Huge rates hike for rural Rangiora owners

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

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.

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