Community vs Personal Responsibility in NZ politics
I'm German (and the densely populated Germany is MUCH more environmentally aware and active than the sparsely populated NZ - recycling here is atrocious), I have always considered myself as being center left, think that most of the time "the needs of the many surpass the need of the one" (unless the need of the one is extreme), think that cooperation can move mountains and bring a man to the moon, but I do NOT understand the policy decisions in NZ.
First a tax system that is badly skewed to benefit the rich. On the one end people are being taxed from the first dollar they earn (other countries don't tax the minimum amount required to survive), and on the other end there is no capital gains tax (for many rich people money, shares, art, property is the biggest income). I'm happy for the rich to be rich - but how come someone on a low income with a family to support might have to pay more tax than someone who is living off his considerable wealth? Or as a "VIP" once said: "Only poor people pay tax".
Now they want to ditch the garbage tags. Being German I recycle extensively, compost, buy sustainably if I can afford it - so I fill a bin about every 8-10 weeks. Why should I subsidise those who produce a lot of garbage whose removal has to be paid for by the community?
Next they want to introduce a rate for being connected to electricity. Maybe $40 per month - with additional charges for how much you use. Allegedly it would be cheaper - but nobody can tell me why it would be cheaper. And it would completely destroy any incentive for private households to install solar - what's the point if you have to pay $40 for the privilege of being connected anyway? Less solar means more CO2. How does that square with the goal of becoming carbon neutral?
Instead of harnessing personal responsibility and the desire to save money, everything seems to become a buffet for everyone - where nobody wants to be "taken advantage of" so nobody saves and holds back because - lets face it - people tend to get greedy.
These decisions fly in the face of not just fairness, but common sense. You really have to wonder how politicians arrive at them. Only thing I can think of is if they got incentives …
Poll: Should you ask before planting tall shrubs/trees near your property line?
It may be fine now but in a few years trees can block out light or views for neighbours.
Do you think neighbours should ask before they go ahead and plant these?
-
69.3% Yes, always ask
-
29.8% No
-
1% Other - I'll share below!
Ak interiors "Officially Premium"
Kiaora Waitakere families
My name is Keiren and I am the proud owner of AK Interiors. I am posting this message to let everyone we are offering our services through the Neighbourly services for the first time! I have lived in the Greenbay area for 15 years now and I want to share what we have to offer as well as supporting the local schools and businesses that I frequent to in the area as my son attends GBHS and has played his junior rugby at Suburbs and is a local celebrity (so he says)
Through 12 years of operating we have completed projects across the city and as far North as Kaikohe and as far south as Hastings.We specialise in Commercial interiors, Residential interior renovations, Construction, Fencing and Decking. If you or anyone you know need some building projects done, rotting windows repaired, leaky roofs or anything around the home or office for that matter give us a buzz. We are happy to help design, quote, procure and complete your building project. Other sub services we can provide range from Plastering, Painting, Roofing, Plumbing and Electrical.
All services completed by Qualified trade professionals and our work is 100% GUARANTEED
Nga Mihi
Keiren Hetherington
021726444
Let's get social
Tell us what groups you'd like to see in your area...(walking groups, coffee meet-ups, swing dancing, a family tree group - anything at all!)
Or if you are already in a great group, share it here for others to get involved.
Loading…
