Waitaki district rates could backtrack after public outrage

Waitaki District Council could be about to backtrack on planned 22 percent rates rise following outrage from ratepayers.

Mayor Mel Tavendale has proposed reducing the increase to the "high teens" by submitting a notice of motion to revoke May's council decision to set rates at 22 percent and replace the figure at a meeting on 23 June.

In a statement on Friday, the council said the proposal was possible because of a $1 million dividend from Whitestone Contracting Ltd, easing inflationary pressures and a directive to find savings, including potential reductions in service levels.

"This may allow the council to respond to community concerns and reduce the impact on ratepayers this year, should a new rate be set," the council said.

Tavendale said she and the council's chief executive had worked hard to revise the figure and while a reduction would provide short-term relief it would not resolve the underlying problem.

"This proposal is not without risk and may have a negative consequence on council's overall financial position - which will need to be funded in subsequent years. This may increase the operating deficit, requiring further borrowing, so that future ratepayers will pay for the services used by ratepayers today," she said.

Tavendale said a nine per cent rates rise was not an option for the 2026-27 financial year.

The development follows weeks of public anger about the proposed rates rise.

Councillor Sven Thelning reported receiving death threats because of his support for a higher 45 percent rates rise.

Ratepayers were planning to protest against the rise and had written to the Local Government Minister calling for a probe of council's finances.

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