What do you think of tripling Stewart Island levy?
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
Poll: Does the building consent process need to change?
We definitely need homes that are fit to live in but there are often frustrations when it comes to getting consent to modify your own home.
Do you think changes need made to the current process for building consent? Share your thoughts below.
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.
-
91.6% Yes
-
8% No
-
0.4% Other - I'll share below!
Lest we forget...
On this ANZAC Day, let's take a moment to remember and honor the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our country.
Tell us who are you honouring today. Whether it's a story from the battlefield or a memory of a family member who fought in the war, we'd love you to share your stories below.
Revamp an open wardrobe
Cut visual clutter and give tired shelves new life with doors and colourful Resene paint.