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Farmers Put Government on Notice
Farmers Put Government on Notice re Local Government
Spending
Farmers today put Government on notice that they will not tolerate funding the dreams and schemes of largely unfettered Local Authorities, says Federated Farmers of New Zealand (Inc) Vice President Charlie Pedersen.
The Local Government Bill giving Councils new powers of general competence was passed today.
Subject only to broad consultative requirements, councils will have the same rights and freedom of action consistent with the general law, as individuals and corporations yet they will continue to be principally funded by landowners.
"The Minister of Local Government has promised that Councils would not embark on a new range of activities that they are not currently able to under the new legislation, said Mr Pedersen.
"The Minister has also stated that the consultation process will protect ratepayers. Our members' experience of Council's consultation and how unresponsive it is to farmers submissions leaves us unconvinced of any protection for ratepayers
"All farmers and in particular the 8600 ratepayers who petitioned Parliament to stop the Local Government Bill will be asking the Minister to take personal responsibility when his assurances are found to be hollow."
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