623 days ago

Hamilton City Council - more overspending

Irene from Forest Lake

The current council and its elected councillors are deteriorating in their performance. The recent planned $700k debacle to relocate a bus stop in Anglesea St, which fortunately will not be proceeding, the costly Glenview bus stop issue to rectify, and now the proposed rate increase highlight mismanagement. Using the rates' calculator, our personal rates will surge by $517 next year, followed by $484 the subsequent year, and an additional $558 the third year, totalling a staggering $1,559 increase over three years. This burden falls heavily, especially on pensioners, and there's no guarantee that future councils won't impose further hikes.

Therefore, it's appalling to learn that our Mayor plans to attend ANZAC commemorations in Ypres, Belgium, this year. Couldn't a Zoom meeting suffice? This isn't a fact-finding mission to improve fiscal responsibility or address ratepayer concerns. It's an unnecessary expense. Will she travel economy class, or indulge in premium economy or business class comforts? Is she alone, or is there an entourage? It's us, the ratepayers, funding this European trip, while we're being told to reduce our carbon footprint by walking or biking, and roads are becoming increasingly difficult to navigate. If this trip is so imperative, shouldn't she cover the expenses herself?

I deeply regret supporting this council in the last elections. As the next elections approach (believed to be next year). Let's hope for fresh faces around the table and some common-sense.

Submissions for the local plan close on April 21st, and completion is critical. We need to ensure our voices are heard loud and clear. It has never been more crucial!

haveyoursay.hamilton.govt.nz...

More messages from your neighbours
7 days ago

Neighbourhood Challenge: Who Can Crack This One? ⛓️‍💥❔

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

What has a head but no brain?

Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!

Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.

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1 day ago

Poll: Is it ok to regift something that you have been given?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

🎁 Holiday Gift Chat!

Do you ever regift?
What’s your take on asking for a receipt if a gift doesn’t fit?

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Is it ok to regift something that you have been given?
  • 79% Yes! It's better to regift what I don't need
    79% Complete
  • 21% No. It's the thought and effort that matters
    21% Complete
505 votes
29 days ago

Some Choice News!

Kia pai from Sharing the Good Stuff

Many New Zealand gardens aren’t seeing as many monarch butterflies fluttering around their swan plants and flower beds these days — the hungry Asian paper wasp has been taking its toll.

Thanks to people like Alan Baldick, who’s made it his mission to protect the monarch, his neighbours still get to enjoy these beautiful butterflies in their own backyards.

Thinking about planting something to invite more butterflies, bees, and birds into your garden?

Thanks for your mahi, Alan! We hope this brings a smile!

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