A local Crissis; NPDC rate demands in Arrears.
As the silence now from the NPDC is deafening, on the question of a rate freeze/reduction, or God help us, a rate rise, i made enquirers to ascertain, as I do most years, how many of the districts 36000 rate payers have fallen behind with their payments. 3 years ago, it was only 8 properties. Last year it was approx. 110. But this year for the end of May, it has increased to a unbelievable , just on, 11000, nearly 1/3rd of the district rate payers. Nothing has been said about this situation in any newspaper that I have seen, not consternation has been mentioned anywhere i have read, from the NPDC. Yet they carry on as if nothing is amiss, Covid-19 is behind us, they appear to believe, so lets all sail onward to some sort of mythical well being! Well the real news for them is that most Business is in acute financial distress, on average, and property owners and business tenants are in a death type struggle to survive, at current costs/rate demands. The NPDC answer was that that average rate INCREASE for next is will be absorbed by increasing commercial property rates, more that residential rates. This is supposed to be a great equalizer, yet most small business is now hanging onto life by their fingernails. I read nothing from the NP Chamber of Commerce on this situation, its all as if we close our eyes, the problem will go away. The solution is so obvious what has to be done? Will it happen? I will try and attach a letter written by our present Mayor a few years back, only for enlightenment!
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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76.4% Yes
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22.3% No
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1.3% 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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82.1% Yes
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15.2% No
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2.7% Other - I'll share below
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