Taxpayers' Union offers prize to Aucklander with largest percentage rates increase
The Taxpayers’ Union this afternoon announced that it is offering a lawn mower to the householder who can provide evidence of the highest Auckland Council percentage increase in rates and user-charges.
We understand that some Auckland residents have suffered cumulative rate increases of over 30 per cent in the last few years. At the same time the Auckland Council is reducing services such as berm mowing.
We are worried that while Len Brown is hiding behind the ‘average’ figure of 2.5 per cent, this is merely an attempt to disguise just how much extra some Auckland households are paying. It ignores, for example, increased user charges.
The proposed rate increase is almost double the rate of inflation. Aucklanders should be expecting more, not less, services from their Council.
Our press release is available here.
COMPETITION TERMS:
The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union Incorporated seeks rates and user-charge invoices for Council services showing the total uncapped percentage increase in rates and user-charges since the 2011/2012 baseline. The resident who provides the largest percentage increase for the same property, as determined by the Taxpayers’ Union, will win.
Documentation must be sent to the Taxpayers’ Union, PO Box 10518, The Terrace, Wellington. To be eligible, entries must be received before 5pm Friday 29 November 2013.
Entrants are only eligible to win the prize if they include their contact email and phone number on the documentation entered, are willing to certify the accuracy of the documentation provided and are willing to have their name publicly disclosed.
Please contact the Taxpayers’ Union (via [email protected]) if you require further information.
The winner will receive a CraftMaster Petrol Lawnmower model KM375PM, or similar.
The Taxpayers’ Union decision on entitlement to the prize is final.