A few weeks ago on the show we talked about council rates and the fact that it is unreal that councils plan to raise rates right now. At the best of times, much council spending is questionable.  Right now, they should be extra careful. 

Which made the announcement from Wellington City Council today – already arguably the worst council in the country - quite unbelievable. 

Let me tell you about their new contestable fund. 

They have proudly announced today that they are setting aside $50,000 for this fund. 

This fund is available to businesses and organisations to apply for the money to help build things like ramps… lockers… showers… or maybe buy a bicycle for their staff to try out. 

Yes… this is a fund to help these businesses and organisations promote walking and cycling. 

I know.  It’s blown my mind too. It’s almost like Wellington City Council is acting as if Covid and all those job losses haven’t happened. 

This I guess goes some way to explaining why Wellington City Council has this year increased its rates by 5.1%. $50K obviously doesn’t account for that entire rates increase. But it explains the thinking. These people clearly do not understand that every $50K adds up and becomes a really big sum of money that they have wasted on things that don’t matter. 

And let me just say it, right now it doesn’t matter whether someone walks or cycles to work, when we’re not even sure how many will have work to go to in a few months time. 

Once again I point to Horowhenua District Council.  A council that actually reduced rates this year.  I wonder if their residents are pleased with that, or would prefer paying for a business’ new shower so the staff can cycle in to work.