TDC - Rates

Daniel from Motueka

I would like to propose a rates hold for the next Year. Essentially we are entering dark and difficult times with people losing jobs, people likely to become ill and potentially the fabric of soceity becoming fractured. Amongst all of this the last thing that people need to worry about is bills.

I note that banks are investigating mortgage holidays and I would like TDC to look at the same. After all TDC is there for the community, if we are doing it hard they should and as a sign of this solidarity with the community that pays its wages I would like to think that TDC is considering this.

This might mean a reduction in wages for some TDC staff or even a reduction in headcount and, possibly, a stop on current or proposed projects. This would be unfortunate for TDC but far more hurt would be imposed on the community if TDC persues current rate payments. Simply put job losses or wage reductions are going to put a huge segement of the local population under great stress.

Given we are entering what is seen by some as a crisis comparable to wartime wouldnt it make sense for TDC to simply focus on its core business - making sure sewage, current water supplies, drainage etc is available. The rest must be seen as nice to haves in a normal society but what we are potentially entering could be anything but normal.

It would be beyond belief that TDC would consider carrying on as normal with its current head count and focus on costly projects. It could only do this if rates stay as they are and I dont belief that many will soon be in a position to pay these, certainly not at the current levels as evidenced on my recent bill.