Well done Whanganui
Radio NZ reported:
Whanganui District Council is sticking to an average rates increase of 2.2 percent following deliberations on its draft Annual Plan.
Mayor Andrew Tripe believes it's the lowest rise in the country for the year ahead.
Tripe said the council has focused on doing the basics well, investing in core infrastructure, and involving the community in decision-making.
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Kiwiblog
2 days ago
- Kiwiblog
Well done Whanganui
Radio NZ reported: Whanganui District Council is sticking to an average rates increase of 2.2 percent following deliberations on its draft Annual Plan. Mayor Andrew Tripe believes it's the lowest rise in the country for the year ahead. Tripe said the council has focused on doing the basics well, investing in core infrastructure, and involving the community in decision-making.
Otago Daily Times
3 days ago
- Otago Daily Times
Letters to the Editor: Oamaru House, power and talking rubbish
Today's Letters to the Editor from readers cover topics including Oamaru House, power supply and talking rubbish. Oamaru House offers vital support for many People from all walks of life across North Otago, Southland, and Central Otago have relied on Oamaru House during some of their most vulnerable moments. This stress-free accommodation, located conveniently close to Dunedin Hospital, has offered more than just a place to stay - it has been a home away from home. The potential loss of Oamaru House would be deeply felt, not only by those who use it now, but also by future patients and families who depend on the certainty and comfort it provides. In a time when so many aspects of life are becoming increasingly hard to navigate, especially during medical crises, Oamaru House has consistently been a source of relief. I've always found it reassuring to simply make a call, book a room, and know I'll have a safe place to stay within walking distance of the hospital, with parking onsite. That one simple convenience removes a major layer of stress when facing far greater challenges. We cannot afford to lose this vital support. I urge everyone to remain open-minded and supportive of any collaborative efforts that may arise to ensure this much-needed service can continue for the people who rely on it. Linda Wilson Oamaru Penalty excessive As a Pakeha, I fully support Te Pati Māori doing a haka in response to the appalling judgement of the government regarding the Treaty Principles Bill. The 21-day suspension is excessive in an institution that is a product of colonisation and which has breached the Treaty of Waitangi many times. It mirrors the lengthy history of disproportionate punishment Māori have endured that has entrenched inequity and institutionalised racism. There is a lengthy list of government MPs whose behaviour has been appalling but the only consequences have been a slap on the wrist with a wet bus ticket. The punching down will continue with the Regulatory Standards Bill. This is a dangerous piece of legislation that I hope millions of us will oppose by sending in submissions. The government appears to want Aotearoa New Zealand to be an oligarchy so those annoying bottom-feeders won't get in the way of enriching their wealthy mates. Lou Scott Dunedin Think of the future I see Radio NZ has picked up on climate change scientists accusing the government of ''ignoring scientific evidence''. This is a worry as Kiwis need to invest in the future, not a dead-end delusion. The $15 million upgrade for Milford Sound Fiordland is a case in point, but then the money is easily and most likely to be absorbed in lawyers and consultants before any improvements can be built. It is a shame that this government could not take the job of governing well as seriously as punitive punishment for people they deem unworthy. When you have the privilege of power you should try to do a good job navigating the world's potential hazards. Please don't just give up on the right direction. Aaron Nicholson Manapouri Power supply going right down to the wire I have been following the growth projections and associated infrastructure issues in the Wakatipu basin with respect to the power supply. The only power supply to Queenstown is supplied from the national grid at Cromwell to Frankton, Queenstown. The supply consists of two 110kV lines sharing single towers along the route. Every time I travel through the Nevis Bluff I look with some trepidation at the towers located above this bluff prone to failure. In engineering we design critical infrastructure with a factor of N-1. This is a security rating, i.e. if N = 2 and if you lose 1, there is still 1 remaining. This is true for the individual lines but not the tower line. 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Yes, isn't it great Southland has businessmen and women with foresight who can also provide employment for many of its residents and can get on with a job? Perhaps we have a more enabling council. But one has to remember that every truckload of waste from outside of the province that comes into our landfill is one less of ours in the long term. But I am sure our enterprising businessmen/women have this all factored into their equations because a 200-year timeframe can suddenly whittle away. Dunedin ratepayers and residents really need to start asking questions of their representatives and getting them to challenge/ask pertinent questions of council staff because having an item of the table or being bandied about for 32 years is rather a long time. Yes, I know, good things take time - like whisky and cheese - but in this timeframe one could have, potentially, had a child and become a grandparent or planted a forest (pine) and harvested it and had another almost ready for its first pruning. So, as a child of an ex-ratepaying Dunedinite with family still in your fair city, how much has this exercise cost the council thus far? What is there to show for the money spent? People need straight answers. In these times ,Dunedin ratepayers and residents need must haves, not nice to haves. Yes, Cr Vandervis may think I am parochial with his attempted deflective remark regarding rugby and I would just like to remind him we do have the NPC series coming up where some more of our best can shine. Jacqui Legg Winton Address Letters to the Editor to: Otago Daily Times, PO Box 517, 52-56 Lower Stuart St, Dunedin. Email: editor@
Scoop
05-06-2025
- Scoop
Nelson City Council Adopts Annual Plan 2025/26, Confirming 6.5% Rates Increase
Nelson City Council has formally adopted its Annual Plan 2025/26, retaining the forecast average rates increase of 6.5%. The Annual Plan was adopted by Elected Members in a Council meeting on 5 June 2025, confirming it will proceed without significant changes from what was consulted on as part of Year Two of the Long Term Plan 2024-34. Nelson Mayor Nick Smith says the Annual Plan strikes a deliberate balance between financial prudence and investment in the city's long-term prosperity. 'This Annual Plan is about maintaining the services and infrastructure that underpin our lifestyle while facing up to the financial squeeze that's affecting households, businesses, and councils alike. 'Cost pressures have been considerable, with electricity costs up 20% and a new government water levy adding $290,000 a year. We've had to make difficult choices to stay on track, but we've delivered a 6.5% rates increase that is among the lowest of New Zealand's 78 councils.' In the Annual Plan, Council has also agreed to reduce the proportion of commercial rates from 22.6% to 22.3%. Project timing and budgets have been adjusted to manage inflation and revenue impacts. These include deferring the $2.6 million Civic House roof and ceiling tile upgrades to 2026/27, and postponement of the $1.3 million joint cemetery capacity purchase to 2027/28. Council has also re-phased funding to respond to storm recovery needs and upgrade the city's infrastructure to enable new development. This includes $778,549 in 2025/26 for the Haven/St Vincent culvert renewal, with additional funding carried forward from previous budgets, as well as $1.65 million for stormwater improvements on York Terrace and $773,000 for resilience works on Cleveland Terrace. In support of the local economy, Council has approved a $40,000 grant to the Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce to continue business mentoring services following the closure of Business Assist. Mayor Nick says the Plan highlights a shift in Council's priorities from storm recovery and repairs, to plans that advance revitalising the city. 'Over the past two years, our focus has been on recovery from the August 2022 storm — the most severe natural disaster in Nelson in over 50 years. With much of that repair work now well advanced, our attention is turning to city revitalisation. This includes projects like Bridge to Better, the new bus hub at Millers Acre, a new playspace at Rutherford Park, the Marina Promenade, and the launch of a new Arts Development Agency. 'These projects are more than just infrastructure — they are about preparing Nelson for the next generation, attracting investment, strengthening our links with the sea, and enriching community life.' The final Annual Plan 2025/26 will be published online and made available at Council's Customer Service Centre and local libraries from 1 July 2025.
