Poll: What could the Christchurch City Council fund if it didn't have to pay GST on rates?

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

Christchurch mayor Phil Mauger says GST on rates, currently taken by central government, would be better spent locally.

The comments follow an Infometrics analysis that found over $1.1 billion of rates revenue nationwide was collected by the Government in 2022 as GST.

According to Infometrics, $88.5m of that came from Christchurch city ratepayers. It would be enough to save the Christ Church Cathedral from ruin; restore the Dux de Lux seven times over; cover both the Art Centre and Orana Wildlife Park’s request for regular public funding for over 26 years; contribute to light rail in Greater Christchurch; or get the South Library rebuild completed.

Read the full story by reporter Sinead Gill here and share your thoughts in the comments below. (Note: Subscription required. You can still read two free stories a month if you're not a ThePress.co.nz subscriber).

What could the Christchurch City Council fund if it didn't have to pay GST on rates?

• Light rail
• South Library
• Orana Wildlife Park
• The Arts Centre
• Dux de Lux
• Christ Church Cathedral
• Something else (share your thoughts in the comments)

Vote View Results

• 23.1% Light rail
  23.1% Complete
• 4.9% South Library
  4.9% Complete
• 38.7% Orana Wildlife Park
  38.7% Complete
• 12.4% The Arts Centre
  12.4% Complete
• 2.2% Dux de Lux
  2.2% Complete
• 12.9% Christ Church Cathedral
  12.9% Complete
• 5.8% Something else (share your thoughts in the comments)
  5.8% Complete

225 votes

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Lack of investment remains a concern – ECan councillors

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

A lack of investment remains a concern as Environment Canterbury backs the region’s transport plan.

The regional council voted to adopt the 2024-34 Canterbury Regional Land Transport Plan at a council meeting on Tuesday afternoon.

But councillors expressed concerns at a perceived lack of funding from central Government and a potential funding shortfall.

The Canterbury Regional Transport Committee, comprising the region’s 10 mayors, gave its approval to the plan at a meeting on April 18.

Councillor Deon Swiggs said the there had been under-investment in transport and infrastructure in the South Island for too long.

‘‘It is a relatively good plan, but we need to get on top of the funding because we are getting behind in Canterbury and in the entire South Island.’’

He was also concerned at the lack of a timeframe set out for the implementation of the proposed mass rapid transport for Greater Christchurch.

Environment Canterbury principal strategy advisor Clare Pattison said the regional transport plan set out priorities for transport in the region.

But the timings would ultimately be set by Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency and the regional council.

She said the council could refer questions back to the regional transport committee if there were concerns.

Councillor Grant Edge said if the council did not adopt the plan by the June deadline, it would put at risk funding for Canterbury’s roading projects.

Councillor Vicky Southworth said funding was issue which ‘‘continues to be raised’’.

‘‘Hopefully something changes, but we have to put our best foot forward and hope we get the support.’’

The plan proposed an investment of $10.8 billion over 10 years, which would double the region’s transport investment.

But it will require a $4.6b contribution from central Government.
Key projects include the proposed Woodend Bypass and a second Ashburton bridge.

The plan also includes public transport improvements for Greater Christchurch, which are dependent on Government support.

It will now be submitted to Waka Kotahi to be included in the National Land Transport Plan.

■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.