Challenging year leads to $2.6m deficit for Hurunui council
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Hurunui’s council has posted a $2.6 million deficit, amid uncertainty created by Government reform and economic pressure.
Hurunui mayor Marie Black said the Three Waters, Resource Management Act and local government reforms, high interest rates and the cost of living all placed a heavy burden on the council over the past year.
The council adopted its 2022-23 annual report at a council meeting on Tuesday.
The annual report produced a $2.6 million operating deficit on the back of higher than expected roading costs and a significant revaluation of roading assets.
Chief financial officer Jason Beck said there was a significant increase in roading costs due to flooding over the last 18 months, which blew out the operating budget by $3.6m.
A revaluation in the council’s roading assets also led to ‘‘a greater level of depreciation’’, which was not budgeted for, Beck said.
The council’s total expenditure was $61m - $9.1m greater than budget.
Revenue for the year was $58.4m, which was $4.7m ahead of budget, thanks in part to $2.1m received for the Mayor’s Taskforce for Jobs programme and funding to assist with Three Waters reform.
The council also revalued its land and buildings, which increased in value by $22.1m, while the roading assets increased in value by $4.2m.
Black said the council tackled some major capital projects during the year, including upgrading its Three Waters network, in anticipation of government reform.
She said this project, which began in 2015, was funded this year by the Government’s Covid-19 stimulus funding and through the use of debt.
More work is planned over the next 12 months, which would be debt-funded and push the council close to its self-imposed debt ceiling.
The council’s debt was $47.5m as at June 30, lower than the budgeted debt of $54m, due to timing of projects.
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Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
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? 🤔
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72.5% We work hard, we deserve a break!
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16.4% Hmm, maybe?
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11.1% Yes!
Secure your homes over summer
Police are reminding people to keep their homes secure during the summer months.
Inspector Glenda Barnaby, Christchurch Area Prevention manager, says daytime burglaries are just as common as nightime burglaries.
“Burglaries can be committed at any time of the day, and coming into warmer months there is more opportunity for thieves."
"Although a majority of burglaries involve forced entry through windows and doors, we are starting to see more incidents at insecure premises. Police deal with cases where burglaries are committed in broad daylight, sometimes even while the victim is at home. Good weather means open doors and windows, which makes homes more vulnerable to burglars.”
Inspector Barnaby says there’s a few things people can do to reduce their changes of a burglary being committed.
⚠️ If you’re going outside for gardening, relaxing in the sun, or working in the garage, take a moment to lock your doors and secure your windows first.
⚠️ Do the same at night when you go to bed - keep your doors and windows secure and close your curtains. Fitting window stays means you can get a breeze coming through, while keeping your windows secure.
⚠️ Get to know your neighbours - let them know if you’re going away and look out for one another.”
If you see any suspicious activity, people or vehicles in your neighbourhood, don't hesitate to contact Police.
If you witness or suspect any illegal activity, please call 111 if it is happening now, or make a report through 105 either online or over the phone, if it is after the fact.
Poll: Pedestrian access is being extended to the Ōtakaro Avon River - good idea?
Pedestrian access from one of Christchurch’s favourite streets is being extended all the way to the Ōtakaro Avon River. This new 12m-wide pathway will give you a direct, easy route from the street to the river promenade ... perfect for a stroll, a coffee run, or just soaking up the riverside vibes.
We want to know: In your view, what makes a city people-friendly?
What else should our urban areas be doing to support better community connections?
Curious about the full plans? You can check them out here.
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90.5% Yes
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9.5% No
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