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HAMILTON RESIDENTS AND RATEPAYERS ASSOCIATION (HRRA) OPINION PIECE
Hamilton Residents and Ratepayers (HRRA) support improvements in the city where appropriate consultation is carried out with the community and best practise cost benefit analysis, is firstly undertaken, and then peer reviewed by … View moreHAMILTON RESIDENTS AND RATEPAYERS ASSOCIATION (HRRA) OPINION PIECE
Hamilton Residents and Ratepayers (HRRA) support improvements in the city where appropriate consultation is carried out with the community and best practise cost benefit analysis, is firstly undertaken, and then peer reviewed by independent experts. Once projects are completed, decision makers must be held to account for unsatisfactory outcomes.
We voted in Elected Members to be the liaison between Council plans and the community; openly discussing the tangible benefits and associated risks. In so doing, the community can decide for themselves whether they support a proposal, or not. Currently, and for some time, we feel that elected members have not communicated openly with the community nor actively listened to their opinions and expertise. This is not democracy.
In the Hamilton City Council’s ‘back on track’ budget, we do not see any real attempts to deal with major cost blowouts, tighten the belt, or reduce the burden on ratepayers of the covid-19 recession. Stephen Tindall in an open letter to the world (reported by stuff on Jul 14 2020) said “… the economic impact would ‘last for decades’ and could push more than half a billion people into poverty”. Sections of the community are already struggling financially, experts forecast a significant economic downturn and the loss of livelihoods. Tinkering around the edges will not fix this. Our Council does not seem to be taking the issue seriously.
The last thing Hamilton needs is family poverty, in part driven by out-of-control rate increases. Hamilton Council’s 3.8% rate increase is indicative of an organisation, that we believe, is out-of-control. Those at the top are apparently unable to address long-term systemic cost spirals.
Can we trust Council when a simple roundabout project budgeted at $4.7 million (already high), then (as discovered from an Official Request response, LGOIMA 20009, Feb 2020) rises in cost to $15.5 million, and now in a Financial Committee report (June 2020, page 31), those costs appear to have blown out to a staggering $19.5 million? Yes $19.5 million. Where is the accountability and consequence? Why this massive budget blowout? Where is the community consultation given that this represents a significant tax burden? Unfortunately for all of you who read the news, these types of Council cost blowouts appear common place throughout the country. Yet instead of addressing this and other major contract and project management issues, the Council budget directed us all to discuss issues which essentially amount to tinkering around the edges.
But wait there is more; tragically. Not only will rates continue to shoot up, the 2020 Annual plan is now forecasting $900M in debt. The community were outraged 10 years ago when debt was planned to exceed $100 million. We are looking at NINE TIMES this debt with no plans to pay it back.
Don't blame COVID for the problems. From what we can see, these problems are related to poor decision making, poor accountability and a general lack of transparency. Where are the Cost Benefit analyses using industry standard Best practice for all major projects?
All we ask for in these uncertain times is what most businesses would take as given. A Zero Rate Increase and Zero-based budgeting, with the elimination of slush funds and full external review of Council finances. "Do It NOW”
Our submission identifies opportunities for significant savings and deferrals until a full review can be completed for the 2021 LTP. We are not against expansion projects, we just want to ensure accountability, transparency, and democracy in those decisions. The community has a lot to gain by the Council implementing industry standard cost benefit analysis for major projects and reviewing the technical outcome with alignment to current practise. I repeat, a Zero Rate Increase and Zero-based budgeting implemented across all of Council projects, and proper preparation for the impending recession.
Common core community values of transparency, integrity, democracy, accountability and expertise are being called into question. When I was young it was common to chat about the weather. Now those conversations are about the public’s loss of respect for politicians. We all need to ask, Why?
When someone criticises. You Should always consider the criticism accurate.
Hi everyone,
I'm working on a travel story for Stuff about the things that have surprised returning Kiwis about New Zealand. If you have recently returned from overseas or know someone who has, it would be great to hear about the things that have stood out for you, for better or for worse. … View moreHi everyone,
I'm working on a travel story for Stuff about the things that have surprised returning Kiwis about New Zealand. If you have recently returned from overseas or know someone who has, it would be great to hear about the things that have stood out for you, for better or for worse. Whether it's to do with the weather, the cost of things, the public transport, the food, the housing, the people or something else entirely, we'd be keen to hear about it. Please remember that your comment may be included in the article, unless you say you don't want it to be. Thank you.
