No Vaccination, No Rates
There are 200,000-300,000 people in NZ who refuse to get vaccinated (to help prevent the spread of Covid and help lesson the effects of Covid if they themselves get it) who therefore are themselves prevented from going to certain places or attending certain events because they are not vaccinated or fully vaccinated.
As reported in the DomPost, some of these people are calling for a deduction in their local and regional council rates because of the council-owned or organised facilities they cannot attend.
This of course is nonsense as there are many, many people in NZ fully Covid vaccinated and in pre-Covid vaccination times who don't use or utilise many of the council facilities and amenities and yet must pay their full rates bill.
For a few years now I don't use in Upper Hutt, its libraries and swimming pool. Other people don't attend or use the civic centre, Expressions/Whirinaki Centre and the various parks, reserves and playgrounds and yet we all contribute fully to the greater good of the community.
Sorry anti-vaxxers - pay up.
Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.
This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.
Do you think this ban is reasonable?
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77.2% Yes
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21.2% No
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1.5% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
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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82.2% Yes
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15.1% No
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2.7% Other - I'll share below