New rates formula upsets Ohakune 'apres skiers'

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 2, Issue 9, 31 July 1984, Page 10

New rates formula upsets Ohakune 'apres skiers'

"A fairly heavy amount of correspondence" has been received by the Ohakune Borough Council in connection with its new rating formula, accordingto Mayor Bill Taylor. It's come mainly from ratepayers in the 'apres ski' and 'tourist development' areas such as Turoa Alpine Village and the Junction who were 'disaffected' by the water rates and refuse collection items on their rates demands. Many of these properties are occupied for only part of the year and the owners were querying the charges being levied for the supply of water and the collection of

rubbish. Many of these properties are occupied for only part of the year and the owners were querying the charges being levied for the supply of water and the collection of rubbish. However it was pointed out that while some of these properties — such as those in the Turoa Alpine Village — were not occupied on a permanent basis throughout the year, when they were occupied they required extra servicing. For instance permanent residents of Ohakune have a once-weekly rubbish collection and pay a 'residential' rating whereas those in the Turoa Alpine Village have a thrice-weekly collection during the season and at present pay a commercial rating. After some discussion it was decided to refer the matter of water rates and refuse collection back to the Finance and Administration Committee.