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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.
Surplus Italian ceramic glazed tiles as pictured.
Grey 200mm x 200mm - approx. 32 boxes each covering 1m2 and 100mm x100mm - approx. 2 boxes.
Yellow 200mm x 200mm - approx.16 boxes and 100mm x 100mm - approx. 15 boxes.
Off white textured 200mm x 200mm - approx. 8 boxes.
Price negotiable.
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.
The dismantling of the Three Waters reforms have lumped an extra 5% to the Kāpiti Coast District Council's proposed rates increases, bringing it to 17%.
Open Now...
Thai Red Fish Curry
Smoked Kahawai
Fishcakes and Fish Pies
Smoked Fish and Dill Dip
Frozen Crumbed Lemonfish Bites
Prolife Foods Limited is recalling specific batches of its Value Pack and Refill Pack products containing peanuts as these products contain levels of aflatoxin above the allowable level. Customers are asked to check the product and date marking on the package. Affected product should not be … View moreProlife Foods Limited is recalling specific batches of its Value Pack and Refill Pack products containing peanuts as these products contain levels of aflatoxin above the allowable level. Customers are asked to check the product and date marking on the package. Affected product should not be consumed.
READ MORE: www.mpi.govt.nz...
Merlin remote found yesterday in Coastlands carpark opposite Farmers. Handed in to Coastlands Help Desk in Mall.
Selling our camper van to downsize. Comes with everything you need for a fun weekend away or longer. Also works well as a sleepout.
Details:
318,xxx km
Current WOF
Rego to 9/1/2025
1,990cc (2.0L)
Petrol
recently had Self-containment certificate renewed and will be valid until the law … View moreSelling our camper van to downsize. Comes with everything you need for a fun weekend away or longer. Also works well as a sleepout.
Details:
318,xxx km
Current WOF
Rego to 9/1/2025
1,990cc (2.0L)
Petrol
recently had Self-containment certificate renewed and will be valid until the law changes in July 2025.
Includes:
Easy pull-out bed frame (fits 2 ppl)
Futon (not shown in picture)
Blanket
Sheet
Pillows
LED battery lights (you can place them where you want and control with remote)
Sink
25L fresh water tank
25L grey water tank
Hand pump faucet
Rooftop window for ventilation Cooler box
2 pull-out boxes for storage
Rare view camera
Aircon
View in Waikanae, Kapiti Coast.
Selling Van after traveling the country. Never had any issues. Runs nicely.
Please note: Radio and navigation is in Japanese so we never figured out how to set it up.
Get in touch if you have any questions.
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.
Please support the Sea Scouts and purchase some yummy croissants!
paraparaumubeachseascoutscroissants.raiseit.co.nz...
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