27 March 2012

Council reforms must include halting excessive compliance costs says Motel Association of New Zealand

The decision to reform local government has been welcomed by the Motel Association of New Zealand (MANZ), which is calling on the Minister of Local Government to ensure councils curb the compliance costs they charge to small businesses.

The Better Local Government reforms announced last week have fiscal responsibility as one of the key outcomes, and MANZ Chief Executive Michael Baines says this should include examining the fees and charges levied by councils on small businesses such as motels.

“Many of our members feel as though councils view motels as cash cows, heaping ever-increasing costs upon them to help pay for their pet projects,” Mr Baines says.

“We are pleased to see the government stepping in with reforms to curtail the ‘tax and spend’ attitude of many New Zealand councils. We are hoping that the fiscal responsibility requirements to be introduced to the Local Government Act in respect of income and expenditure will include all methods of council income, and not just rates,” Mr Baines says.

Motel-owners would like to see councils take more of a partnering approach to small business, fostering their local economies by keeping fees and charges to reasonable levels.

“If councils can stick to their core business of providing quality services and infrastructure at a community level that means small businesses, which are the backbone of New Zealand’s economy, will be in a better position to develop and grow,” Mr Baines says.

About MANZ: The Motel Association of New Zealand is the representative body for the motel industry, with 900 plus members throughout the country. MANZ works to promote the interests of motels and the wider tourism sector, and to constantly improve the services offered by motels. By staying in a MANZ motel guests, are assured of a high standard of accommodation, hospitality and service.

www.nzmotels.co.nz

ENDS

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