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A former Dunedin mayor is among those agitating for a rates revolt, as anger grows over the cost of the city's planned new stadium.
Opponents of the proposed $200 million Dunedin stadium are planning to withhold part of their rates as a protest against the project.
Nearly 2,000 attended a meeting at the Dunedin Town Hall on Sunday night where the Stop The Stadium group outlined its latest strategy, to withhold the average $66 a year the Dunedin City Council has told ratepayers they will have to pay for the stadium.
Former mayor Sukhi Turner told the meeting that councillors were spending money that would drain the pockets of ratepayers for decades to come.
"Dunedin does not need a $200 million temple to rugby to survive as a city.
"We must not feel impotent. Direct action is required if the council continues to ignore the wishes of the vast majority of Dunedin citizens."
The average rate increase was supposed to be $66 a year, and she urged people to withhold that money.
Stop The Stadium president Bev Butler says the strategy is to show the majority of citizens do not support the stadium.
The stadium, if built, will be New Zealand's largest indoor venue.
Having backed it so far, the Dunedin City Council will make its final decision after Easter.
The Trust responsible remains optimistic the stadium will be ready in time for the Rugby World Cup.
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