A new ratepayers' organisation is being launched in Tauranga.

The Tauranga Ratepayers' Alliance aims to be a city-wide voice to champion a better deal and more transparency for Tauranga ratepayers.

'We are a combined initiative of local residents, chairs and former chairs of Ratepayers' Associations, civic leaders, and local members of the Taxpayers' Union, who have formed the new Ratepayers' Alliance in response to the appointment of unelected commissioners in place of elected councillors,” says Ratepayers' Alliance spokesperson Dawn Kiddie.

Commissioners Anne Tolley, Bill Wasley, Stephen Selwood and Shadrach Rolleston were appointed in place of elected council members following an independent review in November 2020.

The review identified significant governance problems within the council, and in December 2020, Minister Nanaia Mahuta made the decision to appoint a commission to the council. Read more here.

In a statement released by the Tauranga Ratepayers' Alliance this week, Dawn Kiddie, an elected council member, says there is growing discontent with decisions taken by Commissioners.

She says ratepayers feel they have no control over.

'The Ratepayers' Alliance will stand up against Tauranga City Council's wasteful spending, poor financial management, and the unprecedented rates increase.”

New Zealand Taxpayers' Union Co-founder Jordan Williams says over the last few months, the Taxpayers' Union has been approached by numerous Tauranga supporters calling for a dedicated voice for fiscal prudence, and transparency.

'Without recourse to elections to kick the decision-makers out, a strong voice for ratepayers is more important than ever.”

If you are a Tauranga resident or ratepayer, you are encouraged to join for free at www.taurangaratepayers.nz, or at the launch event on Wednesday, May 26, at Club Mount Maunganui from 5.30pm, with keynote speaker Simon Bridges and MC Peter Williams.

Who is behind the Ratepayers' Alliance?
The Tauranga Ratepayers' Alliance is a joint initiative of local residents, chairs and former chairs of ratepayers associations, civic leaders, and local members of the Taxpayers' Union. The current Steering Group consists of: Keith Allum, Philip Brown, Greg Brownless, Kelvin Clout, Matthew Gill, Andrew Hollis, Dawn Kiddie, Ron Melville, Steve Morris, Michael O'Neil, Carolynne Shaw, Ben Sokimi, Kim Williams, Jan Wilson.

What are the objectives of the Ratepayers' Alliance?
The alliance stands for reasonable rates, sensible spending, and more transparency. We want to ensure that notwithstanding the lack of elected council officials, the Commissioners are accountable to local residents and ratepayers.

Who funds the Tauranga Ratepayers' Alliance?
This initiative is being funded by crowd funding. Like the Taxpayers' Union, and Auckland Ratepayers' Alliance, the vast majority of funding is likely to come from small dollar donations. The Taxpayers' Union is providing much of the seed funding for this new Tauranga initiative.

Who can join?
Membership is free and open to all Tauranga residents and ratepayers who share the Ratepayers' Alliance's vision of a prosperous and affordable Tauranga with transparent and accountable City Council.

How can residents and ratepayers become involved?
The best way to join and/or volunteer is via our website: www.taurangaratepayers.nz