Waitaki residents protest against 'unaffordable' rate hikes (opens original article in a new tab)

Waitaki ratepayers protested a 17% rates hike they say is unaffordable, prompting the council to backtrack from a higher increase after public backlash and personal attacks on councillors.

• Hundreds of Waitaki ratepayers protested a 17% rates hike they call unaffordable
• Council backtracked from 22% increase after public backlash and personal attacks on councillors
• Residents urged council to limit increase to single-digit to ease financial pressure
• Council faces $14 million deficit while balancing rising costs and financial strain on residents
• Mayor acknowledged concerns but did not promise rate relief
• Council considered 19%, 27%, or 45% increases to address a $14 million deficit