Well despite some new developments the 'Sleeping Dragon' of Kaipara ratepayers - more particularly in the west - has still not been properly awakened. The divide persists between those who are fighting hard to have the past actions of Council corrected and the majority who simply appear to ignore the drastic situation we are in and just 'don't want to get involved'.
A while ago MRRA took positive action in lodging a claim in the High Court that seeks to have the LTP and PDP declared illegal. More than one legal opinion has suggested that such an approach is likely to succeed because of the vast number of illegalities performed by the Council over a number of years. Commissioners however have taken fright and declared they will provide up to $500k towards defending the claim - they expressed 'disappointment' that such action should be taken, despite their challenge to the public to do so.
The matter now sits before the Court and we have heard that the case is likely to be considered at a date in August.
Despite this action being under way, a bill has been introduced into Parliament asking for validation of all the illegalities and a declaration that all the rates charged are and have always been lawful. It is staggering that this could even be considered given the catastrophic performance of the past Council/s, yet the bill has been referred to a select committee for consideration. Black = White.
A point of wonder is that Parliament will allow progress of this bill whilst the matter is before the Court: this may be the first time Parliament has interfered with the judiciary.
Many ratepayers (at least 21%) are still withholding rates and despite increasing pressure from Council are likely to continue to do so, at least until the outcome of the Court process and/or the local bill are concluded.
