Support grows for rates petition

ROTORUA REVIEW

HEAD OF THE TABLE: Sue Hatchwell and petition organiser Geoff Chard.

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Anger at the Rotorua District Council's  proposed rates change is increasing.

Geoff Chard's call via a hpetition to the council to delay a 10 Year Plan decision to consider a capital value rating system has moved Rotorua out of its slumber.

At present, RDC rating is based on land value, but anger has mounted in recent weeks as the full impact hits home of a proposed new system on residents and businesses.

Some have major decreases, others increases.

A final decision on the adoption of a new system will not be made until next year.

Since last week's story in the Review, Mr Chard's phone has seldom stopped as people inquire about his petition over the proposed rates shift.

Mr Chard says the mood in the community has been tense following publication of details of how a proposed shift in rates from land value to capital value will  affect many in the community.

Most callers have asked where petitions  will be available to sign.

Mr Chard, meanwhile, has been busily handing out petitions at businesses.

``Since the  Review published my letter (June 17), everything has just taken off,'' Mr Chard says.
Follow up stories have manifested into more interest than he imagined.

Mr Chard also confirms at least 200 businesses have accepted petition slips, many of which are available in stores and which are being sought by callers.

``It has just taken off,'' Mr Chard says.

``None of the businesses I have approached has refused to accept the petition.''

The petition closes on July 21 and submissions on the proposal close on July 25.
Mr Chard can be contacted on 347-6536.

Rotorua woman Sue Hatchwell will sit outside the Post Office collecting signatures on Friday. Sue says she is upset at the possible effects of the proposed system.