Should 'We' Close Down KiwiRail ?
A Bit Of History , and some of you can probably add to this --
-- KiwiRail and whatever it has been called over the years , has been a great job creation scheme -- it has kept a lot of people employed , on quite good pay .
-- It seems to have lost money for the last 40-50 years , at least .
-- From the 1930's until the 1980's , trucks were not allowed to compete with Rail . Trucks originally were only allowed to travel 30 miles ( 50kms ) -- in the 1960's that was slightly improved to 40miles ( 70kms ) , and in the 1980's increased again to 150kms ( we had gone metric , and that was about 90 miles ) .
-- Rail has been sold a couple of times by the Government for next to nothing , run even further into the ground , then bought back and $100's of millions more put in again .
-- In 2010 , the Government put a $1billion 'investment' ( of our money ) into bailing out Rail .
-- In 2017 , the Government put a $450 million 'investment' ( of our money ) into bailing out Rail .
-- In 2019 ( this weeks budget ) , the Government put a $1 billion 'investment' ( of our money ) into bailing out Rail .
-- In 2018 , the Government put $10's of millions of 'investment' into the Kaikoura and TranzAlpine trains .
-- In 2018 , the Government put $100's of millions into rebuilding the main trunk railway through Kaikoura . They also put 100's of millions into rebuilding SH1 too , but that is covered by insurance and our fuel taxes and RUC -- rail pays none of those .
-- KiwiRail has lost in the region of $100million to $200million per year on trading ( running the trains and maintaining the tracks ) .
-- Trucking companies , bus companies , and private motorists , ( Rails main competition ) by comparison , generally make money , and pay tax and GST . Private motorists don't , but I am sure you get the point . Trucks , buses and cars do pay fuel tax and RUC ( where relevant ) and rego , even a bit of tolls .
Now imagine if 'we' took the $6 billion plus that has been pumped into KiwiRail over the last 20 years , and spent it on safer roads , more double and triple lanes , passing lanes , etc . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
‘Devastated’ Lake Taupō Aqua Park owners first casualty of gold clams
The owners of a once popular water park are “absolutely devastated” after becoming the first casualty of freshwater gold clams in the Waikato region.
Lake Taupō Aqua Park will permanently close as a way to ensure the elimination of freshwater clams after being temporarily shuttered in March when Biosecurity New Zealand discovered the presence of the invasive species in the lagoon.
Childrens Arts Therapy
Our focus this term is children aged 5yrs to 8yrs for personal growth and creative well being in a safe & happy environment. Your child will play, stretch their imagination, and expand their creativity.
Starts Wednesday 12th February - 2nd April
4pm - 5.30pm
$85 for the term, 8 x weeks
5 - 9 years old
Book here - www.artsforhealth.co.nz...
Pamela’s Kiwi food tour
Pamela, a resident of Bert Sutcliffe Village, has a passion for good food, great company, and exploring new places. A seasoned traveller and cruising enthusiast, Pamela has sailed to numerous destinations, sampling local cuisines along the way.
Closer to home, alongside her son-in-law and daughter, she has discovered a variety of restaurants that showcase the diversity of New Zealand’s culinary scene. Whether you’re planning a road trip, dreaming about your next cruise, or simply searching for a great dining spot, these are Pamela’s top food recommendations to inspire your next adventure.
Click read more for the full story.
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