Wellington to introduce 'fun tax'?

Wellington ratepayers are a step closer to paying a so-called 'fun tax' to support major attractions and events across the region.

With the City Council's Strategy and Policy Committee having recently adopted the concept of a regional fund, the proposal is being included in the Council's Long Term Plan which comes up for renewal later this year.

With residents to be be the opportunity to have their say on the proposal, Councils from Porirua, Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt, the Kapiti Coast, Masterton, South Wairarapa and Carterton will also decide whether they want to contribute to the cash pool.

The fund would start at $2 million a year and increase by $250,000 a year until being reviewed in 2015.

Each council would contribute amounts based on how close they are to amenities or events with Wellington residents paying the most given that most attractions are located in the New Zealand capital.

The fund would be contested for new and existing events and facilities considered regionally significant. This could include Wellington Zoo, New Zealand International Arts Centre, Zealandia, The Dowse, Martinborough Fair and Pataka.

Wellingon Deputy Mayor Ian McKinnon said it was important to remember that the fund supplemented funding that had already been put in place by the various councils, telling The Dominion Post "it's about a top up fund, a fund that doesn't currently exist. If it doesn't come off then the status quo remains but let's give it a go.

"If we don't (major) events and facilities will be in jeopardy. Some are just hanging in there."

Councillor John Morrison said the proposal was "incredibly logical, sensible and fair" and should have been done years ago.

However, there could be problems getting agreement from all eight councils, with Morrison adding "I don't hold out much hope for it."

The planned fund was drafted by the Wellington Mayoral Forum. Once it is debated by all councils in the region, except Greater Wellington regional council, it will go back to the forum to will decide its fate.

It is proposed that the forum will chose six independent assessors to sit on a selection committee, which would recommend funding decisions to be ratified by the forum.

There was general agreement among councillors that the arts and culture, environmental organisations and events and attractions were part of what made Wellington a desirable place to live and visit.

7th April 2010 - ZEALANDIA EXHIBITION OPENS IN WELLINGTON