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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Poll: If we want to reduce speeding, what do you think actually changes driver behaviour? 🛻🚨🚓
In the Post's article on speeding penalties, the question is asked whether speeding fines are truly about road safety, or are they just a way to boost revenue for the Crown?
What do you think? Should speeding motorists receive speeding fines or demerit points?
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37.3% The sting of a fine (Money talks!)
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62.7% The threat of demerit points (Nobody wants to lose their license!)
Scam Alert: Bank cold calls
ASB is warning customers about reports of cold calls from scammers claiming to be from ASB. These scammers are trying to obtain personal information, including usernames, dates of birth, and verification codes sent to your mobile phone.
🛡️ The "Caller Check" Test
If you get a call from someone claiming to be from ASB and you’re unsure, just ask them for a Caller Check. You will then be able to verify the call through the app.
Remember, banks will:
❌ Never ask for your banking passwords, PINs, or verification codes
❌ Never need to know your full credit card number – especially the CVC
❌ Never ask you to download software or remotely access your device
❌ Never ask you to purchase gift cards or transfer funds.
If you have received a phone call and think your account has been compromised, call ASB on 0800 ASB FRAUD (0800 272 372), or visit your local branch.
Hamilton woman fights for 21-year rates refund after council admits mistake
A pilates studio owner whose rates were overcharged for 21 years is fighting to get the money refunded by the city council.
Progressive Pilates owner Sonia Lidington estimated she had paid an extra $20,000 over the years, but Hamilton City Council has said it can only refund her $7416.
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