Ashburton councillors are considering seeking community input on the draft annual plan, proposing a 7.3% rate increase instead of the initially forecasted 10.1%. The plan includes a $135 rate rise for an $870,000 home and a $759 increase for a $9.3m farm, with a focus on core services, such as water and road projects. The council plans to collect $57.6m in rates for 2025/26, utilize $4m from reserves, and borrow for major projects, aiming to address financial challenges and deliver essential services while lobbying for improved subsidies from the Government.
Full Article
Police cordon off street in Ponsonby, workers told ‘not to touch anything’
A homicide investigation is underway after a body was found in Freemans Bay, Auckland, around 10pm on Renall St. Police have a suspect in custody and are not seeking anyone else, while a scene examination continues and an increased police presence is noted in the area. Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: A person was found dead in a house in Auckland, and the police are trying to find out what happened. Want More...
Read more