"Cap Rates for South Wairarapa: Cap 2025/26 Rate Increase at 3%"

Comments

#6

Because our rates increased by 100% this year and is unsustainable.

Marty Trow (Wairarapa, 2024-10-16)

#7

My rates have increased by 100% this year which is unrealistic and unaffordable.

Alison Trow (Martinborough, 2024-10-16)

#9

The continued escalation in rates is unsustainable. The increases are far higher than the cost of living increase and increases of other councils. Combined with no change in the quality of services leaves many questioning the value SWDC provides for rate payers.

Simon Cartwright (Martinborough, 2024-10-16)

#16

In order to stop excessive rates increases and stop putting high financial pressure on households and businesses, South Wairarapa District Council must undertake a thorough review of its operating expenditure and its budgeting practices. This review must occur as part of the current long term planning process and it must lead to substantial spending restraint in 2025-26. The Council will confirm for ratepayers and residents that it is serious and genuine about achieving restraint — restraint without any significant cutting of public services — by committing itself to an average increase in 2025-26 rates of no more than 3%.

Martin Freeth (Martinborough, 2024-10-16)

#17

Our rates are already astronomical and increasing them will force my retired parents to sell their home as they just can't afford them on a pension... and it's gard enough for a working family.

Trinity Shaw (Martinborough, 2024-10-16)

#18

It's getting beyond a joke trying to afford this.

Michelle Swanson (Martinborough, 2024-10-16)

#19

The cost of living is outpacing the rise in income levels.

Tom de Groen (Martinborough, 2024-10-16)

#25

100% rate rise over the last few years is unacceptable

Megan Pentecost (Martinborough, 2024-10-16)

#27

Disgruntled with the poor management of our council.

Dave Shepherd (Martinborough, 2024-10-16)

#33

Rates high increase

Tony Stephenson (Martinborough, 2024-10-17)

#36

I want to know I can afford to live here in the upcoming 5 years!

Jade Kiel (Martinborough, 2024-10-17)

#40

The SWDC should be made to fix the mistakes of 30 years of ineptitude running things in our region. Water and sewerage infastructure and the roads have been severly neglected over the previous 30 years and now it has come time for the council to fix these issues. The SWDC has consistently put the cost of these things onto ratepayers and yet never made an effort to get these things up to code within their budget. Usually when a Corporation is losing money, they slash employees, slash frilly spending, slash reckless decision making to save their shareholders from bearing the cost of their mistakes! It is way past due for our council to show some respect for their shareholders and do the same. If they do not take action to save their shareholders more costs, we the people will make sure that they are held to account and culpability for their actions is bought to bear.

Andy Hocquard (Martinborough, 2024-10-17)

#41

The rate increases in South Wairarapa over the past several years are truly shocking. Again, the recent revaluation is outrageous, particularly as the services provided by the Council have declined in quality and are barely maintained at a basic level. We are being charged exorbitant amounts for substandard services, with significant water issues still unresolved. Our quality of life has not improved—quite the opposite. We, as families and businesses, are being burdened from all sides, at a time when the cost of living is already so high. It’s absolutely unacceptable. Thank you.

Anne Boyle (Martinborough, 2024-10-17)

#43

The council has not considered individuals financial positions and the ability to service imposed premiums that they can not negotiate. Eg look for alternative supplier and remove unwanted services.

Jan Stephenson (Martinborough, 2024-10-17)

#44

I have paid for double services for over 20 years, yes I have 2 dwellings but not two lots of services....and we use less than a single allocation anyway even with 2 dwellings

Jocelyn Swain (Martinborough, 2024-10-17)

#52

I am signing this petition because residents cannot afford to pay higher rates. We believe the council are spending money on unnecessary projects and are being wasteful. Most importantly they are killing our businesses and community by not resolving the waste water issues. The pause on new consents means our building business will be forced out of Martinborough as we are unable to undertake new developments in the town.

Margaret Kennedy (Martinborough, 2024-10-17)

#53

I can’t afford to live here anymore. I live rural and I feel that I get nothing for my money.

Sharon Garrett (Tauherenikau Rd3, 2024-10-17)

#54

Rates in SWDC are ridiculous with no reasonable upgrades or benefit to the residents.

Anna Foreman (Greytown, 2024-10-17)

#58

The current rises over the last few years are unsustainable and I fail to see much basic infrastructure maintenance that could justify such excessive increases.

Dennis Page (Greytown, 2024-10-17)

#63

Our rates have increased by over 100% in the past few years. It's getting ridiculous!

Loni Hansen (Martinborough, 2024-10-17)

#66

I’m alarmed at the Rates increases and lack of transparency.

Tania Williamson (Martinborough, 2024-10-17)

#68

I am appalled with our 40% increase this year; based solely on moving from land to capital value. This is NOT the fair way to

Philippa Evernden (Martinborough, 2024-10-17)

#74

I am signing because my rates have gone up 335% since I moved here in 2017. This is appalling for one rural household - one dwelling only - that receives no support - no roads - no footpaths - I don’t use rubbish collection - I catch and use my own water - what do I get for my 335% increase??

Heather Murohy (Featherston, 2024-10-17)

#80

I am sick of the rate increase. Also the continued waste of money spending. The fact you did not spend on infrastructure over years you disappointed all ratepayers. You have stopped all development in Martinborough due to your lack of investment in Infrastructure. You have absolutely destroyed our community moving forward in the future 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️

Sharon Hunter (Martinborough, 2024-10-17)

#83

I agree with the mentioned demands.

Patrick Ginnane (Featherston, 2024-10-17)

#85

The rates are ridiculous

Aaron Sanson (Featherston, 2024-10-17)

#91

We are a retired couple who are now finding the level of rates in Martinborough unaffordable. SWDC have effectively destroyed our retirement planning.

Roger Fraser (Martinborough, 2024-10-17)

#92

Because the Rates increase is higher than anywhere in the country and put simply it’s going to kill our community.

Leanne Schou (Martinborough, 2024-10-17)

#96

I’m signing as my rates have increased 100% over the last 3 years and I can not afford another 30% or greater increase next year

Jessica Thomas (Martinborough, 2024-10-17)

#98

I totally believe in this petition, what they are asking, looking after the financial wellbeing of our residents, better financial decisions by our Council. PLEASE

Jan Beck (Martinborough, 2024-10-17)

#99

Rates are already too high. I believe that Too much money is wasted on stuff that is not core council or ratepayers responsibility or is used unwisely.

Robyn McKeown (Martinborough, 2024-10-17)

#101

Rats in SWDC are out of control and not sustainable.

David McLachlan (Featherston, 2024-10-17)

#102

The increases are unjustified and not based on accurate information

Di Lusk (Martinborough, 2024-10-17)

#103

We moved to Martinborough in March 2024, our rates were at that time were $7836.22.
The rates ncrease to the current year is $16737.
Totally unsustainable.
The footprint of the house has not changed
After many emails with a totally incompetent Mayor, we are disillusioned, hugely disappointed at the lack of transparency and now stuck in a lovely town the SWDC seem intent on killing.

Leigh McCathie (Martinborough, 2024-10-17)

#104

The rate increases are too high we need to cap spending by the council

Geoffrey Backhouse (Martinborough, 2024-10-17)

#105

The rates on my 2 bedroom unit are off the clock.

Carmel Yardley (Greymouth, 2024-10-17)

#109

I don’t believe the increases are fair

Leah MacKenzie (Martinborough, 2024-10-18)

#110

Our rates are already astronomical

Barry Bradley (Greytown, 2024-10-18)

#120

Matt Otter.

Matt Otter (Featherston, 2024-10-18)

#121

I have family in that area and enough is enough.

Sue Callaghan Sue Callaghan (Masterton, 2024-10-18)

#123

I don’t want an increase like I have had over the last 2 years!!

Steve Prescott (Martinborough, 2024-10-18)

#126

Rapidly rising rates and not much to show for it.

Rachael Prout (Martinborough, 2024-10-18)

#130

After the recent rating review where Council voted to change the rating process from land value to capital value, resulting in my neighbor up the road rates increasing by 87%, a Councillor then highlighted at a recent Council meeting, which was captured by the media "that she didn't know what she was voting for at the time" this is relating to the rate change! Many ratepayers rates have gone up dramatically. South Wairarapa Residents have been subject to steep rate increases in the last 5 or so years, 1 increase at nearly 20% this followed by another at 29%. These type of increases show that SWDC have little understanding of long term planning. In addition, SWDC have not demonstrated any kind of inhouse operational cost savings or reduction of operational spend, there has been various new positions created recently suggesting that SWDC are continuing to operate in ignorance of the current cost of living crisis! This Council actually requires a Commissioner take over as it is completely incompetent!!!

Lee Carter (Greytown, 2024-10-18)

#131

If rates carry on going up at the rate they are we won’t be in business in 10 years time and neither will many others, my rates bill is bigger then my mortgage and that’s worrying, council needs to get back to basics.

Rod Sutherland (Featherston, 2024-10-18)

#133

The rate rises we are seeing each year are unsustainable

Josie Bidwill (Martinborough, 2024-10-19)

#135

Yes

Diane Taal (Martinborough, 2024-10-19)

#136

I cannot afford another increase, I'm am a solo mum w a mortgage, I work full time and struggling financially as it is.

Louise Henderson (Martinborough, 2024-10-19)

#139

Rates hikes over the last few years are not substantial

Karen Dyer (Martinborough, 2024-10-19)

#145

Rates bill per week is unsustainable relative to income. It is simply unaffordable as a low income resident.

Melissa Young (Martinborough, 2024-10-20)

#150

The ratepayers of the South Wairarapa District are not receiving value for money from their annual rate payment. The CEO is employing too many staff and making no effort to cut costs.

Warren Woodgyer (Greytown, 2024-10-21)

#153

The rate rises have become a challenge to pay. They have risen over 90% in five years. They must be capped and the rural people given a reprieve from the rise.

Claire Bleakley (Featherston, 2024-10-21)

#154

I have a small business at home which is attached to my house and they are now charging a suip rate and two health cert and each year water when i started I got a resource consent and paid for parking and signs . This will force me to close. I have been in business for 22 years here . It is a needle in a hay stack as alot of businesses are not getting one which is not right , It is not fair which it is not o.k

Gail Wilson (Martinborough, 2024-10-21)

#156

The increases incurred this year have been out of step with the value of services received. Given the ongoing situation with infrastructure in the region it is untenable for rates increases to be a factor in paying for the upgrades. Central government needs to step in to make the rating system more equitable around the country and support infrastructure upgrades.

Karen Stephens (Martinborough, 2024-10-22)

#157

I want to buy a house but rates making it unaffordable

Neeidee Kerrison (Martinborough, 2024-10-22)

#158

I am signing this because of the exorbitant increase in rates and the lack of consultation and transparency

Elizabeth Paterson (Martinborough, 2024-10-22)

#160

Rates increases should be tied to inflation (more or less) and not double digit increases every year. Soon enough the rates will become so significantly expensive that we might see people leaving our region because of it

Dylan Romanos (Martinborough, 2024-10-22)

#167

I'm signing because rates should be a payment for services, NOT a tax for benefit of the wider community (as CE Janice Smith declared to a public gathering recently). As many ratepayers around the country say " Stick to the essential services"

Adrian Tyler (Dyerville, 2024-10-23)

#172

Rates increases are beyond CPI and out of control, placing significant stress on financial resources resulting in reduced spending and investment in the region.

Christopher Bransgrove (Martinborough, 2024-10-23)

#179

The rates increases are unaffordable and a real concern that if they continue to increase at this rate we may not be able to stay at our property when we retire onto Nat Super. Very very poor management of the finances and future infrastructure SWD. Communication is below par Councillors remember who voted you in !!!!

Leanne Griffith (Lake ferry, 2024-10-24)

#181

My rates have now more than doubled in three years, and SWDC needs to reduce spending (incl grants) on projects that are not core functions of council and get back to the basics.
Council rubbish bags have gone from $1 to $5, but we still pay for rubbish collection in our rates, talk about double dipping.
Rates should be evenly spread across ratepayers, not taxing those who have invested in their own homes more. The rate increases are becoming nothing more than an envy tax to fund council incompetence.

Paris McLaughlin (FEATHERSTON, FEATHERSTON, 2024-10-24)

#182

As noted, rates are becoming unsustainable and there needs to be a back-to-basics approach. Water (waste, storm and drinking), roading, maintenance of existing infrastructure, and allowing for housing and business growth should be the only priorities. Anything else can be paid for by communities if they want it, not the council via rating.

Steve Dunstan (Greytown, 2024-10-24)

#184

The rates are becoming unaffordable! The Council is dysfunctional.

Mariana Garner (Wellington, 2024-10-24)

#190

I believe the rates demands have gotten out of hand and have become unaffordable for alot of the towns' residents. Central government needs to step up and help out.

Annette Castle (Martinborough, 2024-10-24)

#194

Years of underinvestment have seen us in the last 5 years pay dramatically for catching up.

Emma McDougall (Featherston, 2024-10-25)

#196

I am signing because I fully support the ideals of this petition

Lynda Saint-Merat (Greytown, 2024-10-25)

#197

I support the petition

David Simpson (Greytown, 2024-10-25)



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