A regional petrol tax, agreed to by the new Government, is the key feature of Mayor Phil Goff's proposed 10-year budget. Council officials said the petrol tax would likely be set at 10c a litre plus GST, taking the cost for motorists to 11.5c. But while a household with an average property value of $1.08m faces a modest 1.4 per cent rates rise, the Automobile Association has estimated the petrol tax will cost motorists an extra $125 a year. The targeted rates will be variable and cost more for people in higher value properties and less for those in cheaper properties. Goff is also proposing to update his bed tax to include Airbnb properties and other online accommodation providers.

Source: Otago Daily Times November 29, 2017 19:30 UTC