Campaign Supporters
From the hundreds of emails received we can identify where some of our supporters live.We are truly Nationwide
South Island
Invercargill, Gore, Dunedin, Central Otago, Omarau, St Andrews, Greymouth, Westport, Ashburton, Christchurch, Rangiora, Mahana, Nerlson
North Island
Wellington City, Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt, Johnsonville, Porirua, Whitby, Plimmerton, Kapiti Coast, Paraparaumu, Waikanae beach, Levin, South Wairarapa, Eketahuna, Gisborne, Palmerston North, Feilding, Whanganui, New Plymouth, Napier, Hastings, Dannevirke, Opotiki, Whakatane, Taupo, Mangakino, Taumaranui, Rotorua, Tauranga, National Park, Ohakune, Reetihi, Phura, Ongarue, Papamoa, Hamilton, Tairuua, Coromandel, Waiuku, Papakura, Manukau City, Auckland City, Ponui Island, Waiheke Island, Waitakere City, Henderson, North Shore City, Rodney District, Waimauku, Snells Beach, Orewa, Kawerau Island, Wellsford, Puhoi, Hikurangi, Whangarei, Russell, KaitaiaWhy are Council Rates Unfair?
Not everyone pays rates. Only property owners are legally liable for rates [except for certain lease situations]
Rates are based on valuations – usually tri-ennial – which can be challenged but with a difficult appeal process.
At revaluation some locations show a bigger increase in value than others – and therefore are charged a higher level of rates but without any consideration given to income changes (if any).
Rates are considered by the judiciary to be a tax – therefore should not be liable to GST. Owners of business properties claim GST back and pay net rates before tax – residential owners cannot claim GST and pay from after-tax income.
Many ratepayers do not use a whole range of council services – libraries, playgrounds, sportsfields, community centres, council-sponsored ‘events’ [like the ‘Trash to Fashion’ event in Waitakere City which cost ratepayers over $300,000, and only attracted 2000 visitors last year]
Basics,such as water supply are often charged separately on a user-pays format.
Rubbish collections in some councils require ratepayers and residents to buy stickers or bags.
NOTE some councils already charge [wastewater] sewerage as a percentage of potable water supplied – therefore this is in addition to the rates bill.
In the Auckland region the Museum and MOTAT rates are charged on the basis of land value or annual value and collected by the local council. Other regional rates are set by the Regional Council on the basis of capital value. This illustrates how confusing the rating system has become.
If you have suggestions about unfair aspects of the rating system in your area please let us know.