Environment Waikato Plans No-Show Roadshow For Waipa

Environment Waikato is planning to do a no show roadshow in Waipa again this year according to Waipa Local Democracy.

Environment Waikato are once again conducting roadshows throughout the region to present their Annual Plan and Strategic Plans to the region; however, Environment Waikato not going to be presenting their roadshow to the ratepaying public.

“Waipa District Council is very visible to the ratepayers of the district and get a lot of flack for the increase in rates. Last year Council cut funding to community projects in order to keep rates down, but as well as receiving flack about the Te Awamutu Events Centre, they also received flack about the Environment Waikato component in the rates,” Stewart McFarlane said.

“Environment Waikato needs to front up to the people of the district instead of being an invisible force that affects rates without accountability.”

“Environment Waikato claim that they are saving money for the ratepayers in getting the Waipa District Council to collect their rates; however, the amount saved for Waipa ratepayers is miniscule.”

“We do not buy their reasoning,” Mr McFarlane stated.

Waipa Local Democracy is announcing it’s policy regarding the Waipa District Council collecting rates for Environment Waikato.

“In our view, Environment Waikato must front up to the people of the district if they want the Waipa District Council to collect Regional Rates. Otherwise there is restricted opportunities for the public to ask questions of Environment Waikato.”

“This is the policy we are taking forward to the next Council election,” Mr McFarlane stated. “Why should the Waipa District Council be expected to collect rates for an organization that refuses to play ball with the people of the district?”

“Waipa Local Democracy Councillors will challenge the law with this issue if elected by the ratepaying public,” Mr McFarlane concluded.

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