Let’s Talk Rates — And More Importantly, Let’s Do Something About Them
RNZ INTERVIEW HERE:
One thing that always comes up in election campaigns is rates. Yet, how often do we really take action to fix them? Not nearly enough. That’s why I’m stepping in, and stepping up.
Since being elected to represent East Auckland, I’ve refused to sit back and watch rates become an ever-bigger burden on our households and businesses. Over the past few weeks I’ve immersed myself in the topic, met with the Council’s specialist Rates Team, and dug into how our residential and business rates are structured, what levers are in place, and where the pressure points lie.
In fact, I’ve formally requested that this work be included in the Mayor’s Annual Plan. If it’s not ready this year, I’m pushing for it to go into the Long-Term Plan. Because our city deserves a proper conversation about rates, We need action not just talking.
It comes down to fairness. In our current system the so-called Uniform Annual General Charge (UAGC) is a flat fee every household pays, (Currently $604 per household) regardless of income, property size, or services used. Meanwhile, the rest of your rates bill hinges on property value and “targeted rates”.
The Government has signalled a plan to cap rates, which is a good start. But to truly make things fairer, we also need to revisit the Rating Act (Section 21 in particular).
Why should the UAGC go up? Because less reliance on property value means fewer unsustainable jumps in your bill, especially when your area has just been re-valued. Because ability to pay and services received matter more than land price. Because a fair system underpins a healthy community.
Why this matters Aucklanders
Many households in East Auckland, including Howick, Cockle Bay, Rodney & Franklin, are facing rate jumps that just don’t add up. When property values surge and the UAGC remains the same, the burden falls heavily on those already paying above the average. That’s unfair.
What I’m doing next
Continuing to educate myself around everything to do with rates. (residential and business)
Advocate for a full review of the rating system in our city.
Engaging with Government to work on their changes
Talking with the community, if you have concerns, questions or want clarity on how this affects your household, I’m here. [email protected]
Thanks for reading, and thanks for engaging. Let’s change the way we all pay for our city, together.