Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Local Govt | National News Video | Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Search

 

Council Mindful Of COVID-19 Impact When Adopting Annual Plan

Hastings District Council has adopted the 2020/2021 annual plan, maintaining its commitment to a rates revenue increase of 1.9 per cent as projected in its draft plan.

In May this year, council voted to consult with the community on a 1.9 per cent increase in budgeted rate revenue, a reduction from the Long Term Plan forecast increase of 4.4 per cent.

Following that consultation, 43 submissions were received on a wide range of issues and there were also requests for funding beyond what had already been identified in the draft plan.

In considering these requests, councillors were mindful of not adding to the economic impact of COVID-19 on ratepayers and keeping to a reduced average rates revenue increase.

Requests that were able to be approved within the existing budget included funding towards traffic safety improvements in Willowpark Road, and a feasibility study for a Community Hub, as part of the Mayfair Community Plan.

There was also support for Chinese language week, for various improvements in Keirunga Gardens, for planning for future improvements in the Waimarama Domain, and an upgrade of the hot water system at Guthrie Park changing rooms.

Strategy and policy committee chairperson councillor Bayden Barber said that in order to maintain the 1.9 per cent rate increase Council either pushed funding requests back in the Long Term Plan or encouraged seeking external funding sources.

“Council made a commitment to the people of Hastings and this was top of mind when considering annual plan funding requests. We were happy we could honour this commitment.”

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

Being able to keep the average rates increase low when many people were struggling with the economic impact of COVID-19 was a great outcome, said Hastings mayor Sandra Hazlehurst.

“As well as budgeting for all the things we normally do like roads, water and sewage systems, and footpaths, we have been able to put money towards projects that will make very real differences to our people.

“They are projects that are important to our residents; their enjoyment of their district and their future.”

 

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines



Gordon Campbell: On Dune 2, And Images Of Islam


Depictions of Islam in Western popular culture have rarely been positive, even before 9/11. Five years on from the mosque shootings, this is one of the cultural headwinds that the Muslim community has to battle against. Whatever messages of tolerance and inclusion are offered in daylight, much of our culture tends to be hostile to Islam when we’re sitting in the dark, with popcorn.
Any number of movie examples come to mind, beginning with Rudolf Valentino’s role (over a century ago) as the romantic Arab hero in The Sheik...
More


 
 


Government: One-stop Shop Major Projects On The Fast Track

The Coalition Government’s new one-stop-shop fast track consenting regime for regional and national projects of significance will cut red tape and make it easier for New Zealand to build the infrastructure and major projects needed to get the country moving again... More

ALSO:


Government: GPS 2024: Over $20 Billion To Get Transport Back On Track
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has released the draft Government Policy Statement (GPS) on Land Transport, outlining the Coalition Government’s plan to build and maintain a transport system that enables people to get to where they need to go quickly and safely... More

ALSO:

Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.