REVEALED: Lights, Camera, Waste: Rotorua’s $94k Mayoral Ad

The Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through a Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act request that Rotorua Lakes Council—via its Council Controlled Organisation, RotoruaNZ—forked out $93,985 on a television campaign featuring Mayor Tania Tapsell.

The ‘Robe Trip’ campaign, targeting luxury-seeking Auckland couples, cost $42,784 to produce and a further $51,201 to broadcast.

Taxpayers’ Union Investigations Coordinator Rhys Hurley said:

“RotoruaNZ may claim no general rates were used in this production. Yet the targeted business rate means local business already struggling to keep doors open are forced to foot the bill.”

“The campaign was subject to no fewer than 15 rounds of meetings between the agency, Council board, and Mayor’s office.”

“For a city battling infrastructure issues and crime, the time and money spent on this puff piece shows how warped Council priorities have become."

“This campaign might be dressed in a robe, but it’s ratepayer exploitation, plain and simple. RotoruaNZ should be focusing on delivering value, not puff pieces for the Mayor’s profile.”