Auckland Council's Ten Very Expensive Tickets
The Taxpayers’ Union can reveal that Auckland Council’s economic development agency, ATEED, has gifted $50,000 of
ratepayer money to the Remuera Golf Club for the Holden PGANZ Championship. Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director, Jordan
Williams, says:
“Auckland Council claims to have no money, but finds $50,000 spare to give a hand-out to Auckland’s richest golf club.
They might label it ‘economic development’ but how is this a priority over roads, rail and housing?”
The Taxpayers’ Union was alerted to the funding through a Council social media competition offering ratepayers ten
tickets to the event.
“The ten tickets are probably all ratepayers are ever going to see of the $50,000,” says Mr Williams.
In responding to questions put by the Taxpayers’ Union, ATEED, the Council’s economic development agency, has indicated
that a project sharing agreement is in place whereby the Council receive 50% of any profits over and above $150,000
generated by the event.
“Officials are trying to have it both ways by claiming that the grant is not a hand-out to sport, rather an
‘investment’. When it flops, they’ll no doubt then call it a tourism expense.”
“If anyone really thinks this is a genuine investment that will make a good return to ratepayers, we’ve got a bridge to
sell you.”
The documentation released by ATEED to the Taxpayers’ Union is available attaxpayers.org.nz
ENDS