The Waitaki Tourism Association has organised a public meeting on Monday to discuss the possible introduction of a tourism rate in the Waitaki district and the possible expansion of the Oamaru business area rate.
A report on a potential rate to fund part of the tourism promotion activity and its likely impact on affected ratepayers was presented to a Waitaki District Council meeting last month.
In a report to that meeting, financial services manager Paul Hope said it had been suggested at times the council should explore ways of funding part or all of its spending on tourism activities through a direct charge on those seen to benefit more directly from it.
The Waitaki Development Board and third-party groups had been asked to work on the issue, but little progress had been made, so it had been suggested the council review the approaches taken by other councils and see what might be appropriate.
The meeting will also discuss a proposal to expand the Oamaru business area rate in both directions along State Highway 1 from the southern to northern town boundaries.
Waitaki Tourism Association chairwoman Sue Berry said the aim of the meeting was to seek more information about the proposals.
Mr Hope will attend the meeting and Waitaki Mayor Alex Familton and councillors have also been invited.
It will be held at the Criterion Hotel at 7pm.
