Thank you for using Neighbourly
Hamilton Operatic Society presents Les Misérable. Join the barricade and see one of the worlds most adored musicals.
For a strictly limited season only at Clarence St Theatre. Directed By David Sidwell and Musically Directed by Alex Wiltshire. Book at Ticketek.
There are so many things to love about winter... woolly socks, toasting marshmallows, hearty casseroles and being able to rug up warm next to the fire with some mulled wine mmm... If you're entertaining or heading away this week, come see us so you have everything you need for the long … View moreThere are so many things to love about winter... woolly socks, toasting marshmallows, hearty casseroles and being able to rug up warm next to the fire with some mulled wine mmm... If you're entertaining or heading away this week, come see us so you have everything you need for the long weekend!
Insurers cry foul over new levies and taxes hiking house insurance costs
SIMON MAUDE/FAIRFAX NZ
The Fire Service will come to a homeowner's house fire, whether or not they contributed by having insurance.
Major increases in taxes and levies imposed by the Government will hike the cost … View moreInsurers cry foul over new levies and taxes hiking house insurance costs
SIMON MAUDE/FAIRFAX NZ
The Fire Service will come to a homeowner's house fire, whether or not they contributed by having insurance.
Major increases in taxes and levies imposed by the Government will hike the cost of house insurance, and risk leading homeowners to abandon, or decrease their coer, the Insurance Council has warned.
The warning comes after a Budget announcement of a 33 per cent rise in Earthquake Commission (EQC) levies from November 1, following fast on the heels of a rise of 40 per cent on the Fire Service levy from July 1.
Both the taxes are collected through levies added to the price of house and contents insurance.
SCOTT HAMMOND/FAIRFAX NZ
New Zealand is ranked only behind Bangladesh and Chile for natural disaster risk.
"This means people with house and contents insurance will be levied and taxed over $450 without even counting the 15 per cent GST applied to the premium that the insurer charges," Insurance Council chief executive Tim Grafton said.
READ MORE:
*Insurance cost to increase to cover Fire Service
*Fire service levy 'unfair'
The council wants both levies scrapped, and the EQC and Fire Service funded from general taxation..
Insurance Council chief executive Tim Grafton says the government is making house insurance artificially expensive.
Making house and contents insurance expensive through levies and taxation risked creating a "moral hazard", Grafton said.
People who decided they could not afford insurance, or who decided to cut it by decreasing the sum their house was insured for, or who opted for a much higher excess, could end up appealing for help after a natural disaster.
That would put the government of the day under extreme moral pressure, Grafton said.
"By the end of this year households will see the levies and taxes on people who insure themselves sky rocket. From July 1 there will be a 40 per cent increase in the levy used to fund the fire service which everyone benefits from, not just the insured," Grafton said.
New Zealand was one of the most vulnerable countries in the world to natural disasters for its size, he said.
"This election year there is an opportunity for political leadership to be shown.
"Does New Zealand continue to go down the path of making it increasingly difficult for low income people to protect themselves, or should we really be addressing our vulnerability?" Grafton said.
"If fewer people insure that will not only put upward pressure on the cost of insurance and so create a downward spiral, but it will also create a moral hazard for the Government.
"Does it help the uninsured and thereby encourage greater levels of non-insurance and under-insurance?
"General taxation should fund the Fire Service which benefits everyone, insured and un-insured alike. The Crown balance sheet is now strong and can bear the $1.75 billion exposure that the EQC levy seeks to fund," Grafton said.
Learning can happen anywhere. Enrol in a Bachelor of Arts at Massey – the only BA you can study from wherever you are. With 26 majors on offer you can study what you’re passionate about, while gaining valuable knowledge that will serve you now and in the future. Semester 2 starts July.
It is the most common injury that comes through my doors, and it happens for a variety of reasons. But the quicker it is treated, the better the outcome
Work has commenced on the $2 million Canoe Racing New Zealand High Performance Centre on the shores …
A Hamilton woman has decided to climb the fourth highest mountain in the world to raise awareness of…
Good in the Hood is your chance to support local groups in your neighbourhood. Right across New Zealand, groups of all sizes and from a variety of backgrounds are meeting different needs in their communities. So next time you’re at your local Z, remember to vote and … View moreGood in the Hood is your chance to support local groups in your neighbourhood. Right across New Zealand, groups of all sizes and from a variety of backgrounds are meeting different needs in their communities. So next time you’re at your local Z, remember to vote and help a group do good in your hood.
I have 4 mosh pit tickets to Ed Sheeran on Saturday 24 March.
Does anyone have 4 seated tickets they would like to swap?
Thanks
We have a patio area that needs a freshen up. Is there anyone out there that has some landscape design ideas that would like a small job.
Hamilton's public toilet facilities are so inaccessible that a local woman struggles to use them.
Bernadette Stewart has been in a wheelchair since birth and requires the assistance of a support worker to use the bathroom.
Without equipment such as hoists and changing tables, many of the… View moreHamilton's public toilet facilities are so inaccessible that a local woman struggles to use them.
Bernadette Stewart has been in a wheelchair since birth and requires the assistance of a support worker to use the bathroom.
Without equipment such as hoists and changing tables, many of the ...
Could someone please recommend a painter to repaint a bathroom and toilet ceiling where the paint is coming off?
A big THANKS to all our customers - Canstar Blue have just awarded Electric Kiwi the 2017 Most Satisfied Customers Award – Electricity Retailers.
If you are also interested in guaranteed savings, no contracts, awesome online service and one hour of free power every day,
then jump on over … View moreA big THANKS to all our customers - Canstar Blue have just awarded Electric Kiwi the 2017 Most Satisfied Customers Award – Electricity Retailers.
If you are also interested in guaranteed savings, no contracts, awesome online service and one hour of free power every day,
then jump on over and see why a smaller smarter power company could be better for you.
It's maths, but not as you know it. Damon Whitten from the National Centre of Literacy and Numerac…
Our New Home Builders Information Sessions are designed to ensure your new build experience is filled with plenty of 'OH YES' moments. Completely FREE, sessions are designed for new builders with all budgets and levels of experience. Your local Jennian team will cover off:
• How best… View moreOur New Home Builders Information Sessions are designed to ensure your new build experience is filled with plenty of 'OH YES' moments. Completely FREE, sessions are designed for new builders with all budgets and levels of experience. Your local Jennian team will cover off:
• How best to establish your construction budget
• How to avoid hidden costs
• Easy ways to save money by building an environmentally friendly home
• How to plan a home you've always wanted
We love sharing our construction industry and knowledge to ensure every home building journey is a good one. Come along with any questions you might have and learn how to avoid ‘OH NO’ moments. Find out more at jennianinfo.com
© Neighbourly 2024
Loading…
