Auckland Council is proposing a rates rise for Small to Medium Rural/Lifestyle Properties. Their assertion is that Small to Medium lifestyle farms (less than 14 acres so not small) use more council resources and you should each pay $73 more to subsidise very large farms so large farms may pay -$1,353 less.
Have your say online at Shape Auckland , even if it’s just a quick email, or attend the local boards meeting (free finger food at least) details below.
INVITATION: After the Issues were raised on Oratia’ R&R’s facebook page , the Waitakere Ranges Local board have issued an invitation to a consultation meeting:
At the moment all farm and lifestyle properties are charged at the same rate regardless of the size of the land. We want to receive your views on the proposal to charge lower rates for large farm/lifestyle properties (over 50ha) by charging smaller (less than 6ha approx 14 acres) farm/lifestyle properties more. This proposal would see small farm/lifestyle properties pay a little more so large farm/lifestyle properties can pay much less.
We are taking this opportunity to talk with the rural community before the development of the Council’s Annual Plan 2016/2017, when the Council will decide whether to formally consult on the proposal.
To find out more, or let us know what you think, go to http://shapeauckland.co.nz/consultations/rural-rates-2015/ , or come along to this meeting:
When – Wednesday 30 September 2015
Where – Waitakere Ranges Local Board Office, 39 Glenmall Place, Glen Eden
Time – 6pm (light finger food refreshments will be served)
RSVP – For catering purposes by 25 September to: Sharon.Davies@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
Why shouldn’t Oratia rural landowners pay more rates?
- We all eat and benefit from productive farms. Let Urban and suburban areas also pay a share to support productive farms.
- Oratia does NOT USE MORE RESOURCES. Quite the contrary. We are grossly underfunded. On population alone we should receive approximately $1.3 million per year back in our community. We instead received $8000 in council grants total for running and maintenance of the halls. . If reviewing council assets and services like Arts Funding, Recreation Facilities, Libraries, Swimming Pools, Tennis Courts, Golf Clubs Community Facilities, Reserves, Streetscaping, Sewerage, Footpaths , we would be one of Waitakere’s and perhaps Aucklands most underfunded communities.
- The Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area and Oratia Structure plan legislates that these property owners must keep there properties at this medium size. Is it then fair to tax the property owners extra.
- The Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area says that Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area’s rural economy which underpins the protected landscapes must be supported and Council must find new rural uses for the land. Doesn’t taxing country living properties directly contravene the Act. In fact wouldn’t the Act imply that the Rural properties in the Heritage Area particularly those who have productive activities receive rates relief.?
- Rural roads don’t just serve the residents who live there. EG Scenic Drive is used by all of Auckland who visit our beaches and bush. And there is no public transport.
- Waiheke appears to be excluded from the review!
- Council have declined requests to give Oratia a breakdown of funding by suburb. The Rural Rates rise proposal asserts that small farms (less than 14 acres so pretty big) are using excessive resources, then Council should provide an itemised Annual report of operational and capital expenditure by suburb. Oratia is not receiving excessive funding despite our small population.
Author: Penny Sparks