Waitaki District Council

A rates rise of between 4.5% and 5.5% has been set as a target by Waitaki District councillors to be considered next week when they make final decisions on the council's 2012-22 long-term plan.

The Waitaki District Council is moving to head off an operating deficit at the end of this financial year after indications of a loss in its quarterly report considered at its meeting yesterday.

Farmers want the Waitaki District Council to be more flexible when it comes to making them install stock underpasses.

"We are looking at a Ferrari when a Toyota will do," is how a Waitaki district councillor describes options costing up to $15 million to upgrade three Oamaru cultural facilities.

Work to replace the Humber St bridge in Oamaru, on one of the main routes to the South Hill, has been delayed by the Waitaki District Council.

A draft strategy for the development of Oamaru Harbour over a nine-year period is nearing completion.

The Waitaki District Council is not planning to take its draft annual plan on the road this year, dropping rates meetings it used to hold around the district.

Thousands of tourists visit Oamaru each year to see its historic buildings.

Mayoral elections in Otago's "heartland" this year have attracted 14 candidates. The Otago Daily Times today continues its series profiling candidates, with Oamaru reporter David Bruce interviewing Ralph Burrell.

Mayoral elections in Otago's "heartland" this year have attracted 14 candidates. The Otago Daily Times today continues its series profiling those candidates, with Oamaru reporter David Bruce putting the questions to Bruce Cawley ...