Telecom Rural Charges Price Hike “Yet Another Blow To Rural New Zealand”

26 rural Mayors met today to discuss some of the issues currently of concern to the territorial local authorities around New Zealand. Of primary concern was the issue of the increase in Telecom’s rural connection charges.

David Owen, Mayor of Waimate District and Local Government Rural Sector Group Spokesperson said that the rural Mayors who attended today’s meeting and were briefed by Telecom still felt betrayed and angry at the proposed increases in connection charges.

“The Mayors listened to Telecom but are still furious. Access to a phone is not a luxury in rural New Zealand, it is a necessity. Without a phone life in rural New Zealand is not safe and surely that is reason enough for Telecom to reconsider its decision,” said David Owen.

The Mayors passed a unanimous resolution condemning Telecom’s new charging proposals and demanding that the Government ensures that Telecom complies with the intent of their Kiwishare obligation, so that all New Zealanders have access to telecommunication services at a reasonable cost.

The Group also expressed concerns about Telecom’s possible involvement in Government plans for Broadband expansion to service rural and provincial education. Based on this most recent decision by Telecom, there is wide spread cynicism over the reliability and commitment to social responsibility of Telecom.

Other issues discussed today were rural roading funding and lack of new works planned, rural health initiatives, rural sewerage upgrades, and Sport and Recreation (formally Hillary Commission) Community Sport Funding abolition for rural communities.

© Scoop Media

Gordon Campbell: On The New Government’s Policies Of Yesteryear

Winston Peters is routinely described as the kingmaker who decides whether the centre right or the centre-left has a turn at running this country. He also plays a less heralded, but equally important role as the scapegoat who can be blamed for killing taxes that his senior partners never much wanted in the first place. Neither Ardern nor Robertson for example, really wanted a capital gains tax, for fear of Labour copping the “tax and spend“ label they ended up being saddled with anyway. Usefully though, they could tell the party faithful it was wicked old Winston who killed the CGT... More

Government: National, ACT, & NZ First To Deliver For All Kiwis

The National Party claims the new coalition government will be stable, effective, and will deliver for all Kiwis. "Despite the challenging economic environment, New Zealanders can look forward to a better future because of the changes the new Government will make ... We know that, with the right leadership, the right policies, and the right direction, together New Zealanders can make this an even better country," says Christopher Luxon... More

ALSO:

• ACT - Real Change Begins Today
• Green Party - A Strong Opposition To Divisive Government
• Te Pati Maori - Luxon’s Government Will Whitewash Aotearoa
• NZ College Of Midwives - College Supports Solution Focussed Approach For New Health Minister
• Federation of Primary Health - Yes Minister – The Federation Is Looking Forward To Working With You