Islanders to air outrage at 220pc rise

Kawau Island property owners are to express their outrage at rates rises averaging 220 per cent at a meeting with Rodney Mayor Penny Webster.

Mrs Webster offered the meeting after 50 owners from the island overwhelmed a Warkworth ratepayers' meeting.

"I don't think a 200 per cent rise is reasonable ... I didn't think anyone had one of those."

Michael Marris, who heads the island's advisory committee to the council, promised "a major attack" on the planned rates.

"The opposition to an outrageous and unjust rate increase is an issue that will not go away," he said.

The council proposes a 5.2 per cent average rate rise for the whole district.

But Kawau residents face, for the first time, service charges that add about $300 to the rates bill and a uniform general charge of $418, which is charged on the mainland.

Island residents argue this is unfair as the council does not provide the island with the same services available on the mainland.