Hundreds of Waitaki ratepayers gathered in Ōamaru to protest the district council's 17% rates increase, despite the council having already scaled back from an initial 22% proposal following public opposition.
Local ratepayer Kathryn Bennett presented a petition with more than 5000 signatures to mayor Mel Tavendale during the rally. "We have over 5000 signatures on this petition. People are struggling," Bennett said, adding that protesters called for the rise to be capped at 10%. "We can appreciate that things have to go up but really perhaps they should have kept it at no more than 10% so it does give people an opportunity to keep surviving in what is a very trying climate."
Renter Marion Houliston said the increase would flow through to rental costs as landlords passed on higher rates bills. "People are going to have to decide what they're going to pay, whether it be power, whether it's food. It's just ridiculous going up as high as what they've had to do," she said. "It's going to affect everybody."
Tavendale spoke to the crowd, recognising the impact on households, businesses and the broader community. "I understand you're feeling real pressure. Your voices matter and it's important that council receives and recognises this input," she said. Her remarks drew boos from protesters when she did not commit to further rates relief.
The council had weighed 3 options in May - increases of 19%, 27% or 45% - while facing a $14 million operating deficit. The shortfall stems from years of operating deficits, inflation and water infrastructure requirements.
A dividend of $1 million from Whitestone Contracting could reduce the final increase, but deploying it would push the rates-setting process past the 30 June statutory deadline.
The backlash has included personal attacks on councillors, with police investigating death threats against one elected member. Tavendale has criticised the abuse directed at councillors and staff.