Amalgamation - Has UH Gone Past It
I have been a strong advocate for amalgamating local Government in the Wellington region. So much so that I was part of a small team of advocates some years ago under the chairmanship of Kerry Prendergast.
But pipes for water and sewerage are now such a huge issue for Wellington and Lower Hutt in particular and somewhat in Porirua. So much so that Upper Hutt would be foolish to want to amalgamate and help carry the burden of the billions of dollars required to bring the piping up to the reasonable standard enjoyed by Upper Hutt residents.
Perhaps there is a way around it. Central Government might want to step in and provide taxation dollars to fix the problem that sees a wastage of upwards of 50% of water from burst and leaking water pipes and sewerage piping also leaking and contaminating streams which flow into the sea. And thus "pave the way" for a level playing field for ratepayers and the local councils in the region to join forces under one umbrella, one city.
Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
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82.4% Yes
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14.9% No
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2.7% Other - I'll share below
HAS CNN GOT IT RIGHT
Set the scene:
CNN today showed a preview of a movie about reforming Pope Francis and the clips ended with a riled up Pope raising his voice to a person - maybe a Bishop or Cardinal - inside the Vatican in Rome.
Immediately after this came on screen the headline: SINNER LEADS ITALY TO WIN IN DAVIS CUP.
Jannik Sinner is a member of the Italian tennis team.
Gave me a laugh.
Lions mini Market
The next market at The King Lion Hall, King Street, Upper Hutt is on Saturday 30 November. We have tables available for anyone interested, at just $5 per table. Please let me know if you would like to have one. Thank you.