New Zealand First Leader, Rt. Hon Winston Peters, is today expressing concern that the Inland Revenue Department has
decided to close its sole West-Coast customer service branch in Greymouth, and is advising ‘customers’ to drive to
Blenheim instead.
“This is unacceptable from the IRD, which promised only yesterday to start taking customer services seriously. It seems
that tax officials are already laughing at the FEC Inquiry into their powers and are continuing to snub their noses at
taxpayers.
“This also makes a mockery of the National Party’s promises of concern for West Coast people. The Coast has already been
abandoned by Labour, and it is now obvious that New Zealand First is the only party that cares about this unique part of
the country.
“ I am today contacting the Minister responsible and the Commissioner of Inland Revenue demanding to know why people in
Hokitika, for example, are being advised to drive three hours to Blenheim to discuss their taxes,” concluded Mr Peters
Ends