Living in Wellington has become increasingly unsustainable due to relentless rate and water charge increases. As a property manager, I have firsthand experience of the financial strain these hikes place on families and businesses across the city. It's disheartening to witness how the Wellington Council is mishandling funds, investing in unnecessary expenditures such as lavish office spaces to persuade staff to return to workplaces, underutilized cycle lanes, and art installations that fail to engage the community.

The lack of transparency in spending, absence of an independent audit, and zero accountability on where taxpayers’ money is invested demand immediate attention. We need to address these inefficiencies and redirect funds to where they will make a significant impact on the community. Let's prioritize essential services and infrastructure improvements over extravagant vanity projects.

The time has come for the Wellington Council to stabilize or decrease the rates and water charges, making living and working in our beautiful city affordable again. Ensuring a sustainable financial future for Wellington means re-evaluating current spending practices and implementing a meticulous budget review process overseen by an independent body.

We call upon the Wellington Council to halt any further rate and water charge increases until a full independent financial audit is conducted. This audit must clarify where the funds are currently being allocated and recommend necessary changes to align with the public’s interests and Wellington’s long-term sustainability.

Stand with me in urging our local government for better financial management and transparency. Every signature counts in making sure that living in Wellington doesn’t become a burden but a joy again. Sign this petition for accountability and a balanced budget.