NoMoreRates.com
The Nationwide Campaign to Replace the Present System of Council Rates With a Fairer System Including Restraints on Councils Ability to Increase Expenditure Without the Specific Approval of the Community

MEDIA RELEASE 27TH AUGUST 2006

STATEMENT FROM Founder/Organiser David Thornton

Petition Launch

At a meeting on the North Shore of Auckland last Friday I announced the launching of a nationwide petition calling on Parliament to pass legislation which would limit the amount by which councils could increase rates.

The meeting was organised by Grey Power and attracted an audience of close to 500 – but the message I gave was aimed at all ages and sections of the community, from the 26-year old couple who were being rated out of their first home, to the small business couple who were being rated out of their business.

In a week which saw the NZ First Party effectively remove the rates issue out of Parliament I am launching the Parliamentary Petition which will put the rates issue right back in front of a Select Committee – which is exactly where it must go.

While similar in intent to the Rodney Hide Rating Cap Bill - which was defeated by NZ First on Wednesday - this petition does not specify what the cap should be, and it includes a requirement for the suspension of rating revaluations. Both measures are to remain in force until new local funding legislation is put in place.

ENDS

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