The Star: July 07, 2016

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20 Thursday July 7 2016 follow us on facebook.com/riseupchristchurch The Star News Landlords could face tax Abortion rates • By Shelley Robinson LANDLORDS OF derelict sites, which fall into disrepair after becoming makeshift shelters for the homeless, could be targeted with a new tax. At last week’s Development Forum, it recommended that city council staff should investigate a derelict site tax, after city councillor Jamie Gough said it was time it had tools at its disposal to force landlords to clean up their acts. It comes after the city council was left “relatively powerless” to deal with the Hotel All Seasons in Merivale last year, said Cr Gough. Squatters had moved into the building, which is owned by Pandey Hotel Corporation, causing it to become both a health hazard and a danger to the homeless frequenting it, he said. “There was so little we could do – we could write them (the landlords) a letter. We don’t have much in the tool kit,” he said. Since controversy surrounding the site, Cr Gough said Pandey hired a gardener and a caretaker. Other examples were Antonio Hall on Riccarton Rd and the former saleyards, he said. Cr Gough said a derelict site IN DISREPAIR: Antonio Hall on Riccarton Rd, is one example that could incur a derelict site tax, or a helping hand from the city council if a initiative by Cr Jamie Gough gets the go ahead. policy could also have “incentives,” which could include rates remissions for bringing buildings up to an acceptable standard. “It is fair we bring out the stick to landlords who have their property in a derelict state. But we also need to try and remove the barriers for people not taking action,” he said. The idea, still in its infancy, could see the proceeds of the tax given to those who predominately inhabit abandoned buildings in the city – the homeless. Another option is for the money to be used to beautify empty sites, said Cr Gough. up in over 30s • By Siobhan Watson MORE WOMEN over 30 may be having abortions in Canterbury because they do not qualify for subsidised contraceptives. Statistics New Zealand published a table showing abortions for women aged 30 to 40 years and over has increased 7.3 per cent from 2014 to 2015. Christchurch Family Planning national medical adviser Dr Christine Roke said one of the reasons why this may be happening is because women over 30 do not have opportunities for the subsidies that women under 30 receive. She said that long-acting contraceptives are more expensive than the pill or condoms, which means that women over 30 may not be able to afford them. ‘’If you go to a GP and your not subsidised then it can cost about $100 to get long-acting contraceptive.’’ These long-acting contraceptives are more effective at preventing pregnancy than other forms of contraceptives, and she said this may partly be the reason why the number of abortions for women over 30 has increased. Another reason for women over 30 having more abortions than women under 30 is because of abnormalities in the fetus. ‘’A small proportion of abortions are due to abnormalities and deformities in babies and these issues are more common in older people. “This may partly reflect the statistics,” Dr Roke said. She also said there had been an increase in Christchurch’s population which may also inflate statistics. She said although there had been an increase in abortions for those aged over 30, there had also been a decrease in abortions overall. The overall abortion rate has fallen by 38 per cent since 2008. ‘’I think it’s great the abortion ratio is going down, considering the fact the Christchurch population has gotten bigger.’’ PAPANUI LYTTELTON BURNSIDE LINCOLN BRIGHTON SUMNER LINWOOD MERIVALE PARLANDS Crofton Coffee Table $379 Irish Coast Hutch Dresser $1489 PU Queen Slat Bed $239 Donvale Corner Lounge Suite $1999 Mattress sold separately We haven’t had any Uzbekhistani customers yet But we do have customers from all over Christchurch Driftwood Entertainment Unit $639 Unique Glass Coffee Table $179 Captians Bed & Trundler $619 D-Bodhi Teak Table & Barista Chairs Table Chairs $799 $ 179 Black or white Mattress sold separately Duke Occasional Chair $479 Alex Bookcases FroM $329 Tamworth Entertainment Unit $439 Driftwood Dining suite $1450 Powered Lift Chair $669 Copper End Tables FroM $69 Nordic 3 Door Buffet $599 Check our huge range on Torino Free Standing Mirror $119 Butchers Block Large $699 Nordic Bedroom bedside Torino Bookcase Tallboy $219 $ 679 $299 Birds Wing Backed Chair $749 Irish Coast Writing Desk $439 Burnside BTV73 Entertainment Unit $499 and as far afield as Auckland & Queenstown Well worth a drive to Brighton 140 BRIGHTON MALL Tel. 388 9128 www.trademe.co.nz/bestfurniture Hire Purchase and Layby welcome OPEN 7 DAYS kAIAPOI CASHMERE HORNBY RANGIORA
