A local Crissis; NPDC rate demands in Arrears.
As the silence now from the NPDC is deafening, on the question of a rate freeze/reduction, or God help us, a rate rise, i made enquirers to ascertain, as I do most years, how many of the districts 36000 rate payers have fallen behind with their payments. 3 years ago, it was only 8 properties. Last year it was approx. 110. But this year for the end of May, it has increased to a unbelievable , just on, 11000, nearly 1/3rd of the district rate payers. Nothing has been said about this situation in any newspaper that I have seen, not consternation has been mentioned anywhere i have read, from the NPDC. Yet they carry on as if nothing is amiss, Covid-19 is behind us, they appear to believe, so lets all sail onward to some sort of mythical well being! Well the real news for them is that most Business is in acute financial distress, on average, and property owners and business tenants are in a death type struggle to survive, at current costs/rate demands. The NPDC answer was that that average rate INCREASE for next is will be absorbed by increasing commercial property rates, more that residential rates. This is supposed to be a great equalizer, yet most small business is now hanging onto life by their fingernails. I read nothing from the NP Chamber of Commerce on this situation, its all as if we close our eyes, the problem will go away. The solution is so obvious what has to be done? Will it happen? I will try and attach a letter written by our present Mayor a few years back, only for enlightenment!
Poll: Would you want an unconventional funeral?
Funerals can cost as much as $22,000 and the planning can be stressful especially at a time when loved ones are grieving. Some New Zealanders are re-imagining funerals by making their own coffin or having a relaxed ceremony at home. Would you want a less traditional funeral? Share your thoughts below.
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.
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85.8% Yes
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12.5% No
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1.7% Other - I'll share below!
Poll: Which mattress would you rather....?
Time to settle the mattress match-up: Firm or Plush? Which side of the bed beckons you for a cozy night's sleep? Cast your vote and let's find out which mattress reigns supreme! #beds #mattress
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0% Firm
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0% Plush
Celebrating Our Resident Authors On World Book Day
It was World Book Day on the 23rd of April, so what better time to celebrate some of our talented residents who have published books.
They range from children’s books, to poems, from non-fiction to a first novel - and all are proof that there is no age limit when it comes to creativity!
Click read more for the full story.
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