Huge rates hike for rural Rangiora owners
By David Hill, local democracy reporter
Rural property owners near Rangiora have seen a large hike in their latest rates bill thanks to the possibility of subdivision.
Properties in the Rangiora-Oxford Rd and Johns Road area, west of Rangiora, have been affected by pending zoning changes in the proposed Waimakariri District Plan, which was notified in 2021.
Local Democracy Reporting understands properties previously valued at $1.5 million, are now thought to be worth $11m, based on a new ability to either develop or parcel up and sell their land.
Waimakariri District Council chief executive Jeff Millward said council staff have been working to identify the affected properties and make contact with property owners.
"The few properties within this zoning, through no fault of their own except being within the zone, have experienced two significant increases.
"One through the three yearly inflationary effect on property values, that has been experienced throughout the district by other property owners, and by an uplift based on being classified in this zone, even though they are still rural in form."
Millward said the property owners could apply to have the rate increase deferred.
If they chose this option, they would only face the inflationary increase until the property or part of the property was sold or developed into residential.
Should the property remain unsold or not be developed at the time of the next six yearly rates review, the extra rates would be written off, he said.
■ Public interest journalism funded through New Zealand on Air.
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
It’s Riddle Time – You Might Need an Extra Cup of Coffee!
Nobody has ever walked this way. Which way is it?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
.
Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
-
84.7% Yes
-
13.9% No
-
1.4% Other - I'll share below
Loading…
