1295 days ago

Regional leaders non-committal over helping pay $150m 'funding gap' for Christchurch stadium

The Team Reporter from The Press

Canterbury's regional leaders remain guarded and non-committal about whether they will help pay the rising costs of a central Christchurch stadium, with many saying such a decision would require public consultation.

Building the 30,000-seat covered stadium will now cost up to $683 million – $150m more than the $533m budget.

If Christchurch city councillors push on with the current design, they will have to underwrite an extra $150m, taking their total contribution to $453m.

Some city councillors say it is time for neighbouring councils to offer a helping hand.

The stadium would be a regional facility and its economic benefits would go beyond Christchurch, a council spokesperson said.

Other Canterbury councils have been contacted about the latest cost blowout and the city council intends to hold further discussions before making a formal proposal, the spokesperson said.

One mooted method is a regional targeted rate, which could be administered by Environment Canterbury.

Read more here and tell us what you think in the comments below.

More messages from your neighbours
2 days ago

Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’

If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.

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3 days ago

Poll: Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

In The Post’s opinion piece on the developments set to open across Aotearoa in 2026, John Coop suggests that, as a nation, we’re “allergic to exuberance.”

We want to know: Are we really allergic to showing our excitement?

Is it time to lean into a more optimistic view of the place we call home? As big projects take shape and new opportunities emerge, perhaps it’s worth asking whether a little more confidence (and enthusiasm!) could do us some good.

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Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝
  • 41.5% Yes
    41.5% Complete
  • 33.6% Maybe?
    33.6% Complete
  • 24.9% No
    24.9% Complete
586 votes
24 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!

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