Newsline 14 August 2025
Rates Rebate Scheme – Open
If you own your home and are on a low income, you may be eligible for a rates rebate for the 2025/26 rating year.
For the period 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026, the Government may contribute up to $805 towards your rates bill, depending on a number of factors.
Creative Communities Scheme Funding Open
Council invites applications for financial assistance from the Creative Communities Scheme. Clubs, groups, organisations and individuals can apply for the grants, which are funded by Creative NZ. To be eligible, your creative arts project must take place within the Waimate District, and it must be completed within a year of the funding being approved.
Mud a Hazard on Rural Roads
Winter is a challenging time for farmers with feeding out and moving stock being essential parts of daily operations. We appreciate our farming community and the cooperation shown when contacted about road conditions.
However, we have seen some particularly muddy roads this winter and want to avoid this in the future.
The Vandalism Must Stop
A recent spate of deliberate damage to public property is concerning. Council’s budgets are already stretched and there is little in reserve to fix up wilful damage. It is disappointing and unfair that the reckless acts of a few deprives the rest of the community of hard-earned money, much-needed enjoyment and a sense of safety.
Re-opening Emergency Alerts
After the recent tsunami advisory emergency alerts, some phone users reported that the alert vanished after they had seen it. It’s important to know that, while the alert doesn’t stay in your text message list, you can always find the message again if you need to check the details.
