Blog Comments

Once again BB#1, your commitment to excellence and delving into the minute details of biking is a testament to your focus, determination and level headed approach.

Keep on passing the open windows!

Thanks Trudi, really appreciate your comment and recognition of what Uncle B's legacy means to all of us that knew him. I am hoping that some of the bygone riders may return for a general 'in honour ride' (Wednesday or Tuesday) before the end of this daylight season.

Cam thanks for your commitment and support. It will be a pleasure to work together on the Tuesday rides.

You already know you have my commitment and support.

Cam.

Good on you Guy, I'm so pleased that the spirit of TCWNR is being attempted to be kept alive by you, and hope some of the newer riders will eventually come back to it.
Cheers
Trudi.

Thank you for your comment, appreciate it.

Well written - nothing left to say as you have commented on what many riders have said and think about weds night rides, and why newbies stay away.

Your comment..."Personally, I am still more in favour of simply increasing the existing ACC levy on Petrol. The system already exists. It works well. There would be no additional collection costs. It's hard to invent systems that avoid paying it."

Agreed. There needs to be a universal 'transparent' method. At the end of the day: you're driving a 22 wheeler, a 250, a bicycle, or skiing down the slopes or kicking a ball. You're 8 or 80yrs old. Universally there needs to be a 'cover all'. How that is achieved is the challenge ahead. I do not think it is too difficult from a 'systems' perspective. From a socialogical angle however things will be different. Bureaucracy and Humanity, I am sure we can all sit and present many scenarios, the challenge of course is to try and find middle ground.

Good healthy debate and discussion is always welcome.

I would be happy to consider collecting the ACC levy at the same time as GST - just don't call it GST. I fear that it you combine them both then money will be siphoned off for the wrong purposes (look at the roading tax - collected in the general taxation account and not fully used on roading as a result).

The biggest question in my mind would be would this new collection method support the Woodhouse principle of everyone contributing in the community.

For example, I can see people changing to doing purchasing via a company, so they can claim back their GST.


Personally, I am still more in favour of simply increasing the existing ACC levy on Petrol. The system already exists. It works well. There would be no additional collection costs. It's hard to invent systems that avoid paying it.

Thanks for the comment. I looked at PartVI.

Essentially my logic was based on the mechanism underwhich the ACC can be paid, and seeing as GST came into being after ACC, then the GST system would appear to present a good vehicle underwhich funding of ACC could occur.

The procedures underwhich this would occur are not addressed of course. But rather the fact that a system, GST, was introduced, then a more equitable method of funding ACC could therefore result.

ACC and GST are for two totally different purposes.

I would encourage you to read the Woodhouse report, the foundation of ACC. And if you can't be bothered reading the research and all the reasons why it was done the way it is, at least read section 6.
http://www.library.auckland.ac.nz/data/woodhouse/

Did you know ACC are withdrawing funding to motorcycle safety courses to save money? Call me crazy but I always thought prevention was better than cure

always interesting the journey that gets us to 'here'

wow - a very positive, inward looking, reflective post. somewhat of a treat on here. good luck and i look forward to reading your interesting blogs.