The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal through a Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act request that the South Taranaki District Council has spent $194,379.23 on radio advertising over the last three years.

Taxpayers Union Investigation Coordinator Rhys Hurley said:

“Almost $200,000 of hard-earned money pumped into the airwaves with no evidence it changes behaviour is hardly best practice. Spending more money doesn’t equal better results.”

“The Council has no reports showing whether these ads actually raise awareness about rates or campaigns—or whether the money is just going down the gurgler.”

“Stories of the local farmer paying the rates because he heard it while "milking in the milking sheds" aren’t enough to justify this spend.”

“Survey after survey, ratepayers have said they want South Taranaki focused on roads and frontline services—not chucking money at airtime with no accountability. When will Councils start listening.”
 

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