The Loco Loco Yet Again
I am currently out of the country , but the other day I saw that NZTA have agreed to extend the Loco Loco 'trial' by another 2 years . They have reduced their contribution from 70-odd percent , to 60 percent . So their contribution is now $12.2 million for the next 2 years .
Now work that out . That means the cost for 2 more years is 'only' $20million , of which 'we' pay all of , one way or another .
That is $10 million a year , or $833,000 a month , or $200,000 a week , or $30,000 a day . That is how much it is losing . $30,000 a day . 7 days a week . ( Does it run on a Sunday ? ) . I doubt it gets 300 passengers a day , so that is $100 a passenger a day IT IS LOSING . Yes , every day they light a bonfire , and throw on $30,000 !
But wait -- theres more ! It has already cost about $120 million so far . Over $80 million of that is the capital costs , which are basically worth nothing .
So calculate the capital cost , and the on-going losses , and the $25 return ticket is actually costing ratepayers and taxpayers close on $500 . Per Person . Per Day . For another 2 years !
It is never , ever , ever going to get anywhere near break even , so these geniuses for some reason decide we'll throw more money at it for another 2 years .
Even Len Brown says it should be cancelled ( and he always struck me as being not the brightest , and 'left wing' ) , as does Luxon , Seymour and anyone who knows even the slightest about running a business , or logic , or common sense .
Why , oh why ?
Poll: Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️
First introduced in New Zealand in 1927 with the passing of the Summer Time Act, it's what we know as 'Daylight Saving' and this year it ends on the first Sunday in April.
While we do get to sleep in this time around, some people would like to scrap the clock tinkering for good.
And why? Some evidence suggests the time changes are bad for our health as they mess with sleep patterns leading to short-term fatigue and affecting mood. Meanwhile the hour change is frustrating for farmers and a nightmare for getting the littlies to sleep. But what's your take?
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40.5% Yes - get rid of the clock changes
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57.6% No, I enjoy it
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1.9% Other - I'll share below
Police forced to name Netflix as platform for Tom Phillips documentary
Police have confirmed Netflix will screen a reality-style documentary on fugitive Tom Phillips, after initially refusing to name the platform.
Phillips was shot dead on Te Anga Rd, west of Waitomo on September 8, after a near four-year manhunt for Phillips and his three children.
Alan and Hazel Kerr share Senior New Zealander of the Year Award 2026
Dr Alan and Hazel Kerr describe themselves as ‘just ordinary old Kiwis’, despite being named as the 2026 Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealanders of the Year Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau.
The amazing couple prompted a standing ovation at a star-studded Auckland event which recognised their tireless efforts, with Alan travelling to and from Gaza and the West Bank 40 times to help children over 20 years, and Hazel travelling 20 times.
Click read more to find out more.
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