Latest news with #Faulkner
Scoop
5 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
Rural Voters Fed Up With Rates Rip-Off
Councils have a mountain to climb to win back the trust of rural ratepayers, Federated Farmers says - and that starts with cutting wasteful spending and sharing the burden more fairly. "At the same time, councils deserve an overhaul of their funding tools and other changes to central government policy," Feds local government spokesperson Sandra Faulkner says. "Council rates hikes have climbed well above inflation for several decades, but the pressure on ratepayers has only worsened. "When elections happen this October, voters should back candidates who commit to capping general rate increases at inflation - unless there's a genuinely extraordinary reason not to," Faulkner says. She says rural ratepayers are fed up with footing the bill for urban-centric services they don't use and aren't connected to. "It's time to scrap unfair rating differentials and shift towards targeted uniform charges and annual general charges to reduce reliance on property value-based rates." Federated Farmers is also calling for legislation changes that would require binding referenda on any council commercial projects that cost more than $500 per rateable property. "We're not talking about sewage treatment plants, bridges or other such essential infrastructure," Faulkner says. "We're meaning commercial ventures like stadiums, conference centres and marinas that are beyond core council purposes and can destroy balance sheets. "It's not to say these projects can't happen, but ratepayers should get to make the final call." Councils could also save money by sticking to their lane and leaving climate policy to central government, Faulkner says. "Councils should stop duplicating effort - and wasting ratepayer dollars - by setting climate policies. "To do something positive for the environment, councils that haven't already should bring in a rates remission policy for land under QEII covenants, Significant Natural Areas and Outstanding Natural Landscapes. "Given that public conservation values are protected by these mechanisms, farmers deserve rates relief," Faulkner says. Federated Farmers supports RMA and local planning reform that reduces delays, costs and uncertainty, and utilises tools like farm plans rather than consents. Significant Natural Area and environmental rules must be science-based and farmer-friendly. Faulkner says central government also has a major role in the drive for council efficiency and fairness. Federated Farmers believes road users, rather than property owners, should be paying for local roads and bridges - as is the case for State Highways. "We're calling for 90% of local roading maintenance and renewal costs to come from fuel excise tax and road user charges, rather than rates. Currently, the average is only 53%. "Property value rates are a particularly poor mechanism to fund roads for the same reason as general taxation: it doesn't tie those who use roads with those who pay for roads. "This system also lacks logic. In areas with a lot of tourism or freight, for example, locals are left paying for roading networks that serve a wider regional or national purpose." The 10% cost share left with ratepayers would lock in a district say on local road priorities. Other steps from central government are also needed to relieve cost pressures on council, Faulkner says. "Crown land should be rateable, the 30% cap on council uniform annual general charges should be scrapped, and the Beehive should stop unfunded mandates - piling extra responsibilities onto councils with no corresponding funding." Faulkner says with council elections looming, now's a great chance to ask some tough questions of councillors seeking re-election - and those challenging them for seats - on how they'll lessen the rural rates burden.
