Ratepayers petition Parliament today

An organisation representing business and farmer ratepayers will present a petition to United Future Leader Peter Dunne at Parliament today.

The Local Government Forum* represents New Zealand businesses and farms who, because of the rating differential system, pay the largest share of rates to local bodies.

The Forum wants Parliament to halt the proceedings of the Local Government Bill which it says will increase the already significant costs on both urban and rural businesses.

The Bill, due to be reported back to the House within the next few weeks, would give local bodies a ‘power of general competence’ making it easier for them to get involved in a much wider range of activities at ratepayers’ expense.

More than 5,000 people have signed petitions circulated by Business NZ and Federated Farmers asking Parliament: “to stop proceeding with its consideration of the Local Government Bill on the grounds that the Government has failed to adequately consult business and ratepayers on the proposals contained in this Bill, yet the Bill’s provisions will impose oppressive costs on businesses and ratepayers.” Petition handover

When: 12.30 pm Wednesday 16 October

Where: Front steps of Parliament

The following will present the petition to Hon Peter Dunne:

Simon Carlaw Business NZ

Charlie Pederson Federated Farmers of NZ

Roger Kerr NZ Business Roundtable

Rob McLagan NZ Forest Owners’ Association *The Local Government Forum was established in 1994 to promote greater efficiency in the local government sector and to contribute to policy issues affecting the sector. Members: Business NZ, Federated Farmers of NZ, NZ Business Roundtable, NZ Forest Owners’ Association, Property Council of NZ.

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