Changes to TDC rates for tourism-oriented businesses

March 31st, 2010
From TDC press release

The Tasman District Council is proposing increases in targeted rates for businesses which benefit from tourism, partly to match inflation but also to include more part-time accommodation providers and larger shopping centres which until now have been exempt.

As part of the 2010/11 Draft Annual Plan, Council is proposing a number of changes to the targeted rate on businesses benefiting directly from tourism. The targeted tourism rate is a rate levied by Council to assist with the funding of Nelson Tasman Tourism and is funded by those who will most benefit from the agency's activities. It is in addition to a separate direct contribution from the Council.

In this year's Draft Annual Plan the Council is considering three amendments to the Targeted Rate, the first being a $4.29 annual increase from $137.21 (GST incl) to $141.50 to take account of inflation.

Another proposed amendment is the extension of the coverage of the Targeted Rate to include rented holiday homes. It is felt holiday homes that are rented out for periods of less than 90 days within the region, much like motels and B&B's, have benefited from the marketing work of Nelson Tasman Tourism to attract people to the region.

Already within the targeted rate coverage are retail outlets within the District. The Council's rating system, however, had not taken into account properties that house more than one retail outlet, i.e. shopping centres. As a result, these retail outlets are not subject to the current targeted rate while deriving the same benefit of standalone retail outlets that are. Full coverage of retail outlets for the targeted rate only is being considered as a result.

In addition to these changes the Council is also seeking public views on a further request by Nelson Tasman Tourism to increase the amount paid to them by $50,000. If this request gains industry support the targeted rate will increase to $217.13 (GST incl). This increase will enable the agency to access a dollar for dollar subsidy from the Government for marketing specifically to the Australian market

As part of the Annual Plan consultation process as many ratepayers affected by the amendments as possible are being contacted directly to fully inform them of the changes and their submissions on the draft changes are sought.

For further detailed information regarding the proposals the full Draft Annual Plan is available on Council's website and from Council offices and libraries. Submissions will close on Monday 26 April. Council will host consultation meetings in the district during April, but Motueka residents will have to travel to Takaka or Mapua if they wish to take part in that process as no meetings are scheduled to be held here.

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