Tauranga brimming with potential

Tauranga brimming with potential

Tauranga City is a part of a huge, regional economic engine with the capacity to drive growth locally and for New Zealand, the Employers & Manufacturers Association (Northern) told the Tauranga City Council at its annual planning hearing today.

“Tauranga is simply brimming with potential,” said Peter Atkinson, EMA Northern’s executive who presented the association’s submission to the council.

“EMA Northern wants to see Tauranga collaborate with the other councils in the region - Rotorua, Hamilton and Auckland - to plan and drive growth as a combined, northern economic powerhouse.

“We see enormous potential for the region with four-lane highways connecting the four cities, rapid rail links, and integrated port and airport facilities. The northern triangle could become New Zealand’s engine for driving growth.

“A big plus for Tauranga is that there is no rates differential holding business activity back; and rates are based on properties’ capital (total) value.

“Our analysis of the rating policies of Tauranga City Council as indicated in its Draft Annual Plan for 2010 to 2011 is that they are basically sound.”

EMA Northern represents 320 member businesses in the Bay of Plenty that employ over 7000 people.

“Our main concern this year is that the 2010-2011 Council budget includes cost increases over and above those projected in the Long Term Council Community Plan.

“For example, depreciation, finance costs and other expenditure will add $7 million to the Council’s budget but, as is often the case when increases like this are projected, no explanation is given as to the cause.

“Another concern is that the council has not disclosed how it plans to improve its productivity or make savings. It needs to tell ratepayers how it intends doing this.

“We also think the Council should move to volumetric charging for waste water. This is logical and in line with where most councils in New Zealand are heading - to charge directly for services where appropriate. It’s fair for everyone.”

EMA is submitting its views on all the Draft Annual Plans of the cities where its members are located, including Tauranga, Hamilton, Rotorua and Whangarei.

ENDS

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