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October 16 2012
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Poll highlights rates opposition by Kim Munro
An unofficial survey carried out across the Kaipara region reveals 94% of those polled have been hit with a rates increase and of those, 16% say they will withhold payment
Ruawai ‘gent’ to attend world summit
Aidan Gent from Ruawai has been selected to attend the One Young World Summit in USA this month …
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Wheeling for charity
Wind, rain and treacherous foot paths did nothing last Saturday to slow down six-year-old Joseph Tebbutt in his quest to raise money …
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Dargaville’s history returned
The Coates Challenge Cup was presented to the Dargaville Museum last Sunday …
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The survey by the Kaipara Lifestyler covered a representative cross-section of 50 households across the district. It showed that 84% of ratepayers polled are unhappy with their bill and would be paying only to avoid penalty interest. The figure of 16 per cent who said they would withhold rate payment was described as ‘astonishing’ by Mangawhai Residents and Ratepayers chair, Bruce Rogan. “You’d probably expect about one person in a hundred to actually refuse, so this astonishing figure of 16 per cent is a clear sign that the rates increase is not right. Anything over five per cent refusal is hugely significant. And when 84 per cent are ‘upset’ then it shows council got it wrong.” Kaipara Citizen’s and Ratepayers leader, Ron Manderson, is not surprised by the survey, adding, “the numbers withholding payment looks set to increase dramatically if the commissioners do not immediately take action to phase the increases in over a number of years, not exceeding 10 per cent per annum.” He noted Kaipara Citizens and Ratepayers Association chair, Ron Manderson, suggests a phased rates increase Auckland had a 10 per cent rates rise cap. Kaipara District Council commissioner, John Robertson said, respondents suggested there could be an increase in the “no-one’s ever happy with a rates increase but most recognise rates rebate level. Mr Robertson said in turn that “central government is that it’s important to pay as rates provide for services such charged with setting the rebate level and eligibility criteria as roads and wastewater. “In the past few years, operating costs have been higher and local councils act solely as a processor of applications. “If people are struggling they should contact council’s than rates income resulting in debt — we need to ‘tie down’ expenditure and remember the important principle of not customer services — if we can help in some way we will.” While the current Long Term Plan 2012–2022 sets out a borrowing to pay for day-to-day running costs. “Our goal is to resolve financial and governance issues rates increase of 9.8% for 2013 and 4.5% for the following year, but we would also like to develop a model for the whole of the commissioners aim to reassess the LTP early 2013. “We are unable to do anything about this year’s rates but we New Zealand — a council with great services and a wellwill be reviewing the plan and will be open to the community engaged community.” Many people surveyed commented on a perceived to have their say on any proposed amendments.” “We have heard from those who oppose the rates increase difficulty for elderly people on fixed incomes faced with the increase and Mr Rogan added, “Many people have to but there are also many who are happy for us to get on with make sacrifices elsewhere to pay these rates.” Some survey the job.”
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