Elections this year
One of the big problems we have, come local body election time, is that there is little in the way of reliable information about the candidates standing for (re)election. Sure, they'll all claim to be working for the community and acting in the best interests of the district but who's actually checking that, in the case of those re-standing, they're true to their word?
Well I've been keeping a very close eye on the actions of the SWDC and the individual councilors over the past decade or so and I will be publishing some extra information on who's performed as they promised and who hasn't.
Here's one thing voters should be aware of. Back in 2017 the SWDC promised to consult with the community before doing anything about the airfield tower at Tokoroa Airfield. Five short years later they demolished it without any consultation. So much for promises made to the community!
I've been told it cost ratepayers over $7,000 to have the tower demolished and it happened just weeks before a contingent of FORTY people went down to Wellington (on the ratepayer's ticket -- probably costing around $40,000) to beg central government for some cash. The Mayor claims we're an economically deprived region -- yet she and her council chose to refuse the offer made by members of the community to fully restore the airfield tower at no expense to ratepayers and instead demolish this globally recognised landmark. This move was made despite thousands of people from around the world showing their support (both morally and financially) on social media.
Just watch this video to see the level of support that the world showed to protect the Tokoroa Airfield Tower. The council spat in the face of these fine people and destroyed the tower that many of those people had put on their bucket-list to visit. Every year hundreds of people have come from around the world to visit the tower and get selfies but the council chose to destroy that tourist attraction. Yet they claim they want to attract visitors... more false promises. Sad, very sad.
youtu.be...
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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59.7% Yes, supporting people is important!
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26% 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.
Ready to make the most of retirement?
From hobbies to adventures, there’s so much to enjoy!
- Explore new hobbies like gardening or painting
- Stay active with walking groups or cycling trails
- Learn something new with online courses or local classes
- Give back through volunteering or mentoring
Read the full article and take our fun quiz to find out which activities suit your personality best below!
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