Veteran Taxpayer Advocates for Mobility Taxi Service Retention

A long-time taxpayer and mobility advocate, Jim Moffat, has raised concerns regarding potential cuts to the mobility taxi service in Dunedin. In a letter to the editor published in the Otago Daily Times on December 10, 2025, Moffat emphasized the essential role of these services for individuals with limited mobility, particularly for those aged in their 90s, like himself.

Moffat, who began paying taxes in 1953, described how the mobility taxi service has allowed him to live independently. He uses the service for various purposes, including visiting the local pool for exercise, shopping for groceries, and participating in social activities. He expressed concern that current government cost-cutting measures could jeopardize this vital service, which he believes is not sufficiently understood by policymakers.

“I wish not to burden my family and friends further in their busy lives,” Moffat stated, highlighting the importance of the taxi service. He noted that the ability to manage his own needs without resorting to home nursing or institutional care ultimately saves the healthcare budget significant resources.

Calls for Taxation on Junk Food

Moffat also addressed the rising concerns about poor dietary choices among families, advocating for a tax on junk food sold in supermarkets. He argued that healthier whole foods are often too expensive, pushing families towards cheaper, processed options. Moffat proposed that revenue generated from this tax could be directed towards subsidizing the cost of nutritious vegetables and meats, thereby improving health outcomes and reducing long-term healthcare costs.

Resource Management Act Changes

In a separate issue, Moffat commended the recent amendments to the Resource Management Act (RMA), which he believes will empower property owners to manage their own trees. He recounted a recent hearing where a property owner faced overwhelming opposition from council officials when attempting to remove a large gum tree. Moffat expressed hope that the changes would allow city councils to focus on public trees while giving property owners more autonomy over their green spaces.

Such regulatory changes, he argued, could also alleviate costs for local governments, allowing them to allocate resources more effectively.

Climate Change Activism Highlighted

Moffat did not shy away from addressing the broader issue of climate change, praising local activists such as Bruce Mahalski and his lawyer Rhona Daysh. He referred to their peaceful advocacy as a demonstration of courage and integrity in the face of governmental policies that may exacerbate the climate crisis. Moffat underscored the urgency of addressing climate change, citing warnings from renowned climate scientist Johan Rockstrom regarding the dire consequences of inaction.

“It is difficult to see how we could accommodate 1 billion people at a 4°C world,” Moffat quoted Rockstrom, emphasizing the critical nature of the situation.

The importance of effective communication and action in addressing these issues was a recurring theme in Moffat’s letters. He encouraged fellow citizens to recognize local heroes who advocate for change and to support policies that prioritize public wellbeing and environmental sustainability.

Letters to the Editor can be submitted to the Otago Daily Times at PO Box 517, 52-56 Lower Stuart St, Dunedin, or via email at [email protected].