The Star follow us on facebook.com/riseupchristchurch Thursday July 7 2016 21 Business KiwiSaver statements well read MOST KIWISAVER members are reading their annual statements but less than a quarter have checked to see if they are on track for the kind of retirement they want. Research by investment watchdog the Financial Markets Authority found 79 per cent of members had read their annual statement. Paul Gregory, head of investor capability at the FMA said it had been surprised by the number of people that did read their statements. “This shows there is engagement which is encouraging and was surprising.” However, the research did find a gender and age split on who read annual statements thoroughly. Males over 60 were more likely to read their annual statements thoroughly while females aged 18 to 29 were least likely to. Females aged 18 to 29 were also the ones most likely to say they did not recall receiving a statement at all. For those who didn’t read the statement the biggest barriers were that it was too complicated or they weren’t interested in it. But just 23 per cent had checked to see if their KiwiSaver account was on track. Gregory said the statement should be a launchpad for people to think about whether at they were on track to have the retirement they want. “When this arrives through your letterbox, or in your email, it’s a great opportunity to check in with your goals. And, if you’re not happy, to check in with your KiwiSaver provider.” Of those who checked whether they were on track the most common way to do so was through an online calculator either on their provider’s website or through the sorted website. The research also asked people what extra information in the statement would help people them make better decisions about their retirement. More than 70 per cent said they wanted to see a lump sum figure for how much they would have at 65 and a further 62 per cent would like to see what weekly figure that lump sum would give them. Another 37 per cent said they would like to see fees broken out in a dollar figure. Currently providers do not have to give that information. Gregory said the results of the survey would be used as part of a review of annual statements being worked on by itself, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and the Commission for Financial Capability. KiwiSaver providers have to send out an annual statement every year within three months of the end of the tax year on March 31. The research surveyed 2000 people between May and June of which 1313 people were KiwiSaver members. Of those who were not KiwiSaver members most were over 60 and had an annual income below $50k. BOOK SALE!! HUGE SALE OF PRE-LOVED BOOKS at St Nicholas Church Wedensday 13th July 9.30am-4pm Thursday 14th July 9.30am-4pm Books $2, 6 for $10, Kids Books 4 for $2 St Nicholas Church Barrington Street (opposite Shopping Centre) Eftpos available We design your jewelery unique to your style and personality. We offer a resize and redesign service. Merivale Mall | ChristChurCh Phone. 356 2377 le tour de France SPECIal ½ PRICE It’s time BIKE SERVICE • Clothing, parts & accessories • Bike servicing and repairs • Friendly helpful staff • Layby available • Open 6 days *Offer valid until July 31, 2016, on presentation of this advertisement. SEE uS at ouR nEw loCatIon In SoMERFIEld 03 360 2050 | 93 BaRRIngton StREEt Mon-FRI 8.30-5.30, Sat 9.30-3.30 cycleworkz.co.nz Heat Pump Specials GE35 4kW Heat Pump from only $2,299 GE50 5.8kW Heat Pump from only $2,749 FH50 6.0kW Heat Pump from only $3,499 INCLUDES INSTALLATION. CONDITIONS APPLY. 379-3589 www.snowtemp.co.nz Technology 196 Wordsworth Street, Christchurch Heat Pump Installation/Repairs • Refrigeration Design, Build, Repairs To stop them sweeping it under the carpet. Both EQC and insurers do ‘repairs’ like this and most are only delaying the Limitation Act till September 2017. Act now and let us lift your carpets, assess and advocate for you. Ph: 03 377 8855 | 127 Ferry Road, Christchurch City E: reception@earthquakeservices.co.nz | W: www.earthquakeservices.co.nz NO WIN NO FEE
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The Star: July 07, 2016

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