Council Funds 'Augmented Reality' And Business Lobby Groups

MONDAY 20 APRIL 2015
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Auckland Ratepayers’ Alliance can reveal that Auckland Council has pumped more than $28 million of ratepayer money into business lobby groups, including $20 million funding to the failed Heart of the City.

In addition to Heart of the City, 45 other business organisations have received more than $8.5 million in ratepayer funds since November 2010.

Auckland Ratepayers’ Alliance spokesperson, Jo Holmes, says:

"This is backdoor funding of business groups. Among the grants is one for 'augmented reality way finding technology' - whatever that is."

"Business groups should be funded by business and keep the Council on its toes. Instead the Super City has turned them into Council cheerleaders thanks to this $28.5 million slush fund."

"Businesses should be joining and funding their Chamber of Commerce to promote local businesses and advance their interests. It is not the role of Council to use ratepayer money to buy the support of these business groups."

"With Auckland infrastructure deficit, reduced library hours and no berm mowing, how could spending tens of millions on business lobby groups possibly be the best use of ratepayers' money?"

A list of payments made by the Council can be found on the Auckland Ratepayers' Alliance website.

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