The Exit Door Is Open

Another story of one of us moving overseas due to the cost-of-living crisis and the lack of opportunities in New Zealand. Wellington not only has to compete with the rest of the country, but we also have to compete with Australia, the UK to convince our youngest and brightest to stay, and we are not winning at the moment as we wear the crown as the only urban centre in NZ to experience population decline. Too many people on fixed or lower incomes can no longer afford to pay for insurance. Many have to leave.

We live in a democracy. You will need a group of councillors around the table that advocates for a zero rate increase and focuses on getting the basics right. What we will likely achieve is not a zero rates increase but a much lower increase than you would otherwise get. This will keep more of your hard-earned money in your pocket.

The most compassionate thing the council can do right now is to make the city more affordable and let people get on with their lives.