Federated Farmers were happy with the strong performance from the Long-Term Investment Fund (LTIF) but considered the amount to be drawn from the fund to pay for town centre upgrades imprudent. Our preference is for a moderate draw down to enhance town centres while using the fund to offset further rates increases. The LTIF is a key reason for the relative affordability of rates in the South Taranaki District. While supportive of the proposed business park, we ask that any borrowing not paid for by financial contributions from developers to be funded through a targeted commercial rate by those businesses that will benefit from the proposal.
Fed were heard in support of submission on 17 May 2021 and our full submission can be found on the right.