"Free Parking"
“Free Parking”
There is much confusion over the $26 for “Free Parking” the $26 is an average for residential ratepayers across the whole of Hamilton. It will not be a flat rate of $26.
The cost of the “Free Parking” will be an addition (increase) to Access Hamilton part of the Rates demand. The confusion arises with the $26 for the average property, which is calculated on the capital value of the property. The current calculation factor is 0.00019173. That calculation factor will change to establish the $26 average across the whole of Hamilton; it will be different for each property.
To use the $26 as an example, current Access Hamilton rate is $92.99 - the proposed (average) residential targeted rate for free parking of $26.00. That is a 21.85% increase to $118.99. ($23.99 more than the average $95)- And it will be even more, calculated on capital value. Just the $26 the property’s next year’s overall rate rise will be 5.56% but it will be more. What prevents Council in future from increasing the rate factor (i.e. the current 0.00019173), the ratepayer wouldn’t know and Council would gain more revenue. (to waste)
The ‘rich pricks’ in the Northern suburbs will pay more as their capital value is high.
The whole issue of “Free Parking” strikes at the heart of democracy. Democracy equals freedom. Freedom is the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants. ‘We do have some freedom of choice’
With choice there are consequences. Choice is at the heart of those who choose to shop in the central city, the consequences are the availability and cost to park. That is the individual’s choice.
Where is the choice for those who choose (or unable or do not have a car) not to shop in the CBD
"There's been talk about free parking for years. Let's give it a go and see if it works,” - Geoff Taylor.
What if it doesn’t work will Council (or Taylor) refund our money?
It hasn’t worked in Lower Hutt, Porirua, New Plymouth or Rotorua.
Council is also to replace parking meters and pay and display machines with new parking technology between 2015 and 2017 and introduce sensors in parking bays, giving motorists’ information on the availability of parks in the central city. A mobile app to notify motorists of available parking spaces.
Isn’t using a mobile whilst driving illegal?
Submissions close Sunday 7 May 2017 online at
Have Your Say - Hamilton City Council - Citizen Space or
haveyoursay.hamilton.govt.nz... or
A paper copy of the form from any Hamilton City Libraries branch or the ground floor reception at Council’s Municipal Building in Garden Place.
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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85.6% Yes
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13.3% No
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1.1% Other - I'll share below
Do you have a most-hated intersection in Waikato?
New data has pinpointed Hamilton’s most dangerous intersections, including a high risk Cobham Drive turn off that a resident and driving experts believe should be shut for good.
While that turn into Grey St has resulted in the highest number of injuries, most crashes occurred at the bustling intersection of Te Rapa Straight and Wairere Drive.
Do you have a most-hated intersection in Waikato? Tell us your reasons in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).
What would you do if it was your job to fix Hamilton's CBD?
More alcohol restrictions, more lighting, busking rule changes and a whole lot of lobbying - these are some ways Hamilton leaders want to sort out the CBD.
Crime and anti-social behaviour in the area has been in the spotlight after recent news of a man defecating in the street near a city pub and another who flipped tables out the back of a bar after being found scrounging cigarette butts and asked to leave.
What would you do if it was your job to fix Hamilton's CBD? Tell us your reasons in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).
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