The squeeze is on as rates considered

As we approach the festive season, councils are contemplating setting rates for next year.

This year, more than ever, they need to be mindful of the economic conditions facing their ratepayers, who cannot avoid paying their rates because the law requires them to do so. With wage increases lagging behind inflation, their constituents are faced with significant increases in their non-discretional family expenses. Fuel, electricity, interest rates and rent, to name but a few. The squeeze is on!

With the use of some critical thinking, it would not be too tricky for councillors to find a few budget items that could be reduced without impacting significantly on their council’s ability to provide the community services that are their primary role. For example, do you really need to spend so much money on communication as your staff propose in the current circumstances?

There are lots of things that could be pared back without a significant impact on your services. Remember, too, that some of your constituents may be faced with losing their jobs in 2023 as the forthcoming recession bites many businesses.

Bill Shepherd

Threat to biodiversity

Kamo

Northport has applied for resource consents to vastly expand its port and activities at Marsden Point. Applications are for 10 activities including reclaiming 11.7ha for a 250m wharf extension, 1.72 million cubic metres of dredging, and to have the Port Noise Standards (NZS 6809:1999) applied to their operations rather than the District Plan Noise

Standards.

The increase in permitted noise applied for is substantial. Noise travels further and faster and is more intense under water. Northport sits at the narrow entrance to Whangā rei harbour through which every creature entering or leaving — whales, dolphins, seals, penguins and fish — must pass to access the rest of the harbour for feeding, breeding or shelter.

Aucklanders would not allow

Ports of Auckland to expand further into the Waitemata. Whangā rei may be a comparatively soft target, and part of a next-best solution for Auckland’s growing port needs.

The consent process relies on submissions to limit uncontrolled industrialisation. Whangā rei was once known as the meeting place of the whales. Without sensible controls, Northport’s expansion could result in a tragic loss to the area and to biodiversity well beyond the harbour.

Submissions close 5pm on December 15.

R H Twyman Whangā rei Heads

Where is leadership?

For some time, we have been warned about a third wave of Covid. The statistics for the past week show 34,528 have reported Covid infections, with 418 in hospital. These figures only show the reported numbers. This makes the daily average at just under 5000. The equivalent of one reasonable-sized provincial town goes down with Covid, in its entirety, each week.

Surely, these statistics cannot be ignored. In the past we had good leadership and guidance from the Health Ministry. With our new and fractured health setup, the silence is deafening. Our communities continue to function as if there was no problem. Masks are rarely seen at concerts, sports, end-of-year school functions, shopping malls and parties.

During November, I have personally been made aware of more Covid cases involving family and