Rt Hon Winston Peters
New Zealand First Leader
Member of Parliament for Northland

30 NOVEMBER 2016

TINY COUNCIL, BIG TOURISM ACHIEVER NEEDS PACKAGE NOW

New Zealand First is challenging the Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism John Key to announce an injection of at least $8.5 million into the Kaikoura District Council immediately.

“Kaikoura, the country’s second smallest council with about 1200 ratepayers, is under stress,” says New Zealand First Leader and Northland MP Rt Hon Winston Peters.

“The earthquake hit when the council was already stretched by an overrun of costs for its new civic centre, and after underwriting $3.4m for the new Kaikoura Hospital.

“The town has been a jewel in tourism’s crown with a tourism spend of $120 million a year, and earning GST for the government of around $15m off that spend.

“As a significant contributor to the country as a tourism drawcard, Mr Key must recognise this in the form of relief for the council.

“The $8.5 million injection, which would be equivalent to the council’s annual operating fund, would allow it to focus on the urgent demands without immediate borrowing or laying off staff.

“Mr Key says he is likely to make another visit to Kaikoura this week. It’s a perfect time to make the commitment,” says Mr Peters.

ENDS

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