Auckland business community leaders are showing in-your-face rage about a 50 per cent loading on regional rates.
Monday, June 21st 2004, 8:14AM
by The Landlord
Their billboard in Pitt St faces the Auckland Regional Council offices in protest at the council imposing a 1.5 business differential rate.
It says: "Shove your 50% rates increase up your ARC."
The sign was put up by the Heart of the City lobby group for businesses. Chief executive Alex Swney said the council had earned such a strongly worded protest.
"It's charged with leading Auckland's regional economic development yet it chooses to penalise business with a 50 per cent loading on its rates, said Mr Swney.
He said the council was putting a brake on business for the sake of saving residential ratepayers about $11 each.
ARC chairman Gwen Bull said she was not offended by the sign.
