Government issues $8m for Buller flood relief, but mayor says more will be needed
The Government has pledged $8 million to help the Buller district recover from July’s severe flooding.
Emergency Management Acting Minister Kris Faafoi said the funding would provide financial security for the Buller District Council so it could continue with recovery operations while maintaining its “business as usual” services.
“This flooding event has profoundly affected many people and their families. People have lost their possessions, their homes are damaged, their livelihoods have been impacted, and their lives have been turned upside down,” he said.
Buller mayor Jamie Cleine said he was “very happy”, but more funding would be needed. Continue reading here.
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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59.4% Yes, supporting people is important!
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26.3% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.3% ... It is complicated
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Poll: As a customer, what do you think about automation?
The Press investigates the growing reliance on your unpaid labour.
Automation (or the “unpaid shift”) is often described as efficient ... but it tends to benefit employers more than consumers.
We want to know: What do you think about automation?
Are you for, or against?
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9.7% For. Self-service is less frustrating and convenient.
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43.1% I want to be able to choose.
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47.2% Against. I want to deal with people.
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