Wellington's Anti-Business Rates Must Go

In order to protect local business, commercial rates must be cut, the Taxpayers’ Union says in response to new reports that Wellington businesses are being hit with rates nearly twice as high as other cities.

“Wellington’s rating system is anti-growth, anti-business, and out of step with the rest of the country,” says spokesperson Tory Relf. “A small business here pays almost double what Aucklanders do. It’s a disgrace. ”

“The Council charges businesses nearly four times the rate of residents. This extraordinary differential is a deliberate attempt to mask how high the overall rates burden has become in order to cover wasteful Council spending.”

“This isn’t fairness, it’s daylight robbery. Other cities support business while Wellington bleeds it dry and the result is empty shops, lost jobs, and a dying city centre.”

Officials advised lowering the rate differential last year yet Councillors refused.

“Even their own staff warned them. But they doubled down on failure,” Relf said.

“Anyone who walks around the city centre can see the effect this is having. If the Council wants to revive Wellington, it must stop treating businesses like the enemy. Cut the rates now, before it’s too late.”