Dunedin stadium opponents plan rates protest

Opponents of the proposed $200 million Dunedin stadium are planning to withhold part of their rates as a protest against the project.

At a meeting at the Dunedin Town Hall last night, the Stop the Stadium group outlined its latest strategy - to withhold the average $66 a year the Dunedin City Council has told ratepayers they will have to pay for the stadium, the Otago Daily Times reported.

Former mayor Sukhi Turner told the meeting councillors were spending money that would drain the pockets of ratepayers for decades to come.

"Dunedin does not need a $200 million temple to rugby to survive as a city."

The average rate increase was supposed to be $66 a year, and she urged people to withhold that money.

Stop the Stadium president Bev Butler said the strategy was to show the majority of citizens did not support the stadium.

The stadium, if built, would be New Zealand's largest indoor venue.

About 1800 people attended the meeting.

- NZPA