Otago Daily Times
10-06-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
He's Tunza Grunt relishes track conditions
Stephanie Faulkner was in the spotlight on her home track of Phar Lap Raceway yesterday, collecting a fitting victory for the connections of He's Tunza Grunt in the Waimate Cup (1600m). The meeting was initially set to be run on Sunday but, after heavy rain through the week, it was rescheduled yesterday, and that was telling in the testing track conditions on course. One runner who was always going to appreciate the ground was He's Tunza Grunt, Faulkner's four-win galloper who came into the cup underrated after resuming over 1200m in May. Riccarton visitor Iffididit was backed into odds-on favouritism and was prominent early from an outside barrier, while jockey Brandon May opted to settle near the tail of the field aboard He's Tunza Grunt. Along the back straight, outsider Quartz Queen put a big margin on her rivals, but began to tire at the 600m and Iffididit and Midnight Runner hit the lead turning for home. Iffididit kicked clear at the 200m but was very wayward in the closing stages, just as He's Tunza Grunt came powering over the top to score impressively by 1¼ lengths. Faulkner had been slightly sceptical on entering the open contest early in his new campaign, but was thrilled to pull off the win. "I thought this may have been a bit ambitious second-up, but he's an older horse and didn't have a long spell, and being a lighter-framed horse, he's come back pretty fit," she said. "He loves those loose, heavy tracks and he's pretty tough. "It was great to win today. I haven't really looked at the programme but I'll be doing that now. "He was getting back down into 65 grade again, but he'll be back up near open company now." A son of Pure Champion out of an unraced Encosta De Lago mare Sacred Jewel, He's Tunza Grunt has now earned over $100,000 for Diana Goodeve, a Waimate local and long-time supporter of the club alongside her late husband, Bob. "It was a lovely win for Diana. She is from Waimate and they have put a lot of time and money over the years into supporting the Waimate Club," Faulkner said. "I haven't won this as a trainer before, and I actually ran second in it riding one of Bob and Diana's horses years ago, back in the early '90s. "It's probably one of Diana's lifelong dreams to win this race, and I know Bob will be up there smiling." Earlier in the meeting, Faulkner won the opener with a new addition to her stable in Storms Ahead. Formerly trained by co-owner Clinton Isdale, Storms Ahead was first-up since running at Pukekohe in October, but was well-backed in his southern debut closing at $2.40. — News Desk By Jess de Lautour
Sunday World
07-06-2025
- Sunday World
Woman (38) caught with over €4k worth of drugs including an ‘exotic substance'
Defence barrister, Mr Garnet Orange, SC said at the time of the offence, Candice Faulkner Faulkner was an advocate for the cannabis use. A Donegal woman has appeared in court after being caught with over €4,000 worth of drugs, including an 'exotic substance.' Candice Faulkner (38) of Marion Park, Buncrana appeared at Letterkenny Circuit Court before Judge John Aylmer charged with drugs offences. She is charged with possession of a controlled drug, namely cannabis, for unlawful sale or supply at Marion Park on December 28, 2020. Additionally, she is also charged with possessing cannabis resin for the purpose of unlawful sale or supply to another on the same date and location. Faulkner is also charged with possessing N,N-Dimethyltryptamine for the purpose of unlawful sale or supply to another on the same date and location. Garda Declan O'Brien and State Prosecutor Fiona Crawford BL outlined the details of the case and said a search warrant was obtained to search Faulkner's property in December 2020. Faulkner was not present at the time of the search on December 28, 2020 but she returned to the house while the gardaí were there. Candice Faulkner. Photo: Northwest News Pix News in 90 Seconds - 7th June The court heard that cannabis, cannabis resin and N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (N N DMT) were found at the property. Faulkner made full admissions to owning the cannabis while scales, jars and various other items were also found in the property. The court heard Faulkner had previous convictions but they related to traffic matters. Defence barrister, Mr Garnet Orange, SC said at the time of the offence, Faulkner was an advocate for the cannabis use. The cannabis found was 87.7 grams valued at €1,754 while the 289grams of cannabis resin was valued at €1,735.80. However, the court heard it was difficult to put a value on the other plant material but it was valued at €620. In relation to the N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (N N DMT), the court heard a 'strange' red bark material and is a hallucinogenic. Mr Orange referred to the substance as 'eye catching' and an 'exotic substance'. He added there was a difficulty in identifying what it was and placing an evaluation on the substance. Mr Orange said when Faulkner was asked about the substance, she 'didn't have a clue about it' and he said it was found on top of the wardrobe and was covered in dust. The court heard there was a process to distil the hallucinogenic and there was no evidence to suggest that this process was carried out. Mr Orange said Faulkner is a long time cannabis user who