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.
Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
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82.6% Yes
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14.7% No
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2.7% Other - I'll share below
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Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut
This Wednesday, we're having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with John Bracewell from Crewcut.
John Bracewell, former Black Caps coach turned Franchisee Development Manager and currently the face of Crewcut’s #Movember campaign, knows a thing or two about keeping the grass looking sharp—whether it’s on a cricket pitch or in your backyard!
As a seasoned Crewcut franchisee, John is excited to answer your lawn and gardening questions. After years of perfecting the greens on the field, he's ready to share tips on how to knock your garden out of the park. Let's just say he’s as passionate about lush lawns as he is about a good game of cricket!
John is happy to answer questions about lawn mowing, tree/hedge trimming, tidying your garden, ride on mowing, you name it! He'll be online on Wednesday, 27th of November to answer them all.
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