NoMoreRates.com
THE nationwide CAMPAIGN TO REPLACE THE PRESENT SYSTEM OF COUNCIL RATES WITH A FAIRER SYSTEM INCLUDING RESTRAINTS ON COUNCILS ABILITY TO INCREASE EXPENDITURE WITHOUT THE SPECIFIC APPROVAL OF THE COMMUNITY
www.NoMoreRates.com

10 November 2006

MEDIA RELEASE

Statement from founder/organiser David Thornton.

No Ratepayer Funding for Stadium

In all the talk about a waterfront stadium there has been no definitive statement on how it will be funded.

This issue must be addressed today when the Minister announces the venue.

There is no way that ratepayers should be forced to pay for a new stadium anywhere – including the waterfront.

This is what supporters of NoMoreRates.com are saying.

Why anyone should be legally required to contribute to a commercially orientated sporting and entertainment venue – especially when the size of that contribution, by way of rates, will be calculated on the estimated selling price of their family home.

No amount of so-called economic benefit can justify yet more council rate increases on an Auckland population which has grown increasingly angry at the way councils are spending their money.

Auckland City ratepayers are already contributing to Eden Park by way of loans. Manukau City, North Shore City and Waitakere City ratepayers are currently meeting costs of their own stadiums.

Ratepayers throughout the region will be paying towards the Mt Smart Stadium now that it has lost naming rights funding from Ericsson

North Shore City Council should give North Harbour stadium to the Government – including handing over any outstanding debt – and let Government fund the expansion for the lowest price of the options being considered.

Govt could recover taxpayers funds by bringing in commercial investors and applying new tourist related taxes on those who stand to gain financially from future events.

[By coincidence, only yesterday the government announced an increase in tourist spending for last year of $1billion]

ENDS

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