ARC faces a sign of the times

By WAYNE THOMPSON

Auckland business community leaders are showing in-your-face rage about a 50 per cent loading on regional rates.

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.

It was, she said, a "novel way" for business to get its message across.

However, she said the council had made its decision and it was time to move on.

"We want to work constructively with businesses."

Mrs Bull said she did not support the business differential but the 7-6 vote in favour was a council decision and it was a democracy.