Hamilton City Council - more overspending
The current council and its elected councillors are deteriorating in their performance. The recent planned $700k debacle to relocate a bus stop in Anglesea St, which fortunately will not be proceeding, the costly Glenview bus stop issue to rectify, and now the proposed rate increase highlight mismanagement. Using the rates' calculator, our personal rates will surge by $517 next year, followed by $484 the subsequent year, and an additional $558 the third year, totalling a staggering $1,559 increase over three years. This burden falls heavily, especially on pensioners, and there's no guarantee that future councils won't impose further hikes.
Therefore, it's appalling to learn that our Mayor plans to attend ANZAC commemorations in Ypres, Belgium, this year. Couldn't a Zoom meeting suffice? This isn't a fact-finding mission to improve fiscal responsibility or address ratepayer concerns. It's an unnecessary expense. Will she travel economy class, or indulge in premium economy or business class comforts? Is she alone, or is there an entourage? It's us, the ratepayers, funding this European trip, while we're being told to reduce our carbon footprint by walking or biking, and roads are becoming increasingly difficult to navigate. If this trip is so imperative, shouldn't she cover the expenses herself?
I deeply regret supporting this council in the last elections. As the next elections approach (believed to be next year). Let's hope for fresh faces around the table and some common-sense.
Submissions for the local plan close on April 21st, and completion is critical. We need to ensure our voices are heard loud and clear. It has never been more crucial!
haveyoursay.hamilton.govt.nz...
And the 2024 Prospa Local Business Hero is...
A huge congratulations to mother and son duo, Mary and Sam Danielson from The Puketapu Hotel.
The votes for all finalists have been tallied and they have been chosen by Neighbourly members across the country as the Prospa Local Business Hero of 2024.
The Puketapu Hotel was nominated by a local called Margaret and the nomination reads:
'On Feb 14, 2023, Cyclone Gabrielle flooded many of the rural areas. Puketapu Hotel went under perhaps half a meter of water. However, immediately Mary Danielson and her son, Sam Danielson, along with their loyal staff pulled it together to cook copious amounts of food that without electricity would have been wasted. Throughout the years many of us have been treated with a pub gathering where we can reconnect and a free meal. At Christmas there was Santa, games, gifts for kids, donated patchwork for adults, an ice cream truck and lots of camaraderie.
This February on the cyclone anniversary, they again pulled out the stops to give hundreds of us a special night. We are all tired of the cyclone cleanup and they understood that it was needed.'
Such a deserving business and team, well done Mary and Sam. And thank you to all those who voted!
Share your most delicious (but affordable!) go-to meal...
Winter is knocking at the door and the cost of living has already made itself at home. So let's help each other out by sharing your meal ideas that don't break the bank.
Comment below with your go-to meals that are delicious and affordable.
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Daily riddle time!
What is full of holes but still holds water?
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