Proposed Auckland Council Rates Increase
Auckland Council Mayor Phil Goff is proposing rates increase (2.5% - 3.5%). It is unbelievable for a mayor who can propose such a ridiculous idea amidst a pandemic which will most likely cause a global economic slowdown. New Zealand will not escape from the hit as part of the international economy. Auckland, the largest city of NZ, will be adversely impacted by the slowdown as well. Even the central government has provided financial assistance to those suffering from the hardship in the lockdown period, I wonder why the Auckland Council could proceed the rate rise in this unprecedented difficult time. Not even considering to help out local residents to go through this difficult time, our Council is trying to add financial burden to the local residents.
In the 4 weeks lockdown, all infrastructure construction activities have ceased. Mr Goff also said that Auckland Council was already shedding contracts and temporary staff. It is reasonably estimated that Auckland Council would spend much less in the current financial year. Based on this estimate, it has absolutely no reason to raise the rates. On the opposite, Auckland Council should decrease the rates in this financial year to help the property owners to weather through the anticipated economic slowdown.
I have emailed my request to the Councillors of Howick Ward, Sharon Stewart and Paul Young, but got no response (so disappointed without even receiving an acknowledgement as a matter of courtesy).
As the rate increase will affect all residents in Auckland, no matter you are property owners or tenants, I hope you could voice out your views on this issue by emailing to the elected representatives of your ward who have promised to act on our interest in the last election.
Poll: Do you set New Year’s resolutions?
🎉 2026 is almost here!
We’re curious ... how do you welcome it?
Do you set resolutions, follow special traditions, or just go with the flow?
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10.2% Yes! New Year, New Me
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20.3% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
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69.5% Nah - not for me
Witnesses sought in relation to mass disorder on K-Road Auckland
Police are appealing to the public for any footage they may have of the mass disorder that occurred on Karangahape Road in Auckland in the early hours of Sunday 28 December.
Emergency services were called to the disorder around 3.41am where it is estimated around over 50 people were present.
A Police investigation is underway after there were three serious assaults on and around Karangahape Road during the mass disorder.
A portal has been set up to allow the public to upload any footage they have of the disorder and the serious assaults.
The portal is https://dahr.nc3.govt.nz/
Police have arrested one person but are asking for help to identify and locate others involved.
• Around 4:15am there was a serious assault outside the Crown Bar on Queen Street.
A 33-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
The offender is still unknown, and the Police file number is 251228/4647.
• Around 4:30am there was another serious assault on a Cobden Steet just off Karangahape Road.
A 27-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
The offender is still unknown, and the Police file number is 251228/4462.
• Around 5am there was third serious assault at the Mobil Service Station on the corner or Karangahape Road and Ponsonby Road.
A 46-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
A 21-year-old man has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
He has been bailed to appear in court again on 16 January 2026.
The Police file number is 251228/4774.
Police would like to speak to anyone who has witnessed or filmed the assaults.
Witnesses can call Police directly on 105.
Please quote one of the above file numbers.
Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD
The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’
If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.
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