Good afternoon, Councillors. Thank you for the opportunity to address you today. My name is Joji Jacob. And I'm resident of Northland, and I have lived in Wellington for 27 years. I'm speaking today on two issues that go to the heart of the city's long-term livability and prudent management of ratepayer money. I support one of the annual plan proposals and ask to pause the other. I support Introducing the new rate differential, rates differential for the short-term accommodation providers at 2.6 times the general residential rate for the properties available for short-term stay more than 60 days per year. Why? Because uncontrolled subsidized short-term accommodation turns homes into de facto hotels. Locals get priced out. We have seen this in cities around the world. In Barcelona, Airbnb pushed up rents by 7% and home prices by 17% in popular neighborhoods. In New York, thousands of long-term rentals disappeared from the market. Wellington must not go down the same path. Secondly, the short-term accommodation that pays residential rates undercuts our professional hotels and motels. Hotel operates under commercial rating structure and carry substantial staffing, compliance, safety, and operation obligations. When short-term accommodation providers operate commercially while continue to pay primarily residential rates, it creates a market distortion. Hotels are already losing up to 30% of their businesses in business to platforms like Airbnb. If they are forced to cut cost, the first thing to go are jobs— cleaners, reception staff, kitchen hands, extra That hurts real Wellington families. Third, a large share of the profit from the short-term accommodation leaves New Zealand. Platform fees go straight to overseas companies like Airbnb. Local rates differential keeps that money fair and local. The 2.6 times differential is moderate, sensible, and fair. I urge you to adopt it. Second thing which I would like to discuss is Panakki Panakki bike network. I ask you to pause further investment in this scheme network until we have a full independent evidence-based assessment of the existing cycle network, uh, cycle lanes. Based on my observation, I believe many residents would agree very few cyclists actually use these lanes throughout the days. I'm not talking about CBD, I'm talking to other part of the city. The majority of the use occurs during peak hours. The cost of the cycle lane project has been huge. We have lost an estimate of 1,651 on-street car parks and about $1.5 million per year in parking revenue. Businesses have been hurt, even the Botanic Garden, a major attraction for families, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Lost 450 kaapaks, and visits have dropped drastically in Botanic Garden. That is a real social cost. There are also aesthetic and maintenance concerns regarding the widespread use of temporary plastic bollards, many of which appear damaged or poorly maintained, continuing are contributing to a perception of a temporary and low-quality urban design for a cute city Wellington. I want to be clear that I am not opposed to cycling infrastructure in principle. However, in the current financial climate, major investment decisions should be guided by measurable evidence demonstrated demand, and careful cost-benefit analysis. I appreciate that these are difficult balancing decisions for the Council. However, with increasing pressure on households and businesses, I ask the Council to prioritize affordability, fairness, and evidence-based decision-making. Thank you.