May 5 2020
32 Victoria Street DARGAVILLE Kaipara’s Only Regional Newspaper | Kaipara owned and Operated
10,450 Copies DELIVERED FREE throughout the Kaipara
PHONE 09 439 6910
Financial boost for Kaipara recovery u by Paul Campbell
A reduction in planned rates coupled with a $675,000 support package has been approved by the Kaipara District Council to help local businesses, and community groups left struggling because of the Covid-19 lockdown.
Deadline looms for landfill protest
The Fight the Tip movement opposed to a massive landfill …
P3
Drought fear for next summer
Despite some rain early this week, Northland has been tipped …
P5
Students excelling at home
Paparoa School principal Simon Schuster says they have much to celebrate …
P11
Council will be seeking community feedback before formally adopting the package at its next meeting. “We all want our businesses back up and running as soon as possible, so we’re moving quickly to get the funding support in place,” said KDC chief executive Louise Miller. “Businesses provide local employment and are essential to the economy. They also help to return the heart, vibrancy and confidence of the community. “Government departments and funding bodies are in a position to provide greater support, and we are focussed on what we can do to remove barriers to help businesses getting back on their feet. It is a real way to show leadership and support economic recovery. Every bit helps.” Council has also approved a rates increase for 2020/2021 by an average of 3.97%, rescinding a February decision on a proposed rise of 5.49%. Ms Miller said businesses or individuals are already making contact and entering into a payment plan and to have their penalties remitted. KDC’s general manager for sustainable growth and investment, Sue Davidson, says Kaipara has not been as hard hit by the pandemic as some other districts. “Many businesses have continued to operate successfully through lockdown; we are relying on them to pay their rates to continue to fund services in the short term.
570 HD EPS
$17,995
“We will have good assessment criteria in place so we can be confident the public money is wisely spent, but we’re going to keep it simple, so the grants are easily accessible.” The financial package includes support for the hospitality and tourism industry to offset their food, health and alcohol licences. Under the proposal, grants would also be available for commercial and industrial businesses to offset their rates over the next year. Sporting and community groups could also benefit from a grant to offset their rates or leases and interest on loans could also be wiped for community groups. Funding for the initiative would come out of the 2019/2020 budget and would not impact on rates for the 2020/2021 year. “Falling interest rates mean we’ve paid less than anticipated in the middle of last year. We’ve also saved money on some of the infrastructure projects that have been deferred because of Covid-19.” The council is seeking feedback on the proposals to ensure they are targeting the right areas and councillors will review this at their May meeting and decide what the final package will include. The fund options will then be promoted, and applications accepted. Meanwhile, most fees and charges are to be held at current rates, except where costs to the council have increased, to further reduce barriers to
$13,995
INC GST
SAVE $1,000*
SAVE $1,000*
PLUS
PLUS
FREE ROOF
FREE FARM PACK**
PLUS
PLUS
1.99% FINANCE P.A
business and council is also seeking funding for ‘shovel ready projects’ from central government to provide openings for local employment and associated businesses. In addition, the Mayor’s Taskforce has been established to network, advocate, inform, support and work together with others in the district and beyond to lead Kaipara communities. You can find more information at kaipara.govt. nz/taskforce. ¢
C A MOTORCYCLES LTD ROUSE NOW AT: 104 JERVOIS ST, MOTORCYCLES KING ST, HIKURANGI, DARGAVILLE 0310 1WHANGAREI 0114 PH: 09 439 0170 PH: 09 433 8471
500 INC GST
p KDC chief executive, Louise Miller
FARM PACK INCLUDES: FREE ROOF + GLASS SCREEN + WIPER KIT + REAR POLY PANEL + TOW HITCH
*Offer ends 31/7/20 or while stocks last. Offer only available at participating Polaris Dealers. Not valid with any other offer. Excludes Fleet clients. **Farm Pack includes roof valued at $695 INC GST, Glanss Screen valued at $1,045 INC GST, Wiper Kit valued at $595 INC GST, Rear Poly Panel valued at $565 INC GST & Tow Hitch valued at $80 INC GST. +Finance offer is only available on selected models. GST registered customers only. 24-month term contract. 20% Deposit required. Fees and conditions apply (normal lending criteria applies) Finance is provided by Polaris Finance, a program operated De Lage Landen Limited Company No 135515.
1.99% FINANCE P.A *Offer ends 31/7/20 or while stocks last. Offer only available at participating Polaris Dealers. Not valid with any other offer. Excludes Fleet clients. +Finance offer is only available on selected models. GST registered customers only. 24-month term contact. 20% Deposit required. Fees and conditions apply (normal lending criteria applies) Finance is provided by Polaris Finance, a program operated by De Lage Landen Limited Company No 135515.