Critics, be fair

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 7, Issue 360, 30 October 1990, Page 6

Critics, be fair

• Well it's obvious the newly formed Steering Committee of the Waimarino District Ratepayers Association has begun a campaign to needle the Ruapehu District Council. As I feared, judging by the two letters to the Bulletin recently, from Messrs Alabaster and Frew, its tactics seem to be as destructive and negative as possible, painting the blackest picture of the council in the process. Take the comments to Ron Frew last week highlighting a 78% rates increase in the Waimarino rural area. He knows full well, or at least he should, for I explained the percentage increase on enough occasions publicly, that the 78% increase included funding the Rangataua Sewerage Scheme. Take the Rangataua component out of the increase, since it will be paid by those residents receiving the benefit of the scheme, then the percentage drops to around 43% overall for the remaining part of the rural area. With the differential applying this is pegged back to 24% overall. In making that point I'm not trying to downplay the seriousness of the rating increase for I know how difficult paying rates can be under the present economic circumstances. However, I do want to point out how figures can be used as they have in this instance to create an impression of a situation far worse than it was ever intended to be. The fact the editor of the Bulletin was requested by Messrs Frew and Alabaster not to provide the opportunity of an immediate response to these letters also indicates the sort of tactics their group intends employing. Are they worried the 'sting' will be taken out of their comments if a counter view is offered at the time? Certainly I have no fear of being criticised nor does the council provided that criticism is 'constructive'. If this group is going to be critical, fair enough, but lets have 'constructive' criticism. Further, how about working with the council and its Community Board to ensure the best possible service is provided at the best possible price for the Waimarino ratepayers rather than try and tear the whole thing apart. I look forward to something better from this

group in future. One of its first tasks should be to address the issue of land valuation particularly on the plains area. During the round of public meetings it was stressed how land values in this area were far higher than in other parts of the district. Property owners therefore would be paying rates at a very high level if a rates increase as originally suggested was implemented. It was the one point that moved council to rate on a differential basis this year. It is the one point in particular council hopes is resolved as a result of a revaluation this year. That may not be the case of course unless the Ratepayers Association and Council can convince the Valuation New Zealand there are reasons to move values downwards. It seems the main criteria being used to determine the value of land is its market value. The value of land on the plains area is high because there must have been property buyers prepared to pay high prices for it. I wonder who? Frankly I doubt there will be too many property owners who want the value of their properties falling too far. Nevertheless if there is to be an approach to Valuation New Zealand seeking more realistic valuations then it ideally should be a co-ordi-nated approach. The Ratepayers Association therefore have a vital part to play. Come on guys, the challenge is there. Be critical in a constructive manner, if you feel criticism is warranted but be fair. That's what you are asking of council. That's what we ask of you, as we work through these problems confronting us.

GS

Workman

Mayor