Following consultation with residents, the council has confirmed the 1999/2000 annual plan with the aim of moving ahead while limiting rate increases.

All funds from special dividends and capital repatriation will be allocated to the debt recovery reserve to reduce the council's long-term debt. this reflects the view of 44 per cent of respondents in the april christchurch city scene questionnaire that more should be allocated to debt repayment.
Long-term debt will now be $30 million less in 10 years' time than what was foreshadowed in the draft plan.

The overall increase in christchurch rates is 1.96%. rates for commercial industrial properties will decrease 4.72% on average. rates for residential properties will increase 4.29% on average and rates for rural properties will increase 13.15% on average.

To help avoid late penalty charges, ratepayers are encouraged to pay by direct debit.
Some relief for people struggling to pay can be provided through the rates rebate scheme, rates postponement scheme or the government's accommodation supplement. in extreme cases, relief can be provided by the mayor's welfare fund.

for more information on rates relief options please contact the council's rates team on 941 8423.

A Japanese-style stone courtyard will be one of the attractive new features at Westlake Park in Halswell.
Currently being built by Garden City Rotary, in association with Japanese business interests, the courtyard has a symmetrical layout that focuses on a central point where a sculpture will be located.
Planting around the courtyard will provide shelter and privacy and emphasise the Japanese character of the space.

Westlake is in its sixth year of development and is popular with people who live nearby and with visitors, says Steve Gray, parks projects coordinator for the Council.

A jetty has been built; two islands have been formed in the main lake; sports fields have been created; a carpark and toilets have been built. About 15,000 shrubs and 200 trees have been planted.
There are expansive views across the lake to the north and west from the courtyard and jetty. Sports are played in the park every weekend, wildlife is increasing in number and people windsurf on the lake.

An honorary warden, Ray Patient, does a great job looking after the area, with back-up from Council park rangers.

Honorary wardens for the council were thanked for their valuable service at a function in the Civic Offices on July 28.

It was also an opportunity to meet other wardens and Council staff members whom they often only speak with by telephone.
Ornithologist Andrew Crossland spoke about birdlife on the rivers and constable Dean Stevenson spoke about graffiti problems.

Currently 218 people help the Parks Unit, educating the public about fragile areas where plants are regenerating or birds are nesting, and reporting incidents and damage.
Many of these people are concerned for the environment and wildlife in parks, particularly in river and foreshore areas.

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