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30 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.

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