Posts by The Press
1165 days ago

Canterbury regional council rates could jump more than 24 per cent

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

The average Christchurch ratepayer could be an extra $250 a year out of pocket if steep regional council rate hikes thought to be one among the highest in the country are brought in.

Environment Canterbury (ECan) is proposing increasing rates by either 24.5 per cent or 18 per cent, to cover the fallout of the Government’s new freshwater regulations.

This would be on top of district council rate rises, such as Christchurch City Council’s proposed five per cent increase, leaving many concerned about the combined toll of the cost to ratepayers. Read more here.

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More messages from your neighbours
3 days ago

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).

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What could the Christchurch City Council fund if it didn't have to pay GST on rates?
  • 20.5% Light rail
    20.5% Complete
  • 5.3% South Library
    5.3% Complete
  • 41.7% Orana Wildlife Park
    41.7% Complete
  • 11.3% The Arts Centre
    11.3% Complete
  • 3.3% Dux de Lux
    3.3% Complete
  • 13.2% Christ Church Cathedral
    13.2% Complete
  • 4.6% Something else (share your thoughts in the comments)
    4.6% Complete
151 votes
16 hours ago

The perfect treat this Mother's Day

Sunday Star Times

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