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Attention NZ Streamers! As inflation takes its toll, major streaming services in NZ are increasing their prices.
Sitting back and watching your favourite movies will likely cost more money. So check them out! But don't worry, we've got tips to help you save without missing out on your… View moreAttention NZ Streamers! As inflation takes its toll, major streaming services in NZ are increasing their prices.
Sitting back and watching your favourite movies will likely cost more money. So check them out! But don't worry, we've got tips to help you save without missing out on your favourite shows! Stay tuned!
Canadian clinical neuroscientist and researcher Professor Vladimir Hachinski has been announced the winner of the 2024 Ryman Prize - an annual $250,000 grant for the world’s best discovery, development, advancement or achievement that enhances the quality of life for older people.
The prize … View moreCanadian clinical neuroscientist and researcher Professor Vladimir Hachinski has been announced the winner of the 2024 Ryman Prize - an annual $250,000 grant for the world’s best discovery, development, advancement or achievement that enhances the quality of life for older people.
The prize was presented by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at a ceremony at Logan Campbell Village in Auckland today, celebrating the major contribution Professor Hachinski has made to the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and the links between ‘the terrible three’ - stroke, dementia and coronary heart disease.
Click read more for the full article.
Why adopt from SPCA? Because all our animals come desexed, microchipped, vaccinated, health checked, and prepared for their life as a pet by our staff and foster families.
With expert advice, 3 months free pet insurance, and Purina discount vouchers included, our adoptions are not only … View moreWhy adopt from SPCA? Because all our animals come desexed, microchipped, vaccinated, health checked, and prepared for their life as a pet by our staff and foster families.
With expert advice, 3 months free pet insurance, and Purina discount vouchers included, our adoptions are not only affordable but also provide everything your new friend needs to thrive. And between 13-28 April only, our adoption fees are 25% off!
Visit one of our Centres on our National Adoption Open Day on Saturday, 13 April, or apply online to arrange a private meet-and-greet. Help us Clear the Shelters these school holidays!
Get the best protection you can before winter. The flu vaccine is free if you’re over 65. It’s also free for pregnant people and for many others with certain underlying health conditions, including diabetes, heart and lung diseases, and mental health conditions.
To book your flu vaccine … View moreGet the best protection you can before winter. The flu vaccine is free if you’re over 65. It’s also free for pregnant people and for many others with certain underlying health conditions, including diabetes, heart and lung diseases, and mental health conditions.
To book your flu vaccine contact your doctor, pharmacy or healthcare provider, or visit
On occasion KCDC send me emails about their LTP (Long Term Plan) asking for my feedback. I'm not sure why I keep sending in these responses, maybe one day I hope it may make a difference, but so far all I get back is the council's opinion on what they thought they should do, and … View moreOn occasion KCDC send me emails about their LTP (Long Term Plan) asking for my feedback. I'm not sure why I keep sending in these responses, maybe one day I hope it may make a difference, but so far all I get back is the council's opinion on what they thought they should do, and therefore what they will do.
One day I hope we will have councillors who will have the balls to put a stop to spending and starting living within our means.
I don't want to blame the current council members, as they have essentially inherited a $185 million debt from previous council spending. *This number is from www.kapiticoast.govt.nz...
However, the problem remains, we have a debt of $185 million. Perhaps $110m of this debt is due to previous spending on water supply, wastewater management and stormwater management. I was unable to find any indication of how the council is planning to reduce this debt. Is there anybody who is willing to stand up and ask "Why aren't we looking for options to pay this off?"
What if we could pay off $25 million each year for the next 5 years?
There are multiple options we could consider:
a) Raise rates 25% (for a 5 year period) This would provide an additional $25 million but you would have lots of unhappy customers.
b) Raise rates 5% (forever) and continue to pay off this debt at a very slow rate.
c) Cut back on all non-essential capital expenditure (for a 5 year period) This would provide the additional $25 million. No additional increase to rates!
d) Cut back on all non-essential council services (for a 5 year period) I couldn't find any figures for how much we could save, perhaps somebody else can comment on this. I'm sure it would be a significant amount.
e) A mix of cutting back on non-essential services, and a smaller rates increase, although the rates increase provides a relatively small amount, so it may not be worth it.
What are the essential services of council?
a) Water supply
b) Wastewater
c) Storm water
d) Road maintenance (repairing damaged roads only)
e) Rubbish removal (I consider this to be an essential service, however it is currently funded by home owners separately)
f) Services like licensing and building approvals are operated by the council, however these are generally all self-funding.
Everything else is therefore non-essential.
Perhaps non-essential services might include these capital expenses:
a) The transport hub and link road ($6.8m)
b) Seawall replacement ($3.2m)
c) Mahara gallery and Waikanae library ($5m)
d) Kapiti Gateway ($3.1m)
e) Parks and open spaces ($4m)
f) There is currently $74m budgeted for operating expenses, but there is no breakdown of this amount, so it is hard to say how much could be saved by closing the swimming pools, libraries, galleries, and other non-essential services.
At the very least we could save $22.1m per year, probably a lot more.
Swimming pools, libraries, galleries, parks, housing and new roads are lovely, but we can live without them. Certainly if we knew it was only for a period of 5 years. In some cases the swimming pools, libraries, galleries and parks could operate a self-funding model, where they raise their own funding to cover their salaries through user-charges, advertising or sponsorship.
In summary, I'm sorry I don't support either of the council's proposed options. I do support cutting all non-essential services for a number of years in order to reduce debt.
