Speech text
Kia ora e te Koromatua, Councillors, and fellow residents.
My name is Roderick J. Young, speaking as a ratepayer who believes in fair rates, transparent books, and growth without gouging.
Hamilton is a welcoming city. Each week, thousands of visitors use our roads, our parks, our parking, our water, and our venues. We want them here — but when they leave behind unpaid obligations, the cost doesn’t vanish. It transfers to residents.
At present, Council charges interest on overdue rates and some internal debts — but not consistently on visitor-related debts, such as unpaid parking, venue hire, or event costs. Many of these visitors are transient or corporate entities that use our infrastructure and then disappear without paying on time.
I propose that Hamilton City Council investigate a structured “Visitor Debt Interest Policy.”
The Problem
- Unpaid debts by non-residents accumulate quietly.
- Small items are often written off as not worth pursuing — but together they add up.
- Residents effectively subsidise these losses through rates and borrowing.
The Proposal
- Define Visitor Debt: Debts incurred by people or companies without residential or rating presence in Hamilton.
- Apply Standardised Interest: After 30 days overdue, interest at Council’s average cost of borrowing + 2%.
- Automate Recovery: Use existing debt systems and enforcement integrations.
- Ring-Fence Proceeds: Interest flows to a Visitor Infrastructure Fund for CBD footpaths, parks, and public toilets.
- Transparency: Publish annual data on visitor debts, recovered interest, and reinvested projects.
The Benefits
- Fairness: Residents are protected from subsidising unpaid visitor use.
- Fiscal responsibility: Aligns with existing late-payment norms.
- Signal: Hamilton welcomes visitors — on fair, responsible terms.
- Open Books: Clear, annual reporting builds trust.
Legal & Practical Fit
Charging interest on overdue debts is a standard tool and consistent with Council’s financial management and revenue policies under the Local Government Act 2002 (e.g., ss 101–103). Other NZ jurisdictions already use visitor-oriented charges or levies; this proposal focuses narrowly on interest for unpaid visitor obligations.
Call to Action
Direct staff to prepare a policy paper on visitor debt management and interest recovery. Include options in the 2026–36 Long-Term Plan consultation. Ensure residents’ contributions are matched by visitor responsibility.
Ngā mihi nui — thank you.