"Kaipara Rates Strike may spread"

Kaipara Citizens and Ratepayers Assoc. (KCRA) would like to commend Clive Boonham, on his website http://www.kaiparaconcerns.co.nz/, which is where he continues to expose the truth, by way of stating that the Commissioners should NOT have presented the LTP (Long Term Plan) as being Legal, inevitably inviting further ratepayer anger. Alternatively they should indicate that they will promptly examine the LTP, whilst reiterating that it is essential to maintain services and meet charges on Council loans, ultimately secured over ratepayers, until the Auditor General's report is out. Then with any further investigations required, and within Council resources, they can take the actions that KCRA proposes. The Commissioners should also publicly support that KCRA position, and state that while they have Terms Of Reference, their obligation is primarily to the ratepayers who are paying for their services, and that they will act and serve in the best interests of the ratepayers.

KCRA will call a meeting soon of all ratepayers and citizens to review the situation, and we hope that in the meantime the Commissioners will adopt the role of pro-actively representing ratepayers, and act decisively by giving immediate and serious consideration to their positions, ratepayers positions and the Governments position should anger boil over past the tipping point. If the rates are determined by the Court to be illegal (as almost everyone accepts) then history may be made with a total rates strike. The precedent and political impacts of that are beyond comprehension, as is the result for Kaipara ratepayers and citizens.

KCRA would advise that the Commissioners should in fact call an emergency meeting with representatives of all significant groups, present all the financial truth as it is known, discuss seriously how the rates can be reduced, or at least provide a reasonable phase in period, limiting rates rises to a maximum of 10-15% pa. In addition we would also expect the Commissioners to act upon the capabilities and powers they have, to reduce costs, overheads, and non-essential services and assets. At the same time they should make serious representations to the Government to consolidate our debts at lower interest rates without the farcical situation proposed of Kaipara District Council acting as guarantor to other troubled Councils through the LGFA (Local Government Funding Authority). They should also strongly advise Government that they are ultimately responsible for this situation, insisting that there be an immediate provision for an increase in the rates rebates to the elderly and others on fixed incomes. Many of these people have served their country and communities. If Government can support as many people as it does, who are fit and employable, then surely they should ensure that at the very least our elderly should not have to endure financial hardship in their final years! Financial hardship driven by a previous totally inadequate Council who acted illegally and raised our debt to a place that is now dramatically affecting far too many financially. No one likes having to pay for others deliberate and appalling mistakes, especially when it could cost them their home.
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