Rates affordability Debate
Community Wellbeing - Lifestyle & Enjoyment
Option 1
Residents supporting Option 1 emphasize the importance of maintaining and enhancing public services, such as infrastructure, parks, and recreational facilities, to ensure Nelson remains a vibrant and attractive city. They argue that investing in these areas, despite higher immediate costs, will prevent future financial burdens and support the city's long-term economic and social prosperity. Additionally, there is a strong sentiment that reducing services could negatively impact community wellbeing and lifestyle, hindering Nelson's progress towards its goals and making it less desirable for current and future generations.
Table of comments:
| Point No | Comment |
|---|---|
| 427.1 | Costs of investing, painting and operating council services have demonstrably increased in recent years, this needs to equate to increased rates. While I agree their should be a focus on core council services, particularly infrastructure related, there is a risk we let key infrastructure depreciate and miss council services that increase the livability of Nelson. Reducing rates below a level which can effectively manage current infrastructure, is kicking the can down the road and placing more financial burden on future generations |
| 534.1 | Support option 1 - maintaining and improving current services and standards. Noone wants a rates increase, however it's critical we appropriately fund infrastructure and invest in the thriving region we all desire. It's not acceptable or responsible to defer and pass on costs to the next generation. Support the recommendations which emerged from the Review into the Future of Local Government (Future for Local Government Review - dia.govt.nz), particularly those pertaining to funding. Would like to see NCC advocate for the implementation of these recommendations, including increasing central government funding. This will relieve pressure on rate payers. |
| 733.1 | There are a number of very important projects that require Nelson city to make bold moves with expenditure in order to significantly improve the local economy and living quality of the city. In particular I am talking about the "Right Tree Right Place" Project, which provides an opportunity to reduce the negative impacts of clear felling close to the city while also bolstering the long term recreational resources in the NCC owned forests, which in turn dovetails nicely with investing in a significant long term contact with Ngati Koata for recreational access to the treasure trove of mountain biking and walking trails in the region. The ongoing economic and social benefits from further bolstering this incredible recreational asset which attracts high quality residents and visitors from around the World will further bolster the local economy as highlighted in the recent BERL report update. Although not a significant option presented in the LTP, the combination of these two initiatives also necessitates a significant increase in the investment in mountain biking, walking and cycling infrastructure and trails across the region to further multiply the economic and social benefits of the existing world-class facilities. Focusing too heavily on reducing expenditure could seriously negatively impact the local economy which already is reported as one of the worst in the country in regular regional economic comparisons, not investing in tourism and hospitality supporting initiatives would be short sighted, especially with the current very low economic value of export pine at the moment. Ultimately investing in the future economic growth of the region through intiatives such as the Right Tree Right Place project and negotiating long term access to the Ngati Koata owned mountain bike and recreational areas will help grow the local economy and eventually provide greater prosperity which can potentially offset rates increases. |
| 807.1 | I want our services to stay intact as we all benefit from them. |
| 963.1 | Options 2,3 & 4 all are the start of going backwards - the last thing Nelson needs |
| 1003.1 | I would prefer no service cuts and in fact an increase to public services, particularly support for public transport. It would be best if the rates could be further bracketed to take larger fees from wealthier land-owners, if this is within the council's power. |
| 1009.1 | I would in fact very much prefer an increase to public services - particularly that for public transport. It would also be best if the rates could be further bracketed to take larger amounts from our wealthier residents - if it would be possible for the council to do so. |
| 1027.1 | Thank you for maintaining your investment in sport and recreation across many areas during |
| 1028.1 | Although many Nelsonians are currently grappling with the cost of living crisis, I worry that lowering services will derail Nelson's long term goals and objectives. We have a lot of work to do before we can really call ourselves: 'The Smartest Little City,' we have a CBD that lacks vibrancy and we're losing businesses to the Tasman region. Revitalising the CBD is going to take a lot of resources before we can have a bustling city centre. We do not have a curbside composting solution, diverting food waste is one of the easiest and most effective way to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. Becoming a more sustainable community, with a more developed CBD will make Nelson a more desirable place to live, but will require investment. |
| 1075.1 | I am very sympathetic to the challenges the Council are facing and respect that difficult choices need to be made.At the same time, I am concerned about the cost of inaction that continues to impact our city. The opportunity cost of historical under investment in civic infrastructure is enormous and I am particularly keen to see us tackle that deficit to ensure we stay relevant and arrests the decline in the appeal of our city for young people. |
| 1076.6 | make this city epic!! And I'll pay |
| 1083.1 | lets get Nelson pumping again. |
| 1100.1 | squeeze the mega wealthy if possible, lobby central government. Ratepayers are not all wealthy, however winding down society is not a solution. I'd rather we crashed at full speed than wound down - easier to keep momentum that way. |
| 1278.1 | The city needs to be maintained to a certain standard to ensure the community feels proud and respectful towards their environment. If council doesn't respect the environment then the community won't |
| 1299.1 | Firstly, I am concerned that cutting important maintenance and infrastructure services and upgrades could lead to even higher costs in the future. We still need to spend the money now if required. I support rates increases when the money is used wisely. I also support the council to push back when the government makes changes to legislation that create unrealistic and inefficient use of finances.I value access to our reserves and parks and would like to see the current services retained. Nelson has a beautiful natural landscape. In relation to road services, I support the most efficient use of funds including reducing frequency of road marking and resealing projects which cause no harm and do not need to be done. For example, Seaton Street, where I live was resealed last year even though there was nothing wrong with it. |
| 1390.1 | Comment: |
| 1438.1 | There is a lot to do in and around Nelson to keep our region smart, viable, safe and attractive. This require funding. |