uses it in the context of ADHD and she is not out selling drugs on the street. He said the emphasis should be on supply rather than sale. Judge John Aylmer questioned about the other items found at the house and Mr Orange said Faulkner would measure out her own consumption before use and the drugs were for personal use while she also denies that a tick list had anything to do with her. The court heard Faulkner is keen to stop using and is no longer an advocate for cannabis use. Mr Orange asked Judge John Aylmer to deal with the case by a suspended sentence and asked for a probation report to be completed on his client. Judge John Aylmer approved the request for a probation report and ordered it to include an assessment for suitability for community service. The case was adjourned to the October session of the Letterkenny Circuit Court.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Roldan wins Tour of Britain stage two in Saltburn as Faulkner takes overall lead
Mara Roldan crosses the finish line in Saltburn-by-the-Sea to win stage two of the Tour of Britain Women. Mara Roldan crosses the finish line in Saltburn-by-the-Sea to win stage two of the Tour of Britain Women. Photograph: Danny Lawson/PA Mara Roldan pulled off a successful late breakaway on the steep approach to Saltburn-by-the-Sea, winning the second stage of the Tour of Britain Women by 12 seconds. The 21-year-old, who rides for Picnic-PostNL, made a push for victory with 14km to go and held on to win ahead of Riejanne Markus (Lidl-Trek). British teenager Cat Ferguson (Movistar) finished fifth for the second stage in a row, just behind third-placed Ally Wollaston (FDJ-Suez) and Roldan's teammate Megan Jastrab. Advertisement Also in the chasing group was Kristen Faulkner (EF Education-Oatly), who finished ninth but did enough to take the overall leader's green jersey. Faulkner, the Olympic road race champion in Paris, leads a frustrated Markus by just four seconds. Ferguson is fourth behind Wollaston, 14 seconds off Faulkner's mark, with two stages to go. The day began at Hartlepool docks in wet conditions, with stage one winner and overall leader Kim Le Court (AG Insurance-Soudal) falling early to all but end her GC chances. Le Court sits 21st overall after stage two, while the two-times former winner, Lizzie Deignan (Lidl-Trek) is down in 16th place. Stage three on Saturday will start and end in Kelso as riders take a circuitous 148.7km route through the Scottish Borders. The race concludes with a 10-lap circuit around Glasgow city centre on Sunday.
Rhyl Journal
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Rhyl Journal
Peers debate change to 105-year-old law so children can work on steam trains
Labour's Lord Faulkner of Worcester proposed an amendment to the Employment of Women, Young Persons, and Children Act 1920, which barred children from work in any 'any industrial undertaking', including in mines, construction or transport. If agreed, his change would have exempted voluntary work on heritage railways and tramways from the ban. Government whip Lord Katz cautioned there 'may be unintended consequences' by amending the 'old legislation', but Lord Faulkner indicated he could push for a vote on his proposal before the Employment Rights Bill becomes law. Supporting the proposals, independent crossbench peer the Earl of Clancarty said: 'Steam railways are an important part of this country's heritage, and as every year passes that importance surely grows. 'We are getting closer to a time when there will be no-one with a personal memory of such trains in their working life, so as well as being an enjoyable activity for interested, enthusiastic children and young people, this is also an educational opportunity for the next generation.' Lord Faulkner said the ban was from a 'very different era' and told the Lords it 'languished unknown on the statute book for many years'. He said: 'Heritage railways managers, not surprisingly, do not wish to break the law, even if it is moribund and other safeguards exist.' Training on heritage railways 'has led to many seeking careers on the national rail network and in some cases have provided training and apprenticeships appropriate to their future career choices', Lord Faulkner added. He warned that even where regulators have said they would not prosecute a child who volunteers on a heritage railway, a legal challenge 'could be brought by a local authority or by a relative of a young people, regardless of the assurances given'. Historic England chairman and Conservative peer Lord Mendoza said: 'One of the most difficult things in the heritage sector is to encourage young people to come into it, to learn the skills, to learn the trades that we need in order to keep our heritage environment going for as long as we can.' In his response, Lord Katz said 'regulators should and do take a proportionate approach to enforcement action'. He offered a meeting with peers who wanted to change the law, adding: 'The 1920 Act is old legislation and amendment of it should only be considered after a thorough review upon other areas of law, as there may be unintended consequences.' Withdrawing his amendment to the Employment Rights Bill, Lord Faulkner said he would 'take up the minister's kind offer' but added that without solution, he believed 'the House as a whole would like the opportunity to express its view on the report' as the draft new law progresses.
