This 1.5% increase is the annual adjustment from 1 April last year, and basically reflects the rate of inflation.

But Dougherty totally disregards that — he wants the average KCDC rates impost (including water charges) to go up 5.9%, and we are simply appalled by it.  A high percentage of Waikanae people rely on ‘the Super’ as their main source of income. There is no reason, other than Dougherty’s extravagant waste on his Empire, for the KCDC rates increase to be more than that same percentage.

Just as appalling is that while the maximum Superannuation payment is $450 a week, Dougherty gets over $6,000 a week from Ratepayers.

If you feel like we do, then tell the council that in a submission on the annual plan (see earlier).