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It's been a rough ride for Auckland. As we regroup as a city in 2022, it is time to act responsibly.
Yet Auckland Council will continue to swell into a bloated, cash-sucking, employee-thickened, debt-laden beast.
Under the Goff administration, the rates grab has accelerated at pace. Auckland… View moreIt's been a rough ride for Auckland. As we regroup as a city in 2022, it is time to act responsibly.
Yet Auckland Council will continue to swell into a bloated, cash-sucking, employee-thickened, debt-laden beast.
Under the Goff administration, the rates grab has accelerated at pace. Auckland Council is now harvesting more than $5.3 billion a year from Aucklanders. This is not demonstrating kindness post-lockdown.
This intake increase has been achieved through a combination of general rate increases of over 16 per cent per annum in some suburbs, significantly increased council fees, fuel tax, and the introduction of an extensive number of targeted rates.
These include: Water Quality Targeted Rate, Natural Environment Targeted Rate, Accommodation Providers Targeted Rate, Rodney Local Board Transport Targeted Rate and now a proposed Climate Action Targeted Rate. Then add the planned introduction of a rubbish collection Targeted Rate for central and north Auckland.
My concern is that, while all ratepayers are targeted to pay these taxes, only a few directly benefit from the projects the money delivers.
Auckland Council is sitting on $16 billion of total liabilities, including council's borrowings along with its interest rate hedging, which is an increase in debt of $5 billion under Goff.
Using debt to pay for infrastructure is reasonable - future generations helping to pay for the assets they will benefit from is fair. The problem is, this council is unable to get the books trending back towards the black.
Furthermore, despite all the spending, Auckland still has gridlock; unaffordable housing; empty "ghost buses"; and most roads no better than they were pre-amalgamation.
Auckland has been adversely led into a perpetual state of deficit - debt levels are now $29,611 upon every Auckland household.
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There are now more than 12,000 staff at Auckland Council. Since the Super City was created, the payroll bill has more than doubled and is running just shy of $1 billion a year. One in every four staff members earns more than $100,000 per annum. Middle management overkill. Scandalous.
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Auckland Council's own surveys show council's decision-making ability is not trusted by 80 per cent of Aucklanders. Not a healthy, customer-focused, lean organisation.
A scythe needs to be taken to peel council back to core business. It has taken on too many projects and agendas that are actually the domain of central Government - from climate change, business development, to promoting various social agendas.
The payroll bill requires an immediate 20 per cent reduction. This would be a $190 million reduction in costs, which is the equivalent of saving 12 per cent in future rate increases.
Such a cost-cutting exercise must simultaneously not harm the customer's interactions with council but instead greatly enhance them by driving for customer service excellence - including the removal of red tape, greater public transparency over spending, and an unswerving commitment for delivering core council services.
Mayor Goff is proposing a 6 per cent overall average rates increase for this year. This has to be openly challenged as a broken promise. Last year, he guaranteed Aucklanders' rates would not increase by more than 3.5 per cent, following last year's "one-off 5 per cent emergency" rates increase.
The 6 per cent total rates increase is comprised of both a 3.5 per cent average general rates increase, plus an additional climate change tax which will add another 2.5 per cent average rates increase on to our bills. The proposed rate will be paying for business-as-usual council projects such as electric buses, electric ferries, cycleways, and tree-planting which are already planned for.
As I constantly debate at Town Hall, Aucklanders already pay general rates and a regional fuel tax to deliver these types of projects. The council needs to stop "double-dipping" into ratepayer's pockets. After the traumatic year we've just had, it's simply wrong.
Plus there is already a council budget of $152 million for tackling climate change. Surely this money would be better directed into flood prevention measures in suburbs such as Kumeu and Howick; the building of seawalls; or proactive council planning to alleviate storm-water runoff from all the new housing?
Let's call this new climate tax what it really is - a disguised rates hike designed to fill Auckland Council's financial hole after Covid.
Council must cut operational spending and reprioritise within existing budgets.
