Councillors Should Abolish Regulatory Tax

MEDIA RELEASE

COUNCILLORS SHOULD ABOLISH REGULATORY TAX

13 NOVEMBER 2015
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Auckland Ratepayers’ Alliance is calling on Councillors to abolish the regulatory tax imposed by the Mana Whenua provisions in the Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan, following the Auckland Council Development Committee’s vote to suspend 600 Sites of Value from the Plan.

Ratepayers’ Alliance spokesperson, Jo Holmes, says:

“Uncertainty persists for thousands of Auckland ratepayers affected by the Sites of Value that remain in the Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan. Homeowners are facing significant costs and delays in order to consult with upwards of 15 different iwi to do home repairs or put up a fence.”

“Ratepayers are frustrated with the failure of Council to guarantee their property rights. In the 12 hours prior to the Councillors’ vote, more than 2,000 Aucklanders used our email tool to voice their concerns to councillors.”

“In the lead up to next year's council elections, we are calling on candidates to outline where they stand on these controversial provisions. Aucklanders deserve to know whether their representatives are going to legislate in favour of the metaphysical and imaginary over the rights of ratepayers prior to going to the ballot.”

ENDS