Freeze rates

Ross Goudie, the Chair of the Waihi Beach Community Board has called for a freeze on rate increases this year in WBOP District.

He told Mayor Garry Webber at the Katikati-Waihi Beach Ward Forum meeting that executives of New Zealand companies were taking pay cuts and many people were being laid off because of the effects of Covid-19.

This meant that there was less money in the community, and now would be an appropriate time to freeze rates. Hamilton City Council and Marlborough District Council plan to freeze their rates so why can't Western Bay?

Mayor Webber was flanked by CEO Miriam Taris and DCEO Gary Allis so they can't say they did not hear the call.

Mr Goudie said that every one per cent increase in rates cost district ratepayers about $800,000. A rates increase of 4 per cent would suck $3 million out of the local economy.

We agree with Mr Goudie. We pay the highest rates in New Zealand. We need a break from the continual yearly increases, particularly at this difficult time.

Keith Hay, secretary Katikati - Waihi Beach Residents and Ratepayers Association

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