Massive rates rises anger Waitomo village

It is the prospect he faces if a massive rates hike in the Waitomo District goes ahead.

Under a plan which has district residents up in arms, Mr Stanley's $15,000 property will face a rates bill of $2100. Residents of the tiny community of Benneydale, about 40km southeast of Te Kuiti, fear the hike will spell the death of their village because it will force values down and drive people out.

"It's as if Waitomo District Council is trying to kill Benneydale," said Mr Stanley.

Benneydale resident Joe Brown-Hone said under the proposed increase she would pay more to the council in the next 10 years than her property is worth. Other residents had similar stories to tell.

Keith Gundersen said the rates hike was "an extremely hard blow".

"People paying $1600 on average now, will soon be paying $2300 per rateable property," he said.

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