Neighbourly people - please be kind. I love using our parks and cycle ways. I visit the library and swimming pool on occasion. The parks and open spaces and fruit trees provided by the council are awesome. However, if we can significantly reduce our debt (and that debt belongs to every rate payer on the Kapiti Coast) then I would vote in favour of cutting non-essential spending and non-essential services in order to do so.
Don’t miss out! For only $15 a ticket, you could be in to win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home located in stunning Taupō, worth just over $1 million.
Featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms and an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area, this home is waiting to be loved by its … View moreDon’t miss out! For only $15 a ticket, you could be in to win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home located in stunning Taupō, worth just over $1 million.
Featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms and an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area, this home is waiting to be loved by its new owner.
Make this property your permanent residence, a holiday home, a rental, or you can simply sell it! Get your tickets today at heartlottery.org.nz.
MEADOWCROFT GARDENS 722 Otaki Gorge Road Hautere TODAY - 6th APRIL from 7.30pm
Enjoy a night stroll among the lights in the parklike setting of Meadowcroft Gardens, amidst the lights.
Very popular with daylight tours, the garden is usually only opened at night to friends and family. Discreet … View moreMEADOWCROFT GARDENS 722 Otaki Gorge Road Hautere TODAY - 6th APRIL from 7.30pm
Enjoy a night stroll among the lights in the parklike setting of Meadowcroft Gardens, amidst the lights.
Very popular with daylight tours, the garden is usually only opened at night to friends and family. Discreet lighting brings the garden alive after dark and provides a rare opportunity to see another side of this unique garden.
Proceeds will help to fund the Earthquake Strengthening of Te Horo Hall.
The garden will be open between 7:30 - 10pm. $15pp and $5 for children (Cash only please). Raffle tickets will also be on sale - 1st prize is $1000 of groceries generously donated by NW Otaki.
Due to water features and reduced lighting this garden walk is not suitable for young children. Off road parking will be available.
**an opportunity not to be missed in this special garden **
BIG THANKYOU and CONGRATULATIONS to Neil and Avis for making their garden available to all.
Electric wheelchair for sale Airwheel H3PS Auto-folding electric wheelchair with remote control. The Only Light Weight Electric Wheelchair on the Market. 19.5kg net weight. Airwheel H3PS electric automatic folding wheelchair’s more compact in size than traditional wheelchairs and fits virtually … View moreElectric wheelchair for sale Airwheel H3PS Auto-folding electric wheelchair with remote control. The Only Light Weight Electric Wheelchair on the Market. 19.5kg net weight. Airwheel H3PS electric automatic folding wheelchair’s more compact in size than traditional wheelchairs and fits virtually anywhere. More importantly, it requires almost no maintenance and can be easily serviced. For its lightweight, it is also extremely durable, providing weight support to passengers of up to 120kg. The highlight is the automatic folding system, with one button to realize folding and unfolding it.
We have had this wheelchair for just over a year, only used a few times. As new. Cost $2500 selling for $2000
Theres a lot on in TE HORO this week! Something for everyone!
Ø THURS 4th - QUIZ Night at Te Horo Hall
Ø FRID 5th - Nighttime GARDEN WALK amongst amazing lighting!
Ø SAT 6TH - 2nd Nighttime GARDEN WALK with amazing lighting!
Ø SUN 7th - FARMLAND WALK No. 2.
For details and to book go … View moreTheres a lot on in TE HORO this week! Something for everyone!
Ø THURS 4th - QUIZ Night at Te Horo Hall
Ø FRID 5th - Nighttime GARDEN WALK amongst amazing lighting!
Ø SAT 6TH - 2nd Nighttime GARDEN WALK with amazing lighting!
Ø SUN 7th - FARMLAND WALK No. 2.
For details and to book go to www.tehorohall.org.nz.......
All events are to raise money for the SEISMIC STREGTHENING of TE HORO HALL. Thanks so much for your support.
Theres a lot on in TE HORO this week! Something for everyone!
Ø THURS 4th - QUIZ Night at Te Horo Hall
Ø FRID 5th - Nighttime GARDEN WALK amongst amazing lighting!
Ø SAT 6TH - 2nd Nighttime GARDEN WALK with amazing lighting!
Ø SUN 7th - FARMLAND WALK No. 2.
For details and to book go … View moreTheres a lot on in TE HORO this week! Something for everyone!
Ø THURS 4th - QUIZ Night at Te Horo Hall
Ø FRID 5th - Nighttime GARDEN WALK amongst amazing lighting!
Ø SAT 6TH - 2nd Nighttime GARDEN WALK with amazing lighting!
Ø SUN 7th - FARMLAND WALK No. 2.
For details and to book go to www.tehorohall.org.nz....
All events are to raise money for the SEISMIC STREGTHENING of TE HORO HALL. Thanks so much for your support.
The date of the next Day meeting. It will be next week on Wednesday 10 April and not the 24th as previously stated in the flyer that was posted in here earlier.
The topic is "I Have No Time To Do Research"
Time: 10.00 a.m - Noon
Venue: Dr Gertrude Atmore Supper Room, Memorial Hall, … View moreThe date of the next Day meeting. It will be next week on Wednesday 10 April and not the 24th as previously stated in the flyer that was posted in here earlier.
The topic is "I Have No Time To Do Research"
Time: 10.00 a.m - Noon
Venue: Dr Gertrude Atmore Supper Room, Memorial Hall, Main St, Otaki.
Koha appreciated for the daytime meeting.
Tender
Marketed by Kevin Carian
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