NATIONWIDE RATES FREEZE FOR PANDEMIC RESPONSE
Over the last three decades councils have hiked rates at more than three times the level of inflation. We say that, just this once, councils should find efficiencies within their operations rather than just reach even deeper into our pockets.
Mr Goff’s attempts to fool you
While Mr Goff talks about “limiting” rates hikes to 2.5% or (more recently) 3.5% — if you listen very carefully, that’s only “general rates”. It doesn’t included all the extra “targeted” rates he has put onto your rates bill!
The fact is that since the formation of the Super City, rates have gone up more than five percent per year. One year, under Len Brown, they went up 9.9% for the average householder.
And while the politicians claim that money was needed to fund essential infrastructure projects – analysis by the Ratepayers’ Alliance shows that the vast majority of the extra revenue actually went onto growing the Council’s payroll. Of the Council’s twelve and a half thousand staff, three thousand staff are paid more than $100,000 pa. 218 are paid more than $200,000. And unlike everyone else sitting at home, not one of those jobs are on the line.
Now is the time for the Mayor and Councillors to find savings.
Your support adds another voice to force Auckland Council to look inwards and find efficiencies. We say that a genuine effort to cut wasteful spending and reallocate money to core services is needed, before they turn to ratepayers at a time of financial crisis.
www.taxpayers.org.nz...
Unlike central government taxes, rates are totally unconnected to your ability to pay. With so many Aucklanders losing their jobs and livelihoods right now, it is cruel to pile even more burden onto ratepayers. But without your support, Auckland Council will continue to dig deeper into your pocket.
On behalf of the whole team here at the Ratepayers’ Alliance (working remotely!), thank you for your support.
Jo Holmes
Auckland Ratepayers' Alliance
www.taxpayers.org.nz...
Neighbourhood Challenge: Who Can Crack This One? ⛓️💥❔
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Some Choice News!
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!
You are never alone
This year, I was given news that took the wind right out of this solo mum’s stomach: I was diagnosed with two types of curable breast cancer. Even writing those words still feels surreal.
I’ve recently completed five rounds of radiation, and while that chapter has closed, my journey is far from over. I now take daily medication — which, if I’m honest, comes with its own wild rollercoaster of highs and lows — along with monthly injections and six-monthly IV infusions.
All of this while raising two incredible, energetic tween boys who are full of wonder, life, and light. They have been my anchors on the darkest days and my reason to keep putting one foot in front of the other.
I’m sharing this because, in the New Year, I want to create a support group for anyone walking this path — no matter where you are on your journey. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, in treatment, finished treatment, or supporting someone you love.
Let’s build a village.
A place to lean, to cry, to laugh, to talk openly, and to remind each other that none of us have to do this alone.
Because the story doesn’t end when they tell you you’re “in the clear.”
In many ways, it’s just the beginning. 🌻
If this story touches your heart, and you’re on this journey too, feel free to message me. Even a quiet “me too” is enough...
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