Dispute over development levy in Taupo

The company building a geothermal power station in the Taupo district is disputing what it says is an unjust $225,000 Taupo District Council development levy.

Tuaropaki Power Company received resource consent to build a 40MW power station at Mokai, northwest of Taupo.

However it objects to a development levy of 0.25 per cent ($225,000) that the council wants it pay before it can begin construction. The levy would be used to develop public reserves in the Taupo district.