30 June 2006
Good On You Dick
Farmers will be pleased that the Mayor of New Zealand’s biggest city is calling for changes to the way local government
is funded, said Charlie Pedersen, President of Federated Farmers of New Zealand (Inc).
Mr Pedersen was commenting on remarks made this morning by Auckland Mayor Dick Hubbard that rates funding is becoming
increasingly unsustainable for councils and unfair on ratepayers.
“Federated Farmers agrees with Mr Hubbard that there is a problem with the way local government is funded. Our solutions
to this problem are different but it is pleasing that Mr Hubbard can see there is a problem with the system,” said Mr
Pedersen.
Mr Pedersen is seeking a meeting with the Auckland Mayor to discuss the flaws in current system.
“We hope the Government is listening to the groundswell of concern from both ratepayers and councils.
“Federated Farmers has been calling for a Royal Commission into the funding of local government. Dick Hubbard’s concerns
add weight to this plea,” concluded Mr Pedersen.
ENDS