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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
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19 February 2007

Ratepayers Beware - Mallard Still Wants Rates Money To Help Expand Eden Park

While the debate about Eden Park continues Minister Mallard still cannot say how even the ‘temporary seat’ option will be funded.

He did point out that Auckland City Council had already promised $50 million towards the cost of the stadium upgrade.

However there is a glimmer of hope that if councils stand firm and refuse to contribute ratepayers funds to the project the Government must give way find alternative funding sources.

Deputy Prime Minister Michael Cullen told Larry Williams on Newstalk ZB that he could not see Waitakere, Manukau and North Shore councils paying – but thinks the Auckland Regional Council may contribute through some funding that the government owes the ARC for ‘rail related projects’.

[That vague response needs closer examination by the ARC which has already promised that there will be no rates funding for the stadium.]

It must be remembered that an economic forecast last year calculated that central Government would gather in at least $112 million in additional taxes arising from the event.

Ratepayers do not stand to gain any direct financial benefit from the Rugby World Cup – so why should they be forced to pay higher rates, in cash, from their after-tax income?

Ends

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