North Canterbury News: August 10, 2023

What’s happening in your
community…
Council Launches New Look Website
Waimakariri District Council has unveiled its new
look website which has been designed to enhance
user experience.
The Council’s Communication and Engagement
Manager, Alistair Gray, says, “We’ve upgraded our
website template and used this as an opportunity
to give our digital front counter afresh, new look.
“Every year the Council website receives over
400,000 visits, so it’s important that it works well
for residents as they undertake different tasks
throughout the year such as checking opening
hours, applying for consents or licences, searching
information, payingfor services and more.
“Straight away people will notice the new look of the
home page –it’s cleaner and more streamlined –
and the site architecture has been designed based
on resident feedback. We’ve also kept the most
popular links at the top of the home page and
ensured the search functionality is available
throughout the site.”
The Council website was last updated in 2015 and
the redevelopment has been undertaken within the
existing budget. So, what’s new?
• A new, fresh look and feel
• It’s been designed with the user in mind and
meets accessibility guidelines
• The menu navigation is simpler and it’s easier for
residents to find what they’re looking for
• Search is enhanced and predictive
• Over time we’ll be adding more content and
taking on board customer feedback toimprove
the website even more.
“The website is akey customer portal for the
Council and our aim is to make it as simple and
effective for people tofind what they’re looking for.
“These changes are part of an ongoing series of
upgrades planned over the coming year to improve
the digital experience for residents while they’re
doing business with the Council.”
First Rates Instalment Due
We’d like to remind you that the first
instalment of rates is due on 20 August and
the last day to claim adiscount for earlier
payment is approaching.
Please note thata10% penalty will be added to anypart of
thefirstinstalment that remainsunpaid aer 27 August.
If youare goingtopaythe total rates to claim thediscount,
pleasedosoalong withany arrears by 27 August.
If youare havingdifficultypayingyour rates, we encourage
youtoget in touchwith us at rates@wmk.govt.nz to talk
through payment options.
Online go to...
waimakariri.govt.nz/services/online-services
(credit card and debit card payments incur a
convenience fee).
Internet banking
Account number: 010877-0129222-00
Use the valuation number on your rates invoice as
reference. If you are paying rates on more than one
property,emaildetails of payment to finance@wmk.govt.nz
In person
Epos and cash payments are welcome at any
Council service centre.
Sign up for email rates delivery
Send amessage to rates@wmk.govt.nz from the
email address you would like your rates delivered to.
Author Talk |Jade Pengelly
Author Jade Pengelly will be joining us to share
thehighs and lows of alifedevoted to saving our
belovedand unconditionalfriends.
Friday18August 2023 •6.30pm
RangioraLibrary
Bookings Essential
waimakaririlibraries.com
Have you signed up for
the Waimakariri District
Council Newsletter?
To join visit:
waimakariri.govt.nz/subscribe
Save your old
batteries…
Drop your used household
batteries at the battery
recycling station atyour
local transfer station.
—
Find out more recycling tips
at rethinkrubbish.co.nz
About Significance
and Engagement Policy
We’re reviewing our Significance and Engagement
Policy which outlines for the Council and the
community how wedecide what issues, proposals,
decisions, assets and activities are significant.
We are proposing to add acriteria for significance in
the proposed policy. This introduces anew criteria for
assessing how significant amatter is in relation to the
impact itmay have onclimate change (both adaptation
and mitigation) being substantially negative.
rethinkrubbish.co.nz
Find out more about this proposed change and let us
know what you think at waimakariri.govt.nz/letstalk