"Free Parking"
“Free Parking”
There is much confusion over the $26 for “Free Parking” the $26 is an average for residential ratepayers across the whole of Hamilton. It will not be a flat rate of $26.
The cost of the “Free Parking” will be an addition (increase) to Access Hamilton part of the Rates demand. The confusion arises with the $26 for the average property, which is calculated on the capital value of the property. The current calculation factor is 0.00019173. That calculation factor will change to establish the $26 average across the whole of Hamilton; it will be different for each property.
To use the $26 as an example, current Access Hamilton rate is $92.99 - the proposed (average) residential targeted rate for free parking of $26.00. That is a 21.85% increase to $118.99. ($23.99 more than the average $95)- And it will be even more, calculated on capital value. Just the $26 the property’s next year’s overall rate rise will be 5.56% but it will be more. What prevents Council in future from increasing the rate factor (i.e. the current 0.00019173), the ratepayer wouldn’t know and Council would gain more revenue. (to waste)
The ‘rich pricks’ in the Northern suburbs will pay more as their capital value is high.
The whole issue of “Free Parking” strikes at the heart of democracy. Democracy equals freedom. Freedom is the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants. ‘We do have some freedom of choice’
With choice there are consequences. Choice is at the heart of those who choose to shop in the central city, the consequences are the availability and cost to park. That is the individual’s choice.
Where is the choice for those who choose (or unable or do not have a car) not to shop in the CBD
"There's been talk about free parking for years. Let's give it a go and see if it works,” - Geoff Taylor.
What if it doesn’t work will Council (or Taylor) refund our money?
It hasn’t worked in Lower Hutt, Porirua, New Plymouth or Rotorua.
Council is also to replace parking meters and pay and display machines with new parking technology between 2015 and 2017 and introduce sensors in parking bays, giving motorists’ information on the availability of parks in the central city. A mobile app to notify motorists of available parking spaces.
Isn’t using a mobile whilst driving illegal?
Submissions close Sunday 7 May 2017 online at
Have Your Say - Hamilton City Council - Citizen Space or
haveyoursay.hamilton.govt.nz... or
A paper copy of the form from any Hamilton City Libraries branch or the ground floor reception at Council’s Municipal Building in Garden Place.
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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82.4% Yes
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17.6% No
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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60% Yes, supporting people is important!
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25.7% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.3% ... It is complicated
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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