Funding for stadium dropped

Northland Regional Council today dropped plans to fund a proposed multi-use events centre this year.

The decision is expected to slash almost $4 million off the projected rates bill for 2005-2006.

Chairman Mark Farnsworth, in a statement today, said it would help cut about $54 from the average rates' bill originally proposed under the council's draft annual plan.

Mr Farnsworth said although there was considerable public support for the $30 million-plus events centre, it was also clear that many ratepayers remained uncomfortable at its impact on rate bills.

The events centre proposal dominated many of a record 5000-plus submissions on the plan, which was finalised at today's meeting.

The average regional rates' bill will now be about $83 -- up by $12.

Today's meeting did agree to continue investigations into a regional multi-events centre.

- NZPA