I urge you to question your local councillor; the Mayor; share this article; start conversations; and ask questions. This is our city, our economic future and our rates.
To lead our city out of these hard times will require its leadership to demonstrate better financial acumen, and a more caring one.
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www.nzherald.co.nz...
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Ending this year with the New Zealand Wine (Advanced) Micro-credential and a group of 13 enthusiasts tasting a selection leading of New Zealand Wines. We also prepare a menu of classic dishes to help develop a more in-depth understanding of wine and food pairing.
This is what we tasted:
• … View moreEnding this year with the New Zealand Wine (Advanced) Micro-credential and a group of 13 enthusiasts tasting a selection leading of New Zealand Wines. We also prepare a menu of classic dishes to help develop a more in-depth understanding of wine and food pairing.
This is what we tasted:
• Spinach, salmon and cream cheese mille-feuille
• Smoked chicken, brie and cranberry pie
• Pork and chilli kofta, yoghurt sauce
• Beef eye fillet, roasted beetroot and red wine jus
• Raspberry chocolate brownie, whipped cream
Wines tasted -
• Lime Rock, Grüner Veltliner, 2020
• Framingam, Riesling, 2020
• Hans Herzog, Mistral, 2017
• Amisfield, Pinot Noir, 2019
• Heron’s Flight, Sangiovese, 2016
• Loveblock, Sweet Moscato, 2014
We live in unusual times. It all gets a bit much some days. So we're bringing you a much-needed dose of positivity to remind you that there's inspiration, kindness and quirkiness out there too.
Sign up here to get The Antidote delivered to your inbox each day.
Today: … View moreWe live in unusual times. It all gets a bit much some days. So we're bringing you a much-needed dose of positivity to remind you that there's inspiration, kindness and quirkiness out there too.
Sign up here to get The Antidote delivered to your inbox each day.
Today: The story of a husband for sale on Trade Me, a skipper with a digger, kiwi chicks in the skies and many, many beers for Betty White.
hi
does any one have any concrete blocks ,if not being used or in the garden ,if they wanting to get rid of.
thanks
Hi neighbours!
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Hi neighbours,
We live in unusual times. It all gets a bit much some days. So we're bringing you a much-needed dose of positivity to remind you that there's inspiration, kindness and quirkiness out there too.
You can check out today's edition of The Antidote - which features a cute… View moreHi neighbours,
We live in unusual times. It all gets a bit much some days. So we're bringing you a much-needed dose of positivity to remind you that there's inspiration, kindness and quirkiness out there too.
You can check out today's edition of The Antidote - which features a cute puppy, the UK's longest-married couple, and Stewart Island's "savage" New Year's Eve here. If you'd like the Antidote delivered direct to your inbox, sign up here.
Hi all, A spacious 2-bedroom ground floor unit in Sandringham is available to rent from 8th January, 2022. Very handy location, close to all amenities. Freshly painted and new flooring. Rent per week $550. Please message me if interested. Thanks.
Skids holiday program is now open, login to enroll.com to register and book your kids. Lots of fun filled exiting activities for kids to enjoy.
Free, but must be picked up: 2x 2.5 seater sofas.
Two identical sofas available (photos only of one of the pair).
Approx ten years old, textured brown fabric is in good condition but could do with a clean. Wooden frames solid, but webbing under seats on both sofas is worn - some is sagging, … View moreFree, but must be picked up: 2x 2.5 seater sofas.
Two identical sofas available (photos only of one of the pair).
Approx ten years old, textured brown fabric is in good condition but could do with a clean. Wooden frames solid, but webbing under seats on both sofas is worn - some is sagging, some has torn on edges of the wood. Should be repairable. Foam cushions in okay condition. From a pet-free and smoke-free home. (Not child-free - hence the need for a little spot cleaning!)
Buyer must pick up ASAP from Avondale - Himikera Ave. Sofas currently outside (just under a mat) as no longer room for them inside, so the sooner they’re safely away, the better!
Now's a great time to get decorating and Save the GST value (15% off the full retail price) on Resene Premium Paints, Wood Stains, Primers, Sealers, Wallpaper, Decorating Accessories and Cleaning Products!
Plus if you're a Resene DIY Cardholder get an extra 5% off! If you don't … View moreNow's a great time to get decorating and Save the GST value (15% off the full retail price) on Resene Premium Paints, Wood Stains, Primers, Sealers, Wallpaper, Decorating Accessories and Cleaning Products!
Plus if you're a Resene DIY Cardholder get an extra 5% off! If you don't have a card, you can sign up free online, www.resene.co.nz/diycard, or while you are in store.
Offer available at Resene owned ColorShops and participating resellers until 1 February 2022.
Needing a person to mow our lawns please contact Bodha on 021718742 if you are available and have your own equipment
WICKED the Musical flies into Auckland’s SkyCity Theatre in February for a strictly limited season of unmissable musical theatre magic! North Shore Music Theatre are excited to share this ‘swankified’ production with Auckland audiences, with a 40-strong cast of local talent taking you on a … View moreWICKED the Musical flies into Auckland’s SkyCity Theatre in February for a strictly limited season of unmissable musical theatre magic! North Shore Music Theatre are excited to share this ‘swankified’ production with Auckland audiences, with a 40-strong cast of local talent taking you on a bewitching journey back to the magical land of Oz - home of the yellow brick road, munchkins, and the Wicked Witch of the West.
The show is presented by North Shore Music Theatre, who are at the heart of community theatre on the North Shore. The talented team are passionate about providing outstanding entertainment, including substantial high quality productions, performed by local talent. After lockdowns dashed plans to stage the show in 2020, and again in 20201, North Shore Music Theatre are positively charmed to have the chance to bring this world-class production to Auckland, and to be able to provide their community with the opportunity to experience the magic of WICKED.
North Shore Music Theatre presents The Barfoot & Thompson Season of WICKED the Musical
4-26 February, 2022 at SkyCity Theatre,
Cnr Hobson Street & Wellesley Street West, Auckland Central
Shows: 7:30 PM Wednesday - Saturday, as well as 1 PM Saturday & 4 PM Sunday matinées. Tickets: $39 - $79, selling quickly at iticket.co.nz, or call 0508 ITICKET. Learn more about the production at www.wickedauckland.co.nz
hi ,have two lamp shade fittings to give away as have got replacements.
it has all the fittings and plate to attach as well.
one of them takes 5 bulbs and the other takes 4 bulbs
Hi Neighbour,
How well do you know your customers? That might seem like a redundant question but let’s dig a little deeper.
Do you know their age? Their income? The values that resonate with them? Where do they live? Do they have a family? How do they like to spend their spare time?
As … View moreHi Neighbour,
How well do you know your customers? That might seem like a redundant question but let’s dig a little deeper.
Do you know their age? Their income? The values that resonate with them? Where do they live? Do they have a family? How do they like to spend their spare time?
As you answer these questions (and as many others as you can come up with) you’ll start to build clear customer personas that will help you tailor the experience you provide to fit the needs of your customers.
We’ve got a whole series of bite-sized videos on customer personas and customer experience waiting for you over on our website, so if 2022 is the year you take your business to the next level head on over and get started today!
The Team at Digital Boost
Kia ora neighbours, there are no suspicious circumstances in relation to a house fire which killed a man in Avondale, police say.
A police spokesman said police had been liaising with Fire and Emergency New Zealand investigators after the fire on Blockhouse Bay Rd, which happened in the early … View moreKia ora neighbours, there are no suspicious circumstances in relation to a house fire which killed a man in Avondale, police say.
A police spokesman said police had been liaising with Fire and Emergency New Zealand investigators after the fire on Blockhouse Bay Rd, which happened in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
When police arrived, surrounding properties had been evacuated as a precaution and the body of a man was found inside the burning home.
Read the full story at the link below.
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