For most people, the thought of setting up a gym in a struggling town would not even register on their radar. But Asha and Scott Carr are not most people.
Among the hardest hit will be Gorge Road [19 per cent or $387 increase]; Nightcaps [18 per cent or $430 increase]; Stewart Island [18 per cent or $344; Orepuki [17 per cent or $197]; Tuatapere [17 per cent or $431]; Ohai [17 per cent or $387] and Tokanui [17 per cent or $330]. At the other end of the scale, Thornbury faces an average four per cent, or $64 increase, Browns a five per cent increase [$88], and Woodlands a 6 per cent increase [$98]. Ohai resident Asha Carr said she believed the council was tone deaf to propose such high hikes for many people, given some were already struggling financially and with stress due to losing jobs during Covid.