FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
14th JULY 2009

Citizens Advocacy Tauranga Inc. (CAT) is official.

CAT’s Chairman, Leo Mangos, is pleased to announce CAT is now an Incorporated Society. “There has been a very strong level of support from the Tauranga Community for an organisation that constructively analyses Council policies, actions, and communications; consults with concerned Tauranga Citizens; and communicates Citizens' views and suggestions back to Council and the Central Government. CAT’s facilitation of this effective communication process leads to better community outcomes.”

For example, CAT’s recent reporting of Council’s confusing average rate figures has lead to Council staff and elected officials constructively agreeing to devise a standard average rate calculation and communication policy. This policy will allow Tauranga Citizens to confidently compare Tauranga rates over time and across regions. It will also save Council time and money as they will no longer have to explain their rates anomalies to observant citizens. Councillors will be more informed on the impact their decisions are having on the disposable income of rate payers. CAT will continue to monitor Council’s progress on the rates policy.

Tauranga Citizens’ response to CAT’s preferred rates rise survey has exceeded expectations. Citizens who have not already done so, are urged to make their voices and opinions heard by going to the Cat WEB site www.afford.co.nz and entering their preferred rate rise percentage. Survey results will be announced at CAT’s next public meeting on the 14th August 2009.

ENDS

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