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: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.
This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.
Do you think this ban is reasonable?
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77.1% Yes
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22% No
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0.9% Other - I'll share below
BLOCKHOUSE BAY MARKET
COME AND SUPPORT LOCAL PEOPLE, NZ MADE OR FIND A BARGAIN! PARKING AVAILABLE OPPOSITE COMMUNITY CENTRE AT THE MEDICAL CENTRE OR BEHIND COMMUNITY CENTRE ITSELF! THIS IS A LONG RUNNING MARKET THAT IS ON RAIN OR SHINE! WE LOOK FOWARD TO SEEING YOU THERE
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
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