LOCAL COUNCILS IN THE DEEP END
The plight with deteriorating tap water and sewerage pipes in the Wellington region and the costs passed on in local taxes to ratepayers is a timely situation for local councils to be forced to reconsider what they are suppose to provide their residents.
In Upper Hutt, the council has gone ahead a forked out millions to upgrade its public swimming pool. The council seems bent on doing something similar to its central library.
I would say that rather than do this or even develop an elaborate swimming pool in the first instant, the UH Council should adhere to being providers of the basics to its residents - clean tap water, sewerage disposal, street lighting, pavements, roading and keeping its parks and reserves in order.
Of all these things mentioned as the basics - there is a falling and a failure in Upper Hutt, and this (apart from parks and reserves) is also occurring in Wellington, Porirua and Lower Hutt.
Poll: Does a savoury scone require cheese on top, or folded inside?
Help settle the great kiwi debate ... cheese on top, or folded inside?
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76.4% Inside!
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23.6% On top!
We're taking the bus!
The number of Wellingtonians taking the bus and train rose by 3% last week compared to the same time last year, according to Metlink.
Not surprising given petrol prices at the moment. But if you're considering giving up your car commute for a leisurely bus ride in the mornings, it would be worth it.
It's about to get even easier: In April, e-pay will be launched, meaning you can tap on with your credit cards as well as smart devices.
It's better on the environment too: With most Metlink trains running on electricity, 25% of the bus fleet being EV’s and the Ika Rere electric ferry, Metlink is able to move more people using less fuel than any other transport option.
With fuel costs so high, it's a good idea to jump on board if you can. If you've become a public transport convert recently, how have you found it?
Poll: Tightening the belt at the pump ... How are you pivoting? 🚌🚲🏠
Between the headlines about the Strait of Hormuz and the creeping costs at our local stations, the "fuel crisis" has moved from the news to our wallets.
A recent opinion piece in The Post suggested that Wellington Councils should be shifting our public facilities to renewable energy ASAP to keep our rates from being vulnerable to these global fuel hikes. It’s a big conversation for the city, but what about your daily commute?
We want to know: With fuel prices staying high for the foreseeable future, are you changing how you get around the capital?
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18.8% Yes – I’m a bus/train user
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6.1% Dusting off the bike
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6.1% Working from home
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62.4% Nope, same as always
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6.6% Other (Tell us your strategy in the comments!)
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