$220k referendum on Māori wards likely as petition achieves numbers
29 Jan, 2021 02:10 AM
4 minutes to read
Concerned Citizens group member Ken Evans has been successful in gathering enough signatures to force a referendum on Māori wards. Photo / File
A petition aimed at overturning a decision to establish a Māori ward in Tauranga has gained the numbers it needs.
A referendum expected to cost ratepayers $220,000 is now expected to be held.
In August, Tauranga City Council voted 6-4 to establish a Māori ward before the next council election in 2022.
The petition sought to collect the support of 5 per cent of the 94,702 people on Tauranga s 2019 electoral roll to force a binding referendum on the issue, with the potential to overturn the council s decision.
Rates rise nearing 30 per cent forecast for Tauranga next year as council prepares for challenging long-term plan
11 Dec, 2020 06:45 PM
6 minutes to read
Mike O Neill, president of the Mount Maunganui Residents, Ratepayers and Retailers Association says rates are becoming unsustainable. Photo / George Novak
Mike O Neill, president of the Mount Maunganui Residents, Ratepayers and Retailers Association says rates are becoming unsustainable. Photo / George Novak
Average rates rises of 18 to 20 per cent next year and totalling 30 to 40 per cent over a three-year period have been forecast for Tauranga. And that s on top of an up to 9.5 increase for the next financial year for the new kerbside rubbish and recycling service - previously approved by the council - and to reverse temporary Covid-driven savings.
Rates rise of 20 per cent forecast for Tauranga next year as council prepares for challenging long-term plan nzherald.co.nz - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from nzherald.co.nz Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.