Letters: Rates increase will hit families

Rob Kent (left) and Mike McVicker wanted all council candidates to make a pledge on rates prior to last year's election. Photo/File

After a break of some six months I find I must respond to some of the comments being registered these days, as follows.

In response to the, in my view, naive comments from Ryan Gray (Letters April 3), I must point out to him that ratepayers in general would much prefer a 2.5 per cent rate increase from the Rotorua Lakes Council than the 3.8 per cent proposed in the 2017/18 Annual Plan. He may think that the extra $1.60 per week, or $83 p.a. is negligible, but to many people it means less spent on the family essentials.

Furthermore, wouldn't it be great if the maximum of a 2.5 per cent increase proposed by councillor Rob Kent and myself last year (not 2 per cent as reported) could be the maximum increase over the three-year term. Hence the council would need to eliminate some of the "nice to have" items on its agenda and tighten its belt. That, for Mr Gray's benefit, was the major reason to promote such a policy. But no, the mayor will continue to get away with her pet projects and nothing will change.

MIKE McVICKER
Rotorua

Ballet a cultural treat

What a cultural treat Rotorua locals and out of towners experienced over the weekend, being able to enjoy Ann Samson's School of Ballet performances and the St John's Church "Rising out of the Ashes" concert.

Both were full of colour, exuberance, dedication, community spirit, laughter, and enjoyment from the singers, dancers and the audiences.

Huge congratulations must go to Ann and her band of workers for the ballet and of course to the hardworking, beautiful ballerinas, some as young as 4. What an achievement! Also big congratulations to the organisers of the St John's concert and their very capable and enthusiastic young and older singers, musicians and talented MC.

Fantastic!

EILEEN ONEKAWA-SHEEHAN
Rotorua