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Inside The Sun
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Wednesday March 21, 2012 PH: 5777 868
Blenheim Marlborough
Sun Weather
Today 12-18
Thursday 14-22
Friday 13-23
Saturday 12-21
Outlook for Today Cloudy periods, some rain.
Mussel fest goes green Harvest all go It has been a late start, but the grape harvest in Marlborough is now well underway.
Page 3
World Cup trip Iconic trophy on show at three local schools, much to the delight of the students.
Page 4 Michelle King-Turner and Matt Stuart brought St Patricks Day to the Havelock Mussel Festival on Saturday. Photo by Aynsley Carrick. Story Page 2.
Grape Ride Cyclists flock to take on the Forrest Grape Ride challenge this weekend.
Page 6
Child Cancer Awareness Locals support a very special appeal.
Pages 12 & 13 Everyone gets The Sun Total market coverage in Marlborough
Rates reform hurts
Mayor wants more information from Government By Annabelle Latz If you are going to restrict us on our activities, who picks up the slack? That is Mayor Alistair Sowman’s question to Central Government, regarding the “Better Local Government” reforms plan outlined by Central Government on Monday. He said if Central Government wants to restrict spending from Local Governments, there needs to be clear systems
in place for where all the required spending money will come from for local needs. Alistair was in Wellington yesterday afternoon, meeting with Local Government Minister Nick Smith, discussing the reforms plan. “The interesting part is to hear from Nick Smith and the areas Local Government shouldn’t be involved in. It’s difficult to comment on the new reform
because we haven’t been told much yet.” The aim behind this reform is to curb Local Government spending, and help the rate payer. Nationwide, rates have risen 7% a year since 2002. The reforms plan, due to come into effect in September, includes eight specific areas where changes would be made. Continued Page 3.
Mayor Sowman
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