2 x Articles 2/3/20 - Southland pop, Tauranga assets

[Kiwi Frontline]

SOUTHLAND'S MĀORI POPULATION INCREASES BY 3000

A previously stagnant Māori population is starting to rise again, according to census data.

According to Statistics New Zealand, the number of people who identified with Māori descent in Southland increased by more than 3000 between 2013 and 2018.

In 2006 13,233 people identified as being of Māori descent, in 2013 this was 13,977 and in 2018 it increased to 17,310.....

www.stuff.co.nz/national/119198940/southlands-mori-population-increases-by-3000

[Kiwi Frontline]

TAURANGA GROWTH MAY REQUIRE RATES RISES, MAYOR WARNS

Powell said had rate rises been managed better over the last few years the city would not be in its current position.

He did not rule out rate rises or asset sales, but says they were just two options.

''We have two water plants which are extremely expensive, we have got an airport, there are a range of options we could look at. Personally - and I haven't talked to my colleagues about this, but my personal view is - I am not a fan of selling the family jewels.''


Ngāi Te Rangi is one of three iwi in Tauranga Moana and its chair Charlie Tawhiao said most people had seen the crisis coming as growth has far outstripped the city's ability to afford it.

''What presents as a problem for council presents as a potential opportunity for long-term infrastructure investors like iwi,'' he said.....

www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/410638/tauranga-growth-may-require-rates-rises-mayor-warns