Ah, the councils of New Zealand—forever masters of the art of diversion. It’s impressive how quickly they latch onto any half-baked excuse to justify digging deeper into ratepayers’ pockets. This time, it’s the rising electricity costs. Yes, you heard that right. Apparently, a 40% spike in power bills means they must hike rates by 20-30%, and there’s just no other option.
Except, of course, to continue splurging on the “nice-to-haves.” You know, the essentials like upgrading council offices (because obviously, better desks will solve everything), revamping libraries (because ratepayers would rather read in style than pay their mortgage or heat their homes), and sending the mayor on overseas jaunts to “learn” from other cities. And who could forget the arts and dance festivals? Essential, absolutely—because nothing says fiscal responsibility like sponsoring a bunch of interpretive dancers prancing around in the park.
But don’t worry, they feel our pain. Wairoa Mayor Craig Little is positively trembling at the thought of higher electricity prices and how they’ll “hit residents in the pocket.” How comforting. Maybe the next time he’s jetting off to inspect a library in Paris or hosting an avant-garde art show, he can ponder the poor ratepayers who will have to choose between keeping the lights on and paying for his next round of municipal vanity projects.
In the end, we all know who’ll be left holding the bill. It’s not the council with their taxpayer-funded office chairs and trips abroad. No, it’s the ratepayers, as always, who’ll be the ones forking out for the privilege of watching their hard-earned money evaporate into a cloud of council-sponsored self-indulgence.
Legal theft?
eN-Zed 