Jan Gyenge (pronounced Jen Ga) organised a rates rally at 8.00am Thursday 26th of June, outside the Tauranga City Council building. The council was due to meet at 9.30am to vote on the annual plan for 2025-26, which includes a 9.9% rates increase. Most people in Tauranga can not afford a 9.9% rates increase.
Around 50-60 people braved the rain and the cold weather to attend. The early morning start does not suit everyone. Some people joined us briefly on the way to work, or on their way to other things. The rest of us moved up to the council chambers on the first floor at around 9.15am.
The Mayor let four of us speak to the forum, Murray Guy, Mark Kenyon-Slade, Jan Gyenge, and myself. The annual plan was passed later unchanged.
Here is Jan rushing past, on the way to somewhere. So much to do and so little time, just like the white rabbit.
Maureen and her husband. They helped make the signs for the rally from Memorial Park, which were reused again this time.
Gail and Ross.
Here we have a story about a very expensive paint job for a bus stop.
Ray has some words to say about the council.