Posts by Northern Outlook
970 days ago

Rates rise for Hurunui

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

A rates hike of 7.49 percent is expected in the Hurunui district.

The Hurunui District Council adopted its draft budgets for the 2023-24 annual plan at an extraordinary council meeting on Tuesday, April 18.

Chief financial officer Jason Beck said the proposed average rates rise of 7.49% was higher than the 4.99% forecast in the 2021-31 long-term plan.

He said the difference is due to rising inflation and interest rates.
But it could have been worse.

Council staff began the process with an average rates rise of 11.78%, before trimming it back to 9.53% after the growth of the district was factored in.

It was further trimmed by reducing the council reserves budget and increasing the dividend paid by Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa.

The draft annual plan will go out for consultation next month ahead of its final adoption by the council by June 30.

More messages from your neighbours
3 hours ago

Your Christmas shopping just got easier

Mags4Gifts

Mags4gifts.co.nz is having a Christmas sale with up to 40% off best-selling magazine subscriptions, including NZ Gardener, NZ House & Garden and TV Guide. Add a free e-card at checkout and schedule it to arrive on Christmas morning for a perfectly timed surprise! Make Christmas thoughtful this year with a gift that lasts long after the holidays are over. Shop Now

Image
6 days ago

Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.

Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔

Image
Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
  • 71.9% We work hard, we deserve a break!
    71.9% Complete
  • 16.3% Hmm, maybe?
    16.3% Complete
  • 11.7% Yes!
    11.7% Complete
1022 votes
20 days ago

Some Choice News!

Kia pai from Sharing the Good Stuff

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!

Image