Farmers win on water charges
Released 11 Dec 2008
Farmers in Otago received an early Christmas gift thanks to strong leadership from North Otago president, Robert Borst.
Approximately 100 rural water users were affected by an error in Otago Regional Council's new charging system for water monitoring sites. Provincial president Robert Borst led a protest action so as to get to the bottom of how much the consent holder needed to pay. He encouraged consent holders in the Kakanui catchment to refuse payment of the council invoice until the formula was made public.
"Farmers had trusted the council to be fair so it was disappointing to discover this injustice in water charges," he said.
"It takes guts to admit a mistake publicly. Our members will appreciate the council has apologised and will rectify the situation. The council has agreed to reimburse farmers who have paid more than their fair share," Mr Borst concluded.
For further comment:
Robert Borst, 03 432 4244, 0274 715 530