Have you got a Kind Neighbour in your hood? We've teamed up with our mates at AMI to shout-out the good people up and down the country that have been nominated by others in their community. Get your shout outs in to our AMI Kind Neighbour Page and you and your nominee could win a $50 Prezzy® … View moreHave you got a Kind Neighbour in your hood? We've teamed up with our mates at AMI to shout-out the good people up and down the country that have been nominated by others in their community. Get your shout outs in to our AMI Kind Neighbour Page and you and your nominee could win a $50 Prezzy® Card AND a shout out in your local paper! Check out last weeks below ⬇️⬇️
"My neighbour Ann, a retired special ed teacher, goes the extra mile for her community. On her neighbourhood walks she notices blocked drains, or dangerous pavements on school routes and spends time phoning the Council to get them fixed. She is part of a local group that petitioned for new school crossings on Takanini School Road. She volunteers at the local school for free maths tuition. She sets a really great example of looking out for her community and makes the world a better place."
A pilot and chef have joined a Hamilton arborist's team since lockdown.
And many people will be hunting for new jobs - last month, almost 10,600 people got Government support after losing their work in the pandemic.
Read more here. Have you had a job change in the wake of Covid-19?
View Hamilton Harcourts' latest interactive Blueprint.
If you'd like to receive Blueprint in your inbox each week, subscribe here.
Traffic management will be in place along Anzac Parade near the Anzac Parade/Victoria St Bridge from 9am to 3pm on Thursday 16 July for tree pruning works.
The works, which include tree pruning and removal, will take place on the eastern corner of Anzac Parade and Memorial Dr across the road from … View moreTraffic management will be in place along Anzac Parade near the Anzac Parade/Victoria St Bridge from 9am to 3pm on Thursday 16 July for tree pruning works.
The works, which include tree pruning and removal, will take place on the eastern corner of Anzac Parade and Memorial Dr across the road from Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency. See the map for details.
Todd Muller resigned early on Tuesday morning, effective immediately.
He'd taken over from Simon Bridges on May 22.
Read more here. Who do you think should be the National Party's next leader?
NZ Gardener and Ryman Healthcare are on the hunt for the 2020 Ryman Healthcare Gardener of the Year! We're looking for green thumbs doing heroic work for their community.
Do you know someone sharing the veggies they've grown with their neighbours? Perhaps locals restoring a park in the… View moreNZ Gardener and Ryman Healthcare are on the hunt for the 2020 Ryman Healthcare Gardener of the Year! We're looking for green thumbs doing heroic work for their community.
Do you know someone sharing the veggies they've grown with their neighbours? Perhaps locals restoring a park in the area to bring back birds, or a group of neighbours doing a great job in their community garden. Nominate them today!
Click here and tell us why they deserve to be this year's Ryman Healthcare Gardener of the Year.
FPP or STV?
Have you had your say on which voting system you think is best for our city? You could win a $100 Prezzy Card just by having your say.
Hi neighbours,
Think you know how old your dog is? Think again.
Multiplying by seven isn't accurate, a new study says. Researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine and other leading health institutions across the country have now debunked that common belief.
… View moreHi neighbours,
Think you know how old your dog is? Think again.
Multiplying by seven isn't accurate, a new study says. Researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine and other leading health institutions across the country have now debunked that common belief.
According to their findings, a one-year-old dog is similar to a 31-year-old human.
To read about the how to calculate our dog's age, click here
Hiya,
Wanting to buy a bird aviary. Any size, condition and price considered.
Please phone Don 027 2387666
One of the most scenic hot air balloon flights in the world - among the mountains in Queenstown - has slashed prices by a third to attract Kiwi travellers. Click the link below to read more.
Hi all.
Am trying to help a friend to get a Clothesline `fixed`.
Even if we would only be placing an intermediate pipe inside to keep it standing that would work for my friend.
Would anyone have a steel tube sitting on your house you don`t need? If so please let me know.
I think The broken pipe is … View moreHi all.
Am trying to help a friend to get a Clothesline `fixed`.
Even if we would only be placing an intermediate pipe inside to keep it standing that would work for my friend.
Would anyone have a steel tube sitting on your house you don`t need? If so please let me know.
I think The broken pipe is aprox 6-8cm diameter. Maybe a 4cm diameter would fit in. Any idea, anyone?
Todd Muller resigned early on Tuesday morning, effective immediately.
He'd taken over from Simon Bridges on May 22.
Read more here. Who do you think should be the National Party's next leader?
Hi Waikato,
Would you pay $40 for a cheese toastie?
You might do if it came with a lobster tail sat between a golden Volare brioche, buffalo mozzarella, crayfish oil and crispy Vandy bacon crumbs.
The dish is just one of many over 30 Waikato's chefs have let their creative minds run wild … View moreHi Waikato,
Would you pay $40 for a cheese toastie?
You might do if it came with a lobster tail sat between a golden Volare brioche, buffalo mozzarella, crayfish oil and crispy Vandy bacon crumbs.
The dish is just one of many over 30 Waikato's chefs have let their creative minds run wild for during this year's Meyer Cheese Melt Challenge.
The competition, which sees a reimagining of the classic cheese toastie, is back for its second year and the entries are crazier than ever.
To read more about other toastie creations at this year's competition, click here
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