Inquiry Into Rates

The independent inquiry into local government rates has now opened. New Zealand First was pleased to secure the inquiry in August last year, and is urging the public to take the opportunity to have their say.

This inquiry provides the chance for ratepayers, councils and others to actively play their part in examining and addressing the critical aspects of how local government is funded, the drivers of rates increases, and the demand on local government.

Public forums have been held in Hamilton, Auckland, Wellington, Napier, Palmerston North and Nelson. Over the next few weeks the inquiry panel will visit Christchurch, Dunedin, Rotorua, Gisborne and Whangarei. People are invited to put their concerns and views to the inquiry panel. The panel will also meet with councils and key sector groups. Submissions close at 4pm on 30 April 2007.

Further information the inquiry can be found at www.ratesinquiry.govt.nz.

Further Funding for Eldercare to Come in This Year’s Budget

New Zealand First made the funding of the eldercare sector a central plank of our Confidence and Supply Agreement. Last budget we achieved a much needed $126 million boost to the sector. However, this was just the beginning and this budget will contain a further significant boost, with a significant portion of the funds directed towards improving the wages of the nurses and carers working in the sector - a much needed development. We are pleased to have delivered to this sector which had been neglected by successive governments for so long.

Brian Donnelly (front row, centre) and Ron Mark (front row, second from right) with the New Zealand parliamentary cricket team in a match vs Australian parliament at Bradman Oval, Bowral, New South Wales.