Media release from the Ratepayers' Alliance
MEDIA RELEASE
ATEED’s $175,000 tennis splurge a backspin on ratepayers
15 JANUARY 2018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Auckland Council’s decision to spend $175,000 on the ASB Classic tennis events is a waste of ratepayers’ money, says the Auckland Ratepayers’ Alliance. The group has released information obtained under the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act showing that some $175,000 of ratepayer money
has been used to subsidise the ASB Classic.
Auckland Ratepayers’ Alliance spokesperson Jo Holmes says “Auckland Council’s decision to fund the ASB Classic through its economic development arm
ATEED is an outrageous use of ratepayers’ money. The ASB Classic has been hugely successful in recent years, with plenty
of media coverage. Why can’t the large profitable bank with its name on the event pay for the event? Auckland ratepayers
are being ripped off.”
“In response to our information request, Auckland Council sung the praises of the ASB Classic, describing its economic
impact on the Auckland region. If it’s so successful, why does it need any financial help from Auckland ratepayers? Next
year the ASB Classic should stand on its own two feet.”
On the general issue of local government funding of sports events, Jordan Williams, spokesperson for the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union adds, “Across the country local government tourism agencies are splashing the cash on events and sponsorship of
questionable value. Although councils claim the money is essential for economic development, whenever our researchers
have asked for disciplined cost benefit economic analysis council have been found wanting. In our opinion, ratepayers
deserve better than that.”
ENDS