Big property valuation increases means huge rate increases – “An unfair system,” – says Auckland Chamber CEO, Michael Barnett

The average 45% increase in Auckland’s property valuations announced today will result in huge Auckland Council rate increases next year without Council doing anything to improve its services.

“That’s wrong, and reflects an unfair rating system,” said Barnett. “All it is doing is treating rate payers as Council’s cash cows.”
A change to the link between property valuations and rates is long overdue.

Rates should be assessed solely on the basis of the value of the services received.