Reminded by price-hike conscious members of National’s pre-election pledge to be better off under National, the minister faced a barrage of price increase questions related to ACC, GST, electricity, rates and food.
A call for the proposed unpopular GST increase to be replaced by a government assault on tax evasion drew a ministerial response of the impossibility of eliminating all tax evasion. Further GST concerns addressed an inability of CPI superannuation adjustments to keep pace with inflation.
The minister was followed by recently appointed Community Constable Ian Anderson who, in a wide ranging, comprehensive and entertaining address provided a resume of his background, a snapshot of Dargville criminal offending, references tothe socio-economic background of the offenders and how the public through community patrols, can help with effective policing of our town.
Although conceding the low rate of Dargaville criminal offending, Constable Anderson did call for improved driver observance for stop signs and indicating.
Both speakers were thanked by the local Grey Power president June Klenner and through the acclamation of members Grey Power Northland’s Regional Zone Chairperson Jack Kerr also attended the meeting.
