Poll: Should Waimakariri contribute to Christchurch's new stadium?
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Waimakariri’s council boss is not amused with a belated request to contribute to the running costs of Christchurch’s new stadium.
Christchurch mayor Phil Mauger has formally written to his Waimakariri and Selwyn counterparts and to Environment Canterbury chairperson Peter Scott asking the three councils if they would be willing to contribute to the operating costs of Te Kaha, Christchurch Stadium.
Waimakariri District Council chief executive Jeff Millward said the council would consider the matter in the coming weeks, but any contribution would be subject to full consultation with ratepayers.
‘‘From the designs, it looks like a fantastic facility, but we were never consulted and we haven’t been included in coming up with the design features.’’
It was unclear whether ratepayers would be asked for a fixed charge, or whether it would be based on distance or on capital value.
‘‘We can’t go out to the community until we understand what that looks like,’’ Millward said.
He acknowledged Waimakariri ratepayers contributed to the Canterbury Museum, but that was subject to Government legislation, so any stadium contribution would likely be voluntary.
In the letter, Mauger acknowledged the Christchurch City Council had decided to build the stadium and would fund its construction.
But he stressed the stadium would provide benefits to the wider region.
A 2019 report suggested Te Kaha’s operating costs were likely to exceed its income by $4.2 million a year, which would cost Christchurch ratepayers an average of $144 a year without outside support.
The $683 million Te Kaha project will have a seating capacity of 30,000 for sports events and is due to be completed in 2026.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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24.5% Yes
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75.5% No
Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53% Yes
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47% No
‘Tis the season to not get scammed ...
As Christmas gift shopping moves increasingly online, scammers are ramping up their activity across the country.
Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit is seeing more and more people fall victim to scams and other fraudulent activity, particularly on Facebook Marketplace.
There are a few ways to avoid the scams and keep yourself safe doing online trades this holiday season, says Southern District Service Delivery Manager Senior Sergeant Dalton.
🔒 “A good first step when looking to purchase something on Marketplace is to check when the seller’s Facebook profile was created. If it’s very recent, there is a higher risk that they have just created this account for a one-off fake item.”
🔒 Another important step is to make sure the seller’s profile name and bank account name match up. “We’re seeing a lot of scammers claiming their bank account name is different because it belongs to their partner or family member - that’s a huge red flag."
🔒 “When you’re selling, never trust a screenshot anyone sends you showing that payment has been made. Check your own bank account to make sure a payment has gone through."
🔒 “Quite frankly, it’s best for all parties to agree to pay, or be paid, for items in cash and in-person. Ideally in a public place with CCTV coverage."
🔒 "If you’re buying a car, check Carjam.co.nz to see if it’s stolen or if there’s money owed on it.”
A reminder: Suspicious activity can be reported on 105
SANTA
SANTA will be at the Waimakariri Council Foyer today and again on Tuesday 9th and Wednesday 10th Dec from 2 pm till 4 pm. There is also a great display of CHRISTMAS TREES, well worth a visit.
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