January 10 2023
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Firefighters’ fun day
The year in retrospect
The Kaipara Lifestyler welcomes you to 2023 with a retrospective of the stories which made the headlines through 2022. Re-live some of the memorable moments of Kaipara life in this special edition, as we wish you a happy and prosperous new year.
p Maungatūroto’s volunteer firefighters and their families hit the water for a day of fun and challenges as the brigade celebrated the holiday season. The barbecue and raft race capped off a busy year with close to 150 call-outs attended. Trophies were also awarded, with Chief Fire Officer Paddy Thornton taking home the Lloyd Eager Cup for best brigade spirit, and firefighter Greg Holst named firefighter of the year. Want to give back to the community in 2023? The brigade invites you to call them and join up.
Cap set on rates increases
The ‘sport of politics’ at fundraiser Northland political figure Shane Jones will be the guest speaker at January’s meeting of the Mangawhai …
by Andy Bryenton
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A ’lection is loomin’ says Boss
Gidday readas, an’ the Boss an’ his gerflfrend Sharlene say they wanna wish ya a happy 2023 …
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The final meeting of the Kaipara District Council for 2022 ushered in financial tidings for 2023 and beyond, as elected members confirmed lower than projected rates increases, and a cap on future rates rises. During the final year of the Smith administration, keeping rates rises down was a hot topic of discussion around the council table. Staff were instructed to find ways to keep the increase below seven per cent. When reviewing projected rates revenue for the Annual Plan, spanning the current and forthcoming financial years, current councillors were informed that the real figure was crushed down to a much smaller 4.86 per cent. “In my campaign, I pointed out that I was worried about the global financial outlook in the immediate future and the
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effects on the cost of living. If we, as a council, can protect ratepayers during these times by keeping rates affordable, we will,” said Mayor Craig Jepson. There were concerns aired during that initial debate in 2022 that savings made now may just be deferred, meaning that large rates hikes would manifest for 2023 and 2024. Figures as high as double digits were tabled as a worst-case scenario. However, the Jepson administration council has voted for a rates-rise cap of no more than five per cent, for the financial year spanning that period.
The Long Term Plan budgeted for a 7.13 per cent increase in rates revenue, delivering $39,734,000. It has been revised to a reduced $38,899,000. For the next financial year, beginning mid2023, the council is projected to take approximately $41 million in rates, with that five per cent cap in effect to cushion households against cost-ofliving pressures. It will put the rates-rise cap lower than the projected official cash rate at 5.5 per cent, and much lower than the inflation rate.
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