By Claire Ahuriri

Ratepayers in Waitakere City, Auckland City, and North Shore City will be paying a levy for the 2011 Rugby World Cup in their rates.

North Shore’s ratepayers would contribute about $1m over the next three years, the precise figure unknown, while Waitakere residents are already paying $4.50  and Auckland City residents will be paying $23. (NZ Herald)

But ratepayer groups such as NoMoreRates say that the World Cup will have a $40m loss and why should the ratepayers pay for it rather than the tourism and hospitality industry.

Waitakere City Council have been open with their ratepayers, stating the levy on the rates bill, and admitting that the levy may go up in time.

Auckland City Council will also be charging another rate for businesses, but the two rates will not be introduced until July 2011, and will be a part of the $60m that the council is putting it towards improving transport and infrastructure.