1312 days ago

Have your say on rates, rubbish and pensioner housing

Noel Smith from Noel Smith Councillor - Newcastle Ward

Feedback opens today on Waikato District Council’s consultation document as it looks to prepare the 2021-31 Long Term Plan, which is the district’s plan of attack for the next 10 years.

Feedback can be submitted online (link below), at the drop in session at Te Kowhai Hall on Thursday 22 April 6.30pm-8pm, at Council offices or libraries, or by phoning Council on 0800 492 452.

The plan, which is reviewed and updated every three years, is asking three key questions:
1. what general rate increase option you prefer
2. should Council sell their pensioner housing and
3. should Council continue our inorganic curbside rubbish collection service.

At the same time, Council also asking for feedback on the way they hand out funding, user fees and charges, their development contributions policy and the community hall catchment review.

More detail:
Council are currently proposing a “hard and fast” general rate increase in year 1 of 9% and then 3.5% for year 2 and 3 of the plan. Another option sets the general rate increase at 7% in year 1, 6% in year 2 and 4% in year 3.

The inorganic curbside rubbish collection service has been popular in the Waikato district for a long time, but it is becoming harder and harder to provide this service.

Council have 34 pensioner flats in Tuakau, Huntly and Ngaruawahia. They are proposing to sell these to a dedicated social housing provider.

shape.waikatodistrict.govt.nz...

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3 days ago

Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.

Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.

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Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
  • 64.3% Yes
    64.3% Complete
  • 33.4% No
    33.4% Complete
  • 2.3% Other - I'll share below
    2.3% Complete
2176 votes
20 days ago

What would you do if it was your job to fix Hamilton's CBD?

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

More alcohol restrictions, more lighting, busking rule changes and a whole lot of lobbying - these are some ways Hamilton leaders want to sort out the CBD.

Crime and anti-social behaviour in the area has been in the spotlight after recent news of a man defecating in the street near a city pub and another who flipped tables out the back of a bar after being found scrounging cigarette butts and asked to leave.

What would you do if it was your job to fix Hamilton's CBD? Tell us your reasons in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).

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1 day ago

Become an SPCA Foster Hero!

The Team from SPCA Hamilton - Centre & Op Shops

Kitten season has arrived, and over the next six months, over 8,000 cats and kittens will come into SPCA’s care. Please help us give these babies the best start in life and sign up to be a foster parent today! It's not just cats and kittens - we are also urgently seeking foster homes for dogs and small animals.

Fostering saves lives and helps these tiny babies grow into healthy, well-adjusted adults, ready for adoption. We cover all training and costs. All you need is time and love to spare!

Sign up today and save a life!