Viewpoint – Fair share of rates

The people have spoken, and Auckland Council would be wise to listen carefully.

An overwhelming rejection of the Mayor’s proposed 7.9 per cent average residential rates increase should serve as a wake-up call for anyone who still believes Rodney residents are quietly accepting the status quo.

The message from our communities was loud, clear, consistent: people are concerned about affordability, fairness and whether Auckland Council is genuinely listening to outer areas like Rodney.

Following the opportunity to provide feedback about the proposed rates increase, around 90 per cent of people opposed it. That reflects growing frustration from ratepayers who feel they are continually being asked to pay more while receiving less in return. It reflects the same sentiment I hear at the ratepayer group meetings I regularly attend.

What stood out most was not simply opposition to rates increases themselves. Aucklanders understand that infrastructure costs money. Rodney residents know roads, water systems, flood resilience and transport investment all require funding. But many submitters were frustrated the entire rates increase was effectively being directed toward operating the City Rail Link, when the outer rural-based communities will not receive any direct benefit.

I share those concerns and will continue advocating for a greater focus on building local infrastructure, improved drainage maintenance, responsible spending and ensuring the communities across Rodney receive a fair share back of the rates we pay. Consenting costs still too often operate under a “cost-plus” mentality.

For many residents, the daily reality remains potholes, unsafe roads, inadequate stormwater systems, unreliable public transport and infrastructure struggling to keep pace with growth. Communities see billions being invested in the CBD while longstanding infrastructure issues in Rodney remain unresolved year after year. For example, not using more of the rural rates collected to improve the unsealed road network.

The consultation also highlighted growing anxiety from households already under financial pressure. Families, retirees and residents on fixed incomes are increasingly asking where the limit is. Many submitters argued that rates increases are outpacing income growth and placing unsustainable pressure on ordinary people already grappling with rising living costs, especially after the massive rates increases last year.

Importantly, the feedback was not all pessimistic. People want good community infrastructure built while receiving value for rates paid. I support reviewing the rating system, including increasing the Uniform Annual General Charge, as a way to spread the burden more fairly across all Aucklanders while simultaneously helping lower rates for Rodney.

This should not become a debate between urban and rural Auckland. The Super City only succeeds when all parts of the region are functioning well. But if council wants public support for major regional investments, it must also demonstrate an equal commitment to delivering visible improvements for our local communities.

Rodney residents are not asking for special treatment. They are asking for fairness. This expectation is no longer coming from a vocal minority – it is becoming the dominant embedded sentiment across our communities.