More rates hikes!!!

Jenny from Petone

Hello Neighbours,
I have just discovered that the rates situation is set to get very much worse than it already is! In the current HCC pre-election report, rates are set to double in 5 years and triple in 10 years!!! This is totally unacceptable!!! Our rates have already nearly doubled in the last 5 years. WHY? 5 years ago the HCC was taking care of basic needs, and now they have double the amount in rates coming in as well as all the extra money from the many new houses and flats that have been built.
Raising the rates more would force many of us to sell and move to much cheaper accommodation. Landlords would have to raise rents quite substantially to cover the cost of the rates and the economy would be impacted as a result. If other Councils follow suit, the number of homeless people is sure to rise!! (I could be one of them)

How can we stop this!! It would be helpful if we knew which councillors voted for the rates rises and the parking meters in Petone, so that we can make sure we don’t vote them back in.

Does anyone know what options we have in fighting against such extortionate rates. Surely there should be an oversight body, or government checks to prevent this? If the rates double, my entire pension would go to paying rates!