5 August, 2013

Maungakiekie-Tamaki Rates Hike Too High

Council candidate for Maungakiekie-Tamaki Denise Krum is alarmed that the majority of households in her ward are facing a 5-10% rate increase.

“Despite the Mayor assuring Auckland that the average increase is 2.9% for the year ahead, it’s simply not the case in our area,” Ms Krum said. “Instead, Maungakiekie-Tamaki is ranked in the top 25% of all Auckland for the 5-10% increase bracket.

“I talked to residents over the weekend in Royal Oak and many confirmed that their rate increase was 10%. A rates increase of that magnitude will tip some households over the edge,” said Ms Krum. “With 58% of the ward in the top rates bracket, many parts of Mt. Wellington and Onehunga will feel the pinch too. Elderly residents talked to me about having to sell, and tenants were worried that landlords would pass on the costs.

“Rates increases don’t receive the same media attention that taxes do. This year most households here will get their first bill, gasp, and realise it’s not the average 2.9% increase the politicians have been talking about. In our ward, politicians are silent on the matter.”

ABOUT DENISE
• Co-founder and director of TableSide Charitable Trust, a community building network www.tableside.co.nz
• Chairman of Ellerslie School Board of Trustees
• New Zealander of the Year ‘Local Hero’ medallist, 2011
• Rotary Community Service award, 2012
• Advisory Board (former Chair) Halogen Foundation NZ /‘National Young Leaders Days’
• Trustee for the Parenting Place
• Married with two children; M.A. degree

www.denisekrum.co.nz

ENDS

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