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

• 21.6% Light rail
  21.6% Complete
• 4.5% South Library
  4.5% Complete
• 39.8% Orana Wildlife Park
  39.8% Complete
• 11.4% The Arts Centre
  11.4% Complete
• 4.5% Dux de Lux
  4.5% Complete
• 12.5% Christ Church Cathedral
  12.5% Complete
• 5.7% Something else (share your thoughts in the comments)
  5.7% Complete

88 votes

Poll: Would you want an unconventional funeral?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Funerals can cost as much as $22,000 and the planning can be stressful especially at a time when loved ones are grieving. Some New Zealanders are re-imagining funerals by making their own coffin or having a relaxed ceremony at home. Would you want a less traditional funeral? Share your thoughts below.

Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.

Would you want an unconventional funeral?

• Yes
• No
• Other - I'll share below!

Vote View Results

• 83.6% Yes
  83.6% Complete
• 14.2% No
  14.2% Complete
• 2.3% Other - I'll share below!
  2.3% Complete

1773 votes

Halswell Community May Newsletter

Keri Glassenbury from Halswell Community Project

Out now - read online, sign up to the email list, or pick up from the Halswell Community Hub, New World Wigram, New World Halswell