As ordinary Kiwis are scraping together coins for groceries, rent, and power bills, our ever-relatable Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has heroically managed to shave a whopping $8500 off his annual rates bill for his humble holiday home on Waiheke Island. Truly, a victory for the people.
The house, a modest $10.5 million beachfront bach in Onetangi where the neighbours’ boats probably cost more than most people’s houses, was tragically over-valued by Auckland Council. Thankfully, the system worked exactly as it should for the little guy and after a personal objection, the valuation was slashed by a third to just $7 million. Because who among us hasn’t looked at our $10 million beach home and thought, “This seems a touch high”?
This isn’t the first time Luxon has shown just how in-touch he is with the struggles of everyday New Zealanders. Last year, while asking government departments to tighten their belts, he graciously claimed a $52,000 accommodation allowance on his own Wellington apartment, even though he already owns it - although I think he may have paid it back after the media got involved.
Meanwhile, over at Auckland Council, officials have been working tirelessly to process property objections. Out of 630,000 homes, only 1000 objections have been reviewed so far. Somehow, 47 properties on the Onetangi beachfront, including Luxon’s, have already received their shiny new lower valuations.
The council even warned the remaining beachfront homeowners that they might also get a reduction, just to “ensure consistency.” The system is so fair it’s making sure the rich aren’t treated unfairly compared to the even richer.
Of course, Auckland rates fund trivial things like roads, libraries, and public parks, luxuries the rest of us use while the PM unwinds at his beachside palace. But don’t worry, that $281,000 drop in total rates revenue across the area surely won’t affect anything important.
So here’s to Christopher Luxon, the everyman Prime Minister who really understands what it’s like to make ends meet. An inspiration to anyone struggling to afford both their first home. What a glorious time to be alive in New Zealand!
Matua Kahurangi is just a bloke sharing thoughts on New Zealand and the world beyond. No fluff, just honest takes. He blogs on https://matuakahurangi.com/ where this article was sourced
This isn’t the first time Luxon has shown just how in-touch he is with the struggles of everyday New Zealanders. Last year, while asking government departments to tighten their belts, he graciously claimed a $52,000 accommodation allowance on his own Wellington apartment, even though he already owns it - although I think he may have paid it back after the media got involved.
Meanwhile, over at Auckland Council, officials have been working tirelessly to process property objections. Out of 630,000 homes, only 1000 objections have been reviewed so far. Somehow, 47 properties on the Onetangi beachfront, including Luxon’s, have already received their shiny new lower valuations.
The council even warned the remaining beachfront homeowners that they might also get a reduction, just to “ensure consistency.” The system is so fair it’s making sure the rich aren’t treated unfairly compared to the even richer.
Of course, Auckland rates fund trivial things like roads, libraries, and public parks, luxuries the rest of us use while the PM unwinds at his beachside palace. But don’t worry, that $281,000 drop in total rates revenue across the area surely won’t affect anything important.
So here’s to Christopher Luxon, the everyman Prime Minister who really understands what it’s like to make ends meet. An inspiration to anyone struggling to afford both their first home. What a glorious time to be alive in New Zealand!
Matua Kahurangi is just a bloke sharing thoughts on New Zealand and the world beyond. No fluff, just honest takes. He blogs on https://matuakahurangi.com/ where this article was sourced
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