Tuesday, 30 July 2024 15:25

Out of control

Written by  The Hound

OPINION: The Taxpayers' Union has run the ruler over council rate increases and concluded, "Our councils are out of control".

They've revealed that the average for city and district councils is an eye-watering 14% hike this year on top of the 15% rate hikes at regional councils.

Special mention goes to West Coast, Wellington, Central Hawke's Bay and Gore for topping the 20% mark.

The union also found that at nearly every council, the proportion of spending going to roads, pipes, pumps, etc. has been reducing compared to that spent on staff payroll, back-office bureaucracy, etc.

Analysts agree non-tradeable inflation, driven in no small part by rates, is key to reducing inflation, yet it's hard to see any evidence of councils cutting fat and focusing on core services.

More like this

Are they serious?

OPINION: The Greens aren’t serious people when it comes to the economy, so let’s not spend too much on their fiscal fantasies.

A hurry up!

OPINION: PM Chris Luxon is getting pinged lately for rolling out the old 'we're still a new government' line when challenged on a perceived lack of progress on various policy promises.

Silver Thin Farms

OPINION: The Hound hears that tension was in the air at the recent Silver Fern Farms AGM, with the board reportedly dazed and confused at why their CEO would continue to hammer farmers to lower their emissions in perpetuity, without being able to state a dollar value for any of the touted premiums.

Bugs for lunch

OPINION: The ongoing saga of the quality of school lunches continues.

Double standards

OPINION: Imagine if the Hound had called the Minister of Finance the 'c-word' and accused her of "girl math".

Featured

LIC Space folds for good

Farmer co-operative LIC has closed its satellite-backed pasture measurement platform – Space.

Editorial: Time for common sense

OPINION: The case of four Canterbury high country stations facing costly and complex consent hearing processes highlights the dilemma facing the farming sector as the country transitions into a replacement for the Resource Management Act (RMA).

National

Machinery & Products

Calf feeding boost

Advantage Plastics says it is revolutionising calf meal storage and handling, making farm life easier, safer, and more efficient this…

JD's precision essentials

Farmers across New Zealand are renowned for their productivity and efficiency, always wanting to do more with less, while getting…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Are they serious?

OPINION: The Greens aren’t serious people when it comes to the economy, so let’s not spend too much on their…

A hurry up!

OPINION: PM Chris Luxon is getting pinged lately for rolling out the old 'we're still a new government' line when…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter