Ratepayers get ‘less bang for bucks’
Far North District Council has adopted a 3.51 per cent increase in general rates revenue which will see some residents’ rates increase by up to 9.6 per cent.
The council adopted the increase on June 22, as part of its Annual Plan 2017/18. There are significant variations to residential rates across Far North towns, including Rawene rates increasing 9.6 per cent while Russell residents get a decrease of 3.8 percent.
Mayor John Carter says the variations reflect new property values, and specific charges for sewerage and water schemes in some areas. The 3.51 per cent increase was well below the 5.87 per cent projected in the Long Term Plan, Carter says.
‘‘I am especially happy that we’ve managed to keep next year’s overall rate increase below the figure originally projected. Like other councils, our rates will go up next year.’’
Other significant hikes are Kohukohu 7.3 and Opononi and Omapere 6.5 per cent. Kaeo rates will increase 0.3 per cent, Kawakawa 5.8, Okaihau 4.1 and Paihia 0.5 per cent. Kerikeri and Waipapa residents are set for a 3.5 per cent increase and Kaikohe 5.8 per cent.
Apart from Russell, three other towns will get a rates decrease including Hihi -2.3 per cent, Rangiputa -1.1 per cent and Te Kao -0.1 per cent.
Jane Johnston, secretary for Kerikeri and Paihia ratepayers associations, says residents are ‘‘getting less bang for our bucks’’.
‘‘FNDC said the same thing last year... the fact is rates have increased on average by more than 10 per cent in just three years.
‘‘Most of the big projects outlined in the Long Term Plan as reasons for the forecasted increases are running late. So...yes we are paying less than forecast yet again this year, but the big projects we are meant to have been paying haven’t been and can’t be delivered yet.
‘‘We will still be made to pay for all those repairs and upgrades in the near future.’’
Rawene homeowner Rob Pink says his son pays $300 a year less for his rates in Mangere Bridge, Auckland. ’’What do we have for our rates? We’ve got people here that live in the town and they’ve got no footpaths, no street lights - it goes on and on for the amount we’re paying.’’
The council is posting out the new rates letters from July 20.