CHRISTCHURCH CITY RATE INCREASES

John from Woolston

Having read the responses to the original post I note that not one person put their hand up to say they will stand at the next election and do a better job than the incumbents even though they criticize the present mayor and councilors. I am a harsh critic of council and don't agree with much of what they do or how they do it, but the reality is they are governed by rules, regulations and laws which often makes decision making painfully slow. Our world is being strangled by consultants and RED TAPE.
While nobody likes rate increases, the reality is most of us want and expect more and more from our councils, if we don't want a rugby stadium with a roof, others will want one for concerts and on and on it goes.

Christchurch rates are lower than many other towns and cities even though we have had far greater adversity than anyone else.
Many object to contributing to the Cathedral rebuild, but the amount they are being asked to pay is pittance, about $65 over 10 years.
My largest objection is the cycle-ways and I am certain the majority agree. The amount being spent on them and walkways is just totally ridiculous.

Council have to consult and advertise the projects they intend to carry out, but in most cases the information is so scant it is a waste of time as a lay person is unable to decipher or understand, whereas I am sure if the information was made easily available and understandable in full detailed drawings many projects wouldn't be acceptable to ratepayers.
I am sure the council would get so much more "buy in" if they detailed projects with clear drawings and descriptions and also if they put up alternative ways of doing things with cost comparisons. It is the manner which council does things in "over the top" "Rolls Royce" approaches that really gets "the backs up" of ratepayers. Another revamp of Cathedral square is a prime example.
Council also needs to take a "deep breath" and question their motive and continuance to run loss making events such as The Buskers Festival etc etc - even the "free" Concerts in the Park cost us the ratepayers a lot of money.

Many residents want more and more (additional rates) - whereas many more of us "thinking" ratepayers are wanting less and less (stable rates).