'Boy was I in for a shock': Rangataua

Waimarino Bulletin, Issue 3, 5 August 1988, Page 30

'Boy was I in for a shock': Rangataua

Well its that time of the year again where we receive our Rate Demands. Having read in the papers and also received a letter from Council we are led to believe that we can look forward to a 1.8% increase. I think to myself that this is a reasonable increase and budget accordingly.

Boy was I in for a shock when I received my rate demand. Lo and behold I find to my amazement that they are a few dollars ($15 to be exact) short of being double that of last years rates. I also here from a neighbour that his rates

have increased by justone treble. To me a person of average IQ that represents an increase of just about 100% and 3 0 0 % respectively. Allowing for the increase in land values which seem to have increased out of all pro-

portion. I and many others in Rangataua would like to k n o w how these figures can be justified especially in Rangataua. I for one have certainly not seen a 100% or 200% increase in the upkeep of general maintenance of Rangataua Township. For example, footpaths (the very few that we have)

are choked with weeds and in winter are under water. No curbing, the odd street light, most of the streets are still metal. Approximately three years ago a new drain was put down the side of Marino Street. Putting it mildly it is now a bloody eye sore, it hasn't been touched since, choked with

weeds, caved in, in places and basically doesn't do the job it was designed for. If we are to pay these extra rates surely we have the right to see where our money is going. Now that we are supposed to be all under one roof, I personally challenge the Mayor and Councillors to come out to Rangataua and have a look for themselves. Also, we have been informed that "The Sewerage Scheme" is going ahead (and I might add that boundary has been changed once more. I wonder why?) God knows, for he's the only one that does what the rates will jump too when this is finished. Last but not least, last year we find the Council or a Councillor has invented such a thing called Land Uniform Charge which was added to our rates and was set at $50. We now find it has jumped to $100. To me this is a form of extortion and the precedent has been set and we could be looking at a further $50 increase next year and the years to come. For the life of me I cannot see what gives Council the right to charge these extra rates. I would like to see everyone who is against this extra charge to get together and refuse to pay unless Council can come up with a decent explanation for them.

T. A.

Spry