26 May 2004
Auckland Chamber Of Commerce Head Must Not Be Allowed To Make Decisions On Arc Business Rates - Serious Conflict Of
Interest
RatesRebellion spokesman David Thornton sent the following email to ARC Gwen Bull today.
Dear Gwen
I understand that the ARC will tomorrow commence making decisions on the public submissions to the council's 10-year
Long Term Council Community Plan. Many of the submissions to you have called for a business differential rate to be
introduced in order to reduce the burden of rates on residential ratepayers which increased astronomically last year,
mainly as a result of the removal of business differentials previously applied by local councils.
However I note that one organisation, in a submission to your council, has expressed vehement opposition to the
introduction of business differentials at any time over the next ten years covered by the Plan. That organisation is the
Auckland Region Chamber of Commerce, whose chief executive, Michael Barnett, is also a member of your council, and who
is therefore apparently entitled to be part of the decision making process on this rating issue - including the ability
to vote against differential rates.. I consider this to be a most serious conflict of interest.
I also understand that Councillor Barnett has not been present to hear most - if not all - of those submission from
organisations and individuals calling for a business differntial. I urge you and your council to take whatever steps are
available to you to prevent Councillor Barnett from being part of the decision making process on rating issues. It would
be a denial of natural justice, and a clear breach of the integrity of the consultation process, to allow Councillor
Barnett to take part in these deliberations.
Yours sincerely
David Thornton
ENDS