Council facing a budget blow out
A multi-million dollar blowout caused by waste, road and water infrastructure changes has raised red flags on the South Wairarapa District Council balance sheet.
Wastewater works across the district and emergency work in Featherston have seen capital budgets increased.
The closure of the overseas market for paper and cardboard recycling has upped costs in disposal, with costs set to increase by as much as $250,000 rise in costs per year.
In August, NZTA signalled a one per cent reduction in its payments to SWDC.
It will also halve its contribution to maintaining Cape Palliser Rd, as it phases out its Special Purpose programme for coastal roads. .
Risks on two sewage projects, at Papawai and Martinborough, have seen costs increase.
A major sewer failure under the rail tracks crossing Featherston’s main Fitzherbert St had added a further $400,000 in costs.
An electrical upgrade not included in the original project scope has added more than $650,000 to work on the town’s water supply.
Lake Ferry’s wastewater system, damaged by contractors in July, is to undergo further work, with costs not yet known.
The council's finance, audit and risk committee will receive the report today [Wednesday October 21] at 2.30pm at Martinborough's Waihinga Centre.
Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD
The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’
If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.
Poll: Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝
In The Post’s opinion piece on the developments set to open across Aotearoa in 2026, John Coop suggests that, as a nation, we’re “allergic to exuberance.”
We want to know: Are we really allergic to showing our excitement?
Is it time to lean into a more optimistic view of the place we call home? As big projects take shape and new opportunities emerge, perhaps it’s worth asking whether a little more confidence (and enthusiasm!) could do us some good.
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40.6% Yes
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33.8% Maybe?
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25.7% No
Some Choice News!
Many New Zealand gardens aren’t seeing as many monarch butterflies fluttering around their swan plants and flower beds these days — the hungry Asian paper wasp has been taking its toll.
Thanks to people like Alan Baldick, who’s made it his mission to protect the monarch, his neighbours still get to enjoy these beautiful butterflies in their own backyards.
Thinking about planting something to invite more butterflies, bees, and birds into your garden?
Thanks for your mahi, Alan! We hope this brings a smile!
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