A new take on ACC levies ....
So ACC has gone to govt requesting that it increase its levy to pay for the escalating cost to fund people who have been involved in car crashes. These costs will escalate even further in the future as our medical technology enables more people to survive often horrific injuries. No way will this govt say yes to this proposal.....lit is not feasible given the petrol costs, etc. However who then will pay for these costs?? Why not those who are culpable! Surely it makes commonsense that any accident causing injury that results in significant ongoing medical treatment, in which the offending driver was on any drugs, alcohol included of course, or driving over the speed limit should pay for these costs. "They don't have the money" I hear you say. Everyone has or is entitled to an income, be it a benefit, employment etc. If that person is on a benefit and no matter how lacking they are in weekly income, could have a small amount taken out of their benefit. Accountability should not be constrained by race, income or power; it needs to be their as a reminder to everyone that there is a consequence to an action. And, maybe, just maybe, this will act as a deterrent to those who decide to flaunt the laws around driving.
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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59.9% Yes, supporting people is important!
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25.8% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.4% ... It is complicated
Poll: Are you a Te Huia fan?
All three Hamilton MPs appear to be united behind the retention of the Te Huia passenger rail service between Hamilton and Auckland, as well as potentially expanding it to Tauranga.
But whether Hamilton East’s Ryan Hamilton, Hamilton West’s Tama Potaka and soon-to-be Labour list MP Georgie Dansey have the combined power to shunt transport minister Chris Bishop and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon onto their line of thinking remains to be seen.
Are you a Te Huia fan? Tell us more in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).
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82.7% Yes
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17.3% No
Wild weather in the Waikato
The Waikato really copped it over the weekend, with wild weather leaving a hefty clean-up bill that may run into the millions.
While things are looking calmer in the days ahead, there are still plenty of slips and flooded roads across the district — so if you’re heading out, take it easy and stay alert.
We want to know: How did you and your whānau get on over the weekend?
Want to see what recovery will look like from here? The Waikato Times has the latest.
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