Dog fee boost makes rebel ratepayer seek breakaway

I really don't appreciate the vocabulary journalist use to get our attention. 'rebel' ?!? I mean... really! If you pay taxes and you aren't satisfied with the value, what's the problem with getting people together and move the boundaries?!

A district council could lose almost a third of its population in a breakaway attempt, as a ratepayer's fight for democracy sparks an official proceeding.

At the same time, its newly elected mayor has become the target of a police investigation over his campaign spending.

The Whakatane District Council faces turmoil with the possibility of 10,000 residents defecting to neighbouring Kawerau following a petition against alleged mismanagement and exorbitant dog registration fees. .. could cost 9 million in fees!